Adapter for food containers for compatibility with a pet feeder

Abstract

An adapter (100) for retaining a food container (100) for use within an automated feeder (300), the adapter (100) comprising: a) a container opening (102) configured to have the food container (16) located therein and form a tight fit with the food container (16); b) one or more flanges (77) extending from the container opening (102), wherein the one or more flanges (77) include a lid access feature (193) to allow access to a portion (56) of a lid (54) of the food container (16); wherein the lid access feature (193) is configured to allow access to the portion (56) of the lid (54) such that the lid (54) can be peeled away from a base (52) of the food container (16); and wherein the tight fit provided by the container opening (102) is configured to restrain the base (52) of the food container (16) while the lid (54) is peeled therefrom.

Description

Filed via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WOADAPTER FOR FOOD CONTAINERS TO BE COMPATIBLE WITH FEEDING ASSEMBLYCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63 / 713,368 as filed on October 29, 2024 and 63 / 750,939 as filed on January 29, 2025, and which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an adapter which may hold an off-the-shelf food container and adapt the container to cooperate with an automatic feeding assembly. The adapter may allow for food to be consumed from the food container when retained by the adapter.BACKGROUND

[0003] Automatic pet food feeders on the market today are typically compatible with dry food, also commonly referred to as kibble. There are some automatic pet food feeders on the market compatible with wet food, but not the packaging of wet food. For example, some automatic feeders include separate compartments formed therein. The pet owner dispenses wet food from individual containers or pouches into die compartments. The feeder then exposes one compartment at a time based on a timer for the animal to have access to the food in the compartment. These carousel style feeders may be similar to those provided by PetLibro and Cat Mate. These feeders, while automatic, still present the problems including the pet owner needing to open the packaging and dispense the food; the food once placed into the feeder is not sealed against spoilage; due to spoilage, the feeder is only available to be left out and feed an annual for a limited duration of time; and the need for frequent cleaning of the feeder due to the wet food being located directly in the serving compartments.

[0004] In developing an automatic feeder able to cooperate with containers having peelable lids, store a plurality of containers therein, automatically open a container via peeling a lid away, and / or even present the container to an animal for consumption of the food directly therefrom, a number of challenges were found with existing containers and their plastic or foil lids. A few elegant solutions are disclosed in PCT Publication Nos. WO 2023 / 220751. WO 2023 / 220752. WO 2025 / 054317, and WO 2025 / 054317 which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, and which disclose teachings resolving many of these challenges. The containers of these teachings, while addressing a number of challenges of existing containers are custom configured to cooperate specifically with a wet food feeder.

[0005] What is needed is a means for using off-the-shelf food containers, having the containers be compatible with an automatic feeder, allowing an animal to consume directly from the container while presented by the feeder, and yet addressing many of the same challenges resolved by custom containers. What is needed is an environmentally friendly adapter. What is needed is an adapter which allows a container opening subassembly to access a pull tab of a lid to apply a peeling force. What is needed is an adapter which retains the container base while a peeling force is applied such drat the lid may be removed therefrom. What is needed is a means for protecting a pull tab, holding a pull tab in place, or both to present it to a container opening subassembly. What is needed is an adapter which can accommodate various off-Filed via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO tlie-slielf container sizes. What is needed is an adapter which can accommodate tolerances in container widths and still provides a tight fit of the container therein.SUMMARY

[0006] The present teachings provide for an adapter for retaining a food container within an automated feeder, the adapter comprising: a) a container opening configured to have the food container located therein; and b) one or more flanges extending from the container opening, wherein the one or more flanges include a lid access feature to allow access to a lid of the food container.

[0007] The present teachings provide for an adapter for retaining a food container for use within an automated feeder, the adapter comprising: a) a container opening configured to have the food container located therein and form a tight fit with the food container; b) one or more flanges extending from the container opening, wherein the one or more flanges include a lid access feature to allow access to a portion of a lid of the food container; wherein the lid access feature is configured to allow access to the portion of the lid such that the lid can be peeled away from a base of the food container; and wherein the tight fit provided by the container opening is configured to restrain the base of the food container while the lid is peeled therefrom

[0008] The present teachings relate to a container and adapter assembly configured for retaining a food container for use within an automated feeder, the container and adapter assembly comprising: a) an adapter including: i) a container opening configured to have the food container located therein and form a tight fit with the food container; ii) one or more flanges extending from the container opening, wherein the one or more flanges include an upper surface flange portion defining an upper surface of the adapter, a lower surface flange portion defining a lower and outermost surface of the adapter, and a downward projecting portion comiecting the upper surface flange portion and the lower surface flange portion; iii) a lid access feature formed as an indentation in the one or more flanges at a front of the container; iv) a lid retention feature within the lid access feature configured for retaining the pull tab; b) a food container including: i) a base having a food cavity for storing food therein; and ii) a lid affixed to the base to seal the food cavity and the lid having a pull tab which extends beyond a rim or flange of the base; wherein the base is inserted in and has a tight fit within the container opening; wherein the pull tab is retained by the lid retention feature; wherein the lid access feature is configured to allow access to the pull tab of the lid such that the lid can be peeled away from a base of the food container; and wherein the tight fit provided by the container opening is configured to restrain the base of the food container while the lid is peeled therefrom.

[0009] The present teachings relate to a container and adapter assembly configured for retaining a food container for use within an automated feeder, the container and adapter assembly comprising: a) an adapter including: i) a container opening configured to have the food container located therein and form a tight fit with the food container, wherein the container opening is defined by a lip opening with a larger diameter and aligned with a retention opening to form a container lip, and wherein the container opening includes one or more retention members extending from a periphery of the retention opening toward a center axis of the container opening; ii) one or more flanges extending from the container opening, wherein the one or more flanges include an upper surface flange portion defining an upper surface of the adapter, a lowerFiled via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO surface flange portion defining a lower and outermost surface of the adapter, and a downward projecting portion connecting the upper surface flange portion and the lower surface flange portion; iii) a lid access feature formed as an indentation in the one or more flanges at a front of the container; iv) a lid retention feature within the lid access feature configured for retaining the pull tab, wherein the lid retention feature is formed as a finger with a slit or channel such as to form a hook; b) a food container including: i) a base having a food cavity for storing food therein and a rim or flange about the food cavity; and ii) a lid affixed to the base to seal the food cavity and the lid having a pull tab which extends beyond a rim or flange of the base; wherein the base is inserted in the container opening such that a rim or flange of the base rests within the lip opening on the container lip and the retention opening has a tight fit with one or more side walls of the base; wherein the pull tab is located within the slit or channel of the finger such as to be retained by the finger; wherein the lid access feature is configured to allow access to the pull tab of the lid such that the lid can be peeled away from a base of the food container; and wherein the tight fit provided by tire container opening is configured to restrain the base of the food container while the lid is peeled therefrom.

[0010] The present teachings relate to a method of affixing a food container into an adapter of the present teachings. The method may include: a) inserting the base of the food container into the container opening such that a pull tab of the lid is misaligned from a front of the adapter; b) pushing the base of the food container into the container opening such as to have the tight fit; c) rotating the container such that the pull tab is rotated toward a lid retention feature; and d) inserting the pull tab into a slit or channel of a finger of the lid retention feature.

[0011] The present teachings may provide an adapter suitable for use with an automatic feeder assembly and food container. The adapter may aid in retaining a food container while being opened and presented by tire feeder assembly. The adapter may aid in exposing a portion of the lid for suitable automated removal from a container base. The adapter may be suitable for cooperating with off-the-shelf food containers and adapting the containers to be used with an automatic feeder assembly. The adapter may aid in presenting a pull tab of a lid of a container for peeling by a container opening subassembly of an automatic feeder. The adapter may aid in retaining the container base while a peeling force is applied to a lid for removal from the base within the feeding assembly.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adapter holding a food container.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an adapter and food container in a container handling subassembly.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an adapter.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of an adapter.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of an adapter.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a top view of an adapter.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an adapter.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of an adapter.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an adapter holding a food container.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a top view of an adapter holding a food container.Filed via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO

[0022] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of an adapter holding a food container.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a cross-section view of an adapter holding a food container.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of an adapter holding a food container.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of an adapter.

[0026] FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of an adapter.

[0027] FIG. 16 is a top view comparison of a first adapter and second adapter.

[0028] FIG. 17 is a bottom view comparison of a first adapter and second adapter.

[0029] FIG. 18 illustrates alignment of a food container for insertion into an adapter.

[0030] FIG. 19 illustrates insertion of a food container into an adapter.

[0031] FIG. 20 illustrates final placement of a food container into an adapter.

[0032] FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of an adapter.

[0033] FIG. 22 is a bottom perspective view of an adapter.

[0034] FIG. 23 is an exploded view of an adapter.

[0035] FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of an adapter holding a food container.

[0036] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a feeder with an adapter and food container.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the present teachings, its principles, and its practical application. The specific embodiments of the present teachings as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the present teachings. The scope of the present teachings should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.

[0038] Food Container

[0039] The present teachings relate to a container. The container may be referred to as a food container. The container may function for storing a consumable therein, and / or being used as a serving dish to have an animal consume therefrom. The container may have the consumable sealed therein such as to extend the shelflife of the consumable and avoid the need for refrigeration. The container may be an off-the-shelf food container. Off-the-shelf may mean one or more food containers across one or more food brands readily available at a retail venue for purchase. Off-the-shelf may mean the container is not custom designed to cooperate with a feeder. The container may include a container base and lid. The container may have an open configuration and a closed configuration. An open coirfiguration may be when a lid is at least partially removed from a container base. A closed configuration may be when a lid is located on and / or sealed to a container base such as to seal a food cavity.

