GB2525193A

GB2525193A - Feed dispenser

Info

Publication number: GB2525193A
Application number: GB1406690.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Mawle
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-04-14
Filing date: 2014-04-14
Publication date: 2015-10-21
Anticipated expiration: 2034-04-14
Also published as: GB201406690D0; GB2525193B

Abstract

An adjustable nozzle 200 is disclosed for an animal feed dispenser. The nozzle comprises a hollow body defined by a top base 212, a bottom base 214 and a substantially rectilinear surface 216 extending therebetween, wherein the bases are opposed and non-congruent. A feed inlet 230 is located at the top base and a feed outlet 150 is located at a lowest extremity 287 of the surface adjacent the bottom base. The nozzle further comprises a closing member 270 adapted to releasably cover the outlet. The closing member may be in the form of a sleeve that is adapted to either translate longitudinally along or rotate co-axially about the surface of the nozzle. A kit of parts for an adjustable nozzle and a method of using this adjustable nozzle with an animal feed dispenser having a feed storage are also disclosed.

Description

ADJUSTABLE NOZZLE FOR ANIMAL FEEDER

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to unattended animal feeders and, more particularly, to feed dispensing interfaces on such feeders.

Backciround of the Invention [0002] Unattended animal feeders are used for feeding managed animal populations that are bred in numbers across relatively large areas, for instance game birds such as pheasants.

[0003] Unattended feeders are typically used at several locations spread across the breeding territory, wherein high-frequency feeder visits, of for instance twice a day or more, are logistically and economically impractical. Many problems are known, that result from such infrequent feed refilling and maintenance occasions.

[0004] A first problem is the perishing or rotting of feed lodged within the feed outlet, through ingress of water or other feed contaminant agents, which may gradually progress to the feed within the feed storage itself, and eventually result in feed wastage, feed storage contamination and at worst ill health for the feeding animals.

[0005] A second problem is contamination and/or depletion of feed by pests, for instance rodents, attracted to the left-over or rotting feed proximate the feeder outlet. This problem again results in feed wasted on undesirable pest populations and, uneconomically, additional feed required for the managed animal population, as well as storage contamination and ill health for the feeding animals caused by viral agents and the like carried by such pests.

[0006] A further problem is optimally dosing the dispensed feed so as to avoid overfeeding on the one hand and wastage on the other hand, the solving of which problem frequently introduces technical complexity, with corresponding costs and maintenance requirements, to animal feed dispensers.

[0007] A new and improved unattended animal feeding solution is required, which overcomes at least the above problems.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable nozzle for an animal feed dispenser, comprising a hollow body defined by a top base, a bottom base and a substantially rectilinear surface extending therebetween, wherein the bases are opposed and non-congruent, a feed inlet located at the top base, a feed outlet located at a lowest extremity of the surface adjacent the bottom base, and a closing member adapted to releasably cover the outlet. :is

[0009] This configuration advantageously ensures that there are no dead spaces for moisture to accumulate, which may cause the feed to swell, stick and block. This configuration also ensures that feed flows smoothly to the feed outlet and stops moisture or any other contaminants entering the feed outlet and affecting the main feed storage above it. Any contamination will tend to flow to the feed outlet and be removed by the target species when feeding. The surfaces are angled to take moisture towards the feed outlet, then out.

[0010] In an embodiment of the nozzle, the top base is substantially square or oblong and the surface comprises two pairs of parallel sections that are perpendicular to one another.

[0011] In a variant of this embodiment, the closing member comprises a sleeve member adapted to translate longitudinally along the surface, over at least the lowest extremity thereof.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment of the nozzle, the top base is substantially circular, such the hollow body is substantially tubular and the bottom base is substantially elliptic.

[0013] In a variant of this embodiment, the closing member comprises a sleeve member adapted to rotate co-axially about at least a lowest portion of the body.

[0014] Preferably, the sleeve member is substantially C -shaped. The sleeve member may advantageously comprise a through-aperture adapted to coincide at least partially with the outlet through rotation.

[0015] The adjustable size of the feed outlet advantageously allows the user to finely control the availability of food to the target species, thereby minimizing waste, reducing the attraction of the feed dispenser to pests and other non-target species. For instance, in the case of volatile target species, when the outlet is adjusted sufficiently narrowly, birds will peck for feed and a small number of grains will fall out, onto the surface underneath the outlet, whereby birds will then eat the grain lying there before returning to peck at the outlet, because it is easier to eat the spilt grain.

