• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
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    • 专利摘要:
    The invention provides measuring devices (10) for managing the weight of animals and methods of using the measuring devices. In a general aspect, the measuring devices comprise a container (22) having a first side (20) with a cavity (24) and a second opposing side (30) having a cavity (26) that is larger than the cavity of the first side. The first side cavity is sized to hold an amount of food that restricts caloric intake of an animal. The second side cavity is sized to hold an amount of food that provides a daily requirement for weight management of an animal.
    公开号:AU2013226224A1
    申请号:U2013226224
    申请日:2013-02-27
    公开日:2014-09-11
    发明作者:Stephen Andrew Wurth
    申请人:Nestec SA；
    IPC主号:A01K5-01
    专利说明:
    WO 2013/130546 PCT/US2013/027942 MEASUING DEVICE USEFUL FOR ANIMAL WEIG[IT MANAGEMENT CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [000,1 This application claims priority to UX. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/605953 filed March 2, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by this reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention 100021 The invention relates generally to measuring devices and particularly to measuring devices and methods for using such measuring devices for managing the we git of animals. Description of Related Art 100031 Research has shown that aninial owners aid caregivers use tood as a physical representation of their love and affetion toward their animals, particularly pets such as dogs and cats. Unfbrtunatel.y, feeding animals in this manner often leads to obesity: As a result, animal weight mnagement is a challenge for owners, veterinarians, careg i vers, and others responsible for feeding animals, Typically, veterinarians suggest an animal fod that is relatively low in calories in an effort to mange weight of animals, particularly to manage health issues associated with being overweight or obese. However, it is often difficult to know how much food to provide an animal whhout having the animal consume more than is desirable, partcuarl if the animal is to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight if the animal is overweight or obese, Typically, the owner or caregiver simply fills up a standard feeding device such as a food bowl with food and allows the animal to eat Ad ibitun. When an animal is overwx eight or obese, owners and caregivers typical restrict the amount of food available to the animal by partally filing the feeding device, often guessing on the amount to put in. the device Ihe problem is complicated because most feeding devices are simple food containers that are made without regard for how they will affect food consumption. The Manufactures rely on the caregiver to fill, underfili, or overfill the container as necessary to feed the animal a meal. Unfortinately, as stated, many caregivers overfill th container and the animal becomes overweight or obese. The problem is exacerbated when in owner caregiver, or others overfeed to please the animal or to lessen unwanted behaviors such as beggin g for food. [0004 IS4270490 discloses animal feed storage bowls comprising a pair of bowls with cooperating sections that allow one to fbor cover fPr fbod storage, US493506 discloses feed bowls for animals that have a base connected to upper portion by a sprung bayonet connecting WO 2013/130546 PCT/US2013/027942 assembly. US7347623 discloses cotlapsible bowls for holding solid and liquid foodstuffs These patents, however, do not disclose devices, particularly food bovwls, that are useful for nIanaging the weight of animals. There is therefore, a need for new devices and methods that make it easy for an animal owner or caregiver to feed the proper amount of food to maintain a weight for an animal or to reduce the weight of an animal that is overweight or obese, particularly when these concepts are (1) combined in a single device and/or (2) customized for a particular animal SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 100051 It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide measuring devices suitable for managing the weight of animals, {00061 It is another object of the invention to provide methods for managing the weight of animals [0007] It is a further object of the invention to provide measuring devices suitable for helping animals achieve a healthy weight, 100081 It is another object of the invention to provide methods for helping animals achieve a healthy weight. [00091 it is still another object of the invention to provide kits useful for managing the weight of animals. 100101 These and other objects are achieved using a measuring device comprising a container having a first side with a cavity and a second opposing side having cavity that is larger than the first side cavity. The first side cavity is sized to hold an amount of food that contains fewer calories than required to maintain the wx eight of an animal and the second side cavity is sized to hold an amount of food that contains the amount of calories required to maintain the weight of an animal [0011] Additional and further objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. BRIEF :DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 100121 FIG. I shows a perspective view of a first side of a measuring device in an embodiment of the invention, 100131 FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a second side of a measuring device in an embodiment of the invention. 