A FEEDER ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A feeder for feeding poultry and the like, the feeder comprising: a base including a pan configured to receive and retain feed; a storage hopper positioned above the base during use for receiving and storing feed, said hopper being operable to dispense feed into the pan under the effect of gravity; the base further including a housing for at least enclosing the pan, the housing including an opening positioned in between the pan and the hopper during use for allowing poultry and the like to access an internal space enclosed by the housing for consuming the feed retained in the pan.

Claims

1. A feeder for feeding poultry and the like, the feeder comprising a base including a pan configured to receive and retain feed, a storage hopper positioned above the base during use for receiving and storing feed, said hopper being operable to dispense feed into the pan under the effect of gravity, the base further including a housing for at least enclosing the pan, the housing including an opening positioned in between the pan and the hopper for allowing poultry and the like to access an internal space enclosed by the housing for consuming the feed retained in the pan, wherein at least one upstanding web is provided in the internal space of the housing and is positioned for limiting movement of poultry or the like during consumption of the feed retained in the pan.

2. A feeder for feeding poultry and the like, the feeder comprising a base including a pan configured to receive and retain feed, a storage hopper positioned above the base during use for receiving and storing feed, said hopper being operable to dispense feed into the pan under the effect of gravity, the base further including a housing for at least enclosing the pan, the housing including an opening positioned in between the pan and the hopper during use for allowing poultry and the like to access an internal space enclosed by the housing for consuming the feed retained in the pan, the feeder further comprising at least one upstanding retaining web extending upwardly relative to the pan and positioned adjacent the opening, the retaining web being provided in the internal space of the housing and being positioned for retaining the feed in the housing.

3. A feeder for feeding poultry and the like, the feeder comprising a base including a pan configured to receive and retain feed, a storage hopper positioned above the base during use for receiving and storing feed, said hopper being operable to dispense feed into the pan under the effect of gravity, the base further including a housing for at least enclosing the pan, the housing including an opening positioned in between the pan and the hopper during use for allowing poultry and the like to access an internal space enclosed by the housing for consuming the feed retained in the pan, a feed directing device for receiving the feed from the hopper and directing the received feed into the pan through a feed directing passage forming a feed outlet, wherein separation between the outlet and a bottom portion of the pan is selectively adjustable.

4. A feeder for feeding poultry and the like, the feeder comprising a base including a pan configured to receive and retain feed, a storage hopper positioned above the base during use for receiving and storing feed, said hopper being operable to dispense feed into the pan under the effect of gravity, the base further including a housing for at least enclosing the pan, the housing including an opening positioned in between the pan and the hopper during use for allowing poultry and the like to access an internal space enclosed by the housing for consuming the feed retained in the pan, wherein the base includes a hood extending outwardly from an outer wall of the housing and over the opening to the housing, the hood including an upturned peripheral edge for preventing ingress of any extraneous matter positioned or accumulated on the hood into the housing from the opening.

5. A feeder for feeding poultry and the like, the feeder comprising a base including a pan configured to receive and retain feed, a storage hopper positioned above the base during use for receiving and storing feed, said hopper being operable to dispense feed into the pan under the effect of gravity, the base further comprising a housing for at least enclosing the pan, the housing including an opening positioned in between the pan and the hopper during use for allowing poultry and the like to access an internal space enclosed by the housing for consuming the feed retained in the pan, a feed directing device positioned for receiving the feed from the hopper and directing the received feed into the pan, wherein the food directing device is configured to be coupled to the hopper and/or the housing in no more than one coupled orientation.

6. A feeder for feeding poultry and the like, the feeder comprising a base including a pan configured to receive and retain feed, a storage hopper positioned above the base during use for receiving and storing feed, said hopper being operable to dispense feed into the pan under the effect of gravity, the base further including a housing for at least enclosing the pan, the housing including an opening positioned in between the pan and the hopper during use for allowing poultry and the like to access an internal space enclosed by the housing for consuming the feed retained in the pan, wherein the housing is configured to be coupled to the hopper in no more than one coupled orientation.