[0040] A consumable may include food, liquid, and / or medicine. The consumable may include any type of consumable suitable for consumption by an animal, or even a person. Food may include wet food, dry food, or both. Wet food may include ground and / or shredded protein (e.g., meat), vegetables, grains, fruits, and / orFiled via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO the liked served in or mixed with a liquid. A liquid may refer to water, broth, gravy, or other liquid. Dry food may refer to food substantially free of liquid, may be in the form of granular material, or both. The term food may be used herein. It can be easily envisioned how this could refer to not only food, but any consumable.

[0041] The container may include a lid which is removably coupled to the container base. The lid may function to seal the container base such as to prevent spoilage of the food stored therein. The lid may have a tw o-dimensional top view shape which is substantially lobed, circular, tear-dropped, ovular, rectangular, square, and / or the like. The lid may extend over the rim and / or flange in one area more than in other areas. This extension may provide for a pull tab. A pull tab may be the portion of the lid intentionally configured for a user to pinch or grip the lid and peel away from the container base. The lid may be made from any suitable material from sealing the container base and peeling away therefrom. The lid may be made from one or more foils, polymers, and / or the like.

[0042] A container may include a container base. A container base may function to retain food therein. A container base may function as a serving dish for an animal to consume directly therefrom. A container base may define a hollow cavit . A container base may define an internal volume in which food may be placed. A food cavity may be defined by the internal volume. A container base may have a cross-sectional top view shape w hich is similar or different to the shape of the lid. A container base may have a cross-sectional shape w hich is substantially circular, ovular, rectangular, square, lobed, tear-dropped, and / or the like. A common cross-sectional top view shape for off-the-shelf container bases is circular. The container base may have a uniform or tapered w idth. The container base may taper such as to narrow' from the top to the bottom.

[0043] The container base may include a food cavity. A food cavity may define a hollow' cavity for containing the food. A food cavity may be the portion of a container an animal consumes from. A food cavity may define a volume of food able to be stored w ithin the container base. The container base may be suitable for holding 1 oz or greater, 2 oz or greater, or even 2.5 oz or greater of food. The container base may be suitable for holding 8 oz or less, 7 oz or less, 6 oz or less, 5 oz or less, 4 oz or less, or even 3.5 oz or less of food. For example, the container base may be suitable for holding 2 oz to 4 oz, or even 2.5 oz to 3.5 oz of food.

[0044] The container may have a symmetric or asymmetric shape. Symmetry may be about an axis or plane intersecting both a container base and lid. Off-the-shelf containers are often symmetrical in shape about a plan intersection both a container base and lid, including through a peel tab.

[0045] A container may be affixed to an adapter to cooperate with a feeder assembly. A container may be inserted into the adapter. A container may be inserted into the container opening. A container may be sold in retail with the adapter thereon. A container provided with an adapter may be considered a container and adapter assembly. A container may be sold by a second party with the adapter thereon. A user him or herself may place the container into the adapter. A container may be inserted into the adapter prior to inserting into the feeder assembly. An adapter may be inserted into the feeder assembly before inserting the container therein. A feeder assembly or another assembly may provide for placement of a container into the feederFiled via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO assembly. The container should be inserted into the adapter before being inserted into a container storage subassembly, before cooperating with a container opening subassembly, or both.

[0046] Exemplary' animals which may benefit from the container of the present teachings may be one or more domestic animals. A domestic animal may include a dog, cat, pig, rabbit, hamster, guinea pig, ferret, the like, or any combination thereof. In a typical pet-owning household, the domestic animal may include one or more cats, dogs, or both.

[0047] Adapter

[0048] The present teachings relate to an adapter. The adapter may function to adapt an off-the-shelf food container to be utilized in a feeder assembly, retain a food container, or both. The adapter may function to retain a food container such as to be presented to an animal for eating therefrom. The adapter may function to retain a food container steady in a feeder assembly while being opened (e.g., having a lid peeled therefrom). The adapter may function to retain a container with an interference fit, friction fit, or other tight fit. The adapter may function to support a pull tab of a lid to prevent the pull tab from bending or otherwise moving before being gripped by a container opening subassembly of a feeder. The adapter may not interfere with the opening of the container such that an animal can eat directly from the container.

[0049] An adapter may include a container opening. A container opening may7function to retain a container therein. A container opening may function to retain a container base. A container base may be located within the container opening. The container opening may have a continuous or varied inner diameter and / or perimeter. The container opening may be configured to for cooperating with a rim, protrusion, and / or side wall of the container base.

[0050] The container opening may be stepped with a varying width. The container opening may include a container lip. The container lip may allow for a rim and / or flange defining an opening of the container base to rest thereon, allow a top of a container to sit flush with and / or below an upper surface of the adapter, or both. The container lip may provide for a lateral surface. The lateral surface may be substantially parallel with an upper surface of the adapter, an upper surface flange portion, a lower surface flange portion, or a combination thereof. The lateral surface may provide the surface upon which a rim and / or flange of the container base rests upon. A container lip may be formed by a portion of the opening have a larger diameter and / or perimeter than another portion of the container opening. The container lip may be fomred between a lip opening and a retention opening. The lip opening may have a diameter or width larger than the retention opening. The lip opening may have a width substantially the same or larger than a width of a rim, flange, and / or uppermost portion of a container base. The lip opening may be adjacent to the retention opening. The retention opening may work with one or more sidewalls, protrusions, or both of a container base. The retention opening may be the portion of the opening which applies pressure to the container base. The retention opening may be the portion of the opening which provides for a tight fit, such as an interference fit or friction fit with the container base.

[0051] The lip opening may have a diameter about the same or greater than a typical diameter of a rim or flange of an olT-the-shelf food container. The lip opening may have a diameter of about 70 mm or greater, about 75 mm or greater, or even about 78 mm or greater. The lip opening may have a diameter of about 100Filed via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO mm or less, about 95 mm or less, or even about 95 mm or less. The retention opening may have a diameter about the same or smaller than a typical diameter of one or more portions of one or more sidewalls of an off-the-shelf-food container. The portion may include a portion with a protrusion adjacent to the rim and / or flange of the container. The retention opening may have a diameter of about 60 mm or greater, about 65 mm or greater, about 68 mm or greater, or even about 70 mm or greater. The retention opening may have a diameter of about 90 mm or less, about 85 mm or less, or even about 83 mm or less. The diameter of a retention opening may be a diameter and / or width between retention members if retention members are present. The lip opening diameter may be greater than the retention opening diameter by about 3 mm or greater, about 5 mm or greater, or even about 8 mm or greater. The lip opening diameter may be greater than the retention opening diameter by about 15 mm or less, about 12 mm or less, about 10 mm or less, or even about 9 mm or less. The lip opening diameter to the retention opening diameter may have a ratio of about 7:6.9, about 8:6.5, about 9:6.3, or even about 10:6. Various adapters may be configured for various container sizes. The exterior size of the adapter may remain the same such as to be compatible with the feeding assembly while the diameter of the container opening may differ to accommodate the various containers.

[0052] The container opening may include one or more retention members, retention contours, or both. A retention member may project inward into the container opening. A retention member may be configured to apply pressure onto a sidewall of the container base. A retention member may cooperate with one or more other retention members or the inner periphery or contours of the opening such as to apply inward pressure onto one or more sidewalls of the container base. A retention member may be formed in a wall of the container opening. A retention member may be formed in one or more lip openings, retention openings, or both. One or more retention members may be integrally formed as part of the one or more retention openings. One or more retention members may be formed at a front, rear, and / or one or more sides of the opening. One or more retention members may be evenly or unevenly distributed about the container opening. One or more retention members may include a single or a plurality of retention members. One or more retention members may include one or more, two or more, or even tlnee or more retention members. One or more retention members may include eight or less, six or less, or even four or less retention members. One or more retention members may be formed as one or more extensions of a lip opening and / or retention opening. One or more retention members may be formed as a portion of a lip opening and / or retention opening which is not cutout out by one or more retention contours. One or more retention members may be formed as one or more arcuate flanges, fingers, tabs, prongs, posts, and / or the like. Between a pair of retention members, the opening may extend outward as opposed to extending inward. The outward extension may be referred to as one or more retention contours, retention gaps, or both. A retention gap may be the same as a retention contour. The one or more retention members may apply pressure onto one or more sidewalls of a container base such as to create an interference fit, friction fit, or both. The container base may slightly deform and while compressing at the retention members may then expand into the retention contours. In this manner, the one or more retention members may accommodate some variation in the container base sizes (e.g., manufacturing tolerance in container size, food fill tolerance) and still provideFiled via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO for a tight fit, such as an interference fit, friction fit, and / or the like. The one or more retention members may have a thickness and / or width of about 0.1 mm or greater, 0.2 mm or greater, 0.3 mm or greater, or even about 0.5 mm or greater. The one or more retention members may have a thickness and / or width of about 3 mm or less, about 2 mm or less, or even about 1 mm or less. A thickness of a retention member may be the length a retention member extends from a retention opening.

[0053] An adapter may include one or more rims. One or more rims may serve as the outer edge of an adapter, form at least part of one or more flanges, or both; support a lid; or a combination thereof. One or more rims may include or be separate from one or more flanges. One or more rims may come into direct portion with a portion of a lid. For example, a pull tab of a lid may rest on a rim before extending into a lid access feature. One or more rims may have or form a cross-sectional shape (cut plane parallel to longitudinal and / or horizontal plane) or overall two-dimensional plan shape (viewing top down or bottom up) which is substantially circular, ovular, egg-shaped, teardrop shaped, triangular, square, squaoval, rectangular, rectangular with an inwardly curved side, rectangular with one or more outwardly bowing sides, rectangular with one or more lobes, trapezoidal, polygonal (e.g.. pentagon, hexagon), lobe-shaped, lemon shaped, diamond shaped, and / or the like. For example, one or more rims may form a shape which is generally rectangular with one of the sides having an arcuate shape thereto. The arcuate shape may bow inward or outward. As another example, one or more rims may form a shape which is substantially rectangular, square, or both with rounded corners. For example, one or more rims may form a shape which is substantially rectangular along with one side being substantially arcuate with an outward curve. For example, one or more rims may form a shape which is substantially rectangular with one side being substantially arcuate with an inward curve. As another example, a rim may have an overall two-dimensional shape which is substantially square or rectangular with rormded comers. One or more rims may fomi a shape which is substantially rectangular or square with rounded comers (e.g., “squaoval") with two opposing lobes projecting from one side. The two opposing lobes may be distanced to form a gap therebetween. The lobes may be formed via an inward indentation and / or curvature. As another example, a rim may have an overall half-pill shape with a narrowed neck region and an inward indentation such as to form two lobes opposite the outward curved side. The rim may define, lead into, and / or fomr part of one or more flanges.

