Abstract: An apparatus for baiting and/or feeding target animals comprises: a trough to contain bait and/or feed; and a closure which can be urged by at least one said target animal so as to move from a closed position, in which it precludes access to the bait and/or feed by the target animal(s), to an open position, which is such that said access is enabled, the apparatus being configured such that the closure offers a resistance to being moved which is sufficient that it cannot be urged by another animal to move from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using a feeder system for animals are described. The modular system includes frame having a plurality of walls and a trolley system having a net system and shock system. The trolley system is movable relative to the plurality of walls in order to move the net system towards and away from a floor and a roof. More specifically, the trolley system allows the net system to be moved upwards towards the roof, after which food can be inserted into the frame. Once the food is appropriately located, the trolley system allows the net system to be moved downwardly until it is on top of the food to regulate the rate at which an animal consumes the food. The walls may have releasable fasteners that can be used to releasably secure the walls to one another, and the trolley system to one of the walls.

Abstract: A height adjustability mechanism including a height adjustability mechanism including a spring-biased first lever including a first lever body comprising a first rod hole including a first hole perimeter face pivotally engaged with a guide rail extending through the first rod hole, a spring-biased second lever including a second lever body including a second rod hole including a second hole perimeter face pivotally engaged with the guide rail extending through the second rod hole, wherein the spring bias of the first lever frictionally engages the first hole perimeter face against the guide rail, and wherein the spring bias of the second lever frictionally engages the second hole perimeter face against the guide rail.

Abstract: The subject livestock feeding device consists of a body member and a flexible feed rate control member to optimize the feeding rate of hay through the top of the body member. The flexible feed rate control member conforms to the volume and shape of the hay within the device providing a simulated-natural feeding environment for horses to nibble hay. The flexible feed rate control member is operationally retractable to quickly facilitate top loading of hay into the body member.

Abstract: A feeding device for working animals comprises a conveyor with a plurality of receiving regions for a feed, where the receiving regions are arranged along the conveyor chain and are accessible from above for the working animals, a feed supply device for supplying feed to the receiving regions, and a guide device for guiding the conveyor along a predetermined path. The guide device guides the conveyor in a first path section of the predetermined path parallel and in a horizontal direction adjacent to a second path section of the predetermined path. The conveyor is guided in the first path section in a first conveying direction which is opposed to a second conveying direction in which the conveyor is guided in the second path section.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide livestock or wildlife feeder implements that are configured to attach to the three-point hitch of a conventional tractor or to another type of vehicle. In some embodiments, a mobile feeder implement includes a hopper for holding a quantity of livestock feed, and one or more hay spears capable of holding one or more bales of hay to a desired location. The mobile feeder implement is remotely controlled by a user to dispense a desired amount of feed from the hopper at any desired location, without the user having to leave the safety of the tractor or other vehicle. Similarly, the mobile feeder implement allows the user to place the bale of hay where desired without having to leave the safety of the tractor or other vehicle.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a plant material feeder for animals including a plant material bunker, a feeder cone and a base.

Abstract: A feeder for animals has an enclosure that receives feed material. The enclosure has at least one vertical feed surface that retains the feed material and provides access to animals to the feed material. The vertical feed surface is movable in a horizontal direction. A biasing device is attached to the vertical feed surface. The biasing device moves the vertical feed surface horizontally as the feed material is depleted within the enclosure.

Abstract: A cattle feeder comprising two end walls and two side walls that are configured to slide laterally inward and outward in relation to the two end walls. The two side walls comprise a plurality of support members that create a distance between the side walls and feed within the feeder. Two horizontal push bars are connected to the support members on the inside of the feeder and are configured to push feed inward as the two side walls slide inward.

Abstract: Farmers utilize a rack to provide limited access to a bale to feeding livestock. A rack for feeding a bale to animals is provided including at least one rotating weight-activated rail containing the bale within the rack. The rotating weight-activated rail includes at least one arm projecting downward under the bale. A weight of the bale acting upon the arm projecting downward under the bale causes the rotating weight-activated rail to rotate against the bale and contain the bale while the livestock is feeding.

