Pet food dispenser

Abstract

The apparatus of the present invention is a pet pantry having storage containers for pet-related equipment, accessories, medication, or other items, and also pet food storage and dispensing. The food dispensing mechanism allows for measured food dispensing, providing volume adjustment mechanisms to dispense a desired quantity of pet food. The food dispensing mechanism is a single movement handle or button dispensing the desired quantity of food. The pet pantry is also modular allowing for adjustments to a pet owner's specification.

1 . An apparatus for pet food and pet-related item storage comprising:
 a food storage chamber;   a means for raising food in the food storage chamber;   a food measurement compartment;   a food chute;   a means for adjusting volume in the food measurement compartment;   a food dispensing handle;   a shut off cover; and   a item storage compartment.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a shut off cover between the food storage chamber and food dispensing compartment.   
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the means for raising the food in the food storage chamber is automatic. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the elevating means is a calibrated spring. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the food chute is connected to a food chute release. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the food dispensing handle and food chute release engage to open the food chute. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the volume adjusting means comprises a dial adjustment and lift mechanism. 
   
   
       8 . A method of dispensing pet food comprising the steps of:
 providing pet food in a food storage chamber having a means for elevating food into a food measurement compartment;   moving a food dispensing handle having a food chute release activator towards a food chute release;   extending a shut-off cover;   engaging the food chute release and the food chute release activator; and   moving the food dispensing handle engaged with the food chute release to open a food chute.   
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the food dispensing handle is connected to a shut off cover. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising the step of adjusting volume in the food measurement compartment. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the step of adjusting volume comprises:
 turning a food measurement selector dial to a desired volume; and   lifting a platform in the food measurement compartment to increase or decrease the space within the food measurement compartment to the desired volume.