7. A feeder for feeding poultry and the like, the feeder comprising a base including a pan configured to receive and retain feed, a storage hopper positioned above the base during use for receiving and storing feed, said hopper operable to dispense feed into the pan under the effect of gravity, the base further including a housing for at least enclosing the pan, the housing including an opening positioned in between the pan and the hopper during use for allowing poultry and the like to access an internal space enclosed by the housing for consuming the feed retained in the pan, and at least one fastener for fastening the housing and/or the storage hopper onto a support, wherein during use, the fastener maintains the housing and/or the storage hopper in a substantially vertical orientation relative to each other thereby allowing the hopper to dispense feed into the pan under gravity.

8. A drinker assembly for supplying drinking liquid to poultry or the like, the assembly comprising a reservoir including a base and upstanding walls, the base and the walls defining an internal volume for holding the liquid therein, an outlet port extending through said reservoir to allow the liquid to exit said reservoir under gravitational effect and be received into a receptacle, a valve assembly positioned in fluid communication with the outlet port for controlling flow of the liquid from the reservoir to the receptacle, at least one supporting member adapted to support said reservoir at an elevated position relative to the receptacle to enable flow of the liquid under gravitational effect from the reservoir to the receptacle wherein the supporting member is integrally formed with the upstanding walls of the reservoir.

9. A drinker assembly for supplying drinking liquid to poultry or the like, the assembly comprising a reservoir including a base and upstanding walls, the base and the walls defining an internal volume for holding the liquid therein, an outlet port extending through said reservoir to allow the liquid to exit said reservoir under gravitational effect and be received into a receptacle, a valve assembly positioned in fluid communication with the outlet port for controlling flow of the liquid from the reservoir to the receptacle, a removable lid for introducing the liquid into the reservoir and/or for accessing the internal volume of the reservoir, the assembly further comprising a locking mechanism operable for locking the lid onto the reservoir to prevent removal of the lid from the reservoir.

10. A drinker assembly for supplying drinking liquid to poultry or the like, the assembly comprising, a reservoir including a base and upstanding walls, the base and the walls defining an internal volume for holding the liquid therein, an outlet port extending through said reservoir to allow the liquid to exit said reservoir under gravitational effect and be received into a receptacle, a valve assembly positioned in fluid communication with the outlet port for controlling flow of the liquid from the reservoir to the receptacle and a removable lid for introducing the liquid into the reservoir and/or for accessing the internal volume of the reservoir wherein the lid comprises a handle for holding the lid during use.

11. A drinker assembly for supplying drinking liquid to poultry or the like, the assembly comprising a reservoir comprising a base portion and an upstanding wall portion, the base and the wall portions defining an internal volume for holding the liquid therein, an outlet port extending through said reservoir to allow the liquid to exit said reservoir under gravitational effect and be received into a receptacle, a valve assembly positioned in fluid communication with the outlet port for controlling flow of the liquid from the reservoir to the receptacle and wherein the base portion and the wall portion are configured to be aligned and coupled to each other in no more than one coupled orientation.

12. A drinker assembly for supplying drinking liquid to poultry or the like, the assembly comprising a reservoir comprising a base portion and an upstanding wall portion, the base and the wall portions defining an internal volume for holding the liquid therein, an outlet port extending through said reservoir to allow the liquid to exit said reservoir under gravitational effect and be received into a receptacle a valve assembly positioned in fluid communication with the outlet port for controlling flow of the liquid from the reservoir to the receptacle and an elastomeric sealing member such that during coupling of the base portion with the wall portion, respective sealing surfaces provided thereon engage with the elastomeric sealing member thereby securing a leak proof seal between the base portion and the wall portion of the reservoir.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0054] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0055] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a feeder in an assembled configuration in accordance with the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the feeder.