Abstract: An elevated pet feeding apparatus including an elevated base, a plurality of legs disposed on a lower surface of the base, a pair of lower support columns disposed on an upper surface of the base, a pair of upper support columns, a pair of pins configured to adjustably mount the pair of upper support columns within the pair of lower support columns, a pair of V-shaped support frames rotatably secured to a top side of the pair of upper support columns, a platform disposed atop the pair of support frames, and a pair of circular apertures disposed in the platform.

Abstract: A hay bale holder having an enclosure that retains a hay bale within chain link fencing is disclosed. The hay bale holder includes a spring mechanism that causes the chain link fencing to tightly retain the hale bale. Hay can then pass through openings in fencing to allow animals to remove portions of hay from a comfortable height without excessive waste.

Abstract: A system and method of feeding rolled bales of hay to livestock while simultaneously storing the hay off of the ground. The hay is presented in such a way that the livestock can graze on the hay bales at will, much as they would graze in a grass field. The system of storing and offering the hay bales is modular, and may be added to or subtracted from depending upon the size of the herd of livestock. Additionally, the invention is designed to be placed along an existing fence-line for simple access to the feeding system. This allows the system to act as a simple pass-through for hay bales for feeding purposes, as opposed to requiring that bales be physically picked up and placed on a feeder for each individual feeding. A trough for water or other types of feed may also be built directly into the system.

Abstract: A freestanding trough has an elongate trough body 12 and transverse restraints 14. The trough body has a bottom portion 16 integrally formed with two side wall portions 18 from a resilient semi-rigid sheet. The restraints 14 extends transversely across the inside of the trough, intermediate the ends of the trough body 23, lower than upper edges of the side wall portions but higher than the bottom portion. The side wall portions 18 are restrained from moving outward, away from a longitudinal centreline of the trough, at least in part by a tension in the restraint 14 and the side wall portions are maintained upright in part by the tension in the restraint, and in part by the resilient semi-rigidity of the sheet.

Abstract: Devices for providing feed to farm animals, particularly large farm animals are disclosed. In the invention, an enclosure for the feed is provided. In one embodiment of the invention the feed rests directly on the ground. In another embodiment of the invention, the feed is placed on a rack or grate a distance above the ground. The feed is surrounded by a fence that denies access to the feed except as will be described hereafter. At least one pivoting access grate is moved into contact with the feed to prevent the feed from being blown around by the wind or scattered by the animals and also to limit access to the feed. The access grate is a series of bars that are preferably spaced at desirable distances to provide optimal access to the feed by the animals. In one embodiment of the invention, this access grate may be limited in movement to control the amount of feed that an animal or animals is allowed to eat during a given time.

Abstract: A tower feed rack enables a user to efficiently provide feed to animals. The tower feed rack comprises rack panels are mechanically coupled to support beams in order to provide stability to the tower feed rack. The tower feed rack is elevated from ground by rack legs mechanically coupled to the rack panels. A feed trap is located proximate the support beams in order to direct the feed from proximate the support beams to animals. In this manner, the feed can be inserted through the top of the rack panels and the feed will be directed downward into the feed trap where the feed can be consumed by animals without animal waste or material on the ground contaminating the feed.