[0054] Air adapter may include one or more flanges. One or more flanges may define an outer peripheral shape of the container, cooperate with one or more container storage subassemblies, cooperate with one or more container handling subassemblies, cooperate with a food display opening, the like, or any combination thereof. A flange may extend from a container opening. A flange may be separate from, affixed to, and / or integral with the rim of the adapter. One or more flanges may project from a rim. A flange may be located along any part of the height of the adapter. A flange may be biased more toward the rim, an upper surface of a rim, a bottom of the adapter, or any combination thereof. One or more flanges may define an uppermost, bottommost, or both surfaces of the adapter. One or more flanges may define one or more outermost side surfaces (e.g., periphery) of the adapter. Aflange may provide a surface for handling a container, supporting a portion of a lid, stability on a resting and / or tooling surface, handling within a feeding assembly, or any combination thereof. A flange may cooperate with one or more container storage subassemblies, containerFiled via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO handling subassemblies, container opening subassemblies, container holding subassemblies, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0055] One or more flanges may have a generally planar surface, non-planar surface, or both. One or more flanges may extend outward, inward, upward, downward, or any combination thereof relative to a container opening. A flange may include one or more flange portions. Each flange portion may extend in a different plane or angle relative to another flange portion.

[0056] One or more flange portions may extend laterally outward and / or generally orthogonally from one or more container openings. Laterally outward may be generally perpendicular to a vertical axis and / or central axis of a container opening, parallel to a transverse plane, parallel to a flange plane, parallel to a horizontal plane, or any combination thereof. One or more flanges or flange portions which may extend outward from a top edge of a container opening and / or rim may be defined as an upper surface and / or lateral flange portion of a rim and / or flange. An upper surface flange portion may include and extend from a rim. An upper surface flange portion may define an uppermost surface of the adapter.

[0057] One or more flange portions may extend downward. A downward extending portion may be defined as a downward projecting flange portion of one or more flanges. A downward extending flange portion may extend generally downward, generally parallel to an inside surface of a container opening (e.g., lip opening, retention opening), or both. The downward extending flange portion may be perpendicular or at an offset angle (e.g., obtuse, acute) relative to an upper surface flange portion, outermost flange portion, or both. The downward extending flange portion may be substantially parallel or at an offset angle relative to a vertical axis, central axis, and / or longitudinal axis of the container opening. A flange may project generally outward (e.g., perpendicular to vertical axis and / or central axis) and then project generally downward (e.g., generally parallel to vertical axis and / or central axis). The downward portion of the flange may be the downward projecting flange portion. The downward projecting flange portion may adjoin to, be integral with, and / or be in between an upper surface flange portion and / or an outermost flange portion.

[0058] One or more flange portions may extend laterally outw ard and / or generally orthogonally from one or more other flange portions, such as the downward projecting portion. One or more flange portions extending away from the downward projecting portion may be referred to as a lower surface, lower lateral portion, and / or outermost flange portion of one or more flanges. The outermost flange portion may extend laterally away from a container opening, be substantially perpendicular to a vertical axis and / or central axis of the container opening, be substantially parallel to an upper surface flange portion, or any combination thereof. A lower surface flange portion may define an outermost periphery of the adapter, a bottommost surface of the adapter, or both.

[0059] One or more flange portions may define the outermost periphery of the adapter. One or more flange portions defining the outermost periphery may be defined as the outermost flange portion. The outermost flange portion may be any of the flange portions which define the outermost periphery . The outermost flange portion may be the upper surface flange portion, downward projecting flange portion, lower surface flange portion, or any combination thereof.Filed via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO

[0060] The shape of one or more flanges and / or flange portions may aid in protecting a lid, orienting and / or handling of a container and / or adapter in a feeding assembly, or a combination thereof. A flange may have a cross-sectional or two-dimensional plan shape (cut plane parallel to flange, longitudinal and / or horizontal plane) or overall two-dimensional plan shape (viewing top down or bottom up) which is substantially circular, ovular, egg-shaped, teardrop shaped, triangular, square, rectangular, rectangular with an inwardly curved side, rectangular with an outwardly curved side, rectangular with one or more lobes, polygonal (e.g., pentagon, hexagon), lobe-shaped. C-shaped. U-shaped, semicircular, half-pill shaped, half-squaoval shaped, and / or the like. The cross-sectional or two-dimensional plan shape may refer to the outer peripheral shape, inner peripheral shape, or both of one or more flanges and / or flange portions. One or more flange portions may have one or more sides which curve inward, curve outward, are notched, have one or more cutouts, and / or the like. The flange and / or flange portion(s) may have one or more contours formed therein. One or more contours may include a narrowed neck in the peripheral shape of a flange and / or flange portion. A narrowed neck may define one or more notches in the flange and / or flange portions. For example, a narrowed neck between a feeding cavity and a front side. A narrowed neck together with an inward indentation (e.g., gap) may form opposing lobes. One or more flange portions may have a shape substantially similar or different to one or more other flange portions. For example, all flange portions may have an overall two-dimensional shape which is substantially rectangular with rounded comers. For example, one or more flange portions may have an overall two-dimensional shape which is substantially rectangular or square (e.g., squaoval) with one or more sides which curve inward or outward. For example, one or more flange portions may have an overall two-dimensional shape which is substantially half -pill shaped with an inward indentation opposite the curved side. For example, one or more flange portions may have an overall two-dimensional shape which is substantially pill-shaped with an inward indentation opposite the curved side, and narrowing at a neck on the sides to form two lobes (e.g., mouse-head shape).

[0061] A flange and / or one or more flange portions may have a shape which is asymmetrical or symmetrical about one or more planes. A flange may have a shape which is free of symmetry includes one plane of symmetry, or even includes two or more planes of symmetry. Symmetry may be about the frontal plane, longitudinal plane, center line, or a combination thereof of the container, container base, or both.

[0062] One or more flanges and / or flange portions may be substantially planar, non-planar, or both. One or more flange portions may be substantially planar (e.g., upper surface, bottom surface) while having one or more non-planar features formed therein and / or affixed thereto. An upward facing surface of a upper surface portion, lower surface portion, outermost flange portion, or a combination thereof may be substantially planar. One or more non-planar features may include one or more keying features, engagement features, alignment features, lid access features, lid reinforcing features, and / or the like.

[0063] One or more flanges may include, form, and / or be one or more keying features, engagement features, alignment features, lid access features, and / or the like.

[0064] An adapter may include or be free of one or more keying features. One or more keying features may function to allow for an adapter to be keyed for engagement with a feeding assembly, a container magazine, or both. One or more keying features may aid in a human correctly orienting a container and / orFiled via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO adapter, one or more portions of a feeding assembly correctly orienting a container, or even one or more machines within an assembly process. One or more keying features may function to allow for an adapter to be keyed for engagement with a container storage subassembly, container magazine, container handling subassembly, container holding subassembly, waste collection subassembly, the like, or any combination thereof. One or more keying features may be formed in and / or affixed to any portion of an adapter which may be suitable. One or more keying features may be formed, included in, and / or affixed to one or more rims, flanges, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0065] One or more keying features may be changes in contours in one or more portions of an adapter. One or more keying features may include one or more concave portions, convex portions, protrusions, indentations, flat surface, straight edges, the like, or any combination thereof. One or more keying features may include an overall shape, a two-dimensional shape, or both of one or more flanges, flange portions, or both. For example, one or more flange portions may have a cross-sectional or plan shape which is not circular, does not have radial symmetry, or both. For example, shapes such as tear-drop, egg-shaped, circular with a lobe-shape, ovular with a blunt end, rectangular with an inwardly curved side, rectangular with one or more lobes, pill-shaped with two lobes, pill-shaped with two lobes and a narrowed neck, the like, or a combination thereof. Such a shape may aid in providing for limited correct orientations and aid in correct placement. Exemplary keying features may include one or more notches, tabs, indented portions, rounded portions, and / or flat portions. Keying features may be formed in a flange to aid in correct orientation of shapes which may have more than one plane of symmetry (e.g., square, rectangle, circle). One or more keying features may include one or more pockets formed in a flange.

[0066] One or more keying features may include a single keying feature or a plurality of keying features. Keying features may or may not be mirrored on an opposing portion of an adapter. Mirroring may provide for a single or tw o or more correct orientations of a container. For example, mirroring of keying features with an adapter (e.g., flange) having only symmetry about one-plane, may provide for only a single correct orientation. This may be useful for ensuring a pull tab is positioned such as to face tow ard a container opening subassembly within the feeder. For example, mirroring of keying features w ith an adapter (e.g., flange) having symmetry' about two or more planes, may provide for two or more correct orientations. A plurality of keying features may include 2 or more. 3 or more, 4 or more, or even 6 or more keying features. A plurality' of keying features may all be the same or different from one another. One or more keying features may have the same and / or different shape and / or size one or more other keying features. For example, all of the keying features may be notches. As another example, some keying features may be notches while others are straight edges. As another example, a single keying feature may be the overall two-dimensional shape of a flange.

