Feeder port

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a feeder port with a tubular body. In some embodiments, the feeder port may include an internal cavity that extends through the tubular body. In some aspects, the feeder port may include an entry portion and an exit portion opposite to the entry portion. In some aspects, the feeder port may include external threading configured to receive a bushing that may secure the feeder port within the trough. In some implementations, the feeder port may include a waterproof seal.

Claims

1. A feeder port with a tubular body including: a tubular body including: an internal cavity that extends through the tubular body, wherein the tubular body has a first base and a second base; an entry portion at the first base of the tubular body with an outwardly flared lip that provides access into the internal cavity of the tubular body, and an exit portion that is perpendicular to the second base configured to provide a downward facing exit out of the internal cavity of the tubular body, wherein the internal cavity extends from the entry portion to the exit portion; a collar that protrudes around the tubular body between the entry portion and the exit portion; and external threading on the tubular body between the collar and the exit portion, wherein the external threading is configured to receive a bushing.

2. The feeder port of claim 1, wherein the tubular body is a rigid material.

3. The feeder port of claim 1, further including a waterproof seal, wherein the waterproof seal is positioned between the external threading and the collar.

4. The feeder port of claim 1, wherein the entry portion is located at one of the bases of the tubular body and the exit portion is located on an adjacent side to the opposite base.

5. The feeder port of claim 4, wherein the exit portion extends to the second base.

6. The feeder port of claim 1, wherein the bushing includes one or more ridges configured to provide leverage to attach and detach the bushing.

7. The feeder port of claim 1, wherein the feeder port is configured to attach to a trough with an aperture.

8. The feeder port of claim 7, wherein the exit portion is placed into the aperture and the collar prevents the entire feeder port from going through the aperture.

9. The feeder port of claim 8, wherein the attached feeder port is configured such that the collar is located outside of the trough and the external threading is located inside of the trough, wherein the bushing is configured to secure the feeder port in place.

10. The feeder port of claim 7, wherein the trough is a bucket.

11. The feeder port of claim 1, wherein the entry portion, the exit portion, and the internal cavity is configured to fit the head of poultry.

12. A feeder port with a trough including: a trough, wherein the feeder port is detachably coupled to the trough which contains an aperture to receive the feeder port; the feeder port including: a tubular body including: an internal cavity that extends through the tubular body, wherein the tubular body has a first base and a second base; an entry portion at the first base of the tubular body with an outwardly flared lip that provides access into the internal cavity of the tubular body, and an exit portion that is perpendicular to the second base configured to provide a downward facing exit out of the internal cavity of the tubular body, wherein the internal cavity extends from the entry portion to the exit portion; a collar that protrudes around the tubular body between the entry portion and the exit portion; and external threading on the tubular body between the collar and the exit portion, wherein the external threading is configured to receive a bushing.

13. The feeder port of claim 12, wherein the trough is a bucket.

14. The feeder port of claim 12, wherein the trough further includes a lid.

15. The feeder port of claim 12, wherein the tubular body includes a rigid material.

16. The feeder port of claim 12, wherein the entry portion, the exit portion, and the internal cavity are configured to fit the head of poultry.

17. The feeder port of claim 12, wherein the exit portion is placed into the aperture and the collar prevents the entire feeder port from going through the aperture.

18. The feeder port of claim 12, further including a waterproof seal, wherein the waterproof is positioned between the external threading and the collar.

19. The feeder port of claim 12, wherein the entry portion is located at one of the bases of the tubular body and the exit portion is located on an adjacent side to the opposite base.

20. The feeder port of claim 13, wherein the exit portion is configured to face downward into the trough, wherein the trough includes feed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying drawings that are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification illustrate several embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a feeder port, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a feeder port, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of a feeder port, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a feeder port, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a feeder port, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of a feeder port, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a feeder port, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates a feeder port with a feeder trough, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

(10) FIG. 9 illustrates a feeder port with a feeder trough, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

(11) The Figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, as their dimensions can be varied considerably without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(12) The present disclosure provides generally for a feeder port. According to the present disclosure, a feeder port may be configured to connect to a feeder trough, wherein livestock or poultry may access the contents of the feeder trough with limited access to pests, rodents, and insects. In some embodiments, the feeder port may include an entry portion, an exit portion, a collar, a external threading, and a bushing, wherein the feeder port may be secured to the feeder trough.

(13) In the following sections, detailed descriptions of examples and methods of the disclosure will be given. The description of both preferred and alternative examples, though thorough, are exemplary only, and it is understood to those skilled in the art that variations, modifications, and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to be understood that the examples do not limit the broadness of the aspects of the underlying disclosure as defined by the claims.