[0016] The adjustable size of the feed maintains the above advantage for a wide variety of target species, for instance from volatile to porcine species, with respective dietary resulting in feeds of different sizes, for instance wheat or whole maize or beans. Each feed has a different grain size requiring a different setting on the outlet, and an optimal setting of the outlet size will be a combination of the ease of access required and the size of the feed. This configuration advantageously provides the user with complete control, moreover allowing for ease of maintenance, as blockages can be easily cleared without having to empty or invert the entire feed storage.

[0017] In an embodiment of the nozzle, the outlet is substantially elongate and oblong. A long narrow outlet advantageously accommodates, and segregates between, the differing feeding methods of target and non-target species. For example, volatile target species such as pheasants and other game birds feed by pecking with their beaks and can access the feed by using this action. Non -target species in the same environment, such as deer, badgers, rabbits, rats and others, are not equipped with a beak and lick to get any feed.

The user can advantageously set the width of the adjustable outlet so that feed can be pecked out but not licked out. Optionally, non-target species may be further deterred by adding surface breaks, roughening or discontinuation at or adjacent the outlet, for instance a sharp edge, diminutive spikes or the like, which would deter licking.

[0018] In an embodiment of the nozzle, a periphery of the top base defines the inlet as a through-aperture opening into the hollow body.

[0019] In an embodiment of the nozzle, the bottom base forms an acute angle relative to the plane defined by the top base.

[0020] In an embodiment of the nozzle, the nozzle further comprises actuation means operably connected to the closing member for releasably covering the outlet selectively.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a kit of parts for an adjustable nozzle for an animal feed dispenser, comprising a hollow body defined by a top base, a bottom base and a substantially rectilinear surface extending therebetween, wherein the bases are opposed and non-congruent, a feed inlet located at the top base and a feed outlet located at a lowest extremity of the surface adjacent the bottom base; and a closing member adapted to releasably cover the outlet.

[0022] An embodiment of the kit of parts may further comprise actuation means for operable connection to the closing member so as to releasably cover the outlet selectively.

[0023] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of using an adjustable nozzle with an animal feed dispenser having a feed storage, comprising the steps of providing an adjustable nozzle according to any embodiment introduced above, covering the outlet with the closing member, fitting the nozzle to a lowest portion of the feed storage, such that feed may enter the body through the inlet under the force of gravity, and uncovering the outlet, whereby an animal may access feed therethrough.

[0024] An embodiment of the method may comprise the further step of periodically covering the outlet.

[0025] A variant of either of the above embodiments of the method may comprise the further step of automatically covering the outlet.

[0026] In a further variant of these embodiments of the method, each step of covering or uncovering the outlet may be a partial step, such that only a portion of the outlet is covered or uncovered.

[0027] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided an animal feed dispenser comprising a feed storage body having a lowest portion with an outlet, and an adjustable nozzle according to any of the embodiments introduced above, wherein the feed inlet located at the top base thereof is operably connected to and in through-communication with the body outlet.

[0028] In an embodiment of the animal feed dispenser, the body may be substantially cylindrical, the lowest portion may be substantially conical, and the outlet is preferably formed by truncation of the lowest portion.

[0029] A variant of this embodiment, or another embodiment of the animal feed dispenser, may further comprise at least one support member operably connected to the feed storage body for maintaining the animal feed dispenser at an elevated distance from ground level. The at least one support member may for instance be a telescopic support member. Alternatively, three or more support members may be provided substantially equidistantly about the feed storage body.

[0030] A variant of any of the above embodiments of the animal feed dispenser may further comprise at least one handle member operably connected to the feed storage body, for facilitating handling and transport of the animal feed dispenser by a user.

[0031] Any of the above embodiments of the nozzle and of the animal feed dispenser is preferably manufactured integrally from a metallic or metal-alloyed material. This feature advantageously provides resistance to large omnivorous mammals, for instance badgers, which could otherwise seek to break in to the main feed reservoir.