2 WO 2013/130546 PCT/US2013/027942 [0014} FIG, 3 shows a perspective view of a measuring device in an enbodiment of the invention, DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions [00151 The term "animaL means any animal tiat could benefit from weight management ie., maintaining a healthy weight or achieving a healhhy weigh ht, including avian, bovine, canine, equine, feline hicrine, lupine, marine, ovine, or porcine animals. [OO16] The term "companion i animal" means domesticated animals such as cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, hamsters mice, gerbils, horses, cows, goats, sheep, donkeys, pigs, and the like. [00171 The terni "Iar er than" means that a recessed portion or cavity as described herein holds a greater volume of material or materials, 100181 The term "custonized measuring device" means a measuring device of the invention that has been designed for a particular animaL [0019] The term "customized food." means a tod that has been designed for a particular animal, e~g, a customized food disclosed in US6358546, [0020 11 The term singlee package" means that the components of a kit are physically associated in or with one or more containers and considered a unit for manufacturer distribution, sale, or use, Containers include. but are not limited to, bags, boxes, cartons bottles, packages of any type or design or material, over -wrap, shrnik-wrap, affixed components (e.g, stapled. adhered, or the like), or combinations thereof A single package may be containiers of individual components physically associated such that they are considered a unit for imanufacture, distribution, sale, or Use. [00211 The term 'virtual package" means that the components of a kit are associated by directions on one or more physical or virtual kit components instructing the user hos to obtain the other components; e g a bag or other container containing one component and directions instructing the user to go to a website, contact a recorded message or a fax-back service, view a visual message, or contact an instructor to obtain instructions on hov to use the kit or safety or technical information about one or more components of a kit. {0022] As used throughout, ranges are used herein in shorthand, to avoid having to set out at length and describe each and every value within the range. Any appropriate value within the 3 WO 2013/130546 PCT/US2013/027942 range can be selected, where appropriate, as the upper value, lower value, or the tenrminus of the range. 100231 As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular form of a word includes the plural., and vice, versa, unless the context cle ady dictates otherwise, Thus, the references "a" "an", and "the" are generally inclusive of the plurals of the respective terms. For example, reference to "a measuring device" or "a method" includes a plurality of such "measuring devices" or "methods" Similarly, the words comprisee", "comprises", and "comprising" are to be interpreted inclusively rather than exclusively. LikewIse, the terms "include", "including" and "or" should a be construed to be inclusive. unless such a construction is clearly prohibited from the context Where used herein the term "examples," particularly when followed by a listing of terms is merely exemplary and iflustrative, and should not be deemed to be exclusive or comprehensive [0024] The devices, assemblies, kits, methods, compositions and other advances disclosed here are not limited to particular methodology, protocols and reagents described herein because, as the skilled artisan vill appreciate, they may vary. Further, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to, and does not, limit the scope of that vhich is disclosed or claimed The Invention [00251 In one aspect, illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, the invention provides a measuring device 10 useful for managing the weight of animals, The measuring device 10 comprises a container 22 having a first side 20 with a recessed portion or cavity 24 and a second opposing side 30 having a recessed portion or cavity 26 that is larger than the recessed portion or cavity 24 of the first side 20. Cavity 26 is larger than cavity 24 by any useful amount for the intended purpose of the device, eg, managing the weight of anis, In various embodiments, cavity 26 is at least 1A times larger than ay 24, ie. cavity 26 is capable of containing at least 1.1 i imes the volume of material as cavity 24. In preferred embodiments., cavity 26 is from about IL to about 5 tim-tes larger than cavity 24, preferably 1.25 to 3 times. In other embodiments, cavity 26 is 1 .2, 1 .3, 14, 1.5, 16 1 1 8, 1 9; 2, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 2,5 2,6, 2 28 2.9 or 3 times larger than cavity 24 depending on ie desired use, eg., feeding one or more toods to animals in an effort to manage the weight of the animals By being larger than cavity 24, cavity 26 has the capacity to contain a corresponding larger amount of food or other material, 4 WO 2013/130546 PCT/US2013/027942 [00261 Cavity 26 and cavity 24 have any shape suitable for using the measuring device tr its intended purpose, particularly for managing the weight of animals, In preferred einbodiments, the cavities have a concave shape, a Loncaxvte shape wih apples along the surface of the concave shape, a concave shape with a dome in the bottom of the shape, a square box shape, a rectangular box shape, a pyramidal shape and the like, The shape is selected based upon the intended use for the measuring device ad the characteristics of the material being measured using the devicein a preferred embodiment the cavities have a concave shape, particulady a concave shape useful for measuring foods and similar materials. in various embodiments, cavity 26 has one shape and cavity 24 has the same or a different shape. [0027] In general tihe measuring device 10 is filled for measuring according to instrctions associated with the device. typically by filling level to the top of a particular cavity in the device, by filling a heaping amount in a particular cavity in the device, or by filling to one or more markers on a particular cavity in the device For example a cavity may have a fine or other marker that is slightly below the top of the cavity; the food is filled to the line instead of to the top of the cavity to facilitate ease of use without spilage, 0028] In preferred embodiments, measuring device 10 is a food bowl with two opposing cavities 26 