KR20220094320A - Pet food supply device for triggering hunting instinct - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pet food feeder for inducing hunting instinct of pets that also serves as enjoyable play. As an embodiment for feeding standardized food to the pets, presented is the pet food feeder for inducing the hunting instinct of the pets, which comprises: a base; a pillar built on the base, having an inner space in which the food input freely falls, and having a plurality of circumferential holes formed on the outer circumferential surface; a pedestal supporting the food that has fallen to the lower part of the pillar; a control unit provided on the base and operated by the pet; and a launching means lifting the food raised on the pedestal upward by the control unit.

Description

Hunting instinct-inducing companion animal food supply device {Pet food supply device for triggering hunting instinct}

The present invention relates to a feeding device that serves as a playful game that stimulates the hunting instinct of a companion animal.

Most of the animals kept as companion animals receive food and beverages from humans. Unless they are bred for a specific purpose such as hunting or search, it is only at the level of regularly supplying commercially widely sold feeds and snacks to companion animals.

With ongoing animal welfare campaigns and social awareness raising, it's taken for granted to provide pets with the right food at the right time. Thus, unlike in the wild, companion animals do not need to make much effort to find food.

In addition, living in an environment provided by humans, the environmental conditions are safe and hygienic from the dangers of competing animals or natural enemies, but are subject to space restrictions.

Among companion animals, cats are not suitable for walking on a leash due to the characteristics of the individual, and there is a high risk of losing them if they are allowed to roam freely indoors and outdoors. Therefore, it is confined and raised in a narrow space within the house. On the other hand, even in the case of dogs, the number of regular walks is too small or almost non-existent, depending on the breeder's tendencies.

The monotonous breeding environment of companion animals puts stress on sensitive individuals, which can lead to various pathological symptoms such as depression, behavioral disorders, and aggression.

Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0090987 (2018.08.14)

An object of the present invention is to provide a food supply device that serves both to stimulate the hunting instinct of companion animals and to supply food, thereby reducing stress-related diseases through environmental enrichment of companion animals and ensuring the expression of normal behavior.

In addition, the detailed object of the present invention will be clearly grasped and understood by experts or researchers in the technical field through the detailed contents described below.

In order to solve the above problem, the present invention is an embodiment to supply fixed food to companion animals, and has a base, an internal space that is built on the base, and an internal space in which the input food falls freely, and has a plurality of perimeters on the outer circumferential surface A pole having a hole formed therein, a pedestal for supporting food that has fallen to the lower portion of the pole, an operation unit provided on the base and operated by a companion animal, and a launching means for hitting up the food on the pedestal by the operation unit to an upper portion We present a hunting instinct-inducing pet food supply device.

A guide that is detachably inserted into at least one of the circumferential holes as an additional configuration and forms a passage through which the falling prey enters the inlet and then exits to the outside by forming an upperly open inlet with one end inserted into the pillar may include

Furthermore, the food falling to the center of the planar cross-section of the inner space may be configured to be able to freely fall to the pedestal without contacting one end of the guide.

In relation to the difficulty of the puzzle, the operation unit and the launching means are provided in plurality, the operation parts connected to each of the launching means are dispersedly disposed on the base, and the pedestal has the food corresponding to each of the launching means. A plurality of concave grooves into which to enter may be formed.

As another additional configuration, a feeder unit that is mounted on the upper part of the column and administers the food into the column may be provided.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the quality of life is improved by dissipating mental stress as a predator and improving muscle strength by stimulating the hunting instinct of the companion animal. As a result, the relationship between the companion animal and the breeder is improved.

Other effects of the present invention will be clearly understood and understood by an expert or researcher in the art through the specific details described below or during the course of carrying out the present invention.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a companion animal food supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the main part of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in isolation;
3 (a), (b) is a perspective view and a plan view of the pedestal employed in the embodiment shown in FIG.
Fig. 4 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1;
Figure 5 is a plan view schematically showing the relationship between the pillar and the guide of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Hereinafter, the configuration, function and operation of the companion animal food supply device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, throughout the drawings, reference numbers for the same or similar components will be used uniformly.

