Solid Or Lick Feeder Patents (Class 119/51.03)
  • Patent number: 11369089
    Abstract: An elastomeric feed port and a bird feeder having a seed reservoir with a seed opening fitted with such an elastomeric feed port is provided. The feed port has an elastomeric seed control membrane with a cutout that forms at least one aperture through which birds can access seed in the reservoir. The cutout is shaped to create flexible flaps or fingers adjacent the aperture in the membrane that partially cover the seed opening to reduce seed spillage but that can be pushed aside or temporarily deformed by a bird when the bird inserts its beak into the cutout aperture to access seed therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Luke Benjamin Haney, Steven Charles Lorraine
  • Patent number: 11304403
    Abstract: An elevator support (10) for holding a block (16) of an animal consumable substance includes a body (22). The body includes a central hub (24) and a plurality of radially outward extending arms (26). A ground face side (32) of the body includes a recess (36) or a projection (112) for engaging the body with a top of a vertically extending post (40, 120). The body is positioned above ground level (12) at a height that is appropriate for the animals that are to consume the substance. The body includes a plurality of spaced apertures (46). A plurality of pins (56) are selectively locatable in the apertures for purposes of holding various sizes and configurations of blocks of animal consumable material in intermediate relation of the pins and in supported relation on the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: BUCKEYE INNOVATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Ryan M Alexander
  • Patent number: 10834893
    Abstract: Here is disclosed a hay feeder for enclosing a cylindrical bail of hay having opposite first and second longitudinal portions. The hay feeder includes a semi-cylindrical housing dimensioned to enclose the first longitudinal portion of the cylindrical bail, the semi-cylindrical housing having an arched bottom and an open top having a rim. A lid is provided which is configured to fit the rim to close the open top. The lid includes a frame supporting a flexible net which is dimensioned to enclose the second longitudinal portion of the cylindrical bail when the lid is closed on the semi-cylindrical housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Inventor: Kimberley Hotham
  • Patent number: 10709107
    Abstract: A pet feeder for slowing food consumption with a height adjustable stand. The elevated pet feeder includes a bowl having an inner surface, an outer surface, a sidewall extending from a base of the bowl, and a cavity with an open upper end for receiving contents. The sidewall includes spaced markings each designating a different volume within the cavity. Further, an impediment extends from the center of the base of the bowl with a propeller removably secured to the impediment, such that the impediment and propeller in combination can slow food consumption. The elevated pet feeder includes a receptacle that receives the bowl. A stand extends from the receptacle and can adjust the height of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Inventor: Susan H. Miller
  • Patent number: 10531644
    Abstract: A suet feeder which comprises an inner frame, a tray sized to receive a suet pack, the tray being slidably mounted on the frame, a suet support member which is mounted on the frame, the tray being slidable past the suet support member, and a shroud extending over the frame and tray and suet support member, the shroud having a wall which extends over the tray and suet support member, the wall having a feed opening therein with a relatively closed area of the shroud being located above the feed opening, the arrangement being such that the feed opening is normally located proximate an upper portion of the suet support member such that access may be had to a lower portion of a suet pack mounted on the suet support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Inventor: Paul L. Cote
  • Patent number: 10376875
    Abstract: The invention relates to a compressed salt block and a liquid treatment apparatus provided therein with at least one such compressed salt block. The liquid treatment apparatus comprises a housing adapted to accommodate at least one liquid treatment tank and at least one compressed salt block. The housing comprises a first space portion for accommodating the at least one liquid treatment tank, and a second space portion for accommodating at least partially the at least one compressed salt block; wherein the at least one compressed salt block comprises an extension portion which extends into a space in the first space portion between an external surface of the at least one liquid treatment tank and an inner wall surface of the housing adjacent the external surface of the at least one liquid treatment tank to thereby position the at least one compressed salt block within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Harvey Water Softeners Limited
    Inventor: Ann Patricia Bowden
  • Patent number: 9596830
    Abstract: A toy for a horse is provided. The toy includes a mounting assembly, a treat guide support that attaches to the mounting assembly, and a treat ring that attaches to the treat guide support. The treat ring is movable relative to the treat guide support when the treat ring is attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventors: Frank J Yannello, Courtney Haubrich
  • Patent number: 9545080
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising first and second arms which are pivotally connected together, the free ends of the arms being connected by a spring member, and a device for attracting squirrels at the end of a cable extending from one of the arms, the arrangement being such that the motion is imparted when a squirrel attempts to jump on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Paul L. Cote
  • Patent number: 9497938
    Abstract: The present invention directed to nesting material for birds, and more particularly, to a receptacle containing nesting material for birds. In a preferred embodiment the receptacle comprises a plurality of windings forming a generally spherical structure. The structure is provided with tuffs of fleece type nesting material inserted inside the ball and between the windings, and extending outwardly there from.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventors: Julie A. Bodette, Kimberly Buechner Fouse