[0067] One or more keying features may include, function as. or be separate from one or more alignment features, engagement features, lid access features, lid reinforcing features, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0068] An adapter may include or be free of one or more alignment features. One or more alignment features may facilitate alignment of an adapter w ithin a container storage subassembly, container magazine, container handling subassembly, or combination thereof. One or more alignment features may facilitateFiled via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO alignment of an adapter within a hopper, cartridge magazine, shuttle assembly, gripper assembly, lifting wedge, the like, or a combination thereof. One or more alignment features may facilitate maintaining an adapter oriented properly during movement within a feeding assembly, facilitate loading of a container, or both. One or more alignment features may prevent rotation, teetering, or turning of an adapter once loaded into a container storage subassembly, container magazine, container handling subassembly, or any combination thereof.

[0069] One or more alignment features may include a change in contour of a rim and / or flange. One or more alignment features may include one or more indentations, projections, planar surface, planar edges, rounded surfaces, rounded edges, or any combination thereof in a rim and / or flange. One or more alignment features may include a change in contour in an upper surface, lower surface, and / or peripheral edge of a rim and / or flange. One or more alignment features may include one or more protrusions extending from a rim and / or flange of the adapter, generally parallel with a vertical axis, or both. One or more alignment features may be reciprocal in shape to or provide a reciprocal shape with one or more portions of a container storage subassembly, container magazine, container handling subassembly, or any combination thereof.

[0070] One or more alignment features may be located at one or more engagement points with one or more components of a feeding assembly. One or more alignment features may be biased toward the rear of an adapter, front of an adapter, a leading edge and / or a trailing edge of the adapter, sides of an adapter, or any combination thereof. One or more alignment features may be fairly centered or off-center relative to a frontal plane, longitudinal plane, or both. One or more alignment features may or may not be mirrored relative to one or more other alignment features. One or more alignment features may be mirrored relative to one or more opposing alignment features. One or more alignment features may be located opposite one another relative to a frontal plane, longitudinal plane, or both.

[0071] An adapter may be configured to have a single correct orientation or multiple correct orientations for being located into a feeding assembly and / or cooperating with a container opening subassembly. For example, an adapter may have no planes of symmetry' or just one plane of symmetry' to provide for one correct orientation or two planes of symmetry to provide for two correction orientations. An adapter with a single correct orientation may have one or more lid access features only adjacent to and / or in proximity to a leading edge of a lid. An adapter with two correct orientations may have one or more lid access features adjacent to and / or in proximity to a leading edge and a trailing edge of a lid.

[0072] An adapter may include or be free of one or more lid access features. One or more lid access features may function to allow a portion of a lid to be accessible; allow a bottom surface of a lid to be accessible, in addition to an upper surface of the lid; expose a portion of a bottom of a lid; allow for a leading edge to be accessible; receive one or more components of a container opening subassembly; allow for one or more components of a container opening subassembly to engage with a lid for subsequent removal; or a combination thereof. One or more lid access features may protect a leading edge, trailing edge, or both of a lid. One or more lid access features may be provided in one or more locations of the adapter. One or more lid access features may cooperate with one or more lid retention features.Filed via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO

[0073] One or more lid access features may include one or more flange indentations. One or more flange indentations may function to allow a bottom surface of a lid to be accessible, in addition to an upper surface; may allow for a leading edge of a lid to be accessible; may expose a portion of a lid relative to container and / or adapter; may allow for one or more components of a container opening subassembly to engage with a lid; or any combination thereof. One or more flange indentations may be formed in a flange of an adapter. One or more flange indentations may be formed in proximity to and / or adjacent to a leading edge of a lid. One or more flange indentations may be fonned at a front of an adapter, opposite a curved side of the adapter, or both. One or more flange indentations may project inward toward a vertical and / or central axis of a container opening, a center of the adapter, a center of a rim and / or flange, or a combination thereof. One or more flange indentations may be fonned as one or more cutouts and / or notches. One or more flange indentations may be formed as one or more gaps between two opposing lobes of the flange. For example, a flange indentation may be an inwardly contoured portion of one or more flange portions such that a gap is formed between two opposing lobes also formed in the one or more flange portions. One or more flange indentations may refer to a localized area of contour change of a rim and / or flange. One or more flange indentations may have a shape reciprocal with or dissimilar to one or more components of a container opening subassembly. One or more flange indentations may have a shape reciprocal or dissimilar to one or more jaws, hooks, and / or the like. One or more rim indentations may have a shape with a cross-sectional area and / or width equal to or larger than a cross-sectional area and / or width of one or more jaws, hooks, and / or the like. A cross-sectional area and / or width equal to or larger than a cross-sectional area of one or more jaws and / or hooks may allow for the jaws and / or hooks to have sufficient access to a lid for removal. Sufficient access may include the jaw and / or hook at least partially entering the lid access feature and obtaining the pull tab of the lid. One or more flange indentations may be fonned as one or more inwardly curved surfaces, one or more gaps between projecting lobes, or both. As an example, the one or more flange indentations may be fonned opposite a curved side of the one or more flange portions.

[0074] The adapter may include one or more lid retention features. A lid retention feature may be configured to retain a portion of a lid, retain a lid in place within a feeding assembly, cooperate with a container opening subassembly, the like, or any combination thereof. A lid retention feature may function to retain a portion of a lid in position such that the lid is presented in a consistent manner within a feeding assembly, to a container opening subassembly, or both. A lid retention feature may be configured for retaining a pull tab of a lid. A lid retention feature may prevent bending or other movement of the pull tab before being grasped or otherwise obtained by a container opening subassembly. A lid retention feature may allow for a portion (e.g.. pull tab, bottom surface, upper surface) of a lid to remain exposed, accessible by an opening subassembly, or both. A lid retention feature may be formed on a same side of an adapter as one or more lid access features. A lid retention feature may be located within a gap. between two lobes, or both of the adapter. A lid retention feature may be located opposite a curved side of the adapter peripheral shape. A lid retention feature may include one or more slits, channels, clips, hooks, adhesives, tab extensions, fingers, and / or the like. A lid retention feature may be configured to be remain in place while the lid is peel away, be removed from the remainder of the adapter when the lid is peeled away, or both.Filed via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO

[0075] A lid retention feature may include one or more fingers. A finger may project from a flange and / or rim of the adapter. The finger may be located near, at, and / or in a lid access feature. A finger may be located within a gap, between two lobes, or both. The finger may or may not extend beyond one or more lobes. The finger may have a length greater, equal to, or less than a length of one or more lobes. A length may be a length substantially perpendicular to a center axis of a container opening, a length parallel to an axis extending from a front to rear of the adapter, or both. The finger may be configured to receive a portion of the lid therein. The finger may be configured to receive at least a leading edge and portion of a pull tab of the lid. The finger may include a channel or slit for receiving the lid. The finger may include a hook. The hook may be formed by the profile shape of the finger for forming the channel or slit. The finger may have a width less than a width of the pull tab, a length of a gap between lobes, or both. A width may be a length parallel to a distance between opposing lobes, parallel to a flange surface at the lid access feature, perpendicular to a center axis of a container opening, extend side to side of an adapter, or any combination thereof. The finger may have a width such as to expose a substantial surface of a bottom of the pull tab and top of the pull tab. The finger may have a top view cross-sectional shape which is substantially rectangular, square, triangular, circular, ovular, the like, or a combination thereof. The finger may have a have shape reciprocal with a cutout in one or more jaws such as to be received within the one or more jaws and allow the jaws to grip the pull tab.

[0076] A lid retention feature may include one or more tab extensions. A tab extension may project from a flange and / or rim of the adapter. A tab extension may be located near, at. and / or in a lid access feature. A tab extension may be located within a gap, between two lobes, or both. A tab extension may or may not extend beyond one or more lobes. A tab extension may have a length greater, equal to, or less than length of one or more lobes. A length may be a length substantially perpendicular to a center axis of a container opening, a length parallel to an axis extending from a front to a rear of the adapter, or both. The tab extension may be configured to support a portion of a lid, have a portion of a lid resting thereon, attached thereto, or both. The tab extension may include or be free of an adhesive. The tab extension may be configured for having a portion of a pull tab, including a leading edge, located thereon. The tab extension may be substantially smooth or planar. The tab extension may have a width greater than, equal to, or less than a width of a pull tab. The tab extension may have a width less than a length of a gap between lobes. A width may be a length parallel to a distance between opposing lobes, parallel to a flange surface at the lid access feature, perpendicular to a center axis of a container opening, extend side to side of an adapter, or any combination thereof. The tab extension may have a width such as to cover a majority or all of a surface of a bottom of the pull tab. By having such a width and covering a substantial portion of a bottom surface of a pull tab. the tab extension may protect the pull tab, reinforce the pull tab dining peeling, remain affixed to the pull tab during peeling, or any combination thereof. The tab extension may have a shape generally reciprocal or same as a shape of a pull tab. The tab extension may have a top view cross-sectional shape which is substantially triangular, rectangular, square, ovular, circular, the like, or any combination thereof. The tap extension may be gripped along with the pull tab by a container opening subassembly before applying a peeling force.Filed via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1570.091 WO

[0077] A lid retention feature may be removably affixed and / or permanently part of an adapter. A lid retention feature may be configured to remain permanently part of the adapter while having the lid removed therefrom. A lid retention feature may be configured to be removed from the rest of the adapter simultaneously with the lid being removed. The lid retention feature may be integral with the remainder of the adapter. The lid retention feature may be separate from and affixed to tire adapter. The lid retention feature may include a plurality of perforations for breaking away from the adapter when a peeling force is applied. The lid retention feature may be adhered to the remainder of the adapter via an adhesive which is overcome when a peeling force is applied such that the lid retention feature remains with the pull tab of the lid.