The accompanying drawings show applied embodiments of the present invention, and the technical spirit of the present invention should not be construed as being limited through the accompanying drawings. If it can be interpreted that some or all of the drawings shown in the drawings are not necessarily the shape, shape, and order required for the implementation of the invention from the point of view of an expert in this technical field, this does not limit the invention described in the claims.

The food provided by the food supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided in a standardized shape in a substantially spherical shape. A three-dimensional shape that can roll and move is sufficient for food, so it does not need to be a straight spherical shape.

Also, while moving inside the food supply device, the food falls or collides with the components to be impacted. Therefore, it can be molded with a surface strength that is not easily broken. For this purpose, known edible coatings may be added.

1 to 4 are related to a companion animal food supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The food supply device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a base 10 , a column 20 , a pedestal 30 , an operation unit 40 , and a launching means 50 . Furthermore, the guide 60 or the feeder unit 70 may be provided as an additional configuration.

The base 10 is a housing erected on the ground, and the pillar 20 , the pedestal 30 , the manipulation unit 40 , and the launching means 50 are mounted on the base 10 .

The column 20 is erected on the base 10 in the shape of a hollow tube.

The inner space (S) of the column (20) is opened up and down, and the upper part of the column may be closed by a cover or a feeder unit (70). Although not shown, the cover may take the shape of an inverted funnel.

In addition, although the cross-section of the pillar 20 is shown in a circular shape in the illustrated embodiment, it may be oval or polygonal. Moreover, the pillar may be formed vertically upright or may be curved to some extent.

A plurality of peripheral holes 21 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the pillar 20 . The plurality of peripheral holes 21 may be formed according to a predetermined pattern, but may be formed randomly without a pattern.

The circumferential hole 21 is formed in a size that allows the food F to pass through it smoothly. If the food moving in the inner space (S) accidentally moves in a direction passing through the circumferential hole 21, it exits to the outside through the circumferential hole 21. In this case, a nearby pet will find it and eat it.

The material of the pillar 20 may be made translucent or transparent so that the companion animal can see and react to the movement of the food inside the pillar.

The pedestal 30 is positioned at the lower portion of the column 20 to form the bottom of the internal space (S).

Food that does not escape out of the column eventually falls to the pedestal (30). The pedestal 30 has a recessed concave groove 31 is formed, so that the food falling to the pedestal 30 is always guided to come into the concave groove 31 which is a constant position.

The operation unit 40 is a member operated by the companion animal, and the launching means 50 is a means for bouncing the prey on the pedestal 30 in connection with the operation of the operation unit 40 back to the upper part of the inner space.

The operation unit 40 is a member operated by a companion animal and is installed on the base 10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the manipulation unit 40 is a button, and the companion animal can press it with a forepaw or a snout. Pets can learn the position of the button and how to press and operate it through training or experience.

Although not shown, different operations may be induced by changing the installation position of the button-type operation unit. For example, if there is a structure in the form of a wall on the base in order to change the posture or muscles used to press the button, the button-type operation unit may be installed on the wall surface. By applying this method, the installation position and height of the button-type operation unit can be diversified.

Furthermore, the control unit may be configured in connection with the operation of the companion animal biting or pulling its claws. For example, a cloth or rope that a companion animal can bite or scratch with its claws can be installed so that it can be pulled on the base, and the force generated when the cloth is pulled can be configured to sense through a sensor or the like.

In this way, the companion animal can configure the control unit in response to a specific behavioral pattern. That is, the companion animal can be configured to be manipulated through any one of a pressing action, a biting action, a pulling action, a leaning action, and a cry.

In an embodiment in which a plurality of manipulation units are provided, various types of manipulation units may be mixed in addition to the button type manipulation unit.

On the other hand, the launching means 50 is to hit the food (F) that has fallen into the concave groove 31 of the pedestal 30 again, and may be implemented in a mechanical configuration, an electromechanical type, or the like.

4 shows the launching means 50 configured as a mechanical mechanism. The launching means 50 is exposed at the top surface through a lever 52 that performs seesaw movement by the operation unit 40 and a hole 311 formed in the bottom of the concave groove 31 of the pedestal 30, and the lever 52 A punching pin 51 is proposed that raises the food F that has entered the concave groove 31 as the lower end is impacted by the rise of the .