and 24 'having different sizes and capable of measuring and containing different amounts of food In certain embodiments, the food bowl is associated with (1) a food or (2) a food and a different food. For example the food bowl can be associated with a food designed to achieve and maintain a desired eight tor an animal based on the amount of the food consumed by the animal. The lood is fed to the animal in different amounts via the different sized cavities in the food bowl, ie., one cavity designed to achieve a desired weight for the animal and the other cavity designed to maintain a desired weight for the animal, In another example, the food bowl can be associated with a food designed to achieve a desired weight for an animal and a different food designed to mantain a desired weight for the animal T he different foods are fed to the animal in amounts that are associated with the different cavities in the food bowl. .e, the food associated wvith one cavity and the different food associated wan the other cavity. 10029] The food bowl and its respective cavities are associated with the food or foods in aiy suitable manner Generallv the food bowl is marketed by a fod manufacturer that has designed one or more foods or brand of foods to be used in cavities 26 and 24 in predefined amounts, i.e, amourits that correspond to the amounts of food that can be placed in cavities 26 and 24 to 5 WO 2013/130546 PCT/US2013/027942 achieve and maintain a desired. weight for an animal For example, a food manufacturer designs a specific food to cortain a defined amount of nutrients and calories per unit of food. The food manufacturer also designs a food bowl of the invention to contain an amount of the food to achieve a desired eight of the animal and a different amount of the food to maintain the desired weight oif tanimal heen an an i al caregiver responsible for the animal uses the food bowl. the associated food, and feeding instructions specifcally associated with the food bowl and the food to achieve and maintain the weight of the animal Thc caregiver feeds one amotit of food by usimg one cavity in the food bowl and then flips the fbod bowl to feed a different amount of food, In another example, a flood manufacturer designs a food to contain a defined amount of nutrients and calories per unit of tbod and a different food to contain a different amount of nutrients and calories per unit of food. The food manufacturer also designs a food bowl of the invention to contain an amount of the food to achieve a desired weight of the animal and an amount of the different food to maintain the desired weight of the animal Thenui animal caregiver responsible for the animal uses the food bowl, the associated foods, and feeding instructions specifically associated with the food bowl and foods to achieve and maintain the weight of the animal, 'The caregiver feeds one the food by using one cavity in thle food bowl and then flips the food bowl to teed the different food. {00301 In various embodiments, measuring device 10 is a custom.11rized Ineasuring device useful for managing the weight of a particular animal Measuring device 10 is customized by sizing cavity 24 and cavity 26 to meet the nutritional or other needs of the particular animal eg- sized to contain one or more foods or amounts of foods that help the animal achieve or inurtain a desired xw eight. In preferred embodiments, measuring device 10 is a customized food bowl customized lor a particular animal based upon the churacteristics of the animal, e.g.. the phenotype of the animal, the genotype of the animal, or combination thereof. Cavity 24 and cavtyv 2n are sized to contain an amount of a food or customized food that will help the animal achieve a desired weight and an amount of the sam or a different food or customized food that will help the animal maintain a desired weight, The customized food bowl can be associated with the foods or customized foods by any method as described herein that benefits the aninial, eg.,. a weight management pun for the animal designed by a caregiver, food manufacture veterinarian, or other healthcare professional For example, the food bowl and the associated food or foods can be part of a kit as described herein or the food bowl can be obtained from. a manufacturer and the 6 WO 2013/130546 PCT/US2013/027942 associated food or foods can be obtain from the manufacturer or a different manufacturer along with feeding instructions that associate the food bowl and the foOd or foods, e g V the feeding instruiions Can. accompany the food; be available electronically via the internet; be available electronically via a cell phone or similar device, particularly by reading a bar code; or be available by other means. [00311 In a preferred embodiment, the customized food bowl has indicia tneporarily or permanently integrated into or affixed to the bowl that identifies the animal for which the bowl vas customized, e.g. the animal's name or image temporarily or permanently In integrated into or affixed to the bowl. The indicia can be in the form of words, symbols, pictures, photographs, figures. or combinations thereof as required or desired to identify the particul a nilal [0032J in some embodments, measuring device 10 is used as follows Cavity 24 is sized to contain an amount of food that meets the daily nutritional requirements of a specified animal and promotes weight loss by the animal, For example, cavity 24 can be sized to hold an amount of food that decreases caloric intake of an animal below the amount needed to maintain weighthe size of cavity 24 can be based on the type and characteristics of the food to be fed to the animal, e.g, the ingredients used to make the food and the calorie content of the ingredients; the type, weight size, and age of the animal; the physical and biological aspets of the animal, e- the phenotype and genotype of the animal and the animals health and dise as. states the desired weight for the animal; and any desired weight loss for the animal. Guidelines can be