Horse Feeding Device

Abstract

The present invention is in the field of a horse feeding device and a method of feeding a horse. The feeding device (100) allows for a controlled and typically in time limited uptake of feed by a horse, taking into account the natural behavior of the horse in this respect. It therewith reduces various physical disorders and improves mental well-being of the horse.

Claims

1-24. (canceled)

25. An individual horse feeding device for use inside or outside a horse box, wherein the use is for reducing at least one of a gastro-enteric disorder, a digestion disorder, a stomach disorder, and a mental disorder, comprising a container for maintaining forage, having a volume of 50 dm.sup.3-300 dm.sup.3, wherein the container has a single forage access, which access is substantially at a top side of the container, wherein the shape of the container is preferably a regular prism, comprising at least one horizontal forage blocker, selected from a vertically moveable grid, or a vertically moveable bottom, at least one height positioner for moving the forage blocker, wherein the at least one height positioner is for vertically moving the at least one forage blocker at at least one edge thereof, an electrical controller, wherein the controller is in electrical contact with the positioner and capable of activating the positioner, and wherein the controller is adapted to optimize feed provision for an individual horse, and a timer which is capable of dosing forage by adapting the forage blocker by allowing forage for a predetermined period of time and preventing forage during at least one predetermined interval, wherein the timer is adapted to make the forage accessible during an opening period of 1-10 minutes, and wherein the timer is adapted to thereafter make the forage not accessible during an interval of 1-60 minutes.

26. The horse feeding device according to claim 25, wherein the positioner comprises at least one shaft providing vertical movement, such as a worm gear, and wherein the forage blocker is in mechanical contact with the at least one shaft, or wherein the at least one positioner is a scissor lift, wherein the at least one positioner in operation is driven by an electromotor, preferably a brushless DC-motor.

27. The horse feeding device according to claim 26, wherein the electromotor comprises a rotation sensor and/or a multi-turn resistor.

28. The horse feeding device according to claim 25, wherein the vertically moveable grid is made of stainless steel or rigid polymer, preferably polished stainless steel or POM, and/or wherein vertically moveable grid openings are from 4*4 cm.sup.2 to 10*10 cm.sup.2, or wherein a distance between adjacent bars is 40-80 mm, and wherein the vertically moveable grid is adapted to an animal intended to use the present device.

29. The horse feeding device according to claim 25, wherein the timer and controller are integrated, or are separate entities capable of wireless contact, such as with one and another, with wireless devices, such as computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

30. The horse feeding device according to claim 25, further comprising a detector, preferably a wireless detector, such as an RFID detector, and/or a locator, the locator adapted to determine a height of the vertically moveable grid or bottom, and/or software, such as software for training, and for status update, and/or calibration information, and/or at least one control button, which at least one control button is accessible by an opening in a protecting plate.

31. The horse feeding device according to claim 25, wherein the vertically moveable grid is made of stainless steel or rigid polymer, preferably polished stainless steel or POM, and/or wherein vertically moveable grid openings are from 4*4 cm.sup.2 to 10*10 cm.sup.2, or wherein a distance between adjacent bars is 40-80 mm, and wherein the vertically moveable grid is adapted to an animal intended to use the present device, the device further comprising a detector, preferably a wireless detector, such as an RFID detector, and/or a locator, the locator adapted to determine a height of the vertically moveable grid or bottom, and/or software, such as software for training, and for status update, and/or calibration information, and/or at least one control button, which at least one control button is accessible by an opening in a protecting plate.

32. The horse feeding device according to claim 25, wherein the positioner for moving the forage blocker is adapted to move at least one cover between an open and closed position or for moving the bottom or vertically moveable grid upwards or downwards.

33. The horse feeding device according to claim 25, wherein the container is triangular, rectangular, pentangular, or hexangular.

34. The horse feeding device according to claim 25, wherein the vertically moveable grid is detachably attached, wherein a fixator of the positioner can be removed, and wherein the vertically moveable grid can be move away.

35. The horse feeding device according to claim 25, wherein the forage blocker comprises a removable horizontal cover for covering at least partly at least a top side of the container, wherein the at least one cover is selected from a flexible material, such as a polymer sheet, from a shutter, a screen, a second grid having small openings, a sliding cover, a rolling cover, a rotating cover, and an iris-shaped cover.

36. The horse feeding device according to claim 25, further comprising at least one of a housing, and an anchoring point.

37. The horse feeding device according to claim 25, wherein the forage blocker comprises a removable horizontal cover for covering at least partly at least a top side of the container, wherein the at least one cover is selected from a flexible material, such as a polymer sheet, from a shutter, a screen, a second grid having small openings, a sliding cover, a rolling cover, a rotating cover, and an iris-shaped cover and wherein the positioner for moving the forage blocker is adapted to move at least one cover between an open and closed position or for moving the bottom or vertically moveable grid upwards or downwards.