Normally, the punching pin 51 stays in a lowered state due to the load of the punching pin 51 mounted on one end of the spring 41 or lever 52 provided in the button, and companion animals, etc. operate the control unit (button). As you press the punching pin 51 rises, and the food (F) that has entered the concave groove 31 is knocked up again.

In a structure in which the force of pressing the button of the operation unit 40 is transmitted to the punching pin 51 and the food F through the lever 52 , the stronger and faster the operation unit 40 is pressed, the higher the food is bounced.

Through experience, companion animals can acquire these manipulation characteristics. Specifically, if you press the button slowly, the food does not rise to a sufficient height and the probability of it coming out is low. It recognizes whether it is coming out (eatable).

In another embodiment not shown, the launching means may be of an electromechanical type.

For example, when the sensor detects that there is a manipulation action of the companion animal in the manipulation unit, the punching pin may be configured to hit the prey using a solenoid electromagnet.

For this purpose, a known technique of a solenoid valve may be employed. In addition, it may be provided with a control unit for supplying power to the solenoid from the sensing of the sensor.

Here, the control unit may be configured such that the power supplied to the solenoid is proportional to the output value of the sensor, so that the punching pin strikes the prey according to the intensity of the manipulation action of the companion animal.

Such a manipulation unit and launching means may be replaced with various known mechanical or electromechanical configurations.

In the illustrated embodiment, the operation unit 40 and the launching means 50 are provided three each. Each operation unit 40 and the launching means 50 are paired, and the corresponding launching means 50 is operated in conjunction with each of the operation units 40 .

The manipulation unit 40 is radially disposed along the periphery of the base 10 .

Three concave grooves 31 are also formed in the pedestal 30 according to the number of operation units and launching means. Each of the concave grooves 31 is in the shape of a cup open upward, and as the boundary between the adjacent concave grooves takes the form rising upward, any of the three concave grooves 31 for feeding the food falling to the pedestal 30 . goes into one.

A hole 311 in which a punching pin is positioned is formed at the bottom of each concave groove 31 .

Referring again to FIG. 2 , a launching means 50 having a matching punching pin is provided for each manipulation unit 40 . When the companion animal operates any one of the manipulation units 40 , the corresponding launching means 50 operates the corresponding punching pins on the pedestal 30 .

In the illustrated embodiment, the three manipulation units 40 and the launching means 50 are shown, but the number of the manipulation units and the launching means may vary according to the embodiment. In addition, a part of the manipulation unit or part of the launching means may have a different internal configuration from the other manipulation unit or the launching means.

As an additional configuration, the guide 60 is to be detachably inserted into the circumferential hole 21 , to form a passage 62 through which the food in the inner space (S) goes out. The guide 60, as shown, may be in the form of a tube or a rod having a U-shaped cross-section.

One end 61 of the guide 60 enters the inside of the pillar 20 through the circumferential hole 21 , and spans the circumferential hole 21 of the pillar 20 in an inclined state.

At this time, the inlet 63 connected to the passageway is placed at one end 61 that has entered the inside of the pillar 20 in an upwardly opened form. Therefore, the prey (F) falling in line with the inlet 63 is rolled out along the passage of the guide 60 through the inlet (refer to FIG. 1).

2 and 4 show the coupling structure of the circumferential hole 21 and the guide 60 .

One end 61 of the guide 60 has an obliquely chiseled shape, and an elliptical inlet 63 is formed as the inner pipe is also obliquely cut.

A locking projection 64 protrudes from one end 61 of the guide 60 , and a locking protrusion 65 is provided to face the locking projection 64 . After the one end 61 of the guide 60 is inserted into the circumferential hole 21, the locking protrusion 65 is applied to the outer circumferential surface of the pillar, and the guide 60 is caught on the inner circumferential surface of the pillar while the locking projection 64 is caught on the inner circumferential surface of the pillar. (20) is obliquely coupled. As a result, the inlet 63 is exposed toward the upper part of the inner space, and the food that enters the inlet 63 moves to an outlet with a low height and naturally exits the guide 60 .

In the fixing structure of the pillar, in addition to the method of locking by the illustrated locking protrusion 64 and the locking protrusion 65, the coupling method of the circumferential hole and the guide may be variously changed.

