Animal behavior training apparatus
View Patent ↗An animal behavior training apparatus includes an activation system and a feeding device. The activation system includes a sensing device acting as a switch and being in an electric circuit with an electric motor forming part of a feeding mechanism of the feeding device which has a container to receive foodstuffs or treats. The sensing device when activated causes the feeding mechanism to discharge a measure of foodstuffs or treats from the container. The container of the feeding device is upright and has an open top closable by a lid and the bottom of the container communicates with the feeding mechanism.
1. An animal behavior training apparatus comprising, in combination,
an activation means triggered by the toileting actions of an animal,
a feeding device including a feed dispensing mechanism and a container to receive foodstuffs or treats,
the activation means including a sensing device acting as a switch and being connected in an electric circuit with an electric motor forming part of the feed dispensing mechanism of the feeding device,
the sensing device when activated causing the feeding mechanism to discharge a measure of foodstuffs or treats from the container,
the feeding mechanism comprising an elongate tray,
vibration means operable by the electric motor and mounted to impart when energized, vibration to the tray,
the tray having one end mounted at one side of the container and its opposite end resting on a support, the tray being of flexible material and substantially horizontally oriented, the end of the tray resting on the support being the discharge end and having a lip upwardly directed and inclined towards the side of the container to which the other end is mounted.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the container of the feeding device is upright and has an open top closable by a lid, and wherein the bottom of the container has an opening communicating with the feeding mechanism.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the container has one or more internal sloping guide plates to direct flow of any foodstuffs or treats inside the container and towards the feeding mechanism.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the container is of rectangular cross-section.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein two sloping guide plates are provided in the container one above the other and extending one inwards from each of opposite sides whereby flow of material into the containers is directed downwardly from the upper guide plate onto the lower guide plate then onto the tray.
6. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the training apparatus is an animal behavior correcting apparatus, and the activation means is a sound or silence activated device.
7. An animal behavior training apparatus comprising, in combination,
an activation means triggered by the toileting actions of an animal,
a feeding device including a feed dispensing mechanism and a container to receive foodstuffs or treats,
the activation means including a sensing device acting as a switch and being connected in an electric circuit with an electric motor forming part of the feed dispensing mechanism of the feeding device,
the sensing device when activated causing the feeding mechanism to discharge a measure of foodstuffs or treats from the container,
the feeding mechanism comprising an elongate tray,
vibration means operable by the electric motor and mounted to impart when energized, vibration to the tray,
the tray having one end mounted at one side of the container and its opposite end resting on a support, the tray being of flexible material and substantially horizontally oriented, the end of the tray resting on the support being the discharge end and having a lip upwardly directed and inclined towards the side of the container to which the other end is mounted, wherein the apparatus is a toilet training apparatus, wherein the activation means has a catchment device to hold any liquid or waste matter, and wherein the sensing device for moisture or temperature is activated.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the catchment device comprises a mat including an impervious bottom sheet, an absorbent pad extending over part or all of the bottom sheet, and a liquid permeable top sheet covering the absorbent pad.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the sensing device comprises a metallic foil maze arrangement provided over the top sheet with electrical contact being made when liquid extends between foil parts of the arrangement of different polarity.
10. Apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the catchment device comprises a tray having a bottom and an upstanding sidewall, the sidewall incorporating a ledge spaced above and substantially parallel to the bottom to form a catchment space, a platform supported on the ledge and extending over the bottom, the platform being a metallic grid having a porous fabric thereover to allow urine to pass therethrough into the catchment space.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10 , further comprising a metallic foil extending over and covering the bottom of the tray, the metallic grid forming a second part of the sensing device.
12. Apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising two sloping guide plates in the container one above the other and one extending inwards from each of opposite sides whereby the flow of material into the containers is directed downwardly from the upper guide plate onto the lower guide plate then onto a tray.
13. An animal behavior training apparatus comprising, in combination,
an activation means triggered by the toileting actions of an animal,
a feeding device including a feed dispensing mechanism and a container to receive foodstuffs or treats,
the activation means including a sensing device acting as a switch and being connected in an electric circuit with an electric motor forming part of the feed dispensing mechanism of the feeding device,
the sensing device when activated causing the feeding mechanism to discharge a measure of foodstuffs or treats from the container,
the feeding mechanism comprising an elongate tray,
vibration means operable by the electric motor and mounted to impart when energized, vibration to the tray,
wherein the apparatus is a toilet training apparatus, wherein the activation means has a catchment device to hold any liquid or waste matter, and wherein the sensing device for moisture or temperature is activated.
14. An animal behavior training apparatus comprising, in combination,
an activation means triggered by either a sound or a silence of an animal,
a feeding device including a feed dispensing mechanism and a container to receive foodstuffs or treats,
the activation means including a sensing device acting as a switch and being connected in an electric circuit with an electric motor forming part of the feed dispensing mechanism of the feeding device,
the sensing device when activated causing the feeding mechanism to discharge a measure of foodstuffs or treats from the container,
the feeding mechanism comprising an elongate tray,
vibration means operable by the electric motor and mounted to impart when energized, vibration to the tray,
the tray having one end mounted at one side of the container and its opposite end resting on a support, the tray being of flexible material and substantially horizontally oriented, the end of the tray resting on the support being the discharge end and having a lip upwardly directed and inclined towards the side of the container to which the other end is mounted.