[0078] A lid retention feature may include one or more adhesives. One or more adhesives may function to adhere a portion of a lid to the lid retention feature, adhere a lid retention feature to a remainder of the adapter, or both. One or more adhesives may be compatible with a tab extension, finger, pull tab, or any combination thereof. One or more adhesives may be placed on the lid retention feature. One or more adhesives may be located on an upper surface of a tab extension. The adapter may be provided with the adhesive for later placement of a container therein. The adhesive may include a removable protective cover thereon. The protective cover may be configured for removal (e.g., peeling off) before adhering the lid thereto. The adhesive may be tacky to the touch, at room temperature, or both. The adhesive may include one or more pressure-sensitive adhesives, removable or repositionable adhesives, tackified hot melts, adhesive gels and pads, craft adhesives, contact adhesives, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more adhesives may comprise acrylic (e.g., acrylic acid esters), rubber, silicone, polyurethane, stvrene- isoprene-styrene (SIS), styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), polyisobutylene, polybutadiene, polydimethylsiloxane, polyvinyl acetate, the like, or any combination thereof. The adhesive may be applied as a circle or other shape on an upper surface of a tab extension. The adhesive may have a protective cover located thereon which can be peeled away.

[0079] An adapter may or may not have a symmetrical shape. Symmetry' may be symmetry about one or more planes. Symmetry may mean symmetry about a frontal plane, longitudinal plane, or any other symmetry plane such as any plane intersecting a center point of the adapter, or center axis of the container opening, or both. An adapter having only one plane of symmetry' may have one correct orientation for interaction with a feeding assembly, removal of a lid, or both. An adapter having two or more planes of symmetry may have two or more correct orientations for interaction with a feeding assembly, removal of a lid, or both. Interaction with a feeding assembly may include placement and / or orientation in and / or relative to a container storage subassembly, container handling subassembly, container opening subassembly, container holding subassembly, container disposal subassembly, waste collection subassembly, or a combination thereof. Interaction with a feeding assembly may include placement and / or orientation in and / or relative to a hopper, container magazine, jaws, hook, grabbing / retaining feature, cradle, lifting wedge, container display opening, disposal bar, waste receptacle, or a combination thereof. A single correct orientation may increase the accuracy of component interactions while reducing complexity and cost in adapter and feeder design, manufacturing, and / or shipping. Two or more correct orientations may reduceFiled via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO the probability of loading errors by a user. Loading errors may include incorrect orientation such that one or more features of an adapter intended to interact with one or more components of a feeding assembly are unable to perform their function and / or cooperate together.

[0080] The adapter may include one or more reinforcement structures. One or more reinforcement structures may function to resist deformation of the adapter. The one or more reinforcement structures may be formed on the underside of the adapter. The reinforcement structures may allow for less material to be used overall to form the adapter. The one or more reinforcement structures may be located between a periphery of a container opening to an outer periphery. The one or more reinforcement structures may extend from a periphery of a container opening to one or more one or more downward projecting flange portions. The one or more reinforcement structures may include one or more ribs, gussets, and / or the like.

[0081] The adapter may be formed of one or more materials. The one or more materials may allow for an adapter which is reusable or one-time use. The one or more materials may allow for an adapter which is recyclable, biodegradable, reusable, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more materials may be inorganic, organic, or a combination thereof. The one or more materials may include one or more polymers. The one or more materials may include wood-pulp, cardstock, non-wood fibers, and / or other paper-like materials. The one or more materials may include Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). High-Density’ Polyethylene (HDP), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Polylactic Acid (PLA). Nylon, starch based plastic, and / or the like. The one or more materials may be formed into the adapter via molding, punching, cutting, laminating, the like, or a combination thereof. The adapter itself may be substantially rigid and / or provide for some elasticity. Rigidity' may provide support for the container throughout movement within the feeding assembly. Some elasticity may allow for the adapter to adapt to slightly different container sizes due to variations from manufacturing and food filling tolerances.

[0082] The adapter may be a single piece unit or multi-piece unit. The adapter itself may be a single piece while the adhesive is separate. The adapter itself may be formed of one or more pieces or layers.

[0083] The adapter may comprise a plurality of layers. One or more of the layers may provide for a flange portion, a step / diameter of a container opening, lid retention features, the like, or a combmation thereof. For example, three layers may be stacked together to fonn the adapter. Abase layer may substantially form the lower surface flange portion, a bottom surface of the adapter, and / or a portion of the container opening. A middle layer may substantially form a downward projecting flange portion, a retention opening, one or more retention members and / or retention gaps, one or more lid retention features, the like, or a combination thereof. A top layer may substantially form an upper surface flange portion, an upper surface of the adapter, a lip opening, a pull tab area, a lid retention feature, the like, or a combination thereof. Each individual layer may be formed via molding, punching, and / or cutting. The layers may be stacked and aligned such that the center axis of each container opening in each layer is coaxial with another. The layers may be stacked and bonded together to form the adapter. Between the layers there may be one or more adhesive layers to provide for a laminate structure. The one or more adhesive layers may include one or more heat-activated adhesive films, pressure sensitive adhesive, liquid adhesive, polymers, or any combination thereof. Laminating ofFiled via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO the layers may be provided via thermal lamination, cold lamination, wet lamination, solve-based lamination, extrusion lamination, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0084] Feeding Assembly

[0085] The present teachings may relate to a feeding assembly. The feeding assembly may be any device that includes and dispenses a consumable as taught herein. The feeding assembly may be beneficial in cooperating with an adapter and container of the present teachings. Teachings from PCT Publication Nos. WO 2023 / 220751, WO 2023 / 220752. WO 2025 / 054317, and WO 2025 / 054317 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. The adapter may find particular use in being compatible with the feeding assembly of the teachings therein.

[0086] The feeding assembly may be useful in presenting food in a container or a container held in an adapter. The feeding assembly may be useful in retrieving or otherwise accessing a container of food stored therein and providing the contents of the container to be accessible by an animal. The animal may be any domestic animal. A domestic animal may include a dog, cat, pig, rabbit, hamster, guinea pig, ferret, the like, or any combination thereof. In a typical pet-owning household, the domestic animal may include one or more cats, dogs, or both.

[0087] The feeding assembly may include one or more of the following features: a housing, container storage subassembly, container handing subassembly, transport subassembly, container opening subassembly, container holding subassembly, disposal subassembly, waste collection subassembly, feeding area, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0088] A housing may provide for a feeding area. A feeding area may be a portion of a housing which presents a container, such as within an adapter, and / or food to an animal such that it is accessible by the animal for consumption. A feeding area may be located at any level of the housing. A feeding area may be provided at the base, mid-support, support plate, top cover, or a combination thereof. A feeding area may be provided adjacent to (e.g., in front ol) a base, mid-support, support plate, top cover, or any combination thereof. A feeding area may be defined by a container display opening.

[0089] The feeding assembly may include a container storage subassembly. A container storage assembly may function to have one or a plurality of containers, and / or a plurality of containers affixed to plurality of adapters, temporarily disposed and stored therein. Disposed may mean stacked vertically, horizontal, radially, mounted to, the like, or any combination thereof. A container storage subassembly may provide for a single stack or a plurality of stacks of containers and / or adapters. A container storage assembly may provide for a single circular array of a plurality of containers and / or adapters or a plurality of circular arrays.

[0090] The feeding assembly may include a container handling subassembly. A container handling subassembly may function to receive a container and / or container with adapter from a container storage subassembly, retain a container and / or adapter during transport to a feeding area, retain a container and / or adapter in a feeding area, retain a container base and / or adapter during removal of a lid. transport a container and / or adapter for disposal after use, or any combination thereof. A container subassembly may be configured to releasably engage one or more containers and / or adapters. A container handling subassembly may be configured to be disposed in or adjacent to a feeding area. A container handling subassembly mayFiled via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO be configured to actively retrieve (e.g., grasp) a container and / or adapter, have a container and / or adapter disposed therein, or both. A container handling subassembly may be configured to actively release a container and / or adapter, have a container and / or adapter disposed therefrom, or both. A container handling subassembly may include one or more shuttle assemblies, gripper assemblies, or both. A container handling subassembly may include one or more cradles, holding supports, bearings, through holes, disposal bars, arms, plates, bases, actuators, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0091] A container handling subassembly may be coupled to a transport subassembly. A container handling subassembly may be affixed to or part of a transport subassembly. A container handling subassembly may be moved between positions via a transport subassembly.

[0092] A container handling subassembly may be moveable to one or more positions within the feeding assembly. The container handling subassembly may be moveable to various positions to interact with one or more containers, adapters, and / or other subassemblies. One or more positions may include a loading position, opening position, feeding position, disposing position, resting position, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0093] The feeding assembly includes a transport subassembly. A transport subassembly may function to cooperate with a container handling subassembly; move a container handling subassembly, container, and / or adapter among varying positions withing a feeding assembly, or both. A transport subassembly may function to transport a container and / or adapter to a container opening subassembly, feeding area, and / or container disposal subassembly. A transport subassembly may function to move a container handling subassembly to a loading position, opening position, feeding position, disposing position, resting position, the like, or any combination thereof. A transport subassembly may function to move a container handling subassembly and / or container along one or more axes, one or more linear directions, or both. A transport subassembly may move a container handling subassembly along a single axis, along three dimensions, along tw o axes, and / or along three axes.

[0094] The feeding assembly may include a container opening subassembly. A container opening subassembly may function to open a container, to remove a lid, to separate a lid from a container base, to remove or at least partially open a casing, the like, or a combination thereof. A container opening subassembly may be referred to as lid removal subassembly or structure. A container opening subassembly may be configured to cooperate with a lid retention feature. A container opening subassembly may be configured to grip a lid retention feature along with a pull tab of a lid, avoid contact or gripping of the lid retention feature while gripping the pull tab, or both.