Abstract: A livestock feeder receiving one or more large bales therein includes a base, a bunk wall extending upwardly from the base to surround a lower bunk area, a hopper wall spaced above the bunk wall to surround an upper hopper area while allowing the large bale to fall through to the lower bunk area. The bottom end of the hopper wall is spaced upwardly and inwardly in relation to the top end of the bunk wall therebelow to allow access of the head of feeding livestock therebetween. The feeder construction permits bales to be readily centered within the bunk area by the hopper for even feeding access by animals about the perimeter. Also by allowing the bales to fall through the hopper, the bales can be fully recessed below the height of the hopper wall for protection from wind erosion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a feed device for feeding horses. The feed device includes a base for supporting the feed device on the ground, a divider and a cage structure. The cage structure includes a front feed wall, a rear feed wall, a first sidewall and a second sidewall, and the divider is disposed within the cage structure forming between the divider, the front feed wall, a portion of the first sidewall and a portion of the second sidewall a first feeding chamber for storing hay and forming between the divider, the rear feed wall, a further portion of the first sidewall and a further portion of the second sidewall a second feeding chamber for storing hay. The divider providing a spring force to push the hay stored within the first and second chambers towards the front and rear feed walls respectively.

Abstract: A feeder for livestock, the feeder comprises a lower portion including a sidewall having a top portion and a bottom portion, at least a portion of said sidewall forming a feed-receiving enclosure. A plurality of spaced-apart first bars, each said first bar extend inwardly from the top portion of said sidewall and are spaced sufficiently apart to allow an animal to place its head therebetween during feeding. An upper portion includes a top member and an intermediate member having a substantially smaller perimeter than a perimeter of the top portion of said sidewall. At least some of said first bars extend between said sidewall and said intermediate member. A plurality of spaced-apart second bars are also provided, each said second bar extending between said intermediate member and said top member spaced close enough to prevent feeding from the top portion.

Abstract: A portable livestock feeder has a frame supported by a plurality of wheels with a trailer hitch at one end. First and second feed troughs are positioned on each side of a longitudinal center of the frame with racks positioned above the troughs. The feed troughs are supported at their front ends by a first pair of pin members and at their rear ends by a second pair of pin members. The feed troughs are pivotable by a hydraulic mechanism about the pin members between a normal feeding position and a bottom dumping position. One of the pin members is movable between first and second stops that limit lateral movement of the feed troughs toward and away from the longitudinal center of the feeder. An adjustable cam member is arranged to engage another one of the pin members for causing the troughs to move between narrow and wide width settings.

Abstract: A domed hay bale feeder cover comprising: a circular base unit; a plurality of curved beams attached to said circular base unit, where said plurality of curved beams intersect at a central point; a bolt through said central point affixing each of said curved beams together; a flexible covering placed over said curved beams; and a plurality of stretchable cords, wherein said stretchable cords attach said covering to said circular base unit. In one particular embodiment, the diameter of the circular base unit may equal a diameter of a cattle feeder that is on the subject of the feeder. The curved beams may be soldered at a junction point to the circular base unit. The curved beams may be arranged with a 45-degree separation beam at the junction points.

Abstract: A holder for a block of feed is provided by a wire cage having criss-cross wires defining a back, a bottom, a side, a top, and an open front for the cage through which the wildlife can access the block of feed. The cage mounts the feed a desired distance above ground level on a stake placed in the ground and having a closed top end. The cage has a receptacle for the stake extending along and rearwardly from the wires forming the back of the receptacle. The stake receptacle extends along the entire length of the back and has a cross-section complementary to the cross-section of the stake so that a firm support for the receptacle and the block of feed contained therein is provided without the need for nailing the receptacle to the side of a tree or an existing structure, thus enabling the feed to be placed wherever desired to facilitate feeding of the animals or observing the animals while feeding especially for game harvesting applications.

Abstract: A round bale sled that is a combination round bale feeder and transport device. In one embodiment, the bale sled includes a bale holding portion and a base. The bale holding portion is configured to hold a round bale. The base is coupled to the bale holding portion. The base is configured to allow the bale sled to be pulled in a select direction. Moreover, the base is further configured to allow for a pivot loading of the round bale in the bale holding portion.