  • Patent number: 9288968
    Abstract: A salt lick block support incorporating a liquid container therein has a main body member having a hole in a top surface thereof. A hollow central portion adapted to hold a granular material therein, and a base portion extending outwardly from a lower section thereof and including a plurality of holes therethrough adapted to allow fasteners therein to securely hold the salt lick block support to a chosen surface. A plurality of fasteners adapted to extend through respective of the plurality of holes and engage the chosen surface. A removable container adapted to hold a liquid therein, has an opening in a top portion thereof, and is adapted to fit and be held in place within the hole in the top surface of the main body member, wherein the removable container further includes a small aperture in a bottom surface thereof that is adapted to allow the liquid to pass therethrough in a drop-by-drop fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Serge Bourgault
  • Patent number: 9161513
    Abstract: A wild animal feeder is provided for holding a food block having a passageway therein. The feeder comprises a base member and a roof member. The base and roof members define a food receiving space there between for receiving a food block. A food block engaging member has a proximal end and a distal end. A food block engaging member coupler is provided that is attached to one of the base member and roof member for coupling the food block engaging member to one of the base member and roof member for permitting the food block engaging member to move between a food block engaging position and a food block release position. In the food block engaging position, the food block engaging member is positioned in the food receiving space between the roof and base member to engage the food block for maintaining the food block on the feeder on the food receiving space. In the food block released position, the food engaging member is positioned to permit the food block to be inserted into the food receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: HOLSCHER PRODUCTS, INC
    Inventors: Joseph B Holscher, Steven B Zehring
  • Publication number: 20150144065
    Abstract: Bird feeding devices are provided that include a base having a substantially flat upper surface, a pillar having a bottom end and an upper end, wherein the pillar extends upward from the base with the bottom end connected to the base at a location proximate the center of the upper surface, a roof disposed above the base and connected to the upper end of pillar, and a stand connected to the base at a location proximate an edge of the base, wherein the stand extends, around the pillar, towards the roof (i) for at least one third of a distance between the base and the roof and (ii) for at least three quarters of a circle, and wherein the stand comprises two or more perches, wherein the pillar is configured to slidingly receive one or more bird feed tablets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Weichiat Chen
  • Patent number: 8807088
    Abstract: A dispensing toy for an animal. The dispensing toy may include a dispensing pump and a reservoir. The dispensing pump may include a liquid container having a wall and a first opening defined therein. The dispensing pump may also include an actuator having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the actuator is received in the first liquid container opening and the second end of the actuator includes a configuration to be engaged by an animal. The dispensing pump may also include a bore extending from the first end to the second end of the actuator, a gasket coupled to the actuator wherein the gasket exhibits an interference fit with said liquid container wall, and a locking feature affixed to the first end of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen S. Axelrod, Ajay Gajria
  • Patent number: 8677938
    Abstract: A feed block is formed of compacted feed components with a coating of oils or fats that causes the compacted feed components to separate and the feed block to break apart during liquid absorption making the feed block accessible to the animals. Feed blocks have an initial weight that is substantially free of liquid. Liquid is then introduced to the feed block to cause the feed block to absorb liquid and break apart. After a treatment period during which liquid is absorbed into the feed block, a final resulting weight of the feed block is at least 100 percent greater than the initial weight. The feed block with the broken apart feed components and absorbed liquid is provided the to the animals for the simultaneous ingestion of feed and liquid. Feed blocks are formed by introducing feed components coated with the oils or fats in a high pressure press and compacting the coated feed components to form the feed block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Purina Animal Nutrition LLC
    Inventors: Mary Elizabeth Gordon, Kent J. Lanter, Michael Jerina
  • Patent number: 8596220
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of supplying liquid consumable substances to animals using a dispenser device, including storing a volume of viscous fluid in a storage chamber of the dispensing device, capturing a roller ball in a flanged opening at an open end of the dispensing device such that a first surface of the roller ball communicates with the storage chamber, communicating at least a portion of the stored volume to the first surface such that a quantity of the stored volume adheres to the first surface, and exposing a second surface of the roller ball to an animal's tongue such that when the animal licks the second surface, the roller ball rotates with respect to the flanged opening to deliver at least a portion of the adhered quantity to the animal as a reward for a desired exhibited behavior of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher E. Mainini
  • Publication number: 20130199451
    Abstract: A feed block is formed of compacted feed components and includes a moisture level of between about 7 and about 15 percent. Feed blocks have an initial weight, which is substantially free of liquid, and liquid is introduced to the feed block to cause the feed block to absorb liquid. A final resulting weight of the feed block is at least 100 percent greater than the initial weight. The feed block with the absorbed liquid is provided the to the livestock animals for the simultaneous ingestion of feed and liquid. Feed blocks are formed by introducing feed components in a high pressure press and compacting the feed components to form the feed block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Mary Elizabeth Gordon, Kent J. Lanter, Michael Jerina