For example, it can be configured to strengthen the periphery of the circumferential hole and screw the guide to maintain a more robust coupling. Alternatively, an iron plate or the like is added to the circumferential hole, and a magnet is installed in the guide to secure the guide to the pole by magnetic force.

As a plurality of circumferential holes 21 are formed along the periphery of the pillar 20 and a plurality of guides 60 are also prepared, the breeder can variously change the number of guides, attachment positions, and the like.

4 and 5 show an example in which a plurality of guides 60 are mounted on the pillar 20 .

Guides are installed in some circumferential holes. One end of the guide 60 is entered into the column 20 to a sufficient depth so that all of the inlet 63 that is cut obliquely and is largely exposed is completely placed in the interior space.

One end 61 of each guide 60 does not reach the center of the planar cross-section of the inner space S, so that an up-and-down passage A is formed in which food falls to the pedestal 30 without interfering with the guide. do. The planar cross-sectional area of this upper and lower passage A is larger than the size of food.

If the feeder (F) dropped into the column by a breeder or a feeder unit to be described later enters the upper and lower passages (A), most of them fall onto the pedestal 30 without interfering with the guide 60 .

Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 1 to 2 and 4 , a feeder unit 70 for administering food F into the column 20 may be further provided.

The feeder unit 70 is a unit for storing food and dropping the food into the internal space by a breeder's manipulation or some control command or control logic.

The feeder unit 70 includes a container 71 for storing food in a fixed shape, and a push device 72 for pushing the food one by one through an outlet 73 provided at the center of the lower end. Here, the push device 72 may be manufactured by a manual operation of a breeder or a known electric mechanical structure. For example, there is the Republic of Korea Registered Utility Model No. 20-0317589.

The feeder unit 70 may be installed in such a way that it is seated on the upper part of the column 20 . By forming the lower surface 74 of the feeder unit 70 that blocks the upper part of the column as an inclined surface, the feeding direction can be changed while the food rising from the bottom collides with the inclined lower surface or the outlet.

As an additional function, when food is dropped through the feeder unit 70, a specific auditory signal or a visual signal may be displayed.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the effect of the feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The breeder manipulates the feeder unit 70 so that the food falls into the pole. The companion animal recognizes the operation of the feeder unit 70 through a sound, etc., and begins to take interest in food.

If the feeder unit 70 is not provided, the breeder can directly put the food on the pole.

By aligning the outlet 73 of the feeder unit 70 to the center of the inner space S of the pillar 20, the food F coming out of the feeder unit 70 does not interfere with the guide 60, and immediately It falls on the pedestal (30).

Companion animals increase their desire to pursue food by listening to noise generated when food enters into one of the concave grooves 31 of the pedestal 30, or observing food falling from the internal space through a transparent or translucent column. be stimulated

Through learning and experience, the companion animal that recognizes that the food is seated in the concave groove 31 of the pedestal 30 operates the manipulation unit 40 . When the companion animal operates the operation unit 40 in an appropriate manner and force, the punching pin 51 located at the bottom of the concave groove 31 rises and strikes the food F.

Here, as the three operation parts are provided, a puzzle element is added. That is, it is required to operate the matched manipulation unit 40 depending on which concave groove 31 has food. The companion animal must observe which concave groove contains the food and select and operate the corresponding manipulation unit to be successful. can touch food.

The process of recognizing which recessed groove the prey is falling into and manipulating the button at a specific location is similar to the ability of wild companion animals, especially cats, to capture prey in the hunting process, such as the rouge ability, computational power, and fine muscle control ability. It is a reproduction that activates the basic mental and physical functions possessed by predators.

The food (F) rising from the pedestal 30 rises again to the height of the inner space (S) of the column. During the ascent process, it collides with one end 61 of the guide 60 protruding into the column 20, or collides with the inner surface of the column 20 or the lower surface of the feeder unit 70, and the direction is changed several times. will fall again

At this time, the appearance of the prey (F) colliding with the internal structure or the sound generated during it greatly inspires the hunting instinct of the companion animal.