Abstract: The number of piglets dying at birth is reduced by providing a temperature sensor in a farrowing crate at the piglet area thereof on a movable cover so that, when the sow is expected to give birth, the sensor is located in the crate at a location to detect the presence of one or more piglets after birth. On detection by a control unit using the sensor signal of the one or more piglets, the sensor communicates a signal to a pager carried by an operator indicating to the operator that birth of piglets is in progress and activates a heating lamp for the piglets in the pen to attract them away from the area of the sow to reduce crushing. The control unit and the sensor also control the heat output. The cover can slide along the piglet area and can lift to expose the piglet area.

Abstract: The J Bale Feeder is designed to minimize waste when feeding round bales to a small number of animals and/or to a variety of species, and to eliminate the need for expensive round bale handling equipment at the site where the animals are fed. The feeder consists of a V-shaped round bale cradle on wheels with a roof, a grate below the bale to catch falling hay and a hitch convenient for a regular sized pick-up or even smaller utility vehicle. To further minimize waste, the V-shaped cradle has adjustable openings for the animals to access the bale. A grated, hinged door in the back of the cradle, which opens wide to allow easy loading, combined with a similar grate on the front of the cradle, ensures that animals eat from the adjustable openings rather than the ends of the bale.

Abstract: A feeder for livestock, the feeder comprises a lower portion including a sidewall having a top portion and a bottom portion, at least a portion of said sidewall forming a feed-receiving enclosure. A plurality of spaced-apart first bars, each said first bar extend inwardly from the top portion of said sidewall and are spaced sufficiently apart to allow an animal to place its head therebetween during feeding. An upper portion includes a top member and an intermediate member having a substantially smaller perimeter than a perimeter of the top portion of said sidewall. At least some of said first bars extend between said sidewall and said intermediate member. A plurality of spaced-apart second bars are also provided, each said second bar extending between said intermediate member and said top member spaced close enough to prevent feeding from the top portion.

Abstract: A ground feeder ring is provided for use with round bales of hay positioned on the ground in the field for feeding the hay to horses with a minimum of waste. The feeder ring is preferably assembled in the field around a previously positioned round hay bale and is formed from several individual ring segments that, when assembled, define a ring encircling the bale. Each ring segment is formed with corresponding overlap regions at the respective ends thereof with fastener openings formed therein to permit the connection of adjacent ring segments. The assembled ring prevents horses from accessing the bottom portion of the round bale that causes waste of the hay, thus reducing feeding costs. The ring segments can be manufactured from plastic formed during a rotational molding process to provide a durable double wall, lightweight device that can be easily transported and assembled in the field.

Abstract: A device for placing food on a floor within reach of one or more animals that are feeding along a feeding rail. The device is mounted on or near the feeding rail and has an extendable and retractable arm connected to a plow. The arm is storable above the floor and does not have moving parts located on the floor. The device may move along the length of the feed rail, as well.

Abstract: An ergonomic horse/animal feeder adapted for receiving a lower portion and jaw of two or more horse heads in a natural headset. The feeder is angular in shape and includes a horizontal bottom, a backside, an ergonomic feed front side, a first side and an opposite second side. A curved lip is disposed around a top of the angular sides. The backside is angled upwardly and outwardly from the horizontal bottom in a range of 60 to less than 90 degrees from the horizontal. A lower portion of the feed front side of the feeder is angled upwardly in a range of 60 to less than 90 degrees from the horizontal. An upper portion of the feed front side is angled upwardly and outwardly in a range of 30 to 60 degrees from the horizontal. This upward and outward angle of the feed front side allows the lower portion of the horse's head and jaw to be received inside the feeder for feeding in the natural headset.

Abstract: An elevated feeder or framework holds the round bales of feedstock off the ground while providing a convenient height for the livestock to feed from. The bale feeder is made by rigidly connecting tubular elements, of the same or different diameters together, at any angle, without the use of special fasteners. The elevated feeder holds the bales with the flat ends in a position that is the most convenient for the livestock to consume the feedstock. The elevated feeder keeps the feedstock bales off the ground by supporting the feedstock on an adjustable, flexible mesh bale support, with openings to permit rain and water to drain away from the feedstock. The mesh bale support length is adjusted by moving the mesh support clamping bars closer to or farther away from the ends of the mesh raises or lowers the bale to accommodate the feeding height of the livestock being fed.

