US 9,173,377 B2 · Feeder cover

Abstract

An animal feeder includes a feed container containing animal feed for use in spreading the animal feed onto the ground over which the animal feeder is positioned. A housing moves between open and closed positions, wherein the closed position, the housing is positioned so that it substantially encloses a motorized animal feed dispenser positioned in proximity to a hole in the feed container through which the animal feed passes from the container. In the closed position, the sides of the housing completely block the dispensing of the animal feed onto the ground. In an open position, the housing is positioned so that the motorized animal feed dispenser is exposed for dispensing of the animal feed onto the ground. Also, in the closed position, physical access from outside of the housing to the animal feed residing on the animal feed dispenser and through the hole is prevented.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A mechanism suitable for dispensing animal feed from a feed container, comprising:

a motorized animal feed dispenser suitable for dispensing the animal feed and located below the feed container;
and
a housing that automatically moves between open and closed positions,
wherein in the closed position, the housing is positioned so that it substantially encloses the motorized animal feed dispenser, and
wherein in the open position, the housing is positioned so that the motorized animal feed dispenser is exposed for dispensing the animal feed to an external area around the feed container.

2 more elements

A method for spreading of animal feed from an animal feeder onto ground over which the animal feeder is positioned, wherein the animal feeder includes a feed container storing the animal feed, a motorized animal feed dispenser suitable for dispensing the animal feed, and a housing configured for movement between open and closed positions, wherein in the closed position, the housing is positioned so that it substantially encloses the motorized animal feed dispenser, the motorized animal feed dispenser being positioned in proximity to a hole in the feed container through which the animal feed passes externally from the feed container, and wherein in the open position, the housing is positioned so that the motorized animal feed dispenser is exposed for dispensing of the animal feed it receives through the hole from the feed container to an external area around the feed container, the method comprising:

automatically moving the housing from the closed position to the open position;
maintaining the housing in the open position during a specified time period;
dispensing, for at least a portion of the specified time period, the animal feed by the motorized animal feed dispenser to the external area around the feed container;
and
after conclusion of the time period, mechanically moving the housing from the open position to the closed position.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Feeder cover

Life of this patent

Feeder cover

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20