  • Publication number: 20130199452
    Abstract: A feed block is formed of compacted feed components with a coating of oils or fats that causes the compacted feed components to separate and the feed block to break apart during liquid absorption making the feed block accessible to the animals. Feed blocks have an initial weight that is substantially free of liquid. Liquid is then introduced to the feed block to cause the feed block to absorb liquid and break apart. After a treatment period during which liquid is absorbed into the feed block, a final resulting weight of the feed block is at least 100 percent greater than the initial weight. The feed block with the broken apart feed components and absorbed liquid is provided the to the animals for the simultaneous ingestion of feed and liquid. Feed blocks are formed by introducing feed components coated with the oils or fats in a high pressure press and compacting the coated feed components to form the feed block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Purina Animal Nutrition LLC
    Inventor: Purina Animal Nutrition LLC
  • Patent number: 8491950
    Abstract: A pet treat having a sugar-based edible portion including a palatant material and a support portion. Incorporation of starch provides a hard-candy texture for the edible portion. The pet treat may be formed as a lollipop, a toy, or a lozenge using either a batch process or a continuous process. Features to interest a pet include a resilient mount, or a rotatable mount. An adhesive mount can attach the support to a variety of surfaces. A replaceable cover and rejuvenant container may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Del Monte Corporation
    Inventors: Tracy Grammer, Davor Juravic, William Keehn, Steven Bautista, Eric J. Lew
  • Patent number: 8272349
    Abstract: A bird feeding apparatus for providing nutritious feed material to birds includes a first member and a second member pivotally coupled with the first member. The second member includes a base member and a lip member. The lip member extends upwardly from a first set of edges of the base member. The lip member is circumscribingly received around the first member, when the first member and the second member align with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Vernon Mayes, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120227669
    Abstract: A feed block for attracting game comprising: mixture of grain, corn syrups and sugar, where said mixture is formed into a block; and at least two holes through the block, where the holes provide a means to place the block in a stationary position. The feed block may be suspended with a rope, string or cord by inserting the rope, string or cord through the at least two holes. In one exemplary embodiment, the block is mounted onto a stationary object in an elevated position by using a mounting means. The mounting means may include a bolt, spike or screw and the stationary object may include a tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Harry Ray, Gary Dudderar
  • Publication number: 20120174867
    Abstract: A wildlife feeding block especially suitable for feeding deer is in the form of a log of generally cylindrical shape containing a composite of meal, corn, molasses, a preservative, an attractant, and a binder. The log has a pair of grooves disposed diametrically opposite to each other and extending the length of the log, the grooves are generally semi-circular in cross-section so as to enable the deer to feed on the log by inserting its snout into the grooves and biting off pieces of the log.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: James W. Campbell
  • Patent number: 8201521
    Abstract: An animal attracting device is provided. The animal attracting device may include a body that has an exterior body surface that has at least one recessed portion for the receipt of attractant so that the attractant may be deposited on the exterior body surface and the at least one recessed portion. An attachment member may also be included for attachment to a support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Bryan K. Shirley
  • Patent number: 8146533
    Abstract: According to the invention, an apparatus for providing a frozen edible substance to an animal is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a container, a support element, a securing element, and a mounting element. The container may be configured to receive an edible substance and contain the edible substance during freezing of the edible substance, but be removable from the substance afterwards. The support element may be configured to receive and support the edible substance after freezing. The securing element may be configured to couple with the edible substance during freezing and secure the edible substance to the support element. The mounting element may be configured to couple with the support element and secure the support element to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventors: Lisa L. Beltezore, Caroline A. Shengle
  • Publication number: 20120073505
    Abstract: A suet feeder which comprises a housing having a spring and a suet holder connected to the housing, the suet holder being sized to retain a prepackaged package of suet, a shroud extending about the suet holder and at least a portion of the housing, a spring biasing the shroud upwardly with respect to the housing and suet holder, the shroud having at least one suet access opening to permit access to the suet holder with the shroud being moveable between an open position permitting access to the suet holder and a closed position wherein access to the suet holder is denied, and a cover secured to the shroud. The suet feeder is designed to deter access to the suet by marauders such as squirrels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Côté
  • Publication number: 20110030618
    Abstract: A bird feeding apparatus for providing nutritious feed material to birds includes a first member and a second member pivotally coupled with the first member. The second member includes a base member and a lip member. The lip member extends upwardly from a first set of edges of the base member. The lip member is circumscribingly received around the first member, when the first member and the second member align with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Vernon Mayes, JR.
