The Texas Feeder Helper, Inc. will be displaying and demonstrating its signature product, the Deer Feeder Helper, in Houston, TX during July 31st-August 2nd. Stop by for a visit and ask any questions from our knowledgeable staff how the feeder helper can benefit you or your deer feeders. Prices will be drastically discounted as we are moving last year’s left over inventory and replacing it with a new improved version all deer hunters will certainly be pleased with. See you there.
The Texas Feeder Helper Inc. participated with the enthusiastic random drawings at the recent San Antonio, Texas Trophy Hunters Extravaganza. Three Deer Feeder Helpers where giving during the weekend show. Lucky winners were Nathan Domenech, Debbie Marbach, and Dan Gardner. Hopefully these lucky winners will experience a fruitful season ahead and with the addition of such a great product, understand that maintaining deer feeders does not have to be such an ordeal as in the past. We hope you folks find that buck of a lifetime this very next deer season. Happy hunting!
Congratulations is in store to Robert Salvatierra for his lucky draw at the trade show give away of a deer feeder helper. Whether Robert mounts it on a future homemade deer feeder and on an already existing broadcast feeder on his deer lease, he is sure to appreciate such a device providing ridiculously easy feeder maintenance allowing him more time to enjoy the outdoors. Happy Hunting Robert and May Yours Be The Bigger, Better Buck!
Thank you for your purchase of the Deer Feeder Helper.
Very soon you will start benefiting from a Ridiculously Easy to maintain deer feeder.
1. With the battery removed and using self-drilling screws, mount your timer centered to the bottom of the upside down Feeder Helper. Once mounted, additional self-drilling screws may be added from the interior side for added strength. If using nuts and bolts, ensure washers are used. We recommend only using the downspout provided with your Feeder Helper as it is adjustable and provides a bigger orifice for less clogging than other downspouts.
2. Separate both haves by removing the two hinge screws
3. Mounting the top half. Positioning is critical. You’ll want to ensure that when you open the finished Feeder Helper/Timer that the swing travel is not limited because of contact with a feeder leg. Mounted with the latches facing one leg bracket or feeder ladder seems to work well for most feeders. Also, try to orient the solar panel appropriately if using one. Using the self-drilling screws for metal barrels or the toggle bolts for plastic barrels, now mount your Feeder Helper at each corner. Do Not Over Tighten these screw as there is no need and may make operating the valve difficult.
4. With your feed barrel uprighted, using the open latches to support the Feeder Helper/Timer, reinstall both hinge screws. Close latches and check valve function. Make adjustments as needed. Install timer battery and set feeding times, add corn or protein, OPEN valve and enjoy the show.
5. Other accessories, such as varmint guards, may be added as desired. The use of self-drilling screws works best with the Deer Feeder Helper during any future installations.
Solar panels and chargers have evolved quite a bit in the last several years, becoming more efficient and reliable. Today’s solar panels do not require the direct sunlight as those of last year. Gone are the days of mounting your solar panel on the barrel or feeder leg. We’ll show you a way to directly mount your panel directly to the feeder timer housing, resulting in eliminating any exposed wiring which varmints love to eat or destroy, and a much cleaner look as well as ensuring full function of your deer feeder helper.
First you need to remove the battery from the spinner. Make sure your voltage of the motor and solar panel match, being 6 or 12 volt. If you can buy a panel that has a mounting bracket with it, this is most easiest to mount. Drill a hole in the timer where the bracket will be mounted,just big enough to feed the wires through. This hole should be centered where the bracket will help cover the hole in a way to minimize any exposed wiring preventing the varmints from chewing or otherwise getting to it. Mount your bracket to the timer housing using self drilling screws. Make sure the bracket does not extend above the housing to interfere with the broadcasting of corn or protein. Silicon may be used if you see the need to waterproof any possible leaks.