[0095] A container opening subassembly may be configured to releasably couple to the lid, apply a pulling force to a lid, and remove a lid from a container base. A container opening subassembly may engage with a lid, peel the lid from the container base as the lid and / or the container base is moved (e.g., via a transport subassembly, container handling subassembly, or both). A container opening subassembly may be configured to move the lid away from the container base while the container base is held static, retain the lid in place while the container base is moved, or move the lid away from the container base while the container base is also simultaneously moved away from the lid.Filed via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO

[0096] A container opening subassembly may include or include components which function as an arm, knife, hook, clamp, can opener, vacuum source, jaws, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0097] Illustrative Examples

[0098] It will be appreciated that the features illustrated in one figure may be combined with features illustrated in another figure, even if not explicitly shown together. The figures and associated descriptions are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0099] FIG. 1 illustrates a container 16 in a closed configuration C. The container 16 is inserted into an adapter 100. The container 16 includes a container base 52 and lid 54. The lid 54 includes a pull tab 56 which extends beyond the container base 52. The container 16 resides within a container opening 102 of the adapter 100.

[0100] FIG. 2 illustrates an adapter 100 in a container handling subassembly 200. The adapter 100 retains a container 16. The container 16 includes a lid 54. The container handling subassembly 200 may be similar to the container handling subassembly disclosed in PCT Publication No. WO 2023 / 220751 and WO 2025 / 106809 which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0101] FIGS. 3 to 6 illustrate an adapter 100. The adapter 100 includes a container opening 102. The container opening 102 includes a container lip 106. The container lip 106 is formed by a portion (e.g., lip opening 105) of the container opening 102 having a larger diameter and / or perimeter than another portion of the container opening 102 (e.g., retention opening 107). The container lip 106 may function for a wider portion of a container base 52 (not shown) to rest thereon. The container opening 102 may or may not be configured to have a friction fit or otherwise form fit with the exterior of the container base 52 (not shown).

[0102] The adapter 100 includes a lid access feature 193. The lid access feature 193 is formed as a gap 194. The gap 194 is formed between opposing lobes 195. The two lobes 195 may provide support for and protect at least a portion of the lid 54 (not shown), such as a pull tab 56 (not shown), while allowing at least a portion of the lid 54, such as the pull tab 56 (not shown), to extend over the gap 194.

[0103] The adapter 100 includes a rim 76. The rim 76 may include, take the form of, and / or extend into a flange 77. The rim is 76 is located about the container opening 102. The flange 77 may protrude outward, away from the container opening 102. The flange 77 may include one or more flange portions 78. A flange portion 78 may include an upper surface and / or upper lateral portion 78a. The upper surface 78a may function to cooperate with the lid 54 (not shown). A flange portion 78 may include a side surface and / or downward projecting portion 78b. The downward projecting portion 78b may be located on an opposite end of tire upper surface and / or upper lateral portion 78a as the side wall(s) 51. A flange portion 78 may include a lower surface, lower lateral portion, and / or outermost flange portion 78c. This outermost flange portion 78c projects outward from the downward projecting portion 76b.

[0104] The flange 77 may fonn the overall outer peripheral shape 191 of the adapter 100. The outermost flange portion 78c may form the overall outer peripheral shape 191. The outer peripheral shape 191 may be generally C-shaped, U-shaped, semicircle shaped, semioval shaped, half-pill shaped, half-squaoval shaped, the like, or a combination thereof. The outer peripheral shape 191 may have an inward indentation. ThisFiled via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO inward indentation may provide for a lid access feature 193. The inward indentation may be formed as a gap 194. The gap 194 may be formed between two lobes 195. The flange 77 may form the two lobes 195.

[0105] The rim 76 and / or flange 77 may have a vary ing width about the periphery' of the adapter 100. The adapter 100 includes a plurality of keying features 188. The keying features 188 include the overall peripheral shape 191. In other words, one or more flanges 77 and / or flange portions 78 may form or include one or more keying features 188. The overall peripheral shape 191 can be defined as the outmost periphery of the adapter 100. such as that formed by the rim 76 and / or flange 77.

[0106] The keying features 188 may include notches 192. The notches 192 are formed in the rim 76 and / or flange 77. The notches 192 may be formed in all or only some flange portions 78. The notches 192 may be an indentation formed in the peripheral shape 191 adjacent to the lobes 195. The notches 192 may only be formed in the upper surface 78a and downward projecting portion 78b of the flange 77. The notches 192 may form a narrowed neck in the cross-section or two-dimensional shape of one or more flange portions 78.

[0107] The adapter 100 may include a lid access feature 193. The lid access feature 193 may be formed a gap 194 between two lobes 195. The lid access feature 193 may be an inward contour in the peripheral shape 191 between two lobes 195.

[0108] The adapter 100 may include a pull tab area 108. The pull tab area 108 may be formed on the rim 76, such as the upper surface flange portion 78, 78a. The pull tab area 108 may’ be formed as a depression in the upper surface flange portion 78a.

[0109] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an adapter 100. The adapter 100 includes a container opening 102. The container opening 102 includes a lip opening 105. The container opening 102 includes a retention opening 107. The lip opening 105 has a larger diameter and / or perimeter than the retention opening 107. The diameter and / or perimeter difference may provide for a container lip 106. The lip opening 105 and / or container lip 106 may have a shape reciprocal to a container 16 (not shown) configured to rest within the container opening 102, dissimilar or similar to that of the retention opening 107, or both. The retention opening 107 includes one or more retention members 109. The retention members 109 may project inw ard toward a center of the retention opening 107, into the container opening 102, or both. The retention members 109 may provide for an interference fit. friction fit, or both of a container base 52 (not shown) within the retention opening 107 and / or container opening 102. The retention members 109 may provide sufficient force (e.g., surface contact) for an interference and / or friction fit while also allowing a user to overcome the force to insert and / or remove a container base 52 from the adapter 100. The friction members 109 may be configured to apply inward pressure into one or more sidewalls (not shown) of a base 52 (not shown) of the container 16 (not shown). The base 52 may be sufficiently flexible that the sidewall(s) may compress and deform. As a reaction to the compression and some deformation, sidew all(s) of the base 52 may also expand into one or more retention gaps 111. The retention gaps 111 may be formed by the retention opening 107 adjacent to one or more retention members 109, between a pair of retention members 109, or both.Filed via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO

[0110] The adapter 100 includes a lid access feature 193. The lid access feature 193 is formed as a gap 194. The gap 194 is formed between opposing lobes 195. The two lobes 195 may provide support for and / or protect at least a portion of a lid 54 (not shown), such as a pull tab 56, while allowing at least a portion of the lid 54 (not shown), such as the pull tab 56, to extend over the gap 194.

[0111] The lid access feature 193 includes a lid retention feature 110. The lid retention feature 110 may be located within the gap 194, between the opposing lobes 195, or both. A lid retention feature 110 may include a finger 112. The finger 112 may extend away from a rim 76 and / or flange 77 of the adapter 100. The lid retention feature 110 may be aligned with a center or center axis of a pull tab area 108. The lid retention feature 110 may include a hook 114. The hook 114 may be fonned as part of the finger 112. The hook 114 may be configured to receive a portion of the lid 54 (not shown) and / or handling tab 104 (not shown). The hook 114 may include a channel (e.g., slit) configured to receive at least a portion of a lid 54 (not shown), such as a portion of a pull tab 56 (not shown) therein.

[0112] FIGS. 9 to 12 illustrate a container 16 in a closed configuration C. The container 16 is inserted into an adapter 100. The container 16 includes a container base 52 and lid 54. The container 16 resides within a container opening 102 of the adapter 100. A portion of the lid 54. such as a pull tab 56, is located within a lid retention feature 110. A portion of a pull tab 56 of the lid 54 resides within a hook 1 14. The potion of the pull tab 56 may include the front edge of the pull tab 56. The pull tab 56 may also at least partially reside and / or sit within a pull tab area 108 formed in a rim 76 and / or flange 77. The depression of the pull tab area 108 may allow lid 54 to more easily angle down at the pull tab 56 and rest within the lid retention feature 110. The lid retention feature 110 has a width thinner than a width of pull tab 56 of the lid 54 such that a lower and upper surface of the pull tab56 remains exposed.

[0113] FIG. 12 also shows how a flange or rim of the base 52 rests upon the container lip 106. FIG. 12 illustrates the interference fit between the pair of retention members 109 and the sidewall of the base 52.

[0114] FIG. 13 illustrates a container 16 in an adapter 100 while FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate the adapter 100. The adapter 100 includes features as taught with respect to FIGS. 1 through 12. The container 16 is a smaller volume container than that shown in FIGS. 9-12.

[0115] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate side-by-side comparisons of two adapters 100. Afirst adapter 100. 101a configured for larger volume containers and a second adapter 100, 101b configured for smaller volume containers. As can be seen, the significant difference between the first and second adapter 101a, 101b is the size (e.g., width, diameter) of the container opening 102. Another difference is that the second adapter 101b may include more and / or longer reinforcement structures 197 as compared to the first adapter 101a. The reinforcement structures 197 may be formed on an underside of the adapter 100. The reinforcement structures 197 may extend between an interior wall defining at least part of the container opening 102 and a flange portion 78, such as the downward projecting flange 78b. More and / or larger reinforcement structures 197 may be necessary to reinforce a smaller container opening 102 as there is more surface area of the adapter 100 which may be deformed.