based on regulatory recommendations of authorities such as the American Association of Feed Control 01hials ( AAFCO"). Additional examples are given in iTables 1-4 below The length of time for feeding the arnmal using cavity 24 can be any suitable duration, particularly until the animal achieves a desired weight. After achieving a desired weight loss, the measuring device 10 is flipped to utilize the opposing ca-vity 26 that is sized to contain an amount of food to enable the arnal to maintain a desired weight, e ag healthy lean body weiht, For example, cavity 26 is sized to contain an amount of food that provides a daily requirement for nveight management of an animal The size ofe avity 26 can be based on the type and characteristics of the food o be fed to the animal, eng. the iagredients used to nake the food and tile calorie content of the ingredients the type, weight, size, and age of the animal; the physical and biological aspectss of the animal, a g. the phenotype and genotype and the animal's health and disease states; the desired weight for the animal and any desired weight loss for the animal Guidelines are based on WO 2013/130546 PCT/US2013/027942 regulatory recommendations of authorities such as AAFCO and the feeding instructionm r food manufacturers. Additional examples are given in Tables 1 4 below For exaniple, an animal that is overweight or obese needs to lose weight until a desired weight is achieved, Then, the animal needs to maintain that weight If the animal ge t s excess food (e g fron tre its or extra food from a caregiver or frorn access to natural foods) and gain weight the animal again needs to lose weight until the desired weight is achieved. Unfortunately, this cycle may continue throughout the aninaPs life. The device of the present invention provides a way to conveniently manage these issues and the animal's weight; The device has one cavity that when filled contains an amount of food that will restrict caloric. intake and cause the animal consuming the food to lose weight. That cavity is used to feed the animal Until the desired Weight is achieved In addition, the device has another cavity that when filled contains an amount of food that vill provide a calorie intake that causes the animal consuming the food to maintain its weight, Iha cavity is used to feed the animal until the animal weiht increases, if A at If the animals weight increases, the device is flipped and the animal is fed from the cavity that restricts caloric intake until the desired weight is again achieved. t00331 In sonie embodiments, measuring device .10 is used as foblows Cavity 26 is sized for enough food that meets the daily nutritional requirements of a specified. animal and promotes weight gain by the animal. For example, cavity 26 can be sized to hold an amount of food that increases caloric intake of an animal above the amount needed to maintain weight size of cavity 26 can be based on the type and characteristics of the food to be fed to the animal erg, the ingredients used to make the food and the caloric content of the ingredients; the type, weight, size, and age of the animal; the physical and biological aspects of the animal. eg., the phenotype and genotype of the animal and the animal's health and disease states; the desired weight for the animal; and any desired weight gain for the animal Guidelines can be based on regulatory recommendations of authorities such as tei American Association of Feed Control Officials ("AAFCO") The length of time for feeding the anunal using cavity 26 can be any suhable duration, particularly until the animal achieves a desired weight. After achieving a desired weight gain, the measuring device 10 is flipped to utilize the opposing cavity 24 that is sized to provide enough food to enable the animal to maintain a desired weight A a healthy body weight. For example., cavity 24 is sized to hold an amount of food that provides a daily requirenient for weight management of an animal. The size of cavity 24 can be based on the type and 8 WO 2013/130546 PCT/US2013/027942 characteristics of the food to be fed to the animal, e.g. the ingredients used to mlake the food and the calorie content of the ingredients; the type weight, size and age of the animal; the physical and biological aspects of the animal, e~g, the phenotype and genotype and the anima's health and disease states; the desired weight for the animal; and any desired weight gain for the ani-mal, Guidelines are based on regulatory recommendations of authorities such as AAFCO and the feeding instruction from food manufacturers. For example, an animal that is underweight needs to gain weight until a desired weight is achieved. Then, the animal needs to maintain that weight, If the animal does not get enough food and loses weight, the animal again needs to gain weight until the desired weight is achieved UInfortunately, this cycle may continue throughout the animals life. IThe device of the present invention provides a wsay to conveniently manage these issues and the animaQs weight The device has one cavity that when filled contains at amount of food that will increase caloric intake and cause the animal conAsuming the food to gain weight. That cavity is used to feed the animal until the desired weight is achieved, In addition the device has another cavity that when filled contains n amount of food that will provide a caloric intake that causes the animal consuming the food to maintain its weight, That cavity is used to feed the animal until the animas weight decreases if at all, If the animals weight decreases, the device is flipped and the animal is fed from the cavity that increases calorie intake until the desired weight is again achieved. [00341 In other embodiments, the measuring device 10 comprises a container 22 having a first side 20 with a recessed portion or cavity 24 and a second opposing side 30 having a recessed poiion or cavity 26 that is larger than the recessed portion or cavity 24 of the first side 20 and is detachable from the first side 20, In one such embodiment, measuring device 10 is a food bowl wherein the first side is attached to the second side by any suitable means that permits the two sides to be detached for convenience of the user of the device, eg for shipping, storage, cleaning, handling, and the fikThe sides are attached by any suitable reversible means such as snaps, tongue in grove connections, interference fittings such as stud-and-tube coupling system, corresponding magnets, and the like -Many such attaching means are known to skilled artisans. 