[0057] FIG. 3 is first perspective view of the feed directing device in the first embodiment.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a first side view of the feed directing device in the first embodiment.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a second side view of the feed directing device in the first embodiment.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a top view of the feed directing device in the first embodiment.

[0061] FIG. 7 is second perspective view of the feed directing device in the first embodiment.

[0062] FIG. 8 is a first perspective view of the base in the first embodiment.

[0063] FIG. 9 is a first side view of the base of the first embodiment.

[0064] FIG. 10 is a front view of the base of the first embodiment.

[0065] FIG. 11 is a top-down view of the base of the first embodiment.

[0066] FIG. 12 is a second perspective view of the base in the first embodiment.

[0067] FIG. 13 is a first side view of a connecting collar in the first embodiment.

[0068] FIG. 14 is a second side view of the connecting collar in the first embodiment.

[0069] FIG. 15 is a top view of the connecting collar in the first embodiment.

[0070] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the connecting collar in the first embodiment.

[0071] FIG. 17 is a first side view of the upstanding walls of the pan in the first embodiment.

[0072] FIG. 18 is a second side view of the upstanding walls of the pan in the first embodiment.

[0073] FIG. 19 is a top view of the upstanding walls of the pan in the first embodiment.

[0074] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the upstanding walls of the pan in the first embodiment.

[0075] FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the feed flow adjustment mechanism in the first embodiment.

[0076] FIG. 22 is a first perspective view of a drinker assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] FIG. 23 is a second perspective view of the drinker assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a tubular wall portion forming a part of the drinker assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] FIGS. 25A-25D represent a top view, a first side view, a second side view and a second top view of the tubular wall portion respectively in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of a supporting hook provided on the tubular wall portion in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a lid of the drinker assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] FIG. 28 shows an enlarged view of a locking arrangement of the drinker assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] FIGS. 29A-29D represent a top view, a first side view, a second side view and a bottom view of the lid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of a coupling arrangement of the drinker assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] FIG. 31 is a top view of base of the drinker assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Insets B and C represent enlarged sections of the base.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 to 21

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5 a first non-limiting embodiment of a feeder 1000 in accordance with the invention is illustrated. The feeder 1000 can be readily assembled into an assembled configuration as shown in FIG. 1. The feeder comprises a base 100 that is located directly below a hopper 200 when assembled. The hopper 200 is in the form of a cylindrical container with upstanding walls that defines a storage space for receiving and storing the feed. The hopper 200 includes a lid 220 that is removable by gripping the handle 240 for accessing the storage space in the hopper 200. Typically, a user may undo the lid 220 to replenish feed in the storage hopper 200. The lid 220 is also useful in preventing entry of any extraneous or undesirable matter into the hopper 200. A locking mechanism may be provided to secure the lid to the hopper 200.

[0087] A feed directing device in the form of a feed directing funnel 300 is positioned for directing the feed from the hopper 200 into the base 100. The feed directing funnel 300 may be locatable either in an internal space within the storage hopper 200 or within a housing 120 defining an interior space of the base 100. In the presently illustrated embodiment, the feed directing funnel is locatable in the housing 120. A feed receiving mouth 320 with a diameter which is substantially similar to the diameter of the cylindrical storage hopper 200 is located directly below the hopper 200. The funnel 300 is of a convergent configuration and converges to form a feed directing passage 340. During use, the feed receiving mouth 320 of the funnel 300 receives the feed from the hopper 200 and conveys the feed into the housing 120 through the conducting passage 340 which may be considered to be analogous to a stem of a conventional funnel. The outer walls of the feed receiving mouth 320 are provided with a plurality of projections 370 for engaging with the housing 120 and securely seating the funnel 300 into the housing 120. These projections 370 are circumferentially spaced around the circular mouth 320 of the funnel 300. One of these engagement projections is provided in the form of a locating lug 375 which is sized to be received into a corresponding locating notch 175 provided on an upper portion of the housing 120. The notch 175 is positioned for ensuring that the feed directing funnel 300 is seated in the housing in an appropriate vertical orientation for allowing the feed to be directed from the hopper 200 to the pan at the bottom of the housing. Providing the locating lug 375 which is adapted to only fit into the locating notch 175 ensures that the feed directing funnel 300 is always seated in a correct orientation and in no more than coupled configuration, thereby also providing a useful aid to the skilled user for assembling the feeder device easily.

