An animal feeder maintains animal feed in a protected condition until the feed is desired by an animal. As configured for usage, the feeder includes a feed container of dish character and a support structure supporting the container in a position to be approached by an animal. A cover is carried in hinging relationship for movement between positions covering and uncovering the container. When uncovered, the container is protected from the elements, but when uncovered permits the animal to feed from the feed container. A treadle surrounds at least a portion of the container for being stepped upon by an animal when in any of a plurality of locations near the container. The treadle is interconnected with the cover for causing movement to the open position in response to weight of the animal upon the treadle and for permitting the cover to close when the animal's weight is removed. A fluid container interengageable with the support structure of the apparatus is adapted to be filled with water or other fluid for isolating the food container from ground crawling insects.
An apparatus is provided for protecting the food of a house pet and is particularly useful when a pet is fed outdoors. The pet feeding deivce covers the food intended for a pet and protects the food from birds and undesirable pests. The pet feeding device employs a tray having a hinged lid and a treadle upon which the pet steps to open the lid. The treadle is connected to a pair of parallel arcuate ram arms which are carried rearwardly when the pet steps on the treadle. The arms travel between guide rollers and push upwardly against the underside of the lid to raise the lid to an open position when the treadle is depressed. When the pet is finished eating it releases the treadle, whereupon a spring aids in shutting the lid.
An animal-actuated feeder (20) has a treadle (26) to be tread upon by an animal (36) desirous of obtaining food, a food compartment (24), a cover (30) with closed and open positions (32, 34) denying and granting access to the compartment (24), and linkage (28) to open the cover (30) when the animal (36) treads upon the treadle (26). A damper (88) is coupled to the cover (30) and dampens transit between open and closed positions (32, 34). A dish (106) having a mating lid (108) coupled to the cover (30) promotes the retention of the food in a palatable condition. A plurality of moat assemblies (118) serve as legs for the feeder (20) and inhibit crawling arthropods from gaining access to the food. A control unit (154) and latch (152) control the opening of the cover (30) in response to a tag unit (162) worn by the animal (36) treading upon the treadle (26).