100351 In various embodiments one or more of the cavities of measuring device 10 contain one or more obstructions designed to manage the speed with which an animal consumes foods contained in the cavities. Such obstructions are generally designed to slow rapid eating promote 9I WO 2013/130546 PCT/US2013/027942 regular digestion, and prevent bloating and gastrointestinal. discomfort. Such obstructions and their use known to skilled artisans, eg U S7895975 and US20090126641 Al, 10036] In various ermbodilments, the cavities contain the same number, type, and size obstructions or contain a different number, type, or size obstructions. In certain embodiments. one of the cavities contains one or more obstructions and the other cavity contains no obstruetions. In other embodiments, the cavities contain the same number type, and size obstructions. hn other embodiments, the cavities differ in various combinations of the number type, and size obstructions. Such obstructions and their use can be determined by a skilled artisan baseL upon the use of the deieIn preferred embodiments, cavity 26 contains one or more obstructions and cavity 24 contains no obstructions, the same number of the same obstructions, a different number of the same obstructions;, or one or more different obstructions. f0037 1n certain embodiments the measuring device 10 comprises a container 22 having a first side 20 with a recessed portion or cavity 24 and a second opposing side 30 having a recessed portion or cavity 26 that is larger than the recessed portion or cavity 24 of the first side 20 and comprises one or more means (40) for inhibiting the device front moving about the surface in contact with the device, e a, one or more anti-skidding devices, Such means are known to skilled artisans, e.g,, silicone or rubber non-skid rings or pads affixed to or inbedded into the portion of the device that contacts such surfice during use, [00381 In other embodiments the measuring device 10 comprises a marking or indicia (42) indicating the relative volume of material contain in the cavities of the device. [0039] In other embodimenits the measuring device 10 comprises a container 22 having a first side 20 with a. recessed portion or cavity 14 and a second opposing side 30 having a recessed portion or cavity 26 that is larger than the recessed portion or cavity 24 of the first side 20 and comprises means for stacking twso or more such devices, e.g stacking the devices foi easy handling transportation, and storage, Such means are known to skilled artisans e -, tongue in, groove coupling connectors. [00401 The food bowls of the invention accommodate one or more comestible ingredients such as various foods or other nutritional products Generally, the food bowl is used with any foods useful for managing the wei of animals In various embodiments, the foods comprise one or more comestible ingredients such as meats. grains starches, meat meals proteins, fibers, sugars, vitamins, minerals, aromas, colors, flavors, oils, humectants, preservatives, or any combi-natIons 10 WO 2013/130546 PCT/US2013/027942 thereof in most embodiments, the foods are simply commercial foods such as commercial dog or cat foods. In some emibodiments. the foods are wet, semi-moist, or dry pet foods. The pet fbods can be in the form of pellets, kibbles and bits, meat emulsions, gravies, stews, soups, sauces, chunks, pieces, and the like, In certain embodiments., the foods are commercial cat foods or commercial dog fods having known ingredients and a known nutritional and caloric content. In other embodimienis. the foods are customized foods made specifically for a particular animaL [00411 Materials and methods for making the measuring devices of the iv'ention are known to skilled artisans. In various em 1 bodiments, the measuring devices are made from any suitable materials such as wood, metal, glass, potymers, plastics, or other natural or synthetic materials using any Suitable process such as carving, molding, pressing, extruding, and the like, For example, th measuring devices can be made from a polyethylene material such as linear low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate., and the like. Alternatively, the measuring devices may be manufactured from non.-plastic materials including, but no limited to, glass, ceramic, cardboard, metal, Styrofoam, and the like, The first side can be made from the same material or a different material than the second opposing side, particularly when they are detachable, 100421 In a further aspect, the invention provides methods of managing the weight of animals. The methods comprise providing a measuring device comprising a container having a first side with a cavity and a second opposing side having a cavity that is larger than the cavity of the first side, The method further comprises feeding to the animal an amount of food that fills the cavity of the first side for a length of time to achieve a desired weight for the animal Once a desired weight has been achieved, the device is flipped and an amount of food that fills the cavity of the second side is administered to the animal to maintain the desired weight of the animal. In preferred embodiments, the measuring device is a customized food bowl. In other embodinents, the measuring device is a customized food bowl and the food is a customized food. {0043] In another aspect, the invention provides kits usefli for managing the weight of an animal using the measuring devices of the inention