[0088] In order to assemble the feeder, the housing 120 needs to be coupled to the storage hopper 200. Typically this coupling step is carried out after the feed directing funnel 300 is seated in the correct orientation within the housing 120. A bottom portion of the storage hopper 200 in the form of a skirted end which is adapted for being connected with an upper portion of the housing 120 as clearly illustrated in FIG. 1. Four circumferentially spaced locking projections 134 are provided on the upper portion of the housing 120 that are adapted to be received in correspondingly positioned locking apertures 232 provided on the skirted end of the hopper 200. The locking projections 134 are arranged in a configuration such that the angular spacing in between the locking projections 134 is unequal. Such a configuration allows the base 100 and the hopper 200 to be only coupled in one coupling orientation and ensures that a leak proof seal is established. Once again, this configuration provides a visual aid to users to couple the housing and the hopper in the optimum orientation.

[0089] The base 100 comprises a pan 140 that is positioned for receiving and holding feed that passes through the feed directing funnel 300. The housing 120 forms a covered internal space for holding the feed and stops the feed from being exposed to extraneous matter such as dust, mud and rain. Advantageously, the housing 120 also comprises a circular opening in the form of a feeding window 150 which is suitably sized for allowing fowl to access the feed present in the pan 140 by inserting their head and necks into the feeding window 150 to ingest the feed within the housing without any feed being lost due to wastage. An outwardly extending arcuate hood 160 extends over the feeding window 150 and prevents the ingress of any rain water from entering the housing 120. The peripheral edge of the hood (which is located at a distal end relative to the housing 120) includes an upturned peripheral edge that prevents ingress of any extraneous matter positioned or accumulated on the hood into the housing from the opening. The upturned edge is particularly helpful in stopping any rain water from running off the edges of the hood and entering the housing 120. The upturned edges direct any rain water away from the opening and towards the either lateral ends of the hood 160 thereby acting as a gutter for directing water away from the opening. At either end of the hood 160 curved portions 165 are also provided to further direct the flow of water away from the opening and along the outer wall of the housing 120.

[0090] The feeder 1000 is also provided with a waste reducing mechanism which comprises of mutually perpendicular wall structures adapted to prevent feed material from falling out of the housing 120. These wall structures include a vertically oriented web 350 and a horizontally oriented web 360. In an assembled configuration, the vertical web 350 projects outwardly in a direction from a substantially central and interior part of the housing 120 to a substantially peripheral part of the housing 120. The vertical web 350 is configured in the shape of a truncated triangle with a downwardly increasing taper, the downwardly direction being towards the pan located at the bottom portion of the base 100. In the presently illustrated embodiment, the vertical web 350 is formed as a projection along an outer wall the feed conducting passage 340. During use, the vertical web 350 is positioned to be projecting outwards towards the feeding window 150. During use, the upstanding wall formed by the vertical web 350 limits lateral movement of the poultry accessing the internal space enclosed by the housing. This configuration is particularly effective in reducing lateral side-side head movement of poultry during consumption of the feed material retained in the pan. The vertical web 350 prevents vigorous movement of the head by poultry during feeding thereby the feed from being knocked out from the housing. Therefore, providing the vertical web 350 reduces wastage. A horizontally oriented web 360 is also positioned at one end of the vertical web 350. The horizontally oriented web 360 is positioned adjacent the feeding window 150 extends as a retaining wall to retain any feed that may otherwise be dragged out of the feeding window 150 by fowl during feeding. In order to do so, the effective web height of the horizontal web needs to be sufficiently high and at least higher than the lowermost point on the feeding window 150 to fulfil the function of retaining feed within the housing 120. The mutually perpendicular orientation of the vertical web 350 and the horizontal web 360 may also be considered to be in a T-shaped configuration having a shape similar to that of an aircraft's T-shaped tail fin as shown in FIGS. 3-7.