I prefer to mount mine as pictured, though it does require a little more finesse in drilling matching holes to the threaded holes existing in the solar panel frame. Very small screws are needed as well, small enough to ensure a snug fit without breaking the solar panel to its frame. Here I configured my bolt pattern of two holes, carefully drilled the holes, and mounted the panel with head of screw inside the timer passing through the housing into the solar panel. This will give a very clean, reliable and functional deer feeder..
As you can see, it really is not that complicated and once you get started it will probably be easier than you think.
An animal feeder apparatus includes a food storage hopper which includes a top hopper portion and a bottom hopper portion. A food retainer assembly is attached to the bottom hopper portion, and the food retainer assembly includes a top retainer portion, a bottom retainer portion, and top-to-bottom connection means connected between the top retainer portion and the bottom retainer portion. The top retainer portion includes a top food passage channel, and the bottom retainer portion includes a bottom food passage channel. A timer-controlled food distribution assembly is attached to the bottom retainer portion in registration with the bottom food passage channel, and a stand is provided for supporting the food storage hopper, the food retainer assembly, and the timer-controlled food distribution assembly. The animal feeder apparatus of the invention can be used to attract wildlife at predetermined times that can coincide when a hunter or wildlife photographer is near.
This application claims priority based upon my copending Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/709,903; filed Aug. 22, 2005.
Claims
What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by LETTERS PATENT of the United States is as follows:
1. An animal feeder apparatus, comprising: a food storage hopper which includes a top hopper portion and a bottom hopper portion, a food retainer assembly adapted to be attached to said bottom hopper portion, wherein said food retainer assembly includes a top retainer portion, a bottom retainer portion, and top-to-bottom connection means connected between said top retainer portion and said bottom retainer portion, wherein said top retainer portion includes a top food passage channel, and wherein said bottom retainer portion includes a bottom food passage channel, said top food passage channel of said top retainer portion adapted to be in registration with said bottom hopper portion, a timer-controlled food distribution assembly adapted to be attached to said bottom retainer portion in registration with said bottom food passage channel of said bottom retainer portion, and a stand for supporting said food storage hopper, said food retainer assembly, and said timer-controlled food distribution assembly, wherein said top retainer portion further includes a top flow valve for controlling flow of food through said top food passage channel, wherein said bottom retainer portion further includes a funnel portion for retaining food therein prior to release by said timer-controlled food distribution assembly and wherein said funnel portion is in registration with said bottom food passage channel of said bottom retainer portion, wherein said top-to-bottom connection means include a top-to-bottom hinge assembly connected between a first side of said top retainer portion and a first side of said bottom retainer portion, and wherein said food retainer assembly further includes a top-to-bottom lock assembly connected between a second side of said top retainer portion and a second side of said bottom retainer portion.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said top-to-bottom lock assembly includes: a top lock member connected to said second side of said top retainer portion, and a bottom lock member connected to said second side of said bottom retainer portion.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said top retainer portion has a first side and a second side, said first side of said top retainer portion is opposite to said second side of said top retainer portion, and said bottom retainer portion has a first side and a second side, and said first side of said bottom retainer portion is opposite to said second side of said bottom retainer portion.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said top retainer portion includes top fastener reception channels for receiving fasteners for connecting said top retainer portion to said bottom hopper portion.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said bottom retainer portion includes bottom fastener reception channels for receiving fasteners for connecting said timer-controlled food distribution assembly to said bottom retainer portion.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to automatic animal feeder apparatuses, and, more particularly, to animal feeder apparatuses which include timers for dispensing animal food.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Automatic animal feeder apparatuses are well known in the art. In this respect, throughout the years, a number of innovations have been developed relating to animal feeder apparatuses, and the following group of Prior Art U.S. patents are representative of those innovations: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,370,080, 6,082,300, 6,758,163, 6,779,487, and 6,681,718. Each of the above-mentioned Prior Art patents discloses an animal feeding device that provides a hopper and means for automatically dispensing animal food from the hopper. Moreover, a wide variety of additional features are disclosed in the above-mentioned group of Prior Art patents.
However, the inventor of the present invention has conceived of a number of desirable features in an animal feeder apparatus, and the present invention provides such desirable features.