Abstract: The Bale-Buddy is an animal feeder with removable adjustable legs, a movable hinged floor powered by suspension or compression springs, weights, elastic bands or other power source variations thereof, a rearward and upward slanted grill and a trough that catches small bits preventing loss of feed on the ground and constructed in various lengths to accommodate group or solo feeding. The powered hinged floor can be fixed in its lowered position for bulk filling the feeder from the rear as well as from the top. When released from its lowered filling position the powered hinged floor raises feed upward and forward to the back slanted grill as feed at the grill is consumed. By raising the feed upward and forward, every bit is reachable by the animal(s) leaving no amount of feed to decay. The feeder can be constructed in various lengths thereby accommodating the simultaneous feeding of multiple animals. To accommodate a different type of animal like sheep, llamas, deer, alpacas, horses, etc.

Abstract: A livestock feeder is provided having a receptacle, a grate, a platform and an elevator mechanism. The receptacle has a chamber and an open mouth portion communicating with the chamber. The grate encompasses the open mouth portion. The platform is provided in the chamber for supporting livestock feed. The elevator mechanism is provided between the receptacle and the platform to urge the platform within the receptacle toward the grate to press the livestock feed against the grate.

Abstract: A portable bale feeder comprises a semicircular barrier having a pair of terminal ends and a center frame section, a pair of wheels attached adjacent to the terminal ends, and an anchoring stake. The semicircular barrier further includes a plurality of semicircular horizontal bars joined by a plurality of cross links. A plurality of slant bars is attached between two or more or the horizontal bars to create a plurality of feeder openings. In one embodiment, a flexible cover deployment and retrieval system is attached to the feeder. In another embodiment, the flexible cover deployment and retrieval system is attached to an inverted U frame member that is attached to the terminal ends of the semicircular barrier. The flexible cover deployment and retrieval system includes a boom for holding a spool of plastic sheeting, or a reel mechanism pivotally attached to the inverted U frame member.

Abstract: An elevated feeder or framework holds the round bales of feedstock off the ground while providing a convenient height for the livestock to feed from. The bale feeder is made by rigidly connecting tubular elements, of the same or different diameters together, at any angle, without the use of special fasteners. The elevated feeder holds the bales with the flat ends in a position that is the most convenient for the livestock to consume the feedstock. The elevated feeder keeps the feedstock bales off the ground by supporting the feedstock on an adjustable, flexible mesh bale support, with openings to permit rain and water to drain away from the feedstock. The mesh bale support length is adjusted by moving the mesh support clamping bars closer to or farther away from the ends of the mesh raises or lowers the bale to accommodate the feeding height of the livestock being fed.

Abstract: A structure for feeding and watering animals, such as cows, goats or lamas which is provided with feeding troughs and comprises an imaginary vertical axis around which the feeding troughs are disposed at a fixed distance therefrom. The individual feeding troughs are overlapping whereby every other one is at a height above the two adjacent feeding troughs. The animals are able to position themselves side by side around the structure and to feed at the feeding troughs so that they are almost touching each other. The feeding troughs are substantially identical to each other and partitions are provided between adjacent feeding troughs so that the animals will not impede adjacent animals eating at an adjacent feeding trough or be able to eat fodder from an adjacent feeding trough. The number of feeding troughs in the disclosed structure is fourteen.