[0091] Turning to FIGS. 13-21, an feed flow adjustment mechanism is provided for adjusting the wherein separation between the outlet of the feed directing funnel 300 and a bottom portion 175 of the pan receiving the feed from the feed directing funnel 300. A connecting portion in the form of a connecting collar 190 is provided for connecting the bottom portion 175 of the pan with the housing 120. The connecting collar 190 is provided with screw threads provided along its peripheral walls and can be threaded onto upstanding walls 180 of the pan which are also provided with complementary screw threads. Twisting the connecting collar 190 in a clock-wise manner results in at least a part of the upstanding walls 180 being received in the collar 190. Similarly twisting the collar 190 in an anti-clockwise manner results in the received portion of the upstanding walls 180 being withdrawn from the collar 190. The twisting of the connecting collar therefore results in adjustment of the effective separation (E) between the bottom portion of the pan and the outlet of the conducting passage 340. By twisting the connecting collar 190 relative to the peripheral upstanding walls 180, along the threads, the effective height at which the feed directing device is fastened (relative to the bottom portion of the pan) to the housing is varied. As a result, the separation between the device outlet and the bottom portion of the pan is also varied. By way of example, a clockwise twist imparted to the connecting collar will result in lowering of the effective vertical height whereas an anti-clockwise twist to the connecting collar will result in an increase in the effective height.

[0092] During a typical installation in a poultry house, the storage hopper is desirably positioned above ground level to ensure that the feeding window 150 is positioned within easy access of fowl roaming the poultry facility. As discussed, the feeder 1000 relies on flow of the feed under the effect of gravity from the hopper 200 to the base 100. The orientation of the hopper 200 relative to the housing 120 is therefore of substantial importance. In order to maintain the gravitational at least the hopper 200 and an upper portion of the housing 120 needs to be positioned at an elevated position relative to the pan which forms the bottom portion of the base. It is also important to ensure that the hopper 200 and/or housing 120 is adequately supported at the elevated position. Advantageously, an outer wall of the housing is provided with mounting hooks 128 that are integrally moulded into the outer walls of the tubular portion 124 thereby alleviating the need for additional metallic brackets or other non-integral mounting arrangements. Each hook 128 is advantageously connected to the outer wall of the tubular portion 124 at two distinct connecting positions. A profiled rib 129 is formed on the outer wall of the housing 120 that provides the connecting positions for the mounting hook 128. The hook 128 comprises a receiving portion that together with a small part of the outer wall of the housing 120 receives a supporting fixture mounted on a wall or a pillar and thereby mounting the housing 120 onto the supporting fixture. The hook 128 also includes a free end which extends outwardly and is curved or bent outwards away from the outer wall of the housing 120 to enable easy mounting and dismounting of the housing 120. In some other alternative embodiments, other types of fasteners or fastening mechanisms may also be integrally moulded with the outer walls of the housing 120 for mounting the housing on supporting fixtures as described herein. Providing integrally formed hooks 128 thus enables easy installation of the feeder 1000 whilst also preventing the use of additional externally mounted brackets.

[0093] Whilst the feeder described herein is particularly suited for fowl, a person skilled in the art would recognise that the drinker may be utilised for supplying feed to other animals such as but not limited to dogs, cats, rabbits, guineapigs etc.