For example, it would be desirable if an animal feeder apparatus were provided which includes a food retainer assembly that is located between a food storage hopper and a timer-controlled food distribution assembly.
Also, it would be desirable if an animal feeder apparatus were provided which includes a stand that supports the food storage hopper, the food retainer assembly, and the timer-controlled food distribution assembly.
In addition, it would be desirable if an animal feeder apparatus were provided which includes a top-to-bottom hinge assembly connected between a first side of a top retainer portion of the food retainer assembly and a first side of a bottom retainer portion of the food retainer assembly.
Also, it would be desirable if an animal feeder apparatus were provided which includes a top-to-bottom lock assembly connected between a second side of the top retainer portion of the food retainer assembly and a second side of the bottom retainer portion of the food retainer assembly.
In addition, it would be desirable if an animal feeder apparatus were provided which includes a top flow valve for controlling flow of food through a top food passage channel in the top retainer portion of the food retainer assembly.
Further, it would be desirable if an animal feeder apparatus were provided which includes a funnel portion for retaining food therein prior to release by the timer-controlled food distribution assembly.
Thus, while the foregoing body of prior art indicates it to be well known to use automatic animal feeder apparatuses, the Prior Art described above does not teach or suggest an animal feeder apparatus which has the following combination of desirable features: (1) includes a food retainer assembly that is located between a food storage hopper and a timer-controlled food distribution assembly; (2) includes a stand that supports the food storage hopper, the food retainer assembly, and the timer-controlled food distribution assembly; (3) includes a top-to-bottom hinge assembly connected between a first side of a top retainer portion of the food retainer assembly and a first side of a bottom retainer portion of the food retainer assembly; (4) includes a top-to-bottom lock assembly connected between a second side of the top retainer portion of the food retainer assembly and a second side of the bottom retainer portion of the food retainer assembly; (5) includes a top flow valve for controlling flow of food through a top food passage channel in the top retainer portion of the food retainer assembly; and (6) includes a funnel portion for retaining food therein prior to release by the timer-controlled food distribution assembly. The foregoing desired characteristics are provided by the unique animal feeder apparatus of the present invention as will be made apparent from the following description thereof. Other advantages of the present invention over the prior art also will be rendered evident.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the present invention, briefly described, provides an animal feeder apparatus which includes a food storage hopper which includes a top hopper portion and a bottom hopper portion. A food retainer assembly is attached to the bottom hopper portion, and the food retainer assembly includes a top retainer portion, a bottom retainer portion, and top-to-bottom connection means connected between the top retainer portion and the bottom retainer portion. The top retainer portion includes a top food passage channel, and the bottom retainer portion includes a bottom food passage channel. A timer-controlled food distribution assembly is attached to the bottom retainer portion in registration with the bottom food passage channel, and a stand is provided for supporting the food storage hopper, the food retainer assembly, and the timer-controlled food distribution assembly.
The animal feeder apparatus of the invention can be used to attract wildlife at predetermined times that can coincide when a hunter or wildlife photographer is near.
Preferably, the top-to-bottom connection means include a top-to-bottom hinge assembly connected between a first side of the top retainer portion and a first side of the bottom retainer portion.
Preferably, the food retainer assembly further includes a top-to-bottom lock assembly which is connected between a second side of the top retainer portion and a second side of the bottom retainer portion. Preferably, the first side of the top retainer portion is opposite to the second side of the top retainer portion, and the first side of the bottom retainer portion is opposite to the second side of the bottom retainer portion.
The top-to-bottom lock assembly can include a top lock member connected to the second side of the top retainer portion and a bottom lock member connected to the second side of the bottom retainer portion. The top retainer portion further includes a top flow valve for controlling flow of food through the top food passage channel.
The bottom retainer portion further includes a funnel portion for retaining food therein prior to release by the timer-controlled food distribution assembly.
The top retainer portion includes top fastener reception channels for receiving fasteners for connecting the top retainer portion to the bottom hopper portion. The bottom retainer portion includes bottom fastener reception channels for receiving fasteners for connecting the timer-controlled food distribution assembly to the bottom retainer portion.
