WO2019211409A1

WO2019211409A1 - Machine and capsule for rehydrating dehydrated pet foods

Info

Publication number: WO2019211409A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/061314
Authority: WO
Inventors: Albert ICART MARTORI
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-05-02
Filing date: 2019-05-02
Publication date: 2019-11-07
Anticipated expiration: 2020-11-02
Also published as: ES1212563Y; ES1212563U

Abstract

A machine for rehydrating dehydrated food for pets,the machine may comprise a casing (11)for containing the capsule (21), at least one food-dish container (2) for pets, a water tank (3), water supply means (4, 5) which supply water from the tank (3) for mixing with the dose of dehydrated food, mixing means (6, 33, 38) for mixing the dehydrated food with the water, and means (7) for controlling the volume of water supplied for the mixing and for controlling the operational time (8) of the mixing means (6, 33, 38).The invention also relates to a capsule incorporating dehydrated food in multi-dose or single-dose packaging for use with said machine.

Description

MACHINE AND CAPSULE FOR REHYDRATING DEHYDRATED PET FOODS

DESCRIPTION

This application claims priority from Spanish Utility Model ES121563U, filed on 2 May 2018.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention, as stated in the title of the present specification, relates to a machine and a capsule for rehydrating dehydrated foods which contribute, to its intended use, advantages and characteristics, which are described in detail further on, which imply a notable novelty in the current state of the art.

The object of the present invention is a machine for domestic use which has the essential function of automatically rehydrating dehydrated foods, particularly those intended for feeding pets which must be mixed with hot water for the consumption thereof. The object of the present invention is also a capsule for containing dehydrated foods.

FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

The field of application of the present invention falls within the sector of the industry dedicated to manufacturing automatic apparatuses and devices, in particular small household appliances, and more specifically those intended for the field of accessories for feeding pets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently there are dehydrated foods for pets with a significant market share in the niche of“pet parents”.

The problem is that, when the end client wants to serve the dehydrated element to their pet, they have to rehydrate it by performing a series of operations that are summarised in the following process:

- Heating water

- Depositing the water and the food in a container in the right proportions

- Mixing with a spoon or other utensil

- Allowing it to cool

The objective of the invention is to save said work for the user by means of a machine which performs all the operations of said process automatically so that they do not have to be performed manually. Furthermore, and regarding the current state of the art, it should be noted that at least the applicant is unaware of the existence of any other machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods or of any other invention in the field of feeding pets, which has technical and structural features that are the same as or similar to those that this machine herein claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Thus, the machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods proposed by the invention amounts to a noteworthy novelty within its field of application, the characterising details that set it apart being duly recorded in the claims included at the end of the present specification.

Specifically, what the invention proposes, as indicated previously, is a machine for domestic use which, preferably with electrical actuation, by way of a small household appliance, has the essential function of rehydrating automatically and by means of a series of elements and mechanisms with which it is provided, foods which are acquired dehydrated, in particular those intended for feeding pets which are sold in said manner and must be mixed with water for the consumption thereof.

To do so, said machine comprises, at least, one container for dehydrated food for pets, which can act directly as a food dish, wherein the food can be placed in bulk or in single-serving packaging (or alternatively in multidose packaging), as explained later on, a water tank which the machine uses in the necessary amount in order to obtain the rehydrated food product, means, preferably electromechanical ones, for example a small pump and ducts connected to it, which supply said amount of water from the tank thereof in order to mix with the dose of dehydrated food, mixing means for mixing the dehydrated food with the water.

Mixing of the dehydrated food with water may be performed in a food- dish container, or alternatively may be performed in a secondary housing.

The mixing means may comprise, for example spraying means (such as a spraying head) for spraying water onto the dehydrated food and vibration means for causing a vibrating movement in a mixing housing (thereby causing the food and sprayed water to mix).

Alternatively, the mixing means may comprise a mixing stand with rods which rotate automatically moved by an electrical motor, preferably the same one which actuates the cited pump, and means for controlling the volume of water supplied, for example a dosing mechanism, and for the mixing time, such as a timer. Preferably, the machine also has means for heating the water, since with this the rehydration is performed in a more optimal and quicker manner.

In any case, in an optional preferred embodiment, the container possesses a dish shape and is fastened, for example by means of rings, wherein it is embedded, provided to this effect in the casing of the machine; the water is injected by the machine in the container at the same time that the mixing stand descends on the container, actuated by means of a lever, and performs the mixing directly therein.