[0032] Other aspects are as set out in the claims herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows three views of a hollow body for an adjustable nozzle according to a first embodiment of the invention, having top and bottom bases that are opposed and non-congruent; Figure 2 shows three views of a sleeve member adapted to translate longitudinally along the surface, over at least the lowest extremity, of the body of Figurel; Figure 3 shows three views of a hollow body for an adjustable nozzle according to a second embodiment of the invention, having top and bottom bases that are opposed and non-congruent; Figure 4 shows three views of a sleeve member adapted to rotate co-axially about at least a lowest portion of the body of Figure 3; Figure 5 illustrates two positions of the sleeve member of Figure 4, wherein the outlet of the body is partly and fully covered, respectively; Figure 6 shows an embodiment of an animal feed dispenser fitted with the adjustable nozzle of Figures 3 to 5; and Figure 7 shows a portable embodiment of the animal feed dispenser of 3± Figure 6.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0034] There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to

unnecessarily obscure the description.

[0035] With reference to Figure 1, a first embodiment of a nozzle body 110 is shown in front view, right view and top view. The nozzle body 110 comprises a hollow body defined by a top base 112, a bottom base 114 and a substantially rectilinear surface 116 extending therebetween. The surface 116 comprises two pairs of parallel sections (116a, llGb) (116, llGd) that are perpendicular to one another. The nozzle body 110 effectively defines a tube with a substantially square section having a biased bottom extremity 114 opposed to the orthogonal top extremity 112. The bases 112, 114 are therefore opposed and non-congruent.

[0036] The top base 112 is flared with a peripheral lip 120 surrounding a through aperture 130, which constitutes a feed inlet 130 into the nozzle body 110.

The lip 120 comprises several mounting through holes 122 for securing the nozzle body 110 to the underside of a feed hopper, for instance as shown in Figure 6. The bottom base 114 is a planar surface integral and continuous with the surface 116 of the nozzle body 110, forming an angle of substantially 45 degrees relative to the main longitudinal and transversal axes of the nozzle body 110.

[0037] The nozzle body 110 further comprises a feed outlet 150 located at a lowest extremity 160 of the longest 116a of the surface sections 116a-d of the surface 116 adjacent the bottom base 114. The extremity 160 is substantially the apex at which the lowest portion of the bottom base 114, nearest the ground in use, meets the portion of the body surface 116 that is longest relative to the orthogonal top base 112. The outlet 150 is substantially elongate and oblong, extending from the lowest extremity 160 over a distance towards the top extremity 112.

[0038] With reference to Figure 2 now, a first embodiment of an adjustable nozzle 100 including the nozzle body 110 is shown in the same front view, right view and top view. The adjustable nozzle 100 comprises the nozzle body 110 and a closing member 170 adapted to releasably cover the outlet 150, wherein the closing member is a sleeve member 170 adapted to translate longitudinally along the surface 116, over at least the lowest extremity 160 thereof, and having a smaller longitudinal dimension relative to the longitudinal dimension of the nozzle body 110.

[0039] Accordingly, the sleeve member 170 comprises two pairs of parallel sections (171a, l7lb), (171, l7id) that are perpendicular to one another, effectively defining a tube with a substantially square section having opposed top 172 and bottom 173 extremities opposed one another, and wherein the dimensions of the sleeve member 170 are such that a sliding fit of the sleeve member 170 relative to the nozzle body 110 is achieved.

[0040] A rear section 171b of the sleeve member 170 includes an adjustment mechanism consisting of a threaded aperture 174 therethrough and a fastener 175, for instance a screw, threaded therein. The remaining sections 171a, 171, 171d of the sleeve member 170 are uniformly planar and all sections have substantially identical dimensions, such that at least one section 171a may cover the corresponding section 1 16a of the body 110 with the outlet 150.

[0041] In use, adjustment of the size of the nozzle 100 is accomplished by partially unscrewing the screw 175 until its extremity adjacent the rectilinear surface 116 does not abut it; translating the sleeve member 170 longitudinally along the rectilinear surface 116 in a direction symbolised by an arrow 160 to a desired position in which the sleeve member section 171a occludes the underlying aperture 150 partially, fully or not at all; then screwing the screw 175 until its extremity adjacent the rectilinear surface 116 abuts it sufficiently to secure the sleeve member 170 in position.