The kits include in separate containers in a single package or in separate containers in a virtual package, as appropriae for the kit component, (A) a measuring device comprising a container having a first side with a cavity and a second opposing side having a cavity that is larger than the cavity of the first side and (B) at least one of (1) instructions on how to use the measuring device for helping an animal achieve a desired 11 WO 2013/130546 PCT/US2013/027942 weight; (2) instructions on how to use the measuring device for helping an animal maintain a desired weight, e~g inrntaining a healthy weight for the animal; 3) instructions on how to clean the measuring device; (4) one, or more comestible ingredients such as foods, customized foods, or other nutritional products to be used in conjunction with the measuring device.e a food or foods; or (5) a evice for transferring the nutritional product to the measuring device, eg, a spoon or spatula. [00441 When the kits comprise a virtual package, the kits are limited to instructions in a virtual environment in combination ith one or more physical kit components, The kits may contain the kit components in any of various combinations. In one embodiment, the kit contains a measuring device as described herein. in another embodiment, one or more nutritional products or instructions can be sold with this kit or sold separately from the kit, for example, as part of a virtual kit. [0045 T.he kits can encompass one or more kit components that are ordered and shipped separately to a consumer, for example, such as an order on the internet or by phone for a measuring device and a nutritional product, wherein the two articles are shipped from separate locations to the consumers address. 100461 In a further aspect, the invention provides a nieans for coninunicating information about or instructions for one or more of (1) using a measuring device comprising a container having a rst side withr a cavity and a second oposing side having a cavhty that is hlger than the cavity of the first side, particularly for managing the weight of an animal. (2) using the measuring device to help an animal achieve a desired weight; (3) using the ineasuring device to help an animal maintain a desired weight; (4) cleaning the measuring device; (5) nutritional information about comestible ingredients sutch as foods or other nutritional products suitable for use with the measuring device; (6) using the measuring device with customized foods, or (7) nutritional requirements O achieving or manining a healthy ight for n [00471 The conmm icationi means can be a document, digital storage media, optical storage media, audio presentation, or visual display containing the information or instructions, in certain embodinents, the communication means can be a displayed website a visual display kiosk, a brochure, a product label, a package insert, an advertisement a handout; a public announcement, an audiotape, a videotape, digital streaming a DVD, a CD-ROM. a computer readable chip, a L2 WO 2013/130546 PCT/US2013/027942 computer readable card, a computer readable disk, a USB device, a FireWire device, a computer neno-ry and any combination thereof. [0048) Useful information includes one or more of contact information for consaners to use if they have a question about the invention and its use. The communication means is useful for instructing on the benefits of using the present invention and comnunicaticg the approved methods for using the invention for the managing the weight of an animal using the measuring device. [00491 in another aspect, the invention provides packages comprising indicia describing a measuring device. The measuring device comprises a container having a first side with a cavity and a second opposing side having a cavity that is larger than the cavity of the first side. The indicia can be in the formi of words; symibos, pictures photogrphs, fiures or combinations thereof to sh.low details or examples of the measuring device described herein In preferred embodiments, the. indicia indicate that the device is suitable for use to manage t'he weight of an animaL [00501 In other embodinents. the packages include one or wore handles suitable for handling and transporting the package. In other embodiments, the package includes one or more windows for viewing the measuring device, its contents, or any parts thereof. The package can include a label affixed to the package containing a word or words, picture., design, acronym, slogan, phrase., or combination thereof that indicates that the package coritains a measuring device comprising a container having a first side with a cavity and a second opposing side having a cavity that is larger than the cavity of the first side, preferably 'to be used to rnmanagc dhe eight of an animal [0051] In certain embodiments, the package contains the measuring devce. In other embodiments, the package contains the measuring device (e~g.. the device in the ton of a food bowl) and one or more coiestible foods, e. g a package of food containing the device immersed in a food associated with the device. Such packages are useful to promote the measuring device in the market. EXAMPLES [00521 The invention. can. be further illustrated by the following examples, although it will he understood that these examples are included merely for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention unless otherwise specifically indicated. Example 1 3i WO 2013/130546 PCT/US2013/027942 [00531 Tables 1-2 show bowl cavity sizes (by volume) for dry pet foods ffor weight loss weight maintenance c of dogs and cats. Sizing is for single daily feedings as well as two or three feeng es r aay, Table I Bowi Sized for Dry Pet food for Dogs Cup Volue cup Volune (mL: Cup Volume (rL): Dog Weight Weight Loss j Weight Loss/ Weight Loss Kg (lbs) Maintenance I Maintenance -2 Maintenance 3 -peedinm 3cr day Feedins per Feedigs per y 2 (5) 0/180 75 / 90 50 / 60 4, (10) 20 300 105 / 150 70 100 9A (20 325/ 500 1 (5 250 1083 /166,7 136 (30) 415 /680 340 2326,7 18,2(40) 1 500 860 250 / 430 166,7/286,7 22.7 (50) 560/ 1005 280 502.5 186,7,;335 27.3 (60) 620 / 1155 310 /577,5 206.7 385 36.4 (80) 710 1450 3.55 /1 725 23 7 483. 