With this, the operational nature of the machine in this optional embodiment is to store water in a water tank, which the user fills manually, and which preferably possesses an approximate capacity of 3 or 4 litres, storing, at least, one dose of dehydrated food in the container, heating water and directing an amount of water to the container, mixing the water with the food inside the container, waiting to be able to remove the container (thereby preventing the pet from getting burned).

Furthermore, the machine enables the function of cleaning the container for which the same process described is followed, but without including food in the container, the leftover water being able to be emptied manually or left in the container so the pet can drink it although it may have traces of food.

Optionally, the machine further has a storage tank for dehydrated food in bulk connected to a mechanism for dispensing said food, such that it falls in the container wherein the mixing with the water is performed and which acts as a food dish. In such embodiments, the machine is preferably designed to prevent spillage from the storage tank when it is removed (e.g. for refilling).

Moreover, as indicated previously, the machine of the invention is also envisaged to be used with dehydrated food incorporated in single-dose packaging (or in multi-dose packaging), which can have different formats for different versions of the machine.

Thus, in a first option, the single-dose packaging is dish-shaped packaging from which the pet can eat directly, such that it must be placed over the container of the machine or replacing it, for example embedded in the aforementioned rings, provided that it is equipped with enough resistance so as to support the action of the mixer without breaking apart, since in this option the operational nature of the machine would be the same.

In another variant embodiment, also for using the machine with dehydrated food in single-dose packaging, wherein preferably it is configured as a capsule, the machine further comprises a structure with a specific housing for depositing said packaging and mechanisms that direct and inject the water on the inside thereof and which move the mixing stand in and out of the very packaging, such that instead of mixing being performed in the container, it is performed directly inside the packaging and inside the machine, said structure being located over the container such that, once the mixing has been performed, it falls therein due to gravity.

Alternatively, the machine has mechanisms which break the single-dose packaging once it has been introduced into the aforementioned housing of the structure and the contents thereof fall into another secondary housing wherein the mixing means are located and the water is injected or sprayed, the mixture subsequently falling into the container.

Apart from the foregoing, some of the described variations of the machine can also comprise other additional elements such as those which are indicated below.

An additional container intended as a water dish which is filled with water from the machine contained in the water tank, for which the housing must be designed to make room for it, as well as the mechanisms so that the water supply means direct the water towards it.

Optionally, this water dish further has a level sensor connected to said water supply means, such that it always has water for the pet. The level sensor may comprise one or more Hall effect sensors.

With this additional inclusion, the machine would solve all the dietary needs of the pet, both food and water, in the same product.

Optionally, the water tank has a level sensor for detecting whether the water tank is empty or needs refilling. The water tank level sensor may comprise one or more Hall effect sensors.

Optionally, the machine may further comprise a microphone or speaker in order to generate an audible alert once the food is mixed and ready for consumption by the pet(s).

Additionally, the machine also includes autonomous actuation means, for example, by means of the inclusion of a programmable electronic circuit board connected to the operational mechanisms thereof, enabling it to be programmed so that it is activated at certain times of the day and serves the food. This would enable the rehydrated food to be served automatically at the time considered most suitable without needing to pay attention (or even be present).

Likewise, optionally, said mechanisms can be linked to an app for a mobile phone, with which it preferably communicates by means of a Wi-Fi communication module provided in the machine, which enables the remote control thereof and the possibility of remotely activating it in order to be able to feed the pet at the most opportune time without needing to be present or have it programmed.

A machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods is disclosed which is characterised in that the dehydrated food may be provided therein in multi-dose packaging, and in that it comprises, incorporated in a casing , at least one food- dish container for pets, a water tank, water supply means which supply water from the tank for mixing with the dose of dehydrated food, mixing means for mixing the dehydrated food with the water, and means for controlling the volume of water supplied for the mixing and for controlling the operational time of the mixing means . All of the features disclosed herein in relation to the bulk or single-dose packaging machines may be included (alone or in combination) in the machine for multi-dose packaging.

The machine may comprise control means for a user to select a customized amount of food to be dosed. The control means may comprise one or more of a display means, a touchscreen, a command wheel, or voice- activated means, and push-buttons. The machine may further comprise communications means such that the machine may be controlled remotely by, for example, a user. The communications means may comprise, for example, a 3G, 4G, or 5G interface or a WiFi interface.

