PET FOOD DISPENSER
The apparatus of the present invention is a pet pantry having storage containers for pet-related equipment, accessories, medication, or other items, and also pet food storage and dispensing. The food dispensing mechanism allows for measured food dispensing, providing volume adjustment mechanisms to dispense a desired quantity of pet food. The food dispensing mechanism is a single movement handle or button dispensing the desired quantity of food. The pet pantry is also modular allowing for adjustments to a pet owner's specification.
This applications claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/012,157, filed Dec. 7, 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to an integrated pet food storage, retrieval, measurement, and dispensing system. It provides a convenient means for feeding pets, particularly, but not limited to, dogs and cats, while also storing pet supplies and accessories.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIncreasingly, daily life has become considerably more fast-paced and activity driven. People welcome the chance to make a daily routine more convenient, and one's life a little easier. Dog owners are no exception. Pet foods and supplies have always presented challenges in both storage and use. Dog food, as an example, can be a nuisance to store and scoop out. Similarly, pet accessories and toys are easily misplaced or left lying around when not in use.
Various storage products exist for pet food. Generally, these products consist of a plastic bin with a cover, sometimes with wheels making the bin portable. There are also products used to store pet supplies—mostly toys in a toy storage bin. Few combine food and supply storage in one entity. Some of these products provide a method for storing and raising pet food so it may be scooped. Other storage containers dispense food at a floor level.
None have an automated, integrated system that provides a countertop height convenience of storing, measuring, and dispensing of pet food while also including storage compartments for pet supplies and accessories, some of which are child-resistant.
Therefore, a device having refillable pet food storage chambers or multiple chambers that can automatically raise food within the chamber and automatically fills a food measurement compartment is desired.
Further, a device that can measure and dispense certain volumes of food is desired.
A device that contains a low food indicator or window and a removable liner for the food storage chamber is also desired.
Moreover, a device that contains both food and accessory storage compartments with child-lock features is desired.
Last, a device that is ergonomically designed including the above features with aesthetic appeal is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe invention comprises, in one form thereof an apparatus for pet food and pet-related item storage comprising: a food storage chamber; a means for raising food in the food storage chamber; a food measurement compartment; a food chute; a means for adjusting volume in the food measurement compartment; a food dispensing handle; a shut off cover; and a item storage compartment.
More particularly, the invention includes a compression spring for elevating the food, and a dial and gear adjustment assembly for food measurement.
In another form, the invention includes a method for dispensing pet food comprising the steps of: providing pet food in a food storage chamber; elevating food into a food measurement compartment; moving a food dispensing handle having a food chute release activator towards a food chute release; extending a shut-off cover; engaging the food chute release and the food chute release activator; and moving the food dispensing handle engaged with the food chute release to open a food chute.
An advantage of the present invention is that the apparatus provides for storage of pet food that may optionally contain a removable storage liner, measuring of a desired quantity of pet food and then allowing for easy movement of a handle to dispense the measured quantity of pet food.
A further advantage of the present invention is that the pet pantry contains multiple storage containing units to house pet related equipment, accessories, toys, medications, and other items, and can also have child resistant features.
An even further advantage of the present invention is that the pantry can contain multiple storage and dispensing units within one pantry to house multiple types of food for owners having various types of pets requiring different types of pet food.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the pet pantry is conveniently sized so that the food is dispensed at a level convenient for adults, and also can include a low food indicator to alert the pet owner to refill the food.
The present invention is disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The example set out herein illustrates one embodiment of the invention but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe food dispensing handle 20 further has a food chute release activator 19 that, as will be explained in fuller detail below, operates the food chute release 1 to dispense the pet food. The food storage chamber 22 may optionally contain a removable food chamber liner 11. The removable food chamber liner 11 assisting in preventing unwanted debris or small food particles from falling below the angled food platform 10 in the food storage chamber 22. The angled food platform 10 in food storage chamber 22 defines the lower end of the food storage chamber 22. Under the angled food platform 10 is a compression spring 9, which elevates the food in the food storage chamber 22. At the top of the food storage chamber 22 is a food platform stop 16 used to prevent the angled food platform 10 from moving further upwards. The pet pantry 100 also contains a removable top storage console 17 and removable top storage console lid 18. The storage console 17 and lid 18 are placed in this embodiment above the food storage chamber 22. Furthermore, the storage console 17 and lid 18, may have child resistance features so that children cannot easily access the contents of the storage console 17 so that pet medications or other potentially harmful substances cannot be accessed by children. Under the food measurement compartment 23 is a measuring housing 26 which contains mechanics for the food measuring capabilities. Though the food measurement compartment 23 and measuring housing 26 are shown separately, the measuring means and food measurement compartment 23 may be incorporated into a single housing or chamber. Below the measuring housing 26, are three storage components 6,7, 8 that can house any pet related materials.