[0042] With reference now to Figure 3, a second embodiment of a nozzle body 210 is shown in front view, right view and top view. The nozzle body 210 again comprises a hollow body defined by a top base 212, a bottom base 214 and a substantially rectilinear surface 216 extending therebetween. In this embodiment, the surface 116 is cylindrical and the nozzle body 210 effectively defines a tube with a substantially circular section having a biased bottom extremity 214 opposed to the orthogonal top extremity 212, wherein the biased bottom extremity 214 thus forms a planar ellipse. The bases 212, 214 are therefore again opposed and non-congruent.

[0043] The top base 212 is flared with a peripheral lip 220 surrounding a through aperture 230, which constitutes a feed inlet 230 into the nozzle body 210.

The lip 220 comprises several mounting through holes 122 for securing the nozzle body 210 to the underside of a feed hopper, as shown in Figure 6. The bottom base 214 is a planar surface integral and continuous with the surface 216 of the nozzle body 210, forming an angle of substantially 45 degrees relative to the main longitudinal and transversal axes of the nozzle body 210.

[0044] The nozzle body 210 further comprises a feed outlet 150 located at a lowest extremity 160 of the longest extent of the cylindrical surface 216 adjacent the bottom base 214. The extremity 160 is again substantially the apex at which the lowest portion of the bottom base 214, nearest the ground in use, meets the portion of the body surface 216 that is longest relative to the orthogonal top base 212. The outlet 150 is again substantially elongate and oblong, extending from the lowest extremity 160 over a distance towards the top extremity 212.

[0045] With reference to Figure 4 now, a second embodiment of an adjustable nozzle 200 including the nozzle body 210 is shown in the same front view, right view and top view. The adjustable nozzle 200 comprises the cylindrical nozzle body 210 and a closing member 270 adapted to releasably cover the outlet 150, wherein the closing member is a sleeve member 270 adapted to rotate peripherally about the surface 216, along either directions symbolised by an arrow 280, over at least the lowest extremity 160 thereof, and having a smaller longitudinal dimension relative to the longitudinal dimension of the nozzle body 110.

[0046] Accordingly, the sleeve member 270 comprises a substantially cylindrical surface 271, effectively defining a tube with a substantially circular section having opposed top 272 and bottom 273 extremities opposed one another, and wherein the diameter of the surface 271 of the sleeve member 270 is such that a sliding fit of the sleeve member 270 relative to the nozzle body 210 is achieved.

[0047] A rear section of the sleeve member 270 includes a locking mechanism consisting of a threaded aperture 174 therethrough and a fastener 175, for instance a screw, threaded therein. Diametrically-opposed to the locking mechanism is a substantially elongate and oblong outlet slot 285 extending from the lowest extremity 287 of the sleeve member with dimensions at least equal to the outlet 150 and, above and centred relative to the slot 285, a rotation guiding mechanism comprising both a peripheral slot 288 extending a distance either side of the outlet slot 285 and a captive pin 289 fixedly engaged into the wall of the nozzle body 210 centrally of the outlet slot 285.

[0048] It will be readily understood by the skilled person that alternative means may be considered for securing the sleeve member 270 to the nozzle body 210, and/or for limiting the course of its rotation relative to the nozzle body 210, and which may be considered to still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. For instance, a suitably-dimensioned fastener 175 may be adapted to perform the function of the captive pin 289, with a thread pitch adapted to engage opposed edges of a correspondingly-dimensioned peripheral slot 288 therethrough, in the manner of the threaded aperture 174.

[0049] In use, as illustrated by the sequence of partial opening and full covering positions shown in Figure 5, rotation of the sleeve member 270 including of the outlet slot 285, about the surface 216 left or right of the outlet slot 150 is guided by the pin 289. The example shown illustrates a rotation to the right.

Adjustment of the size of the nozzle 200 is therefore accomplished by partially unscrewing the screw 175 until its extremity adjacent the rectilinear surface 216 does not abut it; rotating the sleeve member 270 peripherally about the surface 216 either left or right as per the arrow 280 to a desired position in which the surface of the sleeve member 270 adjacent the outlet slot 285 occludes the underlying aperture 150 partially, fully or not at all; then screwing the screw 175 until its extremity adjacent the rectilinear surface 216 abuts it sufficiently to secure the sleeve member 270 in position.