The timer-controlled food distribution assembly includes a timer-controlled distribution valve (not shown) for controlling flow of food from inside the food retainer assembly to outside the food retainer assembly and into the ambient environment.
The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will be for the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
In this respect, before explaining a preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood, that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved animal feeder apparatus which has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved animal feeder apparatus which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved animal feeder apparatus which is of durable and reliable construction.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved animal feeder apparatus which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such animal feeder apparatus available to the buying public.
Still yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved animal feeder apparatus which includes a food retainer assembly that is located between a food storage hopper and a timer-controlled food distribution assembly.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved animal feeder apparatus that includes a stand that supports the food storage hopper, the food retainer assembly, and the timer-controlled food distribution assembly.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved animal feeder apparatus which includes a top-to-bottom hinge assembly connected between a first side of a top retainer portion of the food retainer assembly and a first side of a bottom retainer portion of the food retainer assembly.
Even another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved animal feeder apparatus that includes a top-to-bottom lock assembly connected between a second side of the top retainer portion of the food retainer assembly and a second side of the bottom retainer portion of the food retainer assembly.
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved animal feeder apparatus which includes a top flow valve for controlling flow of food through a top food passage channel in the top retainer portion of the food retainer assembly.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved animal feeder apparatus that includes a funnel portion for retaining food therein prior to release by the timer-controlled food distribution assembly.
These together with still other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood and the above objects as well as objects other than those set forth above will become more apparent after a study of the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawing wherein:
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a preferred embodiment of the animal feeder apparatus of the invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of a portion of the embodiment of the animal feeder apparatus shown in FIG. 1 that is contained in circled area 2 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment of the animal feeder apparatus of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3 thereof.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2 taken along line 4-4 thereof.
FIG. 5 is a top view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4, taken along line 5-5 thereof.
FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4, taken along line 6-6 thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference to the drawings, a new and improved animal feeder apparatus embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention will be described.
Turning to FIGS. 1-6, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the animal feeder apparatus of the invention generally designated by reference numeral 10. In the preferred embodiment, animal feeder apparatus 10 includes a food storage hopper 12 which includes a top hopper portion 14 and a bottom hopper portion 16. A food retainer assembly 18 is attached to the bottom hopper portion 16, and the food retainer assembly 18 includes a top retainer portion 20, a bottom retainer portion 22, and top-to-bottom connection means connected between the top retainer portion 20 and the bottom retainer portion 22. The top retainer portion 20 includes a top food passage channel 32, and the bottom retainer portion 22 includes a bottom food passage channel 34. A timer-controlled food distribution assembly 24 is attached to the bottom retainer portion 22 in registration with the bottom food passage channel 34, and a stand 26 is provided for supporting the food storage hopper 12, the food retainer assembly 18, and the timer-controlled food distribution assembly 24.
Preferably, the top-to-bottom connection means include a top-to-bottom hinge assembly 28 connected between a first side of the top retainer portion 20 and a first side of the bottom retainer portion 22.
Preferably, the food retainer assembly 18 further includes a top-to-bottom lock assembly 30 which is connected between a second side of the top retainer portion 20 and a second side of the bottom retainer portion 22. Preferably, the first side of the top retainer portion 20 is opposite to the second side of the top retainer portion 20, and the first side of the bottom retainer portion 22 is opposite to the second side of the bottom retainer portion 22.
The top-to-bottom lock assembly 30 can include a top lock member 36 connected to the second side of the top retainer portion 20 and a bottom lock member 38 connected to the second side of the bottom retainer portion 22. The top retainer portion 20 further includes a top flow valve 40 for controlling flow of food through the top food passage channel 32.
The bottom retainer portion 22 further includes a funnel portion 42 for retaining food therein prior to release by the timer-controlled food distribution assembly 24.