A multi-dose capsule is also disclosed herein, comprising an airtight container, the container comprising at least a portion made of a material suitable for being penetrated by the breakage means. This portion may be made of, for example, aluminum or similar.

The container may comprise a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is made of a material having greater rigidity. The second part may be the portion to be broken by the breakage means.

Finally, it is worth noting that the machine of the invention, in at least one of the variations thereof, especially if they are equipped with autonomous or remote actuation means, is designed such that over the container there is enough space for the pet to be able to eat from it directly, preventing the need to remove it from the machine for this purpose, which is especially necessary in the variations with actuation that is autonomous or remote.

The machine described for rehydrating dehydrated foods therefore consists of an innovative structure with characteristics heretofore unknown for its intended purpose, reasons which, taken together with its usefulness, provide it with sufficient grounds for obtaining the requested exclusivity privilege.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complete the description, and for the purpose of helping to make the characteristics of the invention more readily understandable, this description is accompanied by a set of drawings constituting an integral part of the same, which by way of illustration and not limitation represents the following:

Figures 1 and 2.- Show respective schematic side elevation views of a cross section of an example of the machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, object of the invention, in a first basic optional embodiment thereof, shown in Figure 1 with the container in the incorporation step and Figure 2 with the mixing means in the operational step;

Figure 3.- Shows a view similar to the preceding ones, of another optional embodiment of the machine, according to the invention, in this case provided with a storage tank for food in bulk;

Figure 4.- Shows a perspective view of an example of the container in the option thereof as single-dose packaging of dehydrated food in the form of a dish;

Figure 5.- Shows a side elevation view in a cross section, similar to the ones shown in Figures 1 to 3, of another variant embodiment of the machine, specifically an option with a housing for a single-dose packaging in the form of a capsule and a mechanism for mixing inside of it;

Figure 6.- Shows a perspective view of a configuration option of the single-dose packaging of dehydrated food in the form of a capsule for mixing with the water on the inside thereof; and Figure 7.- Shows a front elevation view in a cross section of another variant embodiment of the machine, according to the invention, in this case provided for use with single-dose packaging in the form of a capsule, provided with mechanisms which break said packaging, a secondary housing for performing the mixing, an additional container as a water dish and programmable autonomous actuation means, among other options.

Figure 8.- Shows a side elevation view in a cross section, similar to the ones shown in Figures 1 to 3, of another variant embodiment(s) of the machine, specifically an option with a housing for single-dose or multi-dose packaging in the form of a capsule, mixing means comprising spraying and vibrating means, and a cover for the food-dish container, wherein said cover is attached to the sliding base.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In light of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the adopted numbering, one may observe therein an example of a preferred embodiment of a machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods of the invention, which comprises the parts and elements indicated and described in detail below.

Thus, as seen in said figures, the machine (1 ) in question, applicable for mixing water with dehydrated food, incorporated in bulk or in single-dose packaging (or in multi-dose packaging), comprises, incorporated in a casing (11 ), at least, one container (2) shaped like food dish for pets, a water tank (3), preferably with a lid (30), water supply means (4, 5), preferably a small pump (4) and ducts (5) connected to it and to the water tank (3), which supply water from the tank itself for mixing with the dose of dehydrated food, mixing means (6) for mixing the dehydrated food with the water, for example a mixing stand with rods which rotate automatically moved by an electrical motor, preferably the same one which actuates the water pump (4), and means (7) for controlling the volume of water supplied for the mixing and for controlling the operational time (8) of the mixing means, such as a water dispenser (7) and a timer (8), only shown in Figure 1.

Preferably, the machine also possesses suitable means for heating the water (9) of the tank (3).

In a basic variant embodiment, like the one shown in Figures 1 and 2, the water supply means (4, 5) inject water directly into the container (2), wherein the dehydrated food in bulk has been incorporated previously, and the mixing means (6) are able to be moved, for example, through a lever (10), in order to be placed in the container (2) and perform the mixing directly therein.

Optionally, the container (2) can be removed from the casing (11 ) wherein the functional elements of the machine are incorporated and, preferably, it is fastened in said casing (11 ) with securing means (12) consisting, for example, of rings wherein it can stay embedded preventing it from moving when the mixing is performed.