[0050] With reference to Figure 6 now, an embodiment of an animal feed dispenser 600 is shown both in front view and in a right view, which is manufactured integrally from a metallic or metal-alloyed material for durability and resistance to some of larger non-target species such as badgers, deer and the like.

[0051] The animal feed dispenser 600 comprises a feed storage body or hopper 610 having a main feed reservoir 620 with a lowest portion comprising an outlet designated by an arrow 622, and an adjustable nozzle 100, 200 according to either of the embodiments shown in Figures ito 5, wherein the feed inlet 130, 230 located at the top base 112, 212 thereof is operably connected to, and in through-communication with, the body outlet 622.

[0052] In the embodiment shown, the body 610 is substantially cylindrical, with a diameter in the range 12 to 15 inches, having atop portion 630 peripherally rounded to impede premature weathering of the dispenser, hinged 632 about a rear portion of a periphery 625 of the opening of the main feed reservoir 620 for ease of access for replenishing feed, and latched 634 about an opposed front portion of the periphery of the opening into the main feed reservoir for preventing access during autonomous use. The body 610 is also substantially symmetrical, wherein the lowest portion 620 is correspondingly peripherally rounded about the outlet 622 to ensure that all of the feed contained therein eventually flows to the nozzle feed inlet 130, 230.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the lowest portion 620 of the body 610 may be substantially conical, thus with a taper extending towards the nozzle 400 that is more pronounced than the rounded aspect of the bottom 620 shown in Figure 6, and wherein the body outlet 620 may for instance be formed by truncating this alternative lowest portion of the body 610.

[0054] The animal feed dispenser 600 further comprises a pair of support members 640 which are disposed parallel to another and operably connected, via discrete mounting points 642, to the surface of the feed storage body 610 for maintaining the animal feed dispenser 600 at a distance from ground level. Each support member 640 is elongate and rectilinear, and comprises a ground engagement member 644 such as a spike to facilitate its insertion in soil. The animal feed dispenser 600 lastly also comprises a carry handle 650 for facilitating its transport by a user to a feeding site.

[0055] It will be readily understood by the skilled reader that any number of support members 640 may be used, depending on the size and weight of the dispenser laden with feed, and characteristics of the feeding environment.

[0056] For instance, a simpler embodiment with a single support member 640 may be considered for controlled environments wherein access by non-target species is prevented entirely, e.g. fenced poultry coops and the like.

[0057] For instance the one or more support members 640 may also be telescopic, for further facilitating stowage and transport, having an extended position lockable in use.

[0058] A further variation may have the handle 650 implemented within the attachment configuration of the support member to the main body 610, for instance if suitable space is provided between the main body 610 and a receiver for the support member 640.

[0059] Embodiments of the feeder with the nozzle 100, 200 may even dispense entirely with support members 640, for instance when used as a small bird feeder, with the addition of a perch by the outlet, the whole feeder suspended from the top, allowing the grain to fall to the floor below or a flat surface provided.

[0060] The feeder may also be used in the poultry industry, providing a means of feeding controlled amounts of different feeds providing environmental enrichment, allowing the birds to exhibit natural foraging behaviour, wherein they would have to exercise their beak for getting the feed, possibly helping with beak health and wear.

[0061] Further still, automation of the sleeve member about the nozzle body may be implemented with relevant electro-mechanical means, for instance a power source supplying a low-voltage high-torque electrical motor operably driving a pushrod or the like, with the pushrod operably connected to the sleeve member to cause its bi-directional translation or rotation independently of the nozzle body. Preferably still, actuation of the motor may be controlled by a timing device to selectively permit and interrupt feeding at predetermined times and, in a particularly advantageous embodiment, a photovoltaic energy converter may provide both the respective functions of the power source and the timing device, actuating the motor as a function of a predetermined amount of daylight and/or stored energy.

[0062] Accordingly, many further embodiments may be readily devised, but are not described herein in specific detail, for the purpose of not obscuring

the present description unnecessarily.