FIGS. 22 to 31

[0094] The drinker assembly 100 described in FIGS. 22 to 31 comprises an elongate and tubular housing 120 that provides a reservoir for containing a drinking liquid such as water within its internal volume. The housing 120 is preferably provided in a two-part configuration and can be readily assembled by coupling the base 122 and a tubular portion 124. The tubular portion 124 with its upstanding walls when coupled with the base 122 provides a hollow internal housing which is adapted to hold the drinking liquid such as water. The base 122 and the tubular portion 124 may be manufactured from injection moulded material such as UV-resistant Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC). In further embodiments, other suitable materials may also be utilised for manufacturing the housing 120. An outlet port 180 is positioned in the base 122 for allowing the drinking liquid to flow out of the housing 120 under gravitational force. It is readily apparent that the outlet port 180 may alternatively be positioned on the tubular portion 124 to also allow the flow of drinking liquid out of the housing 120. Drinking valve 140 is positioned in fluid communication with the outlet port 180 for controlling flow of the liquid from the housing 120 into a receptacle in the form of a drinking trough 160. Advantageously, the drinking trough 160 is positioned in close proximity to the ground level to enable fowl to readily access water contained in the trough. The drinking valves 140, which are preferably of the same design as one another, have a valve pin, which projects out of the valve housing at the bottom by way of an actuating end. The respective drinking valve 140 may be opened by the valve pin being pivoted at least once from the actuating end, as a result of which water is allowed to flow out from the housing 120 into the trough 160 as a result of which the trough fills up with water. Typically, the actuating end is readily accessible by poultry thereby allowing the birds to actuate the valve by pecking at the actuating end. If actuation of the valve pin ceases, the drinking valve 140 closes automatically, as a result of which further flow of water out of the drinking valve 140 is interrupted. The trough 160 and the valve 140 are directly mounted to a bottom under-surface of the base 122 which enables the gravitational flow of the drinking liquid into the water trough 160 when the valve 140 is actuated by the pecking of fowl. It is to be appreciated that more than one outlet port 180 may also be provided for positioning two or more troughs 160 that may be adapted to receive the drinking fluid from the housing 120.

[0095] During a typical installation in a poultry house, the housing 120 is desirably positioned above ground level to ensure that the trough 160 is positioned within easy access of fowl roaming the poultry facility. As discussed, the drinker assembly 100 relies on flow of the drinking liquid under the effect of gravity for flow of the liquid from the housing 120 to the trough 160. The orientation of the housing 120 relative to the trough 160 is therefore of substantial importance. In order to maintain gravitational flow of the liquid from the housing, the housing 120 needs to be positioned at an elevated position relative to the trough 160. It is also important to ensure that the housing 120 is adequately supported at the elevated position. Advantageously, the tubular portion 124 comprises mounting hooks 128 that are integrally moulded into the outer walls of the tubular portion 124 thereby alleviating the need for additional metallic brackets or other non-integral mounting arrangements. Turning to FIGS. 25 to 27, two spaced apart mounting hooks 128 are provided along a length of the tubular portion 124. Each hook 128 is advantageously connected to the outer wall of the tubular portion 124. At two distinct connecting positions as clearly shown in FIG. 27. The hook 128 comprises a receiving portion 127 that together with a small part of the outer wall of the tubular portion 124 receives a supporting fixture mounted on a wall or a pillar and thereby mounts the housing 120 onto the supporting fixture. The hook 128 also includes a free end which extends outwardly and is curved or bent outwards away from the walls to enable easy mounting and dismounting of the housing 120. In some other alternative embodiments, other types of fasteners or fastening mechanisms may also be integrally moulded with the outer walls of the housing 120 for mounting the housing on supporting fixtures as described herein. Providing integrally formed hooks 128 thus enables easy installation of the drinker assembly 100 whilst also preventing the use of additional externally mounted brackets.