Abstract: Improved livestock feeding devices comprise a container suitable for storing feed such as, for example, hay or grain and an extension portion surrounding the container. Generally, the extension portion has a shape that defines a plurality of separate eating stations for the livestock. In some embodiments, the extension portion can be an undulating extension having a wave-like shape comprising regions of increased extension and regions of decreased extension. Due to the presence of the extension portion, livestock such as, for example, horses can be separated during feeding which reduces potential injury and/or eating interruptions that can occur when livestock use existing feeders. Additionally, the extension can have a shape adapted to collect feed that falls out of the mouth of a feeding animal, which can reduce the amount of feed that contacts the ground surrounding the feeder.

Abstract: A planting assembly (10) including a flexible trough member (12) which may selectively form a plurality of members which may be then selectively interconnected in any desired manner.

Abstract: A hay saver insert is adapted to be removably positioned on and within a conventional cylindrical hay feeder. The insert includes an upper end portion which rests upon the upper end of the conventional feeder and a conical-shaped portion which extends downwardly into the interior of the feeder. Hay is placed within the insert and the animals have access thereto. Hay being pulled from the insert by the animals may fall into the area between the conical-shaped portion of the insert and the interior of the feeder which prevents the hay from being trampled.

Abstract: A hay saver insert is adapted to be removably positioned on and within a conventional cylindrical hay feeder. The insert includes an upper end portion which rests upon the upper end of the conventional feeder and a conical-shaped portion which extends downwardly into the interior of the feeder. Hay is placed within the insert and the animals have access thereto. Hay being pulled from the insert by the animals may fall into the area between the conical-shaped portion of the insert and the interior of the feeder which prevents the hay from being trampled.

Abstract: A round bale hay feeder is designed for utilization specifically by horses. The round bale feeder is formed with a generally horizontal cylindrical body that is supported above the ground by support legs that positioned the cylindrical body at a height to permit horses to paw at the hay without subjecting their legs to injury. The cylindrical body is formed from a series of parallel rings that are horizontally spaced a sufficient distance to provide for an open feeding by horses. A roof is mounted on the cylindrical body to shield the hay partially from the elements. A perforated floor covers the bottom of the cylindrical body to retain the hay within the body while allowing the passage of air to the hay.

Abstract: Improved livestock feeding devices comprise a container suitable for storing feed such as, for example, hay or grain and an extension portion surrounding the container. Generally, the extension portion has a shape that defines a plurality of separate eating stations for the livestock. In some embodiments, the extension portion can be an undulating extension having a wave-like shape comprising regions of increased extension and regions of decreased extension. Due to the presence of the extension portion, livestock such as, for example, horses can be separated during feeding which reduces potential injury and/or eating interruptions that can occur when livestock use existing feeders. Additionally, the extension can have a shape adapted to collect feed that falls out of the mouth of a feeding animal, which can reduce the amount of feed that contacts the ground surrounding the feeder.

Abstract: A hay feed trough whose construction and materials render the trough more resistant to weather, as well as provides improved retention of fodder to reduce waste. The feed trough includes a support frame having longitudinal members oriented in a longitudinal direction of the trough and transverse members oriented in a transverse direction of the trough, a bin supported by and within the support frame and adapted for containing hay or other fodder material, and a one-piece platform that is removably supported beneath the bin for detachably supporting the platform from at least one of the support frame and bin. The platform is molded from a weather-resistant polymeric material, and is formed to have a sectioned configuration that provides features for supporting the platform, promoting hay retention on the platform, and separating the platform into multiple smaller platforms.

Abstract: A prism shaped open tubular frame livestock feeder including a cover extending over opposite ends of the feeder permitting livestock to access forage held in the feeder. The feeder includes a removable base to support the forage, removable cover over the feeder and sides of the feeder where livestock cannot access the forage, covered end portions where livestock can access forage and a flexible weather curtain on ends of the feeder accessible by the livestock that can be moved by livestock to access the forage.