Claims

Claims 1. An adjustable nozzle for an animal feed dispenser, comprising: a hollow body defined by a top base, a bottom base and a substantially rectilinear surface extending therebetween, wherein the bases are opposed and non-congruent; a feed inlet located at the top base; a feed outlet located at a lowest extremity of the surface adjacent the bottom base; and a closing member adapted to releasably cover the outlet.
2. An adjustable nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the top base is substantially square or oblong and the surface comprises two pairs of parallel sections that are perpendicular to one another.
3. An adjustable nozzle according to claim 2, wherein the closing member comprises a sleeve member adapted to translate longitudinally along the surface, over at least the lowest extremity thereof.
4. An adjustable nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the top base is substantially circular, such the hollow body is substantially tubular and the bottom base is substantially elliptic.
5. An adjustable nozzle according to claim 4, wherein the closing member comprises a sleeve member adapted to rotate co-axially about at least a lowest portion of the body.
6. An adjustable nozzle according to claim 5, wherein the sleeve member is substantially C -shaped.
7. An adjustable nozzle according to claim 5, wherein the sleeve member comprises a through-aperture adapted to coincide at least partially with the outlet through rotation.
8. An adjustable nozzle according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the outlet is substantially elongate and oblong.
9. An adjustable nozzle according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein a periphery of the top base defines the inlet as a through-aperture opening into the hollow body.10. An adjustable nozzle according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the bottom base forms an acute angle relative to the plane defined by the top base.
10. An adjustable nozzle according to any of claims 1 to 10, further comprising actuation means operably connected to the closing member for releasably covering the outlet selectively. L5
11. A kit of parts for an adjustable nozzle for an animal feed dispenser, comprising: a hollow body defined by a top base, a bottom base and a substantially rectilinear surface extending therebetween, wherein the bases are opposed and non-congruent, a feed inlet located at the top base and a feed outlet located at a lowest extremity of the surface adjacent the bottom base; and a closing member adapted to releasably cover the outlet.
12. A kit of pads according to claim 1 2further comprising: actuation means for operable connection to the closing member so as to releasably cover the outlet selectively.
13. A method of using an adjustable nozzle with an animal feed dispenser having a feed storage, comprising the steps of: providing an adjustable nozzle according to any of claims 1 to 11; covering the outlet with the closing member; fitting the nozzle to a lowest portion of the feed storage, such that feed may enter the body through the inlet under the force of gravity; and uncovering the outlet, whereby an animal may access feed therethrough.
14. The method of claim 12, comprising the further step of periodically covering the outlet.
15. The method of claim 13 or 14, comprising the further step of automatically covering the outlet.
16. The method according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein each step of covering or uncovering the outlet is a partial step, such that only a portion of the outlet is covered or uncovered.