[0096] The housing 120 is also provided with a removable lid 126. During use of the drinker assembly 100, the housing may often need to be replenished with additional drinking liquid or other nutrients or medication. The lid 126 not only enables easy access of the housing 120 but also assists in prevents the ingress of dirt, grime germs etc. into the liquid contained in the housing. The lid 126 is operable to be locked in position with the housing 120 by way of a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises two circumferentially spaced flanges 125 on the lid 126. Projecting notches 123 that are also correspondingly spaced apart along the circumference of a top portion of the tubular walls 124 and are configured to inter-engage with the flanges 125 to define a locked configuration of the housing 120. Typically the flanges 125 are slightly resilient in nature so that a pushing force applied on the lid 126 is sufficient to ensure a secure engagement between the respective notches 123 and the flanges 125. In order to remove the lid 126, a pulling force would be required to overcome the opposing force provided by the resilient flanges 125. Pulling the lid 126 disengages the respective notches 123 from the flanges 125. In order to assist with the unlocking of the lid 126, a handle 128 is also positioned on an outer surface of the lid 126 in order to assist with the opening of the lid 126. The handle 128 may be provided with ergonomic surface for receiving a user's hand for enabling easy removal of the lid 126.

[0097] In order to assemble the housing 120 before commencing use, the housing 120 needs to be assembled by coupling the base 122 with the tubular portion 124. The base 122 is provided with a connecting portion which includes an upstanding connecting rim 135. The rim 135 is positioned for alignment and engagement with a skirted end 131 of the tubular portion 124 thereby coupling the base 122 with the wall portion 124. Four circumferentially spaced locking projections 134 are provided on the connecting rim that are adapted to be received in correspondingly positioned locking apertures 132 provided on the skirted end 131. The locking projections 134 are arranged around the connecting rim 135 in a configuration such that the angular spacing in between the locking projections 134 is unequal. This is clearly illustrated in FIG. 31 in which locking projections 134A-134D are circumferentially arranged such that the angular spacing in between locking projection 134D and 134B is not the same as the angular spacing in between locking projection. Such a configuration allows the base 122 and the wall portions 124 to be only coupled in one coupling orientation and ensures that a leak proof seal is established between the base 122 and wall portion 124.

[0098] Turning to FIG. 31 in particular, the connecting rim 135 is provided with a machined groove 137. An elastomeric sealing member in the form of a circular O-ring is positioned during coupling of the base 122 and the tubular portion 124 to further prevent any leakage of the drinking liquid from the housing 120. The groove on the connecting rim 135 provides a first sealing surface and the skirted end 131 that engages with the O-ring provides the second sealing surface. Upon coupling of the base 122 with the tubular portion 124, the O-ring is deformed when the respective sealing surfaces are brought together and this exerts a force against the mating surfaces equal to the force it takes to deform the elastomeric member. The areas of contact between the O-ring and the sealing surfaces surfaces (contact bands) act as a barrier to block the passage of the drinking fluid out of the housing 120.

[0099] In some embodiments, the supporting member comprises one or more fasteners for fastening the housing onto a supporting surface or a supporting structure. For example, the fastener may take the form of a hook or a clip that is adapted to mount the housing onto a supporting surface of a structure such as a wall. In other embodiments, the fastener may be adapted for mounting the housing onto other supporting structures such as a fence.

[0100] In some embodiments, the hook that is adapted to hook onto the supporting surface or the supporting structure thereby mounting the housing to the supporting surface or supporting structure, the hook including a receiving portion for receiving at least a part of the supporting structure or supporting surface.

[0101] Advantageously, the aforementioned hook may also comprise an end portion positioned at a free end of the hook-body wherein the end portion is flanged in an outward direction away from the upstanding wall of the container. Providing such an outwardly flanged configuration is particularly advantageous in that it enables the easy hooking and unhooking of the hook onto the supporting structure.

[0102] Whilst the drinker assembly described herein is particularly suited for fowl, a person skilled in the art would recognise that the drinker may be utilised for supplying water to other animals such as but not limited to dogs, cats, rabbits, guineapigs etc.

[0103] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0104] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.