45.5 (100) 800 1715 400 / 857.5 266.7/ 571.7 Table 2 Bowl Sized for i)ry Pet food for Cats Cup Volume (ml.): Cup Vohume (n i Cup Volume (nL): Cats Weight Weight Loss Weight Loss Weight Loss / Kg (ILbs) Maintenance - I Maintenance - Maintenance - 3 Feeding per day Feedings er da Feedings per day ---- . .......- ------ ----- ----- .... -- ------- - ------- - - - - - - - - - 316 (8) 8S, 148 59 /74 3949 4,5 (10) 177 207 89 / 104 59 / 69 5-5 (12 207 /237 104 /118 69 79 64 (14) 237 /296 18/ 148 79 99 73 (16) 266/325 133 / 163 892 108 9 (20) 325 414 163 /207 108/ 138 1 .4 25) 414 /503 207 /251 138/ 168 .14 WO 2013/130546 PCT/US2013/027942 [041541 Tables 34 show bowl cavity sizes (by volume) for wet pet foods for weight loss weight maintenance of dogs and cats. Sizing is for singe daily feedings as well as two or three feedags per day, Table 3 Bowl Sized for Wet Pet food for Does Cup Volume (L): Cup Volnume (mL Cup Volume (n Dog Weig ht - Leu"oss / Weight Loss Weight Loss Kg (lbs) Maintenance - 1 Maintenance - 2 Maintenance - 3 F eedingper day Feedings per da Feedings per day - I--- ------- da 2.3 (5) 197 295 98/147 66/ 98 4-5(10) 344 492 172/246 115 164 9. 1 (20) 492 787 246 / 393 164 262 13.6 (30) 639 1082 320/54- 213 361 18,2 (40) 7871327 393 664 162 442 V___ ...... - ----- ---- ~1 ........-... 22. 7 (0) 885 1573 442 787 295 524 27.3(60) 934 1770 467 /885 311 590 ---------- -------- - ------- -....--- --- 36.4 (80) 1082 /2261 541/ 1131 361 754 45.5 (100) 1229 / 2655 615 /1327 410 885 Table 4 Bowl Sized for Wet Pet food for Cats Cup Volun (mil) Cup Volume (mL) Cup Volume (mL) Cats Weight~ Weigt s Weight oss Weight Loss Kg (ibs) ainttn Maintenance - 2Maintenlance - 3 Feeding per da Feedings er day F i r day 3,6(8) 224 285 12 Q 142 75 95 475(10) -285 /3 46 142 173 95 /..15 55 (12) 325 /407 163 /203 108 136 6.4(14) 386 488 193 144 129/163 3(16) 447/549 22.4/ 275 1491 83 ------ - - - - - - - - - -_____ --- _------......- ------- -- 9 (20) 569/ 691 285 346 190 /230 11.4 (25) 691 /875 346/ 437 230/ 292 ----------- ----- ----- WO 2013/130546 PCT/US2013/027942 [4055 All patents patent applications, publications, and other references cited or referred to herein are incorporated herein by reference to the extent allowed by law T h discussion of those references is intended merely tc summarize the assertions made therein. No admission is made that any such patents, patent applications, publications or references, or any portion thereol, are relevant prior art for the present invention and the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinence of such. patents; patent applications, publications, and other references is specifically reserved, 16
    权利要求:
    Claims (23)
    [1] 5. The measuring device of claim I wherein the measuring device is a food howl
    [2] 6. The measuring device of claim 5 wherein the food bowl is associated with a food, The ineasuring device of claim 6 wherein the food is designed to achieve and maintain a desired weight for an animal 8, The measuring device of claim 6 wherein the food howl and the food are customized for an. animal.
    [3] 9. The measuring device of claim 5 wherein the fbod bowl is associated with a food and a different food, 10 The measuring device of claim 9 wherein the food is designed to achieve a desired weight for an animal and the different food. is designed to maintain a desired weight for the animal 1,i Tie measuring device of claim 9 wherein the food bowl, the food, and the different food are customized for an animal. 12 The measuring device of claim I wherein the measuring device is a customized measuring device. 13, The measuring device of clain I wherein the measuring device comprises indicia that identifies the animal for which the bowl was customized. 14, The measuring device of claim I wherein the first side is detachable from the second side.
    [4] 15. The measuring device of claim I wherein one or more of the cavities comprise one or more obstructions. WO 2013/130546 PCT/US2013/027942
    [5] 16. TI.ie measuring device of claim 5 wherein the food bowl is a companion animal food bowl, 17, The measuring device of claim 5 wherein the food bowl is a dog food bowl. 18, The measuring device of claim 5 wherein the food bowl is a cat food howl,
    [6] 19. The measurin device of claim I wherein the first side cavity is sizcd to contain an amount of food that promotes 'weight loss by the animal and the second side cavity is sized to contain an amount of food tha lnables the animal to maintain a desired weight.
    [7] 20. The measuring device of claii I Wherein the second side cavity is sized to contain an amount of food that promotes weight gain by the airmal and the first side cavity is sized to contain an amount of food that enables the animal to maintain a desired weight. 21, A method of managing the weight of an animal comprising: providing a measuring device conp~rising a container having a first side with a cavity and a second opposing side having a ca vity that is larger tian the cavity of the first side; feeding to the animal in amount of food that fills the cavity of the first side for a length of time to achieve a desired weight in the animal; and feeding to the animal an amount of food that fills the cavity of the second side to maintain the weight of the animal after the animal has achieved the desired wet 22 The method of clamn 21 wherein the second side cavity is at least 1 tmes larger than the first side cavity
    [8] 23. The method of claim 21 wherein the second side cavity is from .i to five times as large as the first side cavity. 24, The method of clam 2 wherein the first side cuity and the second side cavity have a concave shape,
    [9] 25. The method of clain 21 wherein the measuring device is a food bowl. 26, The method of claim 25 wherein the food bowl is associated with a food.