3±
17. An animal feed dispenser comprising a feed storage body having a lowest portion with an outlet, and an adjustable nozzle according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the feed inlet located at the top base thereof is operably connected to and in through-communication with the body outlet.
18. The animal feed dispenser according to claim 17, wherein the body is substantially cylindrical, the lowest portion is substantially conical, and the outlet is formed by truncation of the lowest portion.
19. The animal feed dispenser according to claim 17 or 18, further comprising at least one support member operably connected to the feed storage body for maintaining the animal feed dispenser at an elevated distance from ground level.
20. The animal feed dispenser according to claim 19, wherein the at least one support member is a telescopic support member.
21. The animal feed dispenser according to any of claims 17 to 20, further comprising at least one handle member operably connected to the feed storage body for facilitating handling and transport of the animal feed dispenser by a user.
22. The animal feed dispenser according to any of claims 17 to 21, manufactured integrally from a metallic or metal-alloyed material.
23. An adjustable nozzle for an animal feed dispenser substantially as described herein, with reference to, and as shown in, the appended drawings.
24. An animal feed dispenser substantially as described herein, with reference to, and as shown in, the appended drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed a follows Claims 1. An adjustable nozzle for an animal feed dispenser, comprising: a substantially tubular hollow body defined by a substantially circular top base, a bottom base and a substantially rectilinear surface extending therebetween, wherein the bases are opposed and non-congruent; a feed inlet located at the top base; a feed outlet located at a lowest extremity of the surface adjacent the bottom base; a closing member defining a sleeve member about the body, wherein the sleeve member comprises a through-aperture adapted to coincide at least partially with the feed outlet and a releasable fastener for securing in position, and is adapted to rotate co-axially about the surface adjacent the bottom base such that a section of the sleeve member occludes the underlying outlet partially, fully or not at all; and a rotation guiding mechanism for limiting the rotation course of the sleeve IC) member relative to the body.o 2. An adjustable nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve member is adapted to translate longitudinally along the surface, over at least the lowest (,J 20 extremity thereof.3. An adjustable nozzle according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the outlet is substantially elongate and oblong.4. An adjustable nozzle according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lowest extremity is substantially the apex at which a lowest portion of the bottom base meets the portion of the body surface 216 that is longest relative to the top base.5. An adjustable nozzle according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein a periphery of the top base defines the inlet as a through-aperture opening into the hollow body.6. An adjustable nozzle according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the bottom base forms an acute angle relative to the plane defined by the top base.7. An adjustable nozzle according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sleeve member is substantially C-shaped.8. An adjustable nozzle according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the releasable fastener for securing in position comprises a threaded through-aperture in the sleeve member and a fastener engaged therein releasably abutting an underlying surface of the body.9. An adjustable nozzle according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the rotation guiding mechanism comprising a slot extending a distance either side of the outlet and a pin fixedly engaged into the wall of the nozzle body though the slot. IC)10. A kit of parts for an adjustable nozzle for an animal feed dispenser, o comprising: Q) a substantially tubular hollow body defined by a substantially circular top base, a bottom base and a substantially rectilinear surface extending therebetween, wherein the bases are opposed and non-congruent, a feed inlet located at the top base and a feed outlet located at a lowest extremity of the surface adjacent the bottom base; a closing member defining a sleeve member about the body, wherein the sleeve member comprises a through-aperture adapted to coincide at least partially with the feed outlet and a releasable fastener for securing in position, and is adapted to rotate co-axially about the surface adjacent the bottom base such that a section of the sleeve member occludes the underlying outlet partially, fully or not at all; and a rotation guiding mechanism for limiting the course of the rotation of the sleeve member relative to the body.11. A kit of parts according to claim 10, wherein the releasable fastener comprises actuation means for operable connection to the closing member so as to releasably cover the outlet selectively.12. A kit of pads according to claim 11, wherein the actuation means is electro-mechanical and comprises a power source supplying an electrical motor operably interfaced with to the sleeve member to cause its bi-directional rotation independently of the nozzle body.13. A kit of pads according to claim 12, wherein the actuation means further comprises a timing device to selectively rotate the closing member at predetermined times.14. A kit of parts according to 12 or 13, wherein the power source is a photovoltaic energy converter actuating the motor as a function of a predetermined amount of daylight and/or stored energy.o 15. A method of using an adjustable nozzle with an animal feed dispenser having a feed storage, comprising the steps of: (\J 20 providing an adjustable nozzle according to any of claims 1 to 449; covering the outlet with the closing member; fitting the nozzle to a lowest portion of the feed storage, such that feed may enter the body through the inlet under the force of gravity; and uncovering the outlet, whereby an animal may access feed therethrough.16. The method of claim 15, comprising the further step of periodically covering the outlet.17. The method of claim 15 or 16, comprising the further step of automatically covering the outlet.18. The method according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein each step of covering or uncovering the outlet is a partial step, such that only a portion of the outlet is covered or uncovered.19. An animal feed dispenser comprising a feed storage body having a lowest portion with an outlet, and an adjustable nozzle according to any of claims 1 to 44 9, wherein the feed inlet located at the top base of the adjustable nozzle is operably connected to and in through-communication with the feed storage body outlet.20. The animal feed dispenser according to claim 19, further comprising at least one support member operably connected to the feed storage body for maintaining the animal feed dispenser at an elevated distance from ground level.21. The animal feed dispenser according to claim 20, wherein the at least one support member is a telescopic support member.o 22. The animal feed dispenser according to any of claims 19 to 21, further comprising at least one handle member operably connected to the feed storage (\J 20 body for facilitating handling and transport of the animal feed dispenser by a user.23. The animal feed dispenser according to any of claims 19 to 22, manufactured integrally from a metallic or metal-alloyed material.24. The animal feed dispenser according to any of claims 19 to 22, manufactured integrally from a metallic or metal-alloyed material.
25. An animal feed dispenser substantially as described herein, with reference to, and as shown in, the appended drawings.