[0116] FIGS. 18 through 20 illustrate a container 16 being inserted into an adapter 100. The container 16 includes a lid 54 and container base 52. The container base 52 includes a side wall 58. The side wall 58 mayFiled via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO be substantially smooth or include an outward protrusion 60. The container base 52 includes an outward protrusion 58. The outward protrusion 58 may be formed adjacent to a rim (not show n) of the base 52 upon which the lid 54 rests. The outw ard protrusion 60 has a wider diameter than the rest of the container base 52. The adapter 100 includes a container opening 102. The container opening 102 includes a container lip106. The container lip 106 is defined betw een a lip opening 105 and retention opening 107.

[0117] The container 16 may be located into the container opening 102. The container 16 may be inserted into the container opening 102 such the container 16 is rotated off center. In other words, the container 16 may be inserted such that pull tab 56 is misaligned from the lid retention feature 110.

[0118] The container 16 may be inserted such that the sidewall 58 is in contact with the inner periphery of the retention opening 107. The container 16 may be seated such that the outward protrusion 58 may rest within the inner periphery of the retention opening 107. One or more tension members 109 may apply a compression force to the sidewall, such as the outward protrusion 58. The rim and / or flange of the container 16 may rest upon the container lip 106.

[0119] The container 16 may be rotated into place. The container 16 may be rotated about an axis A. The axis Amay be the axis A substantially aligned with a central axis of the container opening 102. The container 16 may be rotated until a portion of the lid 54 is retained by the lid retention feature 1 10. The container 16 may be rotated until the pull tab 56 is located within the 114. The container 16 may be rotated until the container 16 is aligned with the adapter 100.

[0120] As an alternative, the container 16 may be inserted into the adapter 100 already substantially aligned. The pull tab 56 may be bent and inserted into the lid retention feature 110.

[0121] FIGS. 21 through 23 illustrate an adapter 100. The adapter 100 of FIGS. 16 and 17 may be formed via a laminating process as opposed to molding, but the teachings thereof could apply to a molded adapter 100. The adapter 100 of FIGS. 16 through 18 may be biodegradable, recyclable, or both. The adapter 100 may include one or more of the features as discussed with respect to any of the figures or within the specification herein.

[0122] The adapter 100 may comprise a plurality of layers 120. The layers 120 may include a base layer 121a, a middle layer 121b, and a top layer 121c.

[0123] The base layer 121a may form a keying feature 188, such as the peripheral shape 191 of the adapter 100. The base layer 121a may include a portion of the container opening 102 therethrough. The base layer 121a may form the lower surface flange portion 78c. The lower surface flange portion 78c may be formed as the upper surface of the base layer 121a.

[0124] The middle layer 121b may form a keying feature 188, such as the notches 192. The middle layer 121b may include a portion of the container opening 102 therethrough. The middle layer 121b may include one or more retention members 109 formed therein as part of the inner periphery of the retention opening107. The container opening 102 of the middle layer 121b may be smaller than the container opening 102 of the top layer 121c. The container opening 102 of the middle layer 121b may be the retention opening 107. By being smaller than a lip opening 105, an exposed upper surface of the middle layer 121b may form the container lip 106.Filed via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO

[0125] The top layer 121c may also form a keying feature 188, such as the notches 192. The top layer 121c may include a portion of the container opening 102 therethrough. The container opening 102 of the top layer 121c may be the lip opening 105. The top layer 121c may include a pull tab area 108 formed therein, such as a depression adjacent to a lid retention feature 110. The top layer 121c may include a lid retention feature 110. The lid retention feature 110 may be as illustrated as a finger 112. Or the lid retention feature 110 may be a tab extension 115. The tab extension 114 may extend between a pair of lobes 195, within the lid access feature 193 such as a gap 194, or both. The lid retention feature 110 may include an adhesive 116 thereon. The adhesive 116 may be configured to adhere to a bottom of a pull tab 56 (not shown) of a lid 54 (not shown), such as when a container is placed into the adapter 100. The lid retention feature 110 may be perforated from the remainder of the adapter 100 or otherwise removable. In such a fashion, a container opening subassembly (not shown) may grip both the lid retention feature 110 and pull tab 56 to peel the lid 54 off of the base 52.

[0126] FIG. 24 illustrates a container 16 inserted into the adapter 100. Apull tab 56 of the lid 54 is located on top of, and adhered to, the lid retention feature 110.

[0127] FIG. 25 illustrates a feeder 300. The adapter 100 retains a container 16 within the feeder 300. The adapter 100 may allow for the container 16 to be opened by the feeder 300 and presented for eating therefrom by an animal. The container 16 may be displayed in an open configuration O.

[0128] Reference Numbers

[0129] 16 - Container; 52 - Base; 54 - Lid; 56 - Pull tab; 58 - Side wall; 60 - Outward protrusion; 76 - Rim; 77 - Flange; 78 - Flange portion; 78a - Upper surface flange portion; 78b - Downward projecting portion; 78c - Lower surface flange portion; 100 - Adapter; 101a - First adapter; 101b - Second adapter; 102 - Container opening; 105 - Lip opening; 106 - Container lip; 107 - Retention opening; 108 - Pull tab area; 109 - Retention member; 110 - Lid retention feature; 111 - Retention gap; 112 - Finger; 114 - Hook; 115 - Tab extension; 116 - Adhesive; 120 - Layer; 121a - Base layer; 121b - Middle layer; 121c - Top layer; 188 - Keying feature; 191 - Peripheral shape; 192 -Notch; 193 - Lid access feature; 194 - Gap; 195 - Lobe; 197 - Reinforcement structure; 200 - Container handling subassembly; 300 - Feeder; C - Closed configuration; A - Longitudinal axis; O - Open configuration

[0130] Unless otherwise stated, any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of a component, a property, or a value of a process variable such as, for example, temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80. more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intended that intermediate range values such as (for example, 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc.) are within the teachings of this specification. Likewise, individual intermediate values are also within the present teachings. For values which are less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 as appropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.Filed via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO

[0131] Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of “about" or “approximately” in connection with a range applies to both ends of die range. Thus, “about 20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of at least the specified endpoints.

[0132] The terms “generally” or “substantially” to describe angular measurements may mean about + / - 10° or less, about + / - 5° or less, or even about + / - 1° or less. The terms “generally” or “substantially” to describe angular measurements may mean about + / - 0.01° or greater, about + / - 0.1° or greater, or even about + / - 0.5° or greater. The terms “generally” or “substantially” to describe linear measurements, percentages, or ratios may mean about + / - 10% or less, about + / - 5% or less, or even about + / - 1% or less. The terms “generally” or "substantially” to describe linear measurements, percentages, or ratios may mean about + / - 0.01% or greater, about + / - 0.1% or greater, or even about + / - 0.5% or greater.

[0133] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The term “consisting essentially of’ to describe a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of. or even consist of the elements, ingredients, components or steps. Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might be divided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps. The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient, component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements, ingredients, components or steps.

[0134] It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as many applications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those of skill m the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

