Animal husbandry – Feeding device
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-24
2001-04-03
Poon, Peter M. (Department: 3644)
Animal husbandry
Feeding device
C119S061520
Reexamination Certificate
active
06209487
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
An improved animal feeder apparatus comprising a support structure and removable feeder vessels. The support structure is of a unitary molded plastic construction and is configured for nested stacking with like feeder assemblies for convenient and compact storage and handling. The base of the top surface is preferably oblong in shape with flared side surfaces to provide support. The top surface has means for receiving feeding vessels. A preferred feeding vessel of the invention has a back splash and means for conveniently removing the vessel from the support structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It has been found that the health of a dog or other such pet, can be improved by providing a feeding position which is raised above the ground or floor. This reduces or eliminates the need for the dog to position its' head downward during feeding. Among the benefits of an elevated feeding position are that the dog swallows less air during feeding. Moreover, dogs suffering from arthritis can feed with reduced pain. Overall, an elevated feeding position provides a more comfortable and convenient feeding position.
While there are structures known in the prior art which provide an elevated position for a feeding vessel, these structures have many significant disadvantages. The disadvantages include feeding vessels which are fixed to the support structure, or feeding vessels which have curved bottom surfaces. These types of feeding vessels are inconvenient to fill with foodstuff, such as dog food or water. Moreover, such feeding vessels cannot be placed on the ground or floor for use separate from the support structure.
Feeder apparatuses of the prior art have included many different designs. For small animals, a feeder apparatus may include non-removable feeder vessels which are typically molded into a one-piece feeder apparatus of approximately 2-3 inches in height. Obviously, a feeder apparatus of this size does not require legs for support.
For larger animals, those requiring a feeder apparatus having a height of six inches or greater, feeder apparatuses of the art tend to be large structures with legs for support or of a multi-piece box design. A feeding apparatus with legs tend to have support problems. Thus, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,509,376 it is taught a feeding apparatus for larger animals wherein the legs are hollow to allow ballast to provide support. The legs may be detachable in which case the unit is of multiple parts. In some structures, the unit may have foldable legs to provide a reduced “footprint” of the feeder assembly for shipping or display. Such detachable or folding legs tend to become unstable during prolonged use.
None of the above elevated feeder assemblies have a one-piece support base nor allow for the “nesting” of the feeder assemblies. Nesting is an exceptionally important concept that allows the feeder apparatus to reduce the amount of retail shelf space needed for display, and also allows the consumer to see the entire unit. The present invention combines the concept of a one-piece molded construction support structure with increased stability with the concept of nesting to provide a low-cost, highly stable elevated feeding apparatus with compact storage and handling capabilities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention there is provided an elevated animal feeder apparatus including a support structure and a detachable feeding vessel, wherein said support structure supports the feeding vessel at a position elevated above the ground or floor. The invention may be summarized as, an elevated feeder apparatus for nested stacking with like feeder apparatuses, said feeder apparatus comprising (a) a feeding vessel; and (b) a support structure having a top wall, said top wall having at least one opening for receiving said feeding vessel, and having flared side walls having a co-planar lower edge surface for resting on a flat surface, said flared side walls being configured and spaced apart sufficiently to clear the top wall of a subjacent animal feeder assembly of identical construction, to allow the animal feeder assembly to be stacked in nested relationship.
For purposes of this invention, an elevated feeding apparatus means an apparatus that places the feeding vessel at least six inches from the ground that the apparatus rests on. Preferred is a feeding apparatus wherein the feeding vessel is raised at least eight inches, and most preferably at least ten inches from the ground.
An advantage of the present invention is the provision of a pet feeding system wherein the feeding vessel is detachable from the support structure.
Another advantage of the present invention is the provision of a pet feeding system wherein the detached support structure may be placed upon a generally flat surface and used for feeding a relatively small dog (e.g., a puppy) on the ground or floor.
Another advantage of the present invention is the provision of a pet feeding system wherein the feeding vessel can be easily and conveniently grasped for removal from the support structure.
Still another advantage of the present invention is the provision of a pet feeding system wherein the feeding vessel has a raised back wall to prevent foodstuffs, such as dog food and water, from “splashing” out of the feeding vessel.
Still another advantage of the present invention is the provision of a pet feeding system, wherein the support structure does not interfere with the dogs ability to position itself close to the feeding system.
Still another advantage of the present invention is the provision of a pet feeding system which eliminates the need for ballast material to provide stability.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is the provision of a pet feeding system wherein the support structure can be “nested” for convenient storage.
Still other advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed description, accompanying drawings and appended claims.
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Copy of Brochure entitled “Healthy Pet Diner” marketed by OurPet's Company of Fairport Harbor, Ohio 44077, date unknown.
See Second Supplemental Information Disclosure Statement regarding discussion of Reference AR.
Brown Patrick W.
Nottingham John R.
Quinlan Robert L.
Spirk John W.
Abbott Yvonne
Earp III Robert H.
Miller Raymond A.
Pet Zone Products
Poon Peter M.
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