  • Patent number: 7780027
    Abstract: A wildlife feeder system is disclosed comprised of a first barrel having an open top and an open bottom, a second barrel having an open top and a substantially closed bottom (having orifices as necessary to dispense feed), said barrels being, for example, 30, 55 or 85 gallon steel barrels, the first barrel being axially coupled to the second barrel, the open tops of each barrel being conjoined, a lid adapted to cover the open bottom of the first barrel and rotatable lid handle mechanism adapted to couple the lid proximate the open bottom of the first barrel, a platform and leg support assembly adapted to be coupled circumferentially to the second barrel proximate the longitudinal center thereof, a ladder adapted to be coupled to the platform and leg support assembly, a plurality of removable legs adapted to be coupled to the platform and leg support assembly and a barrel coupling assembly comprising an inner ring (made of plastic or metal) and an outer ring clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Coady
  • Publication number: 20100083904
    Abstract: A pet treat dispensing toy mainly includes a main shell and a bottom shell. The main shell has an upper opening and a bottom opening. The bottom shell is connected around the position of the bottom opening. The bottom shell has a food serving area. When the bottom shell is connected with the main shell, the upper opening can communicate with the food serving area such that a pet's nose can pass the upper opening to allow the pet to lick the pet food put on the food serving area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Cun-Feng Pu, Meng-Feng Lin, Ho-Hsin Liao, Vincent K. Lee
  • Patent number: 7685967
    Abstract: A feed cake assembly includes at least a first portion formed from a first feed material combination and at least a second portion formed from a second feed material combination, the first portion and second portion being fused together to form the feed cake assembly. The first portion is preferably a seed cake portion formed from a first feed material combination and the second portion is preferably a flavor blend portion formed from a second feed material combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Seed Resources, LLC
    Inventor: Frank M Hoogland
  • Publication number: 20090241842
    Abstract: A protected feeder is provided for squirrels which comprises a feeder having a self supporting enclosure for predator protection from hawks or foxes to be positioned adjacent a tree for providing a protected perch with access openings in the cover and a selected portion of ground therein is covered with food. The enclosure member is substantially impervious and protects the squirrels while feeding and protects the squirrel from weather. This invention provides various designs for the protected squirrel feeder adapted to protect the food, one using a tray which is smaller than the self supporting enclosure and a second feeder uses small high-calcium loaded rocks as a ground layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: John F. Ehrreich
  • Patent number: 7481180
    Abstract: An animal feeder includes an open ended food container that is hinge mounted at a normal inclined position on a ground support. The container pivots upwardly about a fixed horizontal transverse axis when the animal tries to remove the container from the support. This unnatural, upwardly pivoting movement discourages further attempts to remove the feeder, and the animal, thus discouraged, continues to feed at the site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Keith Wayne Snipes, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080184938
    Abstract: A pet food holder and pet food containing module releasably carried by the holder that includes seeds or sprouts in a plug or pellet of food containing material in a cup of the module that germinate and grow into a plant that is edible by an animal. The holder includes a mounting arrangement used to releasably mount the holder to an object and a cradle that releasably receives the module. The mounting arrangement includes a mounting plate to which at least one mount is attached that can be a suction cup or hanger. The module includes a cover that is removed to enable germination of the seeds or sprouts. After germination, growth and being eaten by an animal, the module can be removed and replaced with a refill module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: John M. Lipscomb, Stanley L. Suring, Jonathan D. Supanich
  • Publication number: 20080141944
    Abstract: A bird feeder includes a cradle for attachment to a jar of jelly or jam, and one or more perches that are disposed near the opening of the jar when the cradle is attached to the jar so a bird may light on a perch and feed from the jar. The bird feeder may include a flower portion with a circular opening for attracting birds, and may also include one or more connector loops for hanging the bird feeder with the attached jar. The perches may be straight, curved, U-shaped or any other suitable configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: GOLD CREST DISTRIBUTING
    Inventor: Frederic J. Liethen
  • Publication number: 20080127903
    Abstract: A combined applicator and feeder for livestock includes an applicator for livestock treatment compositions, such as insecticide, and a feeder assembly. An optional liquid applicator assembly includes a cover with a weather-impervious upper layer and a liquid-permeable, absorbent lower layer. An optional liquid reservoir communicates with the cover lower layer for saturating same with liquid, such as pesticide. The feeder assembly provides a support for the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Fred W. Mann
