APPARATUS WITH AT LEAST ONE REPLACEABLE RECEPTACLE ELEMENT AND A BASE WITH ELEVATING MEANS FOR RAISING THE AT LEAST ONE REPLACEABLE RECEPTACLE ELEMENT

Abstract

An apparatus has a base having a side that defines an interior space, and a periphery that defines an aperture above the interior space. A bowl element has a rim and is shaped to fit into the interior space such that the rim abuts the periphery. A lever mechanism has a lever, a fulcrum having an aperture, a pair of ears on opposite sides of the aperture, pins extending from each of the pair of ears into the lever for pivotally mounting the lever on the fulcrum, and an attachment element for attaching the fulcrum to the base. The lever has a proximal end adapted to abut the bowl element, and a distal end opposite the proximal end.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a U.S. continuation patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 11/433,029, filed May 12, 2006, which nonprovisional patent application published as U.S. patent application publication no. US 2007/0261641 A1, each of which is incorporated by reference herein.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

FILED OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to an apparatus with a base for receiving a removable and replaceable receptacle or bowl element or liner, and the means to elevate the removable and replaceable receptacle or bowl element or liner from the base.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In certain aspects, this invention relates to a small animal feeder which comprises a receptacle holder and at least one removable and replaceable disposable receptacle. In certain other aspects, this invention relates to a holder for a sanitary bowl or liner which comprises a receptacle holder and at least one removable and replaceable receptacle.

Pet food bowls are generally made from inexpensive plastic materials, and it is usual practice to leave pet food in them for some time to permit the animal to eat at its leisure. It is observed, however, that moist pet food may desiccate and adhere to the surface of the bowl. Unless the remaining food is quickly removed from the surface of the bowl, the leftover food tends to adhere to the surface of the container. Dried pet food is relatively difficult to remove in the course of washing; furthermore, the oils and ingredients of pet food frequently coat or permeate the surface of most pet holder thus causing undesired odors and discoloration. One answer to this problem has been the use of disposable liners, receptacles, or bowls.

Three problems pertain to: (1) the ease in insertion and removable of a disposable liner or a bowl from a base which removal does not entail an operator having to touch the interior surface of the affected portion through use or contact; (2) providing for a liner or bowl sufficiently rigid to be used in a variety of applications, whether for human for animal food use, or commercial applications, such as in manicuring, with the liner or bowl being sufficiently flexible to permit deformation to fit snugly into a base and to permit easy removal from certain embodiments: and, (3) allowing for ease in storage and dispensing for use at least one liner for use in the base.

Currently available art does not satisfactorily address these common problems. The limited relevant prior art addresses these problems with a limited degree of success. A variety of disposable liners or bowls for pet feeding containers have been a solution and the subject of prior art. When disposable and replaceable liners and bowls are employed, one problem not addressed in the prior art is associated with the sanitary removal of the liner or bowl from the base. In certain prior art, the use of an air trap, adhesive strips and tabs have been presented as solutions. The prior art structures do not satisfactorily address the specific need to have a liner or bowl easily and sanitarily installed and removed by an operator, whereby the operator is not required to risk the unpleasant or unhealthful contact with the interior surface or the remaining contents of the interior of the liner. While the apparatus of the invention is directed primarily for use with pet food dispensing and serving, the apparatus of this invention is applicable where a sanitary bowl is desired. One application of this apparatus is for the dispensing for food to humans: one use entails adult snack food, while another entails a safe and sanitary dispenser for children, while yet another use addresses having a sanitary means for having food dispensed in a hospital environment. Another application relates to manicure service: warm soapy water or other suitable fluid can be contained in a disposable liner directly for a separate element which would rest within the liner. The apparatus of this invention is diversely applicable to a variety of uses requiring a removable sanitary container from a base. One advantage comprises an operator being able to sanitarily remove a replaceable and sanitary liner or bowl from a base with a non-skid type feeder.

Until this invention, there was no comparable cost-effective apparatus or system which provides for the easy, safe and sanitary insertion and removal of disposable liners or bowls employing a reusable base.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Prior art apparatuses which provide for removable feeding bowl elements from a base address specific structures in the base or the removable element.

U.S. Pat. No. 730,082 (Bates) employs nested disposable paper plates adapted to be held in a rigid support or holder. As a means of engagement, the disposable place portion has position-securing marginal cars or tabs which fit into recesses in the edge of the rigid support.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,427,626 & 6,705,249 (Quinlan et al.) are a pet feeding system employing a detachable feeding vessel in combination with an elevated support structure, which support structure also serves as a feed storage container. The feeding vessel is secured in the support structure by a retaining means employing a retainer clip and a ball detent and by rotating the feeding vessel in the support structure to engage and disengage the retaining means. In certain embodiments a notch is employed at the rear of the lip of the feeding vessel to promote ease in grasping the feeding vessel.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,928,955 (Rokos, et al.) is an animal feeder with a cam system for opening a cover. In one embodiment, the opening system is activated by a lever action to provide the animal access to the interior compartment of the feeder.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,840,191 (Gaspary, et al.) is a base, namely a pet food dish which includes a removable liner. Elements of the liner serve as a clamp to hold the liner in position in the base.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,323 (Alticosalian) is a container employing a base and a removable liner. One or more flexible liners is held in place through an aperture in the base, and by a variety of means at or near the periphery of the base.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,110 (Birnie) is a pet feeding system employing disposable inserts positioned in a base. A plurality of disposable inserts include an adhesive element diametrically opposed to a notched region to permit the removable of a single insert from the base.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,860,691 (Mayer) is an animal feeder with a removable water pail.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,182,462 (Buff, Jr.) describes a sanitary pet feeding container comprising a plurality of layers of thin sheet material stacked, or nested, together. The sheet material is paper or plastic. Removable of each container is effected by an operator using finger pulls or tabs upstanding interiorly from the circumferential edges.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,991,719 (Bruce) is an animal feeding receptacle comprising a holder for supporting, holding and storing a quantity of nested bowl-shaped liners. A removable sleeve with an aperture exposes the interior surface of the uppermost available liner and a flange permitting removing of the sleeve from the holder.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,776,193 (Post, Sr.) is an animal feeder comprising a holder and at least one receptacle. The receptacle is removable and includes a handle, to permit removable of the receptacle. A non-skid mat is attached to the bottom of the holder to prevent sliding along the floor.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,555,396 (Cosner) is a feed receptacle for dogs and cats. A horizontally extending place with at least one opening accommodates at least one removable receptacle in the opening.