Glossary

(14) Feeder Port: as used herein refers to a device configured to provide limited access to a feeder trough. In some aspects, the feeder port may include an entry portion, an exit portion, a collar, and an external threading. In some implementations, a bushing may connect and secure the feeder port to the feeder trough at the external threading. Collar: as used herein refers to a component of the feeder port that surrounds the tubular structure of the feeder port to prevent it from moving entirely through an aperture configured to receive the feeder port on the feeder trough. Securing mechanism: as used herein refers to a device configured to secure the feeder port onto the feeder trough. By way of example and not limitation, the feeder trough may include screws, pins, adhesives, snaps, or caps. Trough: as used herein refers to any container capable of holding feed for an animal. In some aspects, a trough may be a bucket, such as a 5-gallon bucket, as a non-limiting example. Waterproof seal: as used herein refers to a seal that limits water, debris, wind, and other contaminants from entering the trough through the feeder port. Use of the term waterproof does not necessarily mean that no water penetrates the seal only that it limits fluids and debris from entering the trough. Bushing: as used herein refers to any mechanism that secures the feeder port onto the trough through the body of the feeder port. For example, threaded bushing may tighten the location of the feeder port within the trough, independently or in conjunction with a securing mechanism.

(15) Referring now to FIG. 1, an isometric view of a feeder port 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some embodiments, the feeder port 100 may include a tubular body. In some aspects, the feeder port 100 may include an internal cavity that extends through the tubular body, wherein the tubular body has a first base and a second base. In some implementations, the feeder port 100 may include an entry portion 110 at the first base of the tubular body and an exit portion 120. In some aspects, the entry portion 110 may include an outwardly flared lip 115 that provides access into the internal cavity of the tubular body. In some embodiments, the exit portion 120 may be perpendicular to the second base configured to provide an exit out of the internal cavity of the tubular body, wherein the internal cavity may extend from the entry portion to the exit portion. In some embodiments, the feeder port 100 may include a rigid material.

(16) In some implementations, the feeder port 100 may include a collar 130 that protrudes around the tubular body between the entry portion 110 and the exit portion 120. In some aspects, the feeder port 100 may include an external threading on the tubular body between the collar 130 and the exit portion 120, wherein the external threading may be configured to receive a bushing 140. By way of example and not limitation, the bushing 140 may be configured to connect to the external threading, wherein the bushing 140 may screw onto or snap onto the external threading.

(17) In some aspects, the collar 130 may provide a barrier to prevent the bushing 140 from moving beyond the external threading. In some implementations, a waterproof seal 150 may be included between the collar 130 and the external threading. In some aspects, the collar 130 and the external threading may secure the waterproof seal 150 in place.

(18) In some embodiments, the feeder port 100 may be placed on a feeder, wherein the feeder port 100 may provide limited access into the feeder. By way of example and not limitation, the feeder may include a trough, wherein the trough may include an aperture configured to receive the feeder port 100. In some aspects, the exit portion 120 of the feeder port 100 may be placed into the aperture of the trough, wherein the collar 130 may provide a barrier from the entirety of the feeder port 100 from moving through the aperture of the trough. In some implementations, the entry portion 110 of the feeder port 100 may protrude out of the trough, whereas the exit portion 120 of the feeder port 100 may protrude into the trough, wherein the bushing 140 may be connected from the exit portion 120, wherein the bushing 140 secures the feeder port 100 onto the trough. In some embodiments, the waterproof seal 150 may be placed on the feeder port 100 from the exit portion 120 before the bushing 140, wherein the waterproof seal 150 prohibits anything from entering or exiting the trough from any point on the aperture of the trough other than the internal cavity of the feeder port 100.

(19) By way of example and not limitation, the feeder port 100 may be placed on a trough with poultry feed. In some aspects, the poultry may access the poultry feed from the feeder port 100, wherein their beaks may fit through entry portion 110, the internal cavity, and the exit portion 120. In some implementations, the trough may be entirely closed off other than the entrance through the feeder port 100. By way of example and not limitation, the feeder port 100 may prevent pests, rodents, and insects from entering the trough.

(20) Referring now to FIG. 2, a top view of a feeder port 200, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some embodiments, the feeder port 200 may include a tubular body with an internal cavity, an entry portion 210, an exit portion 220, an external threading 230, and a collar 240. In some aspects, the feeder port 200 may include a waterproof seal 250 between the collar 240 and the external threading 230. In some implementations, a bushing 245 may be connected to the external threading 230, wherein the bushing 245 may be configured to secure the feeder port 200 in place. In some aspects, the feeder port 200 may include a rigid material.