If the food falling again accidentally enters through the inlet 63 of the guide 60, it is discharged outside riding the guide 60. Or, the prey that bumped here and there accidentally escapes out of the pillar through the empty circumferential hole 21. The companion animal concentrates on these foods, and then follows the food out of the feeder and consumes them.

In this way, the prey is finally resolved through the ingestion method, so the actual reward follows after stimulation of the hunting instinct.

In this way, the process of using the brain and muscles of the companion animal for food is to reduce or prevent various clinical problems that occur as a result of receiving unlimited food without effort in a monotonous environment from the viewpoint of clinical animal behavioral medicine. It helps.

If the food that has risen high does not go out to the guide 60 or the circumferential hole 21 , it is seated in any one of the concave grooves 31 of the pedestal 30 again. The companion animal confirms this and selects and operates the control panel to bounce the prey again.

As the prey that climbed into the column falls according to the operation of the control panel, it is left to chance whether or not it will escape. In order to consume one food, the companion animal must operate the control unit several times, and observe and track the food moving around along the inside of the pillar for a long period of time intensively.

This artificially embodies the 'try and failure' commonly experienced by predators in the actual hunting process. Through the experience of failure, the companion animal's hunting desire is further stimulated, and it provides a factor that makes the use of equipment more sophisticated and intelligent to increase the probability of success.

The probability that the food goes out of the food supply device by matching the entrance or the circumferential hole of the guide can be controlled to some extent by the breeder by varying the number and installation location of the guides. The breeder can install an appropriate number of guides on the poles in consideration of the age of the companion animal they own, fine muscle control ability, cognitive ability, task achievement, learning ability, frustration due to excessive failure, and mastery of tricks.

Also, the breeder can change the position of the guide in order to change the height and direction through which the food exits. As a companion animal is fed through an unfamiliar route, it is continuously stimulated as if it is playing with a new toy, thereby preventing the problem of reducing boredom or desire to play, which is common with toys or feeder devices according to the prior art. have.

The food supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention is particularly suitable for companion animals with developed hunting instincts. In the case of cats, as a result of being deprived of essential hunting behavior as a predator, they experience mental problems such as stereotyped behavior, depression, and overgrooming, as well as physical problems such as obesity, metabolic disease due to muscle strength loss, and premature aging.

The food supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention improves the quality of life of companion cats to obtain health benefits, and as a result of physical and mental problems, destruction of furniture, etc. due to scratching, rejection due to scrimming or aggression It is expected to contribute to improving the quality of life of cat breeders who have difficulty maintaining stable relationships with cats.

100: supply device
10: base F: food
20: pillar S: interior space 21: circumferential hole A: upper and lower passage
30: pedestal 31: concave groove 311: hole
40: control unit 41: spring
50: launching means 51: punching pin 52: lever
60: guide
61: one end 62: passage 63: entrance 64: locking projection 65: locking jaw
70: feeder unit
71: container 72: push device 73: outlet 74: bottom

Claims (5)

By supplying standardized food to companion animals,
Base,
A pillar erected on the base, provided with an internal space in which the input food falls freely, and having a plurality of circumferential holes formed on the outer circumferential surface;
A pedestal for supporting food that has fallen to the lower part of the column,
an operation unit provided on the base and operated by a companion animal; and
and a launching means for hitting the food on the pedestal upward by the manipulation unit.
A hunting instinct-inducing pet food supply device.
In claim 1,
It is detachably inserted into the at least one circumferential hole, and one end inserted into the pillar includes a guide that forms an upperly open inlet and forms a passage through which the falling prey enters the inlet and then exits to the outside.
A hunting instinct-inducing pet food supply device.
In claim 2,
The food falling to the center of the planar cross-section of the inner space is characterized in that it is possible to freely fall to the pedestal without contacting one end of the guide.
A hunting instinct-inducing pet food supply device.
According to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The operation unit and the launching means are provided in plurality,
The operation parts connected to each of the launching means are distributed and arranged on the base,
The pedestal is characterized in that a plurality of concave grooves into which the food enters are formed corresponding to each of the launching means.
A hunting instinct-inducing pet food supply device.
According to any one of claims 1 to 3,
It is mounted on the upper part of the pillar, characterized in that the feeder unit for administering the feed into the pillar is provided
A hunting instinct-inducing pet food supply device.

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