  • Patent number: 7367157
    Abstract: An apparatus for watering Christmas trees includes a bottle defining a reservoir and having an opening for allowing fluid to travel outwardly through an elongated flexible hose attached thereto. The apparatus further includes an elongated rigid tube engageable with the hose and a basin housing a tree. The apparatus further includes a stand for supporting the bottle thereon and at an inverted position. The stand includes a top member having a substantially annular portion for receiving the bottle therein and for allowing the tube to be selectively positioned therethrough. The stand further includes a plurality of fastening members for selectively engaging the top member and the base member with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Bruce C. Doan
  • Publication number: 20080053374
    Abstract: A consumption-control feeding dish comprising a bowl structure having an interior wall that defines a concave interior area. The wall has an arcuate shape between an upper peripheral edge portion and a bottom surface. A protrusion is connected to the bottom surface of the interior wall and projects away from the bottom surface into the interior area. The protrusion has a central portion and a plurality of lobes positioned within the interior area and project radially from the central portion toward the interior wall. The lobes, in combination with the interior wall and the protrusion, define a plurality of curvilinear feeding zones shaped to retain food for the animal and sized to prevent the animal from opening its mouth to open position and taking a full bite of the food, thereby requiring the animal to take a plurality of small bites of food to consume the same amount of food in a full bite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Evergreen Innovation Partners I, LP
    Inventors: Nancy Kerrigan, Cory Williamson
  • Publication number: 20070272162
    Abstract: A feed cake assembly includes at least a first portion formed from a first feed material combination and at least a second portion formed from a second feed material combination, the first portion and second portion being fused together to form the feed cake assembly. The first portion is preferably a seed cake portion formed from a first feed material combination and the second portion is preferably a flavor blend portion formed from a second feed material combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: SEED RESOURCES, LLC
    Inventor: Frank M. Hoogland
  • Patent number: 7278374
    Abstract: A non-consumable pet toy (100) includes a resilient first concave-shaped molded member (102) having a first peripheral edge (130) and a resilient second concave-shaped molded member (104) having a second peripheral edge (132). The first and second members have a treat-retaining cavity (101) between them. The treat retaining pet toy also includes a fastener (110, 112) extending centrally through the treat-retaining cavity. The fastener fastens the first member to the second member such that the first peripheral edge is at a predetermined distance from the second peripheral edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Premier Pet Products, LLC
    Inventor: Charles D. Mann
  • Patent number: 7270080
    Abstract: An animal treat dispensing assembly includes a base and a housing attached to and extending upwardly from the top side of the base. The housing has a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The housing has an open upper end defining a fill opening. The front wall has as dispensing opening therein. A pivot rod is positioned in the housing. A pivot member is pivotally coupled to the pivot rod. The pivot member has a top side that is planar. The top side abuts an upper edge of the dispensing opening when the top side is horizontally orientated. A panel is attached to the pivot member and extends outwardly of the dispensing opening. A plurality of animal treats is positioned in the housing, and the panel is moved downwardly so that one of the treats is dispensed outwardly through the dispensing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Matthew J. Kane
  • Patent number: 7124708
    Abstract: A support structure for a pet, wild bird or small animal treat which includes a stem having a first end and a second end. At the first end there is a disk and hanger that fit into a mold. At the second end is a branch member perpendicular to the stem. Food is packed into the mold so that is surrounds the stem and branch. The resulting treat is removed from the mold for packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Kaytee Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Rollmann, Alan M. Mueller
  • Patent number: 7059271
    Abstract: A livestock supplement delivery system that is completely portable and is easily attachable and/or useable with any type of support surface of user choice, such as a fence post or the like. The system includes different embodiments but each embodiment provides the unusual results of protecting any exposed edges that would allow an animal to easily bite off a large chunk thereof. Thus, the animal can only ingest the supplement via licking rather than biting and results in controlled more regulated consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventors: Cathy D. Santa Cruz, Thomas C. Egbert
  • Patent number: 7004110