(21) In some implementations, the bushing 245 may include one or more ridges 255. By way of example and not limitation, the one or more ridges 255 may provide leverage to twist the bushing 245 on or off the external threading 230 of the feeder port 200. In some aspects, the space between the one or more ridges 255 may receive a user's fingers, as non-limiting examples, wherein the user may add or remove the bushing 245.

(22) Referring now to FIG. 3, a bottom view of a feeder port 300, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some embodiments, the feeder port 300 may include a tubular body with an internal cavity, an entry portion 310, an exit portion 320, an external threading 330, and a collar 340. In some aspects, the feeder port 300 may include a waterproof seal 350 between the collar 340 and the external threading 330. In some implementations, a bushing 345 may be connected to the external threading 330, wherein the bushing 345 may be configured to secure the feeder port 300 in place. In some aspects, the feeder port 300 may include a rigid material.

(23) In some embodiments, the exit portion 320 of the feeder port 300 may be configured to face downwards. In some aspects, the entry portion 310 of the feeder port 300 may be configured to one base of the tubular body, whereas the opposite base may be blocked off. In some implementations, the exit portion 320 may be configured to the side of the tubular body. By way of example and not limitation, a chicken may place their beak into the entry portion 310 and through the exit portion 320, wherein the downward facing nature of the exit portion 320 allows the chicken to access feed below the exit portion 320.

(24) Referring now to FIG. 4, a side view of a feeder port 400, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some embodiments, the feeder port 400 may include a tubular body with an internal cavity, an entry portion 410, an exit portion 420, an external threading 430, and a collar 440. In some aspects, the feeder port 400 may include a waterproof seal 450 between the collar 440 and the external threading 430. In some implementations, a bushing 435 may be connected to the external threading 430, wherein the bushing 435 may be configured to secure the feeder port 400 in place. In some aspects, the feeder port 400 may include a rigid material.

(25) In some embodiments, the entry portion 410 may include an outwardly flared lip 460 that provides access into the internal cavity of the tubular body. By way of example and not limitation, a trough with poultry feed may include the feeder port 400 to provide access to the feed for poultry. In some aspects, the entry portion 410 may be configured such that the outwardly facing lip 460 may be above the poultry's beak as they access the poultry feed.

(26) Referring now to FIG. 5, a front view of a feeder port 500, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some embodiments, the feeder port 500 may include a tubular body with an internal cavity, an entry portion 510, an exit portion 520, an external threading, and a collar 530. In some aspects, the feeder port 500 may include a waterproof seal between the collar 530 and the external threading. In some implementations, a bushing may be connected to the external threading, wherein the bushing may be configured to secure the feeder port 500 in place. In some aspects, the feeder port 500 may include a rigid material.

(27) In some embodiments, the entry portion 510 may provide access to the internal cavity in the tubular body. In some aspects, the internal cavity may extend from the entry portion 510 to the exit portion 520. In some implementations, the entry portion 510 may encompass a base of the tubular body. In some aspects, the exit portion 520 may be included on the side of the tubular body opposite of the entry portion 510. In some implementations, the feeder port 500 may be configured to face the exit portion 520 downwards.

(28) Referring now to FIG. 6, a rear view of a feeder port, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some embodiments, the feeder port 600 may include a tubular body with an internal cavity, an entry portion 610, an exit portion 620, an external threading, and a collar 630. In some aspects, the feeder port 600 may include a waterproof seal 640 between the collar 630 and the external threading. In some implementations, a bushing may be connected to the external threading, wherein the bushing may be configured to secure the feeder port 600 in place. In some aspects, the feeder port 600 may include a rigid material.

(29) By way of example and not limitation, the feeder port 600 may be coupled to an aperture on a trough that may be configured to contain poultry feed. In some aspects, the entry portion 610 may include an outwardly facing lip and the exit portion 620 may face downward into the trough. In some implementations, the collar may be larger than the aperture, wherein only a portion of the feeder port 600 may be inside the trough while the other portion is outside of the trough. In some aspects, the exit portion 620 and the external threading may be located inside the trough whereas the collar and entry portion 610 may be located outside the trough. In some aspects, the bushing may be secured on the inside of the trough to keep the feeder port 600 in place.

(30) Referring now to FIG. 7, a side cross-sectional view of a feeder port 700, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some embodiments, the feeder port 700 may include a tubular body with an internal cavity, an entry portion 710, an exit portion 720, an external threading, and a collar. In some aspects, the feeder port 700 may include a waterproof seal between the collar and the threaded material. In some implementations, a bushing may be connected to the external threading, wherein the bushing may be configured to secure the feeder port 700 in place. In some aspects, the feeder port 700 may include a rigid material.