Claims

Filed via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1570.091 WOCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:Claim 1. An adapter for retaining a food container for use within an automated feeder, the adapter comprising: a) a container opening configured to have the food container located therein and form a tight fit with the food container: b) one or more flanges extending from the container opening, wherein the one or more flanges include a lid access feature to allow access to a portion of a lid of the food container; wherein the lid access feature is configured to allow access to the portion of the lid such that the lid can be peeled away from a base of the food container; and wherein the tight fit provided by the container opening is configured to restrain tire base of the food container while the lid is peeled therefrom.Claim 2. The adapter of Claim 1 , wherein the one or more flanges form one or more keying features configured to provide for one or more orientations of the adapter within the automated feeder.Claim 3. The adapter of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more flanges project substantially laterally away from the container opening.Claim 4. The adapter of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more flanges include one or more flange portions.Claim 5. The adapter of Claim 4, wherein the one or more flanges include a plurality of flange portions.Claim 6. The adapter of Claims 4 or 5. wherein the one or more flanges include one or more upper surface (e.g., upper lateral) flange portions, downward projecting flange portions, outermost flange portions (e.g., lower surface, lower lateral), the like, or a combination thereof.Claim 7. The adapter of Claim 6, wherein the one or more upper surface flange portions extend laterally way from the container opening, are substantially perpendicular to a vertical axis and / or center axis of the container opening, or a combination thereof.Claim 8. The adapter of any of Claims 6 or 7, wherein the one or more downward projecting flange portions extend generally downward.Filed via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WOClaim 9. The adapter of Claim 8, wherein the one or more downward projecting flange portions are substantially parallel or at an offset angle relative to the vertical axis and / or center axis of the container opening.Claim 10. The adapter of Claims 8 or 9, wherein the one or more downward projecting flange portions are adjoined to the one or more upper surface flange portions.Claim 11. The adapter of any of Claims 8 to 10, wherein the one or more downward projecting flange portions extend partially or completely down to a bottom of the adapter.Claim 12. The adapter of any of Claims 6 to 11, wherein the one or more outermost flange portions extend laterally away from a container opening, are substantially perpendicular to a vertical axis and / or center axis of the container opening, are parallel to the one or more upper surface flange portions, or a combination thereof.Claim 13. The adapter of any of the preceding claims, wherein one or more outermost flange portions form an outermost periphery of the adapter.Claim 14. The adapter of any of the preceding claims, wherein one or flange portions have a cross- sectional or two-dimensional plan shape which is substantially circular, ovular, egg-shaped, teardrop shaped, triangular, square, squaoval, rectangular, semicircular, semi ovular, half pill-shaped, with an arcuate side, having one or more inwardly curv ed sides, having one or more outw ardly curv ed sides, having an indented side, lemon-shaped, diamond-shaped, having one or more lobes, have a narrowed neck, the like, or a combination thereof.Claim 15. The adapter of Claim 14, wherein the one or more flange portions have a cross-sectional or t o-dimensional plan shape similar to or different from one or more other flange portions.Claim 16. The adapter of Claim 14, wherein the one or more flange portions have a cross-sectional or two-dimensional plan shape different from the one or more other flange portions.Claim 17. The adapter of any of the preceding claims, wherein an upper surface flange portion, a downward projecting flange portion, an outermost flange portion, or combination thereof have a cross- sectional or two-dimensional plan shape which is substantially half-pill shaped with an indented side opposite a curv ed surface such as to form two opposing lobes.Claim 18. The adapter of any of the preceding claims, wherein an upper surface flange portion, a downward projecting flange portion, an outermost flange portion, or a combination thereof have a cross-Filed via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO sectional or tw o-dimensional plan shape which includes a narrowed neck such as to form two notches to define the two opposing lobes.Claim 19. The adapter of any of the preceding claims, wherein the upper surface flange portion, the downward projecting flange portion, or the combination of both form or have the cross-sectional or two- dimensional plan shape which resembles a mouse-headed shape.Claim 20. The adapter of any of the preceding claims, wherein a gap formed between the two opposing lobes forms the lid access feature.Claim 21. The adapter of any of the preceding claims, wherein an outermost flange portion has the cross-sectional or two-dimensional plan shape which is substantially half-pill shaped with an indented side opposite a craved surface such as to form two opposing lobes; and wherein an upper surface flange portion, a downward projecting flange portion, or both have a cross-sectional or tw o-dimensional plan shape w hich is substantially half-pull shaped with an indented side opposite curves surface such as to form two opposing lobes and includes a narrowed neck such as to form two notches to further define the two opposing lobes.Claim 22. The adapter of any of the preceding claims, w herein an outermost flange portion forms an outermost periphery of the container base.Claim 23. The adapter of any of the preceding claims, wherein the container opening has a substantially continuous or varied diameter and / or perimeter.Claim 24. The adapter of Claim 23, wherein die container opening includes a container lip.Claim 25. The adapter of Claim 24, wherein the container lip is formed between a portion of the container opening which has a larger diameter and / or perimeter than another portion of the container opening.Claim 26. The adapter of Claim 24 or 25, wherein the container lip is fonned between a lip opening having a larger diameter and / or perimeter as compared to an adjacent retention opening.Claim 27. The adapter of Claim 26, wherein a size difference between the lip opening and the retention opening forms an exposed lateral surface which forms the container lip.Claim 28. The adapter of any Claim 26 or 27, wherein the lip opening is configured to have a size larger than or equal to a rim and / or lid of the food container.Filed via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WOClaim 29. The adapter of any of Claims 26 to 28, wherein the container lip is configured to have a rim and / or flange of the food container resting thereon.Claim 30. The adapter of any of Claims 26 to 29, wherein the retention opening is a portion of the container opening configured to have a tight fit with the food container.Claim 31. The adapter of Claim 30, wherein the retention opening has a size greater than, equal to, or smaller than one or more side walls of the base of the food container.Claim 32. The adapter of Claim 31, wherein the retention opening is configured to compress one or more side walls and or protrusions of the base of the food container.Claim 32. The adapter of any of the preceding claims, wherein the container opening includes one or more retention members.Claim 33. The adapter of Claim 32, wherein the one or more retention members project inward toward a center axis of the container opening.Claim 34. The adapter of Claim 33, wherein the one or more retention members extend inward and project from a peripheral surface of a retention opening.Claim 35. The adapter of any of Claims 32 to 34, wherein the one or more retention members include one or more retention members to six or less retention members.Claim 36. The adapter of Claim 35, wherein the one or more retention members include two or more retention members to four or less retention members.Claim 37. The adapter of Claim 36, wherein the one or more retention members include a first retention member at a front of the container opening and a second retention member at a rear of the container opening.Claim 38. The adapter of any of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter includes one or more lid retention features configured to retain and / or support a portion of a lid.Claim 39. The adapter of Claim 38, wherein the portion of the lid is the pull tab of the lid.Filed via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WOClaim 40. The adapter of Claim 38 or 40, wherein the lid retention feature is located within the lid access feature.Claim 41. The adapter of any of Claims 38 to 40, wherein tire lid retention feature is located within a gap, between opposing lobes, or both.Claim 42. The adapter of any of Claims 38 to 41, wherein the lid retention feature extends from the one or more flanges.Claim 43. The adapter of any of Claims 38 to 42, wherein the lid retention feature is integrally formed with a reminder of the adapter.Claim 44. The adapter of Claim 43, wherein the lid retention feature is configured to remain affixed to the adapter or configured to be removed when the lid is peeled away from the base.Claim 45. The adapter of Claim 44. wherein the lid retention feature includes one or more perforations.Claim 46. The adapter of any of Claims 38 to 45. wherein the lid retention feature is a finger, tab extension, or both.Claim 47. The adapter of any of Claims 38 to 46, wherein the lid retention feature includes a channel or slit formed therein configured to receive the pull tab of the lid.Claim 48. The adapter of any of Claims 38 to 47, wherein the lid retention feature includes a hook for receiving and retaining the portion of the lid.Claim 49. The adapter of any of Claims 38 to 48, wherein the lid retention feature includes an adhesive on an upper surface configured for adhering to a bottom surface of the pull tab.Claim 50. The adapter of any of Claims 38 to 49, wherein the lid retention feature is a finger extending between a pair of lobes and having a width smaller than width of the pull tab such that a majority of a bottom surface and upper surface of the pull tab are exposed and available for grasping by a container opening subassembly of the automated feeder.Claim 51. The adapter of any of Claims 38 to 49, wherein the lid retention feature is a tab extension extending between a pair of lobes and having a width similar to or larger than a width of the pull tab suchFiled via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO as to conceal a majority of a bottom surface of the pull tab and configured such that the container opening subassembly of the automated feeder grasps both the lid tab extension and the pull tab.Claim 52. The adapter of any of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter is a one piece structure or multi-piece structure.Claim 53. The adapter of any of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter is a laminate structure.Claim 54. The adapter of any of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter comprises one or more materials which are recyclable, biodegradable, and / or reusable such that the adapter itself is recyclable, biodegradable, and / or reusable.Claim 55. The adapter of any of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter comprises one or more materials which are inorganic, organic, or a combination of both.Claim 56. The adapter of any of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter comprises one or more polymers, wood-pulp, cardstock, non-wood fibers, paper-like material, the like, or any combination thereof.Claim 57. The adapter of any of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter comprises Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDP), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Polylactic Acid (PLA), Nylon, starch based plastic, the like, or a combination thereof.Claim 58. A container and adapter assembly configured for retaining a food container for use within an automated feeder, the container and adapter assembly comprising: a) an adapter including: i) a container opening configured to have the food container located therein and fomr a tight fit with the food container; ii) one or more flanges extending from the container opening, wherein the one or more flanges include an upper surface flange portion defining an upper surface of the adapter, a lower surface flange portion defining a lower and outermost surface of the adapter, and a downward projecting portion connecting the upper surface flange portion and the lower surface flange portion; iii) a lid access feature formed as an indentation in the one or more flanges at a front of the container; iv) a lid retention feature within the lid access feature configured for retaining the pull tab; b) a food container including: i) a base having a food cavity for storing food therein; andFiled via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO ii) a lid affixed to the base to seal the food cavity and the lid having a pull tab which extends beyond a rim or flange of the base; wherein the base is inserted in and has a tight fit within the container opening; wherein the pull tab is retained by the lid retention feature; wherein the lid access feature is configured to allow access to the pull tab of the lid such that the lid can be peeled away from a base of the food container; and wherein the tight fit provided by the container opening is configured to restrain tire base of the food container while the lid is peeled therefrom.Claim 59. The container and adapter assembly of Claim 58 having any of the features of any of Claims 1 to 57.Claim 60. A container and adapter assembly configured for retaining a food container for use within an automated feeder, the container and adapter assembly comprising: a) an adapter including: i) a container opening configured to have the food container located therein and form a tight fit with the food container, wherein the container opening is defined by a lip opening with a larger diameter and aligned with a retention opening to form a container lip, and wherein the container opening includes one or more retention members extending from a periphery of the retention opening toward a center axis of the container opening; ii) one or more flanges extending from the container opening, wherein the one or more flanges include an upper surface flange portion defining an upper surface of the adapter, a lower surface flange portion defining a lower and outermost surface of the adapter, and a downward projecting portion connecting the upper surface flange portion and the lower surface flange portion; iii) a lid access feature formed as an indentation in the one or more flanges at a front of the container; iv) a lid retention feature within the lid access feature configured for retaining the pull tab, wherein the lid retention feature is fonned as a finger with a slit or channel such as to form a hook; b) a food container including: i) a base having a food cavity for storing food therein and a rim or flange about the food cavity; and ii) a lid affixed to the base to seal the food cavity and the lid having a pull tab which extends beyond a rim or flange of the base; wherein the base is inserted in the container opening such that a rim or flange of the base rests within the lip opening on the container lip and the retention opening has a tight fit with one or more side walls of the base;Filed via USPTO.gov on October 29, 2025Docket No. 1 70.091 WO wherein the pull tab is located within the slit or channel of the finger such as to be retained by the finger; wherein the lid access feature is configured to allow access to the pull tab of the lid such that the lid can be peeled away from a base of the food container; and wherein the tight fit provided by the container opening is configured to restrain tire base of the food container while the lid is peeled therefrom.Claim 61. The container and adapter assembly of Claim 60 having any of the features of any of Claims1 to 57.Claim 62. A method of affixing a food container into the adapter of any of Claims 1 through 61, wherein the method includes: a) inserting the base of the food container into the container opening such that a pull tab of the lid is misaligned from a front of the adapter; b) pushing the base of the food container into the container opening such as to have the tight fit; c) rotating the container such that the pull tab is rotated toward a lid retention feature; and d) inserting the pull tab into a slit or channel of a finger of the lid retention feature.

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