Optionally, as seen in Figure 3, the machine (1 ) also comprises a tank

(13) for dehydrated food in bulk with a food dispenser (14), arranged over the container (2) so that it falls over it when it is actuated.

Alternatively, the food is incorporated in single-dose packaging of dehydrated food already configured in the form of a dish (20) suitable to fit into the container (2) or to replace it fastened with securing elements (12), which as seen in Figure 4, is single-use in such case, and is conveniently protected with a tamper evident seal (25) that is heat sealed and is removed for the use thereof.

In another optional embodiment, such as the one shown in Figures 5 and 6, in the machine (1 ) the dehydrated food is incorporated in single-dose packaging in the form of a capsule (21 ), for which reason the casing (11 ) of the machine comprises a structure with a housing (15) (see Figure 5) for packaging, connected to the supply means (4, 5) which direct and inject the water on the inside thereof and to the mixing means (6) which move in and out of the same, performing the mixing directly inside of said capsule (21 ).

The capsule (21 ) of dehydrated foods is an airtight container comprising a wall of a material suitable for being penetrated by water supply means (4, 5), as well as a wall made of a material suitable for being penetrated by the mixing means. Preferably, the wall which is penetrated by breakage means (16) (or by the rods of the mixing stand in the embodiments where the mixing means comprise a mixing stand with rods) is the lower one once the capsule (21 ) is placed in the housing (15) of the machine (1 ), such that when the are taken out of the capsule (21 ) the contents thereof fall due to gravity.

The hydration process is preferably as follows. The user introduces the capsule (21 ) into the housing (15) of the machine (1 ), the water supply means (4, 5) penetrate the capsule (21 ) and inject water, the mixing means (6) penetrate the capsule (21 ) and stir the dehydrated food with the water and cause the hydration of the food, the mixing means (6) are removed from the capsule (21 ) (if necessary) and through the hole made by the breakage means or by the mixing means, the already-hydrated food falls into the container (2) due to gravity.

Preferably, said housing (15), in order to perform the mixing inside of the capsule (21 ), is located over the container (2) so that, once the mixing has been performed, it falls therein due to the force of gravity.

Alternatively, the machine (1 ), besides a housing (15) for the capsule

(21 ), has breakage means (16) which break it once it has been incorporated and a secondary housing (17) wherein the contents thereof fall and which is connected to the supply means (4, 5) which direct and inject the water on the inside thereof and the mixing means (6) which may move in and out of the same, said secondary housing (17) also being located over the container (2) so that, once the mixing has been performed, it falls therein due to gravity.

Optionally, furthermore, the machine comprises an additional container

(22) as a water dish, which can be removed or not from the casing (11 ), into which the supply means (4, 5) inject water from the same water tank (3), as seen in the example of Figure 7.

Optionally, said additional water-dish container (22) incorporates a weight sensor (18) connected to the water supply means (4, 5).

Additionally or alternatively, a weight sensor (32) may be provided under the food-dish container (2) in order to weight an amount of food in the food-dish container (2), which is to be used for dosing the right amount of food for each meal.

In further embodiments, such as the one shown in Fig. 8, the mixing means comprise spraying means (33) and a vibrating means (38) for mixing the food and water. The spraying means (33) may be connected to the water supply (4, 5) and spray water onto the food in a substantially homogeneous manner.

The mixing may be performed in the food-dish container (22) itself, without the need for a secondary (mixing) housing.

The vibrating means (38) are preferably actuated prior to spraying of the water, in order to cause movement in the food-dish container (22) such that the food is more evenly spread out in the container prior to mixing with the water. The vibrating means (38) continue to vibrate until the food is properly mixed (which may be determined by the timer).

Additionally, this embodiment may comprise a sliding base (34) and a sliding cover (36).

The sliding base (34) may be attached to the food-dish container (22), such that the food-dish container (22) may be moved between a pet-accessible position and a retracted position for mixing according to motion arrow 40. The food-dish container (22) may thus be moved into the retracted position prior to mixing (prior to actuation of the vibration means (33) and spraying of the water by spray means (33).

The sliding cover may be kept in a retracted position, and may be moved forward during mixing (i.e., when the food-dish container (22) is retracted for food mixing) according to motion arrow 40, in order to cover the space that is occupied by the food-dish container (22) when the dish is in a pet-accessible position (i.e. not during mixing). Once mixing is finished, the food-dish container (22) may be moved to the pet-accessible position (via the sliding base (34)) and the sliding cover (36) is retracted.