(31) Referring now to FIG. 8, a feeder port 800 with a feeder trough 805, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some embodiments, the feeder port 800 may include a tubular body with an internal cavity, an entry portion 810, an exit portion 820, an external threading, and a collar 830. In some aspects, the feeder port may include a waterproof seal between the collar 830 and the external threading. In some implementations, a bushing 840 may be connected to the external threading, wherein the bushing 840 may be configured to secure the feeder port 800 in place. In some aspects, the feeder port 800 may include a rigid material.

(32) In some implementations, the feeder trough 805 may be a trough configured to contain poultry feed 815. In some aspects, the feeder trough 805 may include an aperture configured to receive the feeder port 800, wherein a portion of the feeder port 800 may be on the inside of the feeder trough 805 and another portion of the feeder port 800 may be located on the outside of the feeder trough 805. In some embodiments, the entry portion 810 and the collar 830 may be located outside of the feeder trough 805. In some aspects, the exit portion 820, the external threading, and the bushing 840 may be located on the inside of the feeder trough 805.

(33) By way of example and not limitation, poultry 850 may place their heads through the feeder port 800 to access the poultry feed 815. In some aspects, the exit portion 820 may be located on the opposite base of the tubular body from the entry portion 810. In some implementations, the top of the feeder trough 805 may be closed by a lid 855. In some aspects, the lid 855 may be removed, wherein the poultry feed 815 may be refilled. By way of example and not limitation, the feeder port 800 may be attached to the feeder trough 805 by removing the lid 855 and screwing on the bushing 840 onto the external threading of the tubular body that may be protruding into the feeder trough 805.

(34) Referring now to FIG. 9, a feeder port 900 with a feeder trough 905, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some embodiments, the feeder port 900 may include a tubular body with an internal cavity, an entry portion 910, an exit portion 920, an external threading 930, and a collar 940. In some aspects, the feeder port 900 may include a waterproof seal between the collar 940 and the external threading 930. In some implementations, a bushing 935 may be connected to the external threading 930, wherein the bushing 935 may be configured to secure the feeder port 900 in place. In some aspects, the feeder port 900 may include a rigid material.

(35) In some implementations, the feeder trough 905 may be a trough configured to contain poultry feed. In some aspects, the feeder trough 905 may include an aperture 950 configured to receive the feeder port 900, wherein a portion of the feeder port 900 may be on the inside of the feeder trough 905 and another portion of the feeder port 900 may be located on the outside of the feeder trough 905. In some embodiments, the entry portion 910 and the collar 930 may be located outside of the feeder trough 905. In some aspects, the exit portion 920, the external threading 930, and the bushing 935 may be located on the inside of the feeder trough 905.

(36) In some embodiments, the collar 940 may include one or more securing mechanisms 955. By way of example and not limitation, the one or more securing mechanisms 955 may include screws, caps, or pins. In some aspects, the feeder port 900 may be attached to the feeder trough 905, wherein the one or more securing mechanisms 955 may be configured to secure the collar 940 to the external surface of the feeder trough 905. By way of example and not limitation, the one or more securing mechanisms 955 may provide additional support to the feeder port 900, wherein the bushing 935 and the one or more securing mechanisms 955 secures the feeder port 900 to the feeder trough 905. In some aspects, the one or more securing mechanism 955 may secure the feeder port 900 to the feeder trough 905 without the bushing 935.

CONCLUSION

(37) A number of embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosures or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the present disclosure.

(38) Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination or in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in combination in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

(39) Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

(40) Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

(41) Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order show, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed disclosure.

(42) Reference in this specification to one embodiment, an embodiment, any other phrase mentioning the word embodiment, aspect, or implementation means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure and also means that any particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one embodiment can be included in any embodiment or can be omitted or excluded from any embodiment. The appearances of the phrase in one embodiment in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others and may be omitted from any embodiment. Furthermore, any particular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein may be optional.

(43) Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments. Where appropriate any of the features discussed herein in relation to one aspect or embodiment of the invention may be applied to another aspect or embodiment of the invention. Similarly, where appropriate any of the features discussed herein in relation to one aspect or embodiment of the invention may be optional with respect to and/or omitted from that aspect or embodiment of the invention or any other aspect or embodiment of the invention discussed or disclosed herein.

(44) The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks: The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted.

(45) It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. No special significance is to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

(46) Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.

(47) It will be appreciated that terms such as front, back, top, bottom, side, short, long, up, down, aft, forward, inboard, outboard and below used herein are merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the components described herein is within the scope of the present invention.