38. The horse feeding device according to claim 25, wherein the forage blocker comprises a removable horizontal cover for covering at least partly at least a top side of the container, wherein the at least one cover is selected from a flexible material, such as a polymer sheet, from a shutter, a screen, a second grid having small openings, a sliding cover, a rolling cover, a rotating cover, and an iris-shaped cover and wherein the container is triangular, rectangular, pentangular, or hexangular.

39. The horse feeding device according to claim 25, wherein the forage blocker comprises a removable horizontal cover for covering at least partly at least a top side of the container, wherein the at least one cover is selected from a flexible material, such as a polymer sheet, from a shutter, a screen, a second grid having small openings, a sliding cover, a rolling cover, a rotating cover, and an iris-shaped cover and wherein the positioner for moving the forage blocker is adapted to move at least one cover between an open and closed position or for moving the bottom or vertically moveable grid upwards or downwards and wherein the container is triangular, rectangular, pentangular, or hexangular.

40. The horse feeding device according to claim 25, further comprising at least one of a housing, and an anchoring point and wherein the container is triangular, rectangular, pentangular, or hexangular.

41. A method of operating a horse feeding device according to claim 25, wherein the forage is accessible during an opening period of 1-10 minutes, and thereafter is not accessible during an interval of 1-60 minutes.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein the intervals and access are spread evenly over a day.

43. The method according to claim 41, wherein the intervals and access periods are continued for 18-23 hours, and wherein in between the device is not accessible for less than 1-8 hours.

44. The method according to claim 41, wherein the intervals and access are spread evenly over a day and wherein the intervals and access periods are continued for 18-23 hours, and wherein in between the device is not accessible for less than 1-8 hours.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] FIG. 1A shows a top view of a horse feeding device,

[0034] FIG. 1B shows a side view along direction A of FIG. 1A,

[0035] FIG. 1C shows a top view along direction B of FIG. 1A,

[0036] FIG. 1D shows a view of an open grid,

[0037] FIG. 1E shows an example of a moveable grid, and

[0038] FIG. 1F shows a movable grid driven by four straps.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] The present invention relates in a first aspect to a feeding device for use in a horse box.

[0040] The present horse feeding device comprises a container for forage; the container (typically above ground level) may have any shape, such as rectangular, triangular, and multigonal, e.g. hexagonal. The height is typically 20-70 cm. The material of the container is preferably a metal, such as stainless steel or aluminium, or a plastic, typically a thermoset plastic.

[0041] In an example the present feeding device further comprises a grid. The grid limits or slows down uptake of food by a horse, which is considered beneficial for the well-being of a horse. The grid typically has bars placed at a distance of 4-10 cm from one and another, leaving an open space in between bars of 3-8 cm. Therewith a horse is stimulated to use its lips for up-taking food. It is also found to improve production of salivary and improve digestion of food.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment of the present feeding device the at least one height positioner (51) is for vertically moving the at least one forage blocker at at least one edge thereof, wherein the positioner comprises at least one shaft providing vertical movement, such as a worm gear or strap, and wherein the forage blocker is in mechanical contact with the at least one shaft.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment of the present feeding device the at least one positioner is a scissor lift.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment of the present feeding device the at least one positioner in operation is driven by an electromotor, preferably a (brushless) DC-motor.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment of the present feeding device at each corner of the forage blocker a hollow ring is provided, which hollow ring in operation is driven by the shaft in a vertical direction therewith providing vertical movement.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment of the present feeding device vertical movement of the at least one positioner is provided by a single chain, wherein the chain is in mechanical contact with the at least one shaft.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment of the present feeding device all positioners are coupled to one chain, wherein the chain is coupled to the electromotor.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment of the present feeding device the electromotor and controller are located outside the container, and inside the horse feeding device.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment of the present feeding device the electromotor comprises a rotation sensor and/or a multi-turn resistor.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment of the present feeding device the grid is made of stainless steel or rigid polymer, preferably polished stainless steel, HDPE or POM.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment of the present feeding device grid openings are from 4*4 cm.sup.2 to 10*10 cm.sup.2, or wherein a distance between adjacent bars is 40-80 mm, and wherein a grid is adapted to an animal intended to use the present device.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment of the present feeding device the timer and controller are integrated.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment of the present feeding device the timer and controller are separate entities capable of wireless contact, such as with one and another, with wireless devices, such as computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