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As will be appreciated by those in the arts, though the embodiment explained herein contains a single movement dispensing system, other methods can be used for food dispensing. With respect to the handle movement, the handle could require a push feature instead of a pull feature or even pushed or pulled from left to right or vice versa to activate the shut-off cover 2 and to open the food chute 3. Moreover, the pet pantry 100 could have a push button feature for activating the shut-off cover 2 and cause the food chute 3 to open, thereby dispensing the food 25. The push button feature could be either an electronic or manual button causing the chute 3 to open and the shut-off cover 2 to activate. Another dispensing mechanism could include a pedal feature operating in the same manner as the handle. Moreover, the food dispensing handle 20, shut-off cover 21, and food chute release 1 could all be integrated into unitary piece performing the same functions described above.
Regarding the food dispensing action itself, other methods may be interchanged with the features described above. For instance, the food chute 3 could be opened in the opposite manner where the food chute release connecter 4 is attached to the top of the food chute 3 releasing the bottom of the food chute 3. Alternatively, the food chute 3 could be placed on the side or other convenient location of the pet pantry 100. As another measure, the food chute 3 could be within the food measurement compartment and would allow for the food 25 in the food measurement compartment 23 to fall to the bottom of the pet pantry 100 into container or a lower area for easy dispensing.
While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof to adapt to particular situations without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.
Parts List
- 100 Pet Pantry
- 1 Food Chute Release
- 2 Shut-Off Cover
- 3 Food Chute
- 4 Food Chute Release Connector
- 5 Food Measurement Selector Dial
- 6 Storage Compartment
- 7 Storage Compartment
- 8 Storage Compartment
- 9 Compression Spring
- 10 Angled Food Platform
- 11 Removable Food Chamber Liner
- 12 Food Measurement Selector Dial Adjustment Gear
- 13 Food Measurement Compartment Lift Mechanism
- 14 Food Measurement Compartment Angled Platform
- 15 Divider
- 16 Food Platform Stop
- 17 Removable Top Storage Console
- 18 Removable Top Storage Console Lid
- 19 Food Chute Release Activator
- 20 Food Dispensing Handle
- 21 Shut-Off Cover Activator
- 22 Food Storage Chamber
- 23 Food Measurement Compartment
- 24 Low Food Indicator
- 25 Food
- 26 Measuring Housing
- S1 Spring
- S2 Spring
- S3 Spring
Claims
1. An apparatus for pet food and pet-related item storage comprising:
- a food storage chamber;
- a means for raising food in the food storage chamber;
- a food measurement compartment;
- a food chute;
- a means for adjusting volume in the food measurement compartment;
- a food dispensing handle;
- a shut off cover; and
- a item storage compartment.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
- a shut off cover between the food storage chamber and food dispensing compartment.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for raising the food in the food storage chamber is automatic.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the elevating means is a calibrated spring.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the food chute is connected to a food chute release.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the food dispensing handle and food chute release engage to open the food chute.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the volume adjusting means comprises a dial adjustment and lift mechanism.
8. A method of dispensing pet food comprising the steps of:
- providing pet food in a food storage chamber having a means for elevating food into a food measurement compartment;
- moving a food dispensing handle having a food chute release activator towards a food chute release;
- extending a shut-off cover;
- engaging the food chute release and the food chute release activator; and
- moving the food dispensing handle engaged with the food chute release to open a food chute.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the food dispensing handle is connected to a shut off cover.
10. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of adjusting volume in the food measurement compartment.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of adjusting volume comprises:
- turning a food measurement selector dial to a desired volume; and
- lifting a platform in the food measurement compartment to increase or decrease the space within the food measurement compartment to the desired volume.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 3, 2008
Publication Date: Jun 11, 2009
Inventors: Michael S. Mahle (Fairport, NY), Craig Rubino (Allston, MA)
Application Number: 12/327,014
International Classification: A01K 5/00 (20060101);