    Abstract: A feeding apparatus aimed at efficiently supplying feed to chicks in a chick box, which can hold the feed in the chick box and can supply the feed to the chicks in the chick box, wherein the feed is supplied to the chicks in the chick box by means of a feeding apparatus which can maintain the feed at the height of the chicks' beaks when they are standing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Itochu Feed Mills Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Toshimichi Morikoshi, Tamotsu Suzuki, Hiroshi Horikawa
  • Patent number: 6941892
    Abstract: A bird feeder support for supporting a solid bell-shaped bird feeder includes a base having an upper surface, a lower surface and a peripheral edge. Each of a pair of legs has a first and a second end. The first ends are each attached to the base such that each of the legs extends upwardly from the base. Each of the legs is arced such that the second ends abut each other and an inner perimeter edge of the legs is defined. A coupler is adapted for removably securing a bird feeder to the pair of legs such that the bird feeder is suspended between the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Richard R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6889628
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a composition and a method for wearing down rodents' teeth. A corn cob is soaked in an aqueous solution in which salt and/or vitamins and other nutrients are dissolved or suspended. The cob is subsequently dried leaving a cob infused and impregnated with the salt and/or vitamins and other nutrients. The treated cob is then provided to a rodent which chews on it, thus wearing down its teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: ICBP
    Inventor: Roger G. McMorris
  • Patent number: 6817313
    Abstract: A suet bird feeder system for efficiently providing suet plugs for birds to consume. The suet bird feeder system includes a housing unit having at least one opening with a rear wall and a straight or tapered inner wall, a support member extending from the rear wall, and a suet plug having a tapered sidewall formed to fit within the opening. A storage tray preferably has a plurality of storage cavities having a tapered structure for receiving and storing the suet plugs prior to insertion within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventors: Gregory D. Ries, Sara Ries
  • Patent number: 6736088
    Abstract: A caged-animal entertainment assembly that chimes or rings in response to animal engagement of an attractant suspended in the animal cage wherein the attractant may be separated or decoupled from a chiming assembly so the movement of the attractant by the caged animal no longer generates a chiming sound. When the attractant is attached or coupled to the chiming assembly, the animal generates the chiming sound by moving the attractant which, in turn, moves a support that is connected to a striker. The striker strikes the chimes or a bell to create the chiming sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas S. McGregor, Holly K. Gersch
  • Patent number: 6672254
    Abstract: A moisture actuated imaging device comprising a base sheet having a latent image provided on the surface of the sheet, a water soluble colorant material adapted to expose the latent image and an attractant for inducing a pet animal to lick the base sheet whereby the water soluble colorant is caused to render the latent image visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Becky L. Butts
  • Patent number: 6591779
    Abstract: An animal feeder and particularly a bird feeder having a construction that allows bird seed cakes of various ornamental designs to freely hang while providing a separate area for multiple visiting birds to perch. The grid-patterned perch hangs around the cake, thereby minimizing both premature destruction of the cake and obstructions to a view of the visiting birds and the decoratively shaped seed cake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Seed Resources, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Frank Michael Hoogland
  • Publication number: 20030127055
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to animal feeders and particularly to a bird feeder having a construction that allows bird seed cakes of various ornamental designs to freely hang while providing a separate area for multiple visiting birds to perch. The grid-patterned perch hangs around the cake, thereby minimizing both premature destruction of the cake and obstructions to a view of the visiting birds and the decoratively shaped seed cake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Frank Michael Hoogland
  • Patent number: 6588368
    Abstract: A drinking fountain is designed for use by a pet and is formed of water container and a spout structure. The spout structure includes a spout tube, a hollow seat, and a ball. The spout tube is in communication with the water container and is provided in the inner wall with two locating projections between which the hollow seat is located. The hollow seat is provided in the inner wall with an annular stop edge. The ball is movably disposed in the seat such that the ball is stopped and supported by the annular stop edge, and that the ball is partially exposed through the bottom end of the spout tube so as to enable the ball to be licked by the pet, thereby resulting in the passage of water through the bottom end of the spout tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Chen Hui Cheng
  • Patent number: D546508
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Talisker Bay International Limited
    Inventor: Andrew James Robertson