The sliding base and cover may be connected to the same sliding mechanism, or alternatively they may have separate sliding mechanisms.

Further, the machine according to any of the disclosed embodiments may comprise a user interface, such as display means (42), which may comprise a screen or a touchscreen, or other suitable display elements. The user may thus control or program the machine via the user interface provided by the display means (42). The machine may further comprise other command input mechanisms such as a command wheel.

Additionally or alternatively, a sliding base and attached cover may be provided for the water-dish container (22), or the sliding base (34) and cover (36) may be provided in extended form so that it covers both the food and the water-dish containers (2, 22).

The vibrating means (38) and spraying means (33) may be incorporated or combined with all other disclosed embodiments as mixing means.

The sliding base (34) and cover (36) feature may be incorporated or combined with any embodiment disclosed herein. For example, the embodiments of Figs. 1 -3 may all include a sliding base(s) and cover(s) as described, and/or may include vibrating means (38) and spray means (33) as mixing means.

The vibrating means (38) may comprise a vibration motor.

In this embodiment, the capsule (21 ) may comprise a single-dose capsule or a multi-dose capsule, which may be provided in housing (15) in both cases. In embodiments with a multi-dose capsule, the breakage means (16) may be actuated to break the capsule for its first use. In embodiments with a multi-dose capsule, the dispenser (14) may dose out the correct amount of food from the multi-dose capsule. Since the multi-dose capsule contains multiple doses of food, the user may select a customized amount of food depending on the pet to be fed. The machine may be configured to receive input from a user regarding the desired amount of food or number of doses, and the dispenser (14) will dose out the food accordingly.

The dispenser (14) may be controlled by a dispensing timer in order to control the amount of dehydrated food that is dispensed into the food-dish container (22). Optionally, the weight sensor (18) may check whether the dispensed food amount is correct. Multi-dose packaging advantageously offers a more environmentally-friendly and convenient option for refilling the machine. The terms multi-dose capsule and multi-dose packaging are used interchangeably throughout this disclosure.

Optionally, the machine (1 ) also comprises programmable autonomous actuation means (19), for example an electronic circuit board with a programmable microprocessor connected to the operational mechanisms thereof, such as a remote communication module (23), for example via Wi-Fi, in order to connect to a control app especially designed to this end and installed in a mobile phone.

Finally, the casing (11 ) is designed with a configuration wherein, over the food-dish container (2), and if applicable over the additional water-dish container (22), there is an access space (24) wide enough for the pet to be able to access the contents thereof, only indicated in Figure 5.

The capsule(s) according to the invention may be made of a suitable plastic, for example, FIPDE.

Flaving sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the ways of implementing it, it is not considered necessary to extend its explanation for any expert in the state of the art to understand its scope and the advantages which derive from it, specifying that, within its essential nature, it can be carried out in other embodiments that differ in detail from the one provided by way of example, and which are also covered by the requested protection, provided that they do not alter, change or modify its fundamental principle.

Claims

1. A machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods which, applicable for mixing water with dehydrated food for pets, incorporating therein said food in bulk or in single-dose packaging, characterised in that it comprises, incorporated in a casing (11 ), at least one food-dish container (2) for pets, a water tank (3), water supply means (4, 5) which supply water from the tank (3) for mixing with the dose of dehydrated food, mixing means (6, 33, 38) for mixing the dehydrated food with the water, and means (7) for controlling the volume of water supplied for the mixing and for controlling the operational time (8) of the mixing means (6).

2. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to claim 1 , characterised in that the water supply means are a small pump (4) and ducts (5) connected to it and to the water tank (3).

3. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the mixing means (6, 33, 38) comprise a mixing stand with rods which rotate automatically moved by an electrical motor.

4. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the means for controlling the volume of water supplied for the mixing consist of a dispenser (7), and the means for controlling the operational time of the mixing means (6) consist of a timer (8).

5. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that it comprises means for heating the water (9).

6. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the water supply means (4, 5) inject water directly into the container (2), wherein the dehydrated food has been incorporated previously, and the mixing means (6) are able to be moved to the container (2) in order to perform the mixing directly therein.

7. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to any of claims 1 or 6, characterised in that the container (2) is removable from the casing (11 ).

8. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to claim 1 , 6 or 7, characterised in that the container (2) is fastened in the casing (11 ) with securing elements (12).

9. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that it comprises a tank (13) for dehydrated food in bulk with a food dispenser (14), arranged over the container (2) so that it falls over it when it is actuated.

10. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the food is incorporated in single-dose packaging of dehydrated food in the form of a dish (20) suitable for fitting into the container (2) or for replacing it.

11. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the dehydrated food is incorporated in single-dose packaging in the form of a capsule (21 ), and the casing (11 ) comprises a housing (15) for said packaging.

12. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to claim 11 , characterised in that the housing (15) for single-dose packaging in the form of a capsule (21 ) is connected to the supply means (4, 5) which direct and inject the water on the inside thereof and the mixing means (6) which move in and out of the same, in order to perform the mixing directly inside of said capsule (21 ).

13. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to claims 11 and 12, characterised in that the housing (15), in order to perform the mixing inside of the capsule (21 ), is located over the container (2) so that, once the mixing has been performed, it falls therein due to gravity.

14. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to claims 10 to 13, characterised in that they comprise breakage means (16) which break the capsule (21 ) incorporated in the housing (15) and a secondary housing (17) wherein the contents thereof fall and which is connected to the supply means (4, 5) which direct and inject the water on the inside thereof and the mixing means (6) which move in and out of the same.

15. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to claim 14, characterised in that the secondary housing (17) is located over the container (2) so that, once the mixing has been performed, it falls therein due to gravity.

16. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises an additional container (22) as a water dish into which the supply means (4,5) inject water from the same water tank (3).

17. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to claim 16, characterised in that the additional water-dish container (22) incorporates a level sensor (18) connected to the water supply means (4, 5).

18. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises programmable autonomous actuation means (19).

19. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to claim 18, characterised in that it comprises a remote communication module (23), for example via Wi-Fi, in order to connect to a control app especially designed to this end and installed in a mobile phone.

20. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to any of claims 1 to 15, 18 or 19, characterised in that the configuration of the casing (11 ) comprises an access space (24), over the food-dish container (2), so that the pet can access the contents thereof.

21. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to any of claims 16 to 19, characterised in that the configuration of the casing (11 ) comprises an access space (24), over the food-dish container (2) and over the additional water-dish container (22), so that the pet can access the contents thereof.

22. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to any of claims 1 -2, and 4-21 , characterised in that the mixing means (6) comprise spraying means (33) and vibration means (38).

23. The machine for rehydrating foods, according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a sliding base (34) and a sliding cover (36) for covering and uncovering the food-dish container (22).

24. The machine for rehydrating foods, according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising display means (42) for providing a user interface.

25. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to any of claims 1 -13 and 16-24, characterised in that the mixing is performed in the food-dish container (22).

26. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to any of claims 22-25, characterised in that the vibration means (38) are actuated prior to actuation of the spraying means (33).

27. A capsule (21 ) for dehydrated foods suitable to be used in a machine according to any of claims 1 -26 characterised in that it is an airtight container comprising at least one wall of a material suitable for being penetrated by the water supply means (4, 5), as well as a wall made of a material suitable for being penetrated by the breakage means (16).

28. The capsule (21 ) for dehydrated foods suitable to be used in a machine according to any of claims 1 -27, characterised in that it comprises single-dose packaging.

29. A machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, characterised in that the dehydrated food may be provided therein in multi-dose capsule, and in that it comprises, incorporated in a casing (11 ), at least one food-dish container (22) for pets, a water tank (3), water supply means (4, 5) which supply water from the tank (3) for mixing with the dose of dehydrated food, mixing means (6, 33, 38) for mixing the dehydrated food with the water, means (7) for controlling the volume of water supplied for the mixing and for controlling the operational time (8) of the mixing means (6), a dispenser (14) for dispensing the dose of dehydrated food, and breakage means (16) for breaking the multi-dose capsule.

30. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods of claim 29, wherein the machine comprises control means for a user to select a customized amount of food to be dosed.

31. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods of claim 30, wherein the control means comprise one or more of a display means, a touchscreen, a command wheel, or voice-activated means, and push-buttons.

32. The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods of claim 30 or claim 31 , further comprising communications means such that the machine may be controlled remotely.

33. A multi-dose capsule for dehydrated foods suitable to be used in a machine according to any of claims 29-32, comprising an airtight container, the container comprising at least a portion made of a material suitable for being penetrated by the breakage means (16).