    [10] 27. The method of claim 26 wherein the food is designed to achieve and maintain a desired weight for an animal
    [11] 28. The method of caim 26 wx herein the food bowl and the food are customized for an animal. 29, The method of claim 25 wherein the food bowl is associated with a food and a different food,
    [12] 30. The method of claim 29 wherein ithe food is designed to achieve a desired weight for an animal and the different food is designed to maintain a desired weight for the animal. 18 WO 2013/130546 PCT/US2013/027942 31 The method of claim 29 wherein the food bowl, the food, and the different.. food are customized. for an an imal
    [13] 32. The method of cim 2o wherein the measuring device is a customized measuring device. 3 "'liThe method of claim 21 wherein the measuring device coiprises indi that identifies the animal for which the bowl was customized,
    [14] 34. The method of claim 21 wherein the first side is detachable from the second side,
    [15] 35. The method of claim 21 wherein one or more of the cavities comprise one or more obstructions.
    [16] 36. The method of claim 25 wherein the food bowl is a companion animal food bow.
    [17] 37. The method of claim 25 wherein the food bowl is a dog food bowl. 38, The method of claim 25 wherein the food bow is a cat food bowl,
    [18] 39. The method of claim 2 wherein the first side cavity is sized to contain an amount of food that promotes weight loss by the animal and the second side cavity is sized to contain an amount of food that enables the animal to maintain a desired weight,
    [19] 40. The method of clair 21 wherein the second side cavity is sized to contain an amount of food that proinotes weight gain by the animal and the first side cavity is sized to contain an amount of food that enables the animal to maintain a desired weight, 4L A kit comprising in separate containers in a single package or in separate containers in a virtual package, as appropriate for the kit component., a measuring device comprising a container having a first side with a cavity and a second opposing side having a cavity that is larger than the cavhy of the first side and at least one of (1) instructions on how to use the measuring device for helping an animal achieve a desired weight; (2) instructions on how to use the measuring device for helping an aimal maintain a desired weight; (3) instructions on how to clean the measuring device; (4) one or more comestible ingredients to be used in conjunction with the imeasuring device or (5) a device for transterring the nutritional product to the measuring device.
    [20] 42. A means for comtnunicating information about or instructions for one or more of (1) using a measuring device comprising a container having a first side with a cavity and a second opposing side having a cavity that is larger than the cavity of the first side; (2) using the measuring device to help an animal achieve a desired weight; (3) using die measuring device to help an animal maintain a desired weight; 4) cleaning the measuring device; (5) 19 WO 2013/130546 PCT/US2013/027942 nutritional 1nfornation about comestible ingredients suitable fbr use with the measuring device; (6) using the measuring device with customized foods, or (7) nutritional requirements for achieving or maintaining a healthy weight for animals, 43 The means of claim 42 wherein the conuication mea s is selected from the group consisting of a displayed website, a visual display kiosk a brochure, a product label, a package insert, an advertisements, a handout, a public announcement, an audiotape, a videotape, digital streaming, a DVD a CD-ROM, a computer readable chip, a computer readable card, a coinputer readable disk, a USB device, a FireWire device, a computer memory and any combination thereof
    [21] 44. A package comprising indicia describing a measuring device comprising a container having a first side with a cavity and a second opposing side having a cavity that is larger than the cavitv of the first side,
    [22] 45. [he package of clairm 44 Further comprising indicia indicating that the nieasurnig device is useful for managing the ws eight of an animal. 46, The package of claim 44 further comprising one or more handles suitable for handling and transporting the package 47 The package of claim 44 further comprising one or more windows.
    [23] 48. The package of claim 44 further comprising a hibel affixed to the package containing a word or words, picture, design, acronym, slogan, phrase, or combination thereof, that indicates that package contains a measuring device comprising a container having a first side with a cavity and a second opposing side having cavity that is larger than the ca vity of the first side. 49, The package of claim 48 wherein the label further comprising indicia indicating that the mseasuring device is useful for managing the weight of an animal. 50, The package of claim 44 further comprising a measuring device comprising a container having a first side with a cavity and a second opposing side having a cavity that is larger than the cavity of the first side. 20
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    CA2866137A1|2013-09-06|
    EP2819508A1|2015-01-07|
    AU2013226224B2|2018-12-13|
    EP2819508B1|2016-04-06|
    CA2866137C|2020-02-18|
    WO2013130546A1|2013-09-06|
    ES2570583T3|2016-05-19|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
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    EP3599835A1|2017-03-29|2020-02-05|Mars, Incorporated|Device and method for dispensing product from a flexible package|
    RS20181089A1|2018-09-18|2020-03-31||Two-part water bowl with magnetic plates for pets|
    法律状态:
    2019-04-11| FGA| Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent)|
    2019-07-18| PC| Assignment registered|Owner name: SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE S.A. Free format text: FORMER OWNER(S): NESTEC S.A. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US201261605953P| true| 2012-03-02|2012-03-02||
    US61/605,953||2012-03-02||
    PCT/US2013/027942|WO2013130546A1|2012-03-02|2013-02-27|Measuring device useful for animal weight management|
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