Abstract: A hay feed trough whose construction and materials render the trough more resistant to weather, as well as provides improved retention of fodder to reduce waste. The feed trough includes a support frame having longitudinal members oriented in a longitudinal direction of the trough and transverse members oriented in a transverse direction of the trough, a bin supported by and within the support frame and adapted for containing hay or other fodder material, and a one-piece platform that is removably supported beneath the bin with means for detachably supporting the platform from at least one of the support frame and bin. The platform is preferably molded from a weather-resistant polymeric material, and is formed to have a sectioned configuration that provides features for supporting the platform, promoting hay retention on the platform, and separating the platform into multiple smaller platforms.

Abstract: An animal feeder for providing feed to animals includes a plurality of side and end walls defining an interior chamber. A perforated plate defines a bottom wall of the chamber and is moveable therein. A grate defines a top wall of the chamber and allows access to feed material contained in the chamber. A spring mechanism biases the plate toward the grate such that feed material located within the chamber is continuously provided to an animal feeding at the level of the grate.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling automatically the delivery of feed, such as hay flakes, to a feeding receptacle. The apparatus includes an housing having an upper feed receiving portion and a lower feed delivering portion, the lower portion having an opening for passage of feed into the receptacle. A first door is disposed in the housing between the upper feed receiving portion and the lower feed delivering portion, the door being movable between a closed condition preventing feed from entering the lower portion and an opened condition permitting feed to enter the lower portion. A second door disposed in the upper feed receiving portion enables delivery of feed thereto. A cable interconnects the first and second door to hold one door in a closed condition when the other door is opened. An electromagnet, coupled to an electrical timer, controls operation of the first door so that feed is delivered automatically to the receptacle at a predetermined time.

Abstract: A livestock feeder has a trough having a downwardly sloping section of a feeding surface ending in a lowermost portion disposed below a suspended horizontal bottom hay bale stop bar. The horizontal bottom hay bale stop bar is positioned above and not in contact with the feeding surface of the trough. The animals may feed directly from the hay bale by reaching below the bottom stop bar or may feed through the inner frame, by reaching above the stop bar. The outer cage and inner frame define a livestock feeding region which functions such that when the livestock are feeding, loosened and dropped seed and hay flow down the downwardly sloping feeding surface, towards the front wall of the trough and into the lowermost portion where they are retained until they are consumed by the livestock without wastage. The feeder has access for feeding by the livestock limited to the front wall side of the feeder, resulting in easy, safe accessibility by vehicles used for loading the feeder or transporting the feeder.

Abstract: A round bale feeding device including upwardly extending slant bars that support the horizontally disposed rings. The bars extend at an angle from the bottom ring to the top ring, performing not only the support function for the rings but also providing the slant bar feature in the feeding zone. The slant bars are angularly affixed to the rings by means of molded plastic alignment brackets which provide connection and support to the feeder. The brackets simultaneously function as a secure clamp and an angle alignment device for properly positioning the rings and slant bars as the device is assembled.

Abstract: A portable collapsible livestock feeder comprising a rear panel hingedly attached to a lower container, and a restrainer fibrous feed attached to the rear panel. At least one hinge attaches the rear panel to the lower container. The rear panel is adjacent the lower container in a closed position, and is angularly related to the lower container in an open position. The feeder may be maintained in the open position. The feeder is maintained in the closed position by two L-shaped brackets which are rotatably mounted to the rear panel and which have a locking and a hanging position. In the locking position, the L-shaped brackets engage the lower container when the feeder is in the closed position. In the hanging position, the L-shaped brackets provide for hanging the feeder when the feeder is in the open position. In the preferred embodiment, the rear panel comprises an upper container.

Abstract: The collapsible livestock feeder having a plurality of feeder sections pivotally secured to one another. Each feeder section includes a feed retainer and a hold back. The feeder section retains feed therein for access by an animal. When the feed in the retainer has been eaten, the animal uses the hold back to move the feeder section inward to access additional feed. The feeder sections thereby collapse around the feed, and do not require movement of the entire feeder to access feed at the interior. The modularity of the feeder also allows for ease of take-down, transport and set up.