[0054] Especially with nowadays apps and rapid development thereof separate entities may be preferred. Effectively the present system can be controlled by a smart phone; likewise status information can be provided from the present device to the smartphone or the like.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment the present feeding device may comprise a detector, preferably a wireless detector, such as an RFID detector. The detector may detect an identity of an individual horse. Upon detection software may adapt an amount of forage, an interval time, a feeding time, or a combination thereof.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment the present feeding device may comprise a locator, the locator adapted to determine a height of the forage blocker, such as grid or bottom.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment the present feeding device may comprise software, such as software for training, and for status update.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment the present feeding device may comprise calibration information, such as representing positions of the forage blocker.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment the present feeding device may comprise at least one control button 92, which at least one control button is accessible by an opening 82 in a protecting plate 94. Therewith it is prevented that a horse can intentionally or accidentally access control of the present device.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment of the present feeding device a grid is detachably attached, wherein a fixator of the positioner can be removed, and wherein the grid can be move away.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment the present feeding device may comprise at least one receptor (91) such as for receiving the moveable grid.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment the present feeding device may comprise a removable horizontal cover (11) for covering at least partly at least a top side of the container, wherein the at least one cover (11) is selected from a flexible material, such as a polymer sheet, from a shutter, a screen, a second grid having small openings, a sliding cover, a rolling cover, a rotating cover, and an iris-shaped cover. The present device may comprise at least one removable horizontal cover for covering at least partly at least a top side of the container. The at least one cover prevents horses from eating. The cover may be made of a metal, typically a metal sheet, or a plastic, having sufficient deformability and strength. In the present application the term “cover” also refers to “at least one cover”. The present cover can be made in several ways as long as it provides a barrier between the animal and the feeding material. Examples are sliding covers, rolling covers, rotating covers, and iris shaped covers. The cover may be formed of one part, or may be made out of sub-parts. Also more than one cover may be provided, such as a cover located at a back side and at a front side of the container. The covers can be completely closed but also partly open allowing air to enter the container. Some type of covers are preferred in view of reduction of elements of the present device; for instance if an iris shaped cover is used a receptor may be left out. In an example the present feeding device further comprises at least one receptor for receiving the at least one cover, typically a separate space. The separate space is preferably not directly accessible from an outside, e.g. in view of safety. Typically one receptor per cover is provided. It is preferred to use one or two covers and equivalently one or two receptors.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment the present feeding device may comprise an intermediate wall between the receptor and container, the wall having an opening for receiving the cover. Therewith the forage and positioner, and likewise the cover in an open position, are largely separated from the forage, which is more hygienic and prevents accidents.

[0064] In an example the present feeding device further comprises at least one of a housing, and an anchoring point. The housing typically comprising all the elements of the present feeding device. The at least one anchoring point is for anchoring the present device, e.g. to a wall and/or floor of a stable thereby securing the device. In addition a control panel, a status indicator, or both may be provided, typically on an outside of the housing.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment of the present feeding device the forage is selected from at least one of hay, (dried) grass, and straw, which are considered to relate to typical food for a horse.

[0066] In a second aspect the present invention relates to a method of operating the present device, wherein the cover is opened during an opening period of 1-10 minutes, and thereafter is closed during an interval of 1-60 minutes.

[0067] In an example of the present method the intervals and openings are spread evenly over a day.

[0068] In an example of the present method the intervals and opening periods are continued for 18-23 hours, and wherein in between the device is closed for less than 1-6 hours.

[0069] In an example of the present method a sum of an opening period time and interval time is between 20-60 minutes.

[0070] By adapting open times, intervals, opening periods, and so on, an amount of food per unit time, a total amount of food, a total amount of rest, and so on, can be adjusted for each individual horse, therewith contributing to physical and mental well-being.

[0071] In an example of the present method the sum is kept constant within ±10% relative.

[0072] In a third aspect the present invention relates to a use of the present method for reducing at least one of a gastro-enteric disorder, a digestion disorder, a stomach disorder, a mental disorder, etc. It has been found that the present device and method reduce physical complaints significantly (30-90% of instances) and improve behaviour and mental well-being (abnormal behaviour being observed only incidentally versus typically in prior art methods).

[0073] The invention is further detailed by the accompanying figures and examples, which are exemplary and explanatory of nature and are not limiting the scope of the invention. To the person skilled in the art it may be clear that many variants, being obvious or not, may be conceivable falling within the scope of protection, defined by the present claims.

[0074] The invention although described in detailed explanatory context may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying examples and figures.

[0075] In the figures: [0076] 100 feeding device [0077] 11 movable horizontal cover [0078] 12 vertically movable bottom [0079] 21 forage [0080] 30 single feeding access [0081] 31 grid [0082] 41 container [0083] 51 positioner [0084] 61 chain, belt or strap [0085] 71 motor/chain axis [0086] 72 chain gear wheel [0087] 81 intermediate wall [0088] 82 opening [0089] 91 receptor [0090] 92 control button [0091] 94 protecting plate [0092] 95 electronics [0093] 96 rotation encoder

[0094] It should be appreciated that for commercial application it may be preferable to use one or more variations of the present system, which would similar be to the ones disclosed in the present application and are within the spirit of the invention.