The top retainer portion 20 includes top fastener reception channels 44 for receiving fasteners for connecting the top retainer portion 20 to the bottom hopper portion 16. The bottom retainer portion 22 includes bottom fastener reception channels 46 for receiving fasteners for connecting the timer-controlled food distribution assembly 24 to the bottom retainer portion 22.
The timer-controlled food distribution assembly 24 includes a timer-controlled distribution valve (not shown) for controlling flow of food from inside the food retainer assembly 18 to outside the food retainer assembly 18 and into the ambient environment.
The animal feeder apparatus 10 of the invention can be used to attract wildlife at predetermined times that can coincide when a hunter or wildlife photographer is near.
The components of the animal feeder apparatus of the invention can be made from inexpensive and durable wood, metal, and plastic materials.
As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention, the same is apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly, no further discussion relative to the manner of usage and operation need be provided.
It is apparent from the above that the present invention accomplishes all of the objects set forth by providing a new and improved animal feeder apparatus that is low in cost, relatively simple in design and operation, and which advantageously includes a food retainer assembly that is located between a food storage hopper and a timer-controlled food distribution assembly. With the invention, an animal feeder apparatus is provided which includes a stand that supports the food storage hopper, the food retainer assembly, and the timer-controlled food distribution assembly. With the invention, an animal feeder apparatus is provided which includes a top-to-bottom hinge assembly connected between a first side of a top retainer portion of the food retainer assembly and a first side of a bottom retainer portion of the food retainer assembly. With the invention, an animal feeder apparatus is provided which includes a top-to-bottom lock assembly connected between a second side of the top retainer portion of the food retainer assembly and a second side of the bottom retainer portion of the food retainer assembly. With the invention, an animal feeder apparatus is provided which includes a top flow valve for controlling flow of food through a top food passage channel in the top retainer portion of the food retainer assembly. With the invention, an animal feeder apparatus is provided which includes a funnel portion for retaining food therein prior to release by the timer-controlled food distribution assembly.
Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications thereof may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use.
Hence, the proper scope of the present invention should be determined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all such modifications as well as all relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification.
Finally, it will be appreciated that the purpose of the annexed Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the Abstract is neither intended to define the invention or the application, which only is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.
Austin, Texas–The Deer Feeder Helper was originated and developed by avid outdoorsman and whitetail deer hunter Chris Nicholes, who after years of experience working and dealing with automatic deer feeders and the problems he encountered with their use, decided there must be a better way to maintain these useful but highly troublesome products.
He wanted a way in which hunters could more effectively and efficiently correct problems frequently encountered while using these feeders. Your typical spincast deer feeder is not only vulnerable to harsh environmental factors, but is also highly susceptible to clogs, mechanical and electronic failures, varmints, and livestock issues. These troublesome issues are generally very tedious and time consuming to address and resolve. The Deer Feeder Helper alleviates a majority of this time and effort by providing you with a simply turnkey solution for all your deer feeder troubles.
The Deer Feeder Helper is an attachment to your existing automatic deer feeder which allows for easy removal or maintenance of any feeder or timer. The accessory is mounted between the feeder barrel and the timer, which allows you the ability to simply shut off the flow of corn using the innovative control valve. The accessory also incorporates dual lockable draw latches which allow you to perform numerous tasks not possible ever before. Monumental undertakings are now reduced to simple tasks, saving you countless amounts of time and frustration.
With a reasonable price of only 39.97, and corn currently priced at 7.50 a bag and rising, one can easily see how this product will pay for itself in no time, not counting the time saved when dealing with most, if not all, of the issues commonly encountered when using automatic deer feeders. The Deer Feeder Helper allows you to remove clogs instantly and swap timers in seconds, so you can spend more time hunting and less time working.
About Texas Feeder Helper, Inc-Texas Feeder Helper, Inc is located in Dripping Springs Texas, and has been in operation since 2007. If you have any questions about the Deer Feeder Helper or you wish to inquire about purchasing the device, please visit Chris on the web at http://www.deerfeederhelper.com or give him a call at (512) 809-9896.
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