U.S. Design Patent D-504,545 (Morosin) is a pet food dispenser of a particular design.

U.S. Patent Application Publication U.S. 2003/0033986 (Brown) describes a base and a dish member with an annular grove. In certain embodiments an annular ring and removable lid are employed.

The relevant art relates to a pet feeder employing a base and at lease one removable and replaceable liner or bowl. Removing the replaceable liner or bowl is apparently effected by an operator removing the liner by its lip or edge, and occasionally requires the removable of an annual element around the periphery of the liner. Additionally, that prior art which describes a position securing means for the base of the apparatus relies of the weight or mass of food or water stored in the base, or a pad or mat or adhesive attached to the base. There is no teaching or suggestion pertaining to securing the removal of the liner by the way of the externally activated lever or switch position on the base to engage the exterior surface of the liner to facilitate removable by the operator. Nor does the prior art teach or suggest a structure for securing the position of the base by employing an element extending from the base along the supporting surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is an apparatus consisting of a base with an elevating means to permit the facile removal of removable and replaceable bowls or liners. Directed primarily as an improved pet food bowl to facilitate the sanitary dispensing and removal of pet food bowls from a base, this invention addresses a structure for removing a removable bowl element or liner from a base without an operator necessarily touching the interior surface of the bowl element or liner. The removal of the bowl element or liner from the base is effected by use of an elevating means, which raises the bowl element or liner above the top of the base to permit easy removal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective-view of one preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the base and bowl element.

FIG. 3 is top view of the base and bowl element.

FIG. 4 is a cutaway perspective view of one embodiment of the invention where the elevating means is a lever mechanism with an underside-engaging element.

FIG. 5 is a cutaway perspective view of one embodiment of the invention where the elevating means is a lever mechanism with a rim-engaging element.

FIG. 6 is a cutaway side view of one embodiment of the invention where the elevating means is a lever mechanism with a side-engaging element.

FIG. 7 is a cutaway side view of one embodiment of the invention where the elevating means is a spring mechanism with an underside-engaging element.

FIG. 8 is a cutaway side view of one embodiment of the invention where the elevating means is a spring mechanism with a rim-engaging element.

FIG. 9 is a cutaway side view of one embodiment of the invention where the elevating means is a spring mechanism with a side-engaging element.

FIG. 10 is a cutaway side view illustrating the plunger and knob and collar in a lower position.

FIG. 11 is a cutaway side view illustrating the plunger and knob and collar in a higher position.

FIG. 12 is a cutaway side view of one embodiment of the invention where the elevating means employs a load cylinder with an underside-engaging element.

FIG. 13 is a cutaway side view of one embodiment of the invention where the elevating means employs a load cylinder with a rim-engaging element.

FIG. 14 is a cutaway side view of one embodiment of the invention where the elevating means employs a load cylinder with a side-engaging element.

FIG. 15 A is a side view of the liner.

FIG. 15 B is a top view of the liner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in the figures, one embodiment of the apparatus 10 comprises a base 11, for receiving a bowl element 20, and an elevating means 30 mounted on the base.

The base 11 has at least one side 12, a bottom 13, a top 14, an aperture 15, and an interior space 16. As illustrated in FIG. 1, at least one side 12 of the base 11 is shown as tapering from the top 14 outwardly to the bottom 13, as is customary in pet-feeding bowls. In other embodiments, not shown in the figures, the at least one side 12 would not taper outwardly but would taper downwardly or inwardly. In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the at least one side 12 has at least one cavity 61 to permit an operator to lift the base 11 from a supporting surface 60.

The shape of the base 11 is not limited to the radial or conic section commonly employed in pet feeding bowls. The drawings accompanying this application illustrate the elements of the apparatus 10 of the invention, thus the physical shape of the base 11 as illustrated is not intended to limit the invention disclosed.

In certain embodiments, as illustrated in the figures, the top 14 of the base 11 includes an aperture 15. Aperture 15 is illustrated as a generally annular opening permitting access to the interior space 16 of the base 11. At the top 13 is a lip 17, which defines the boundary of aperture 15 and which is the periphery upon which a rim 21 of a bowl element 20 rests.

The bottom 13 of the base 11 is the region in contact with a supporting surface 60. In a certain embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the bottom 13 is generally circular and planar. The bottom 13 of the base 11 permits the level placement of the apparatus 10 upon the supporting surface 60. In one embodiment, illustrated best in FIGS. 2 and 3, the base 11 has dimensions with an outside diameter of 6.375 inches and a vertical height of 2.325 inches.

In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the base 13 further includes at least one securing pad 40. Position securing pad 40 impedes the lateral motion of the base 11 along the supporting surface 60. In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the position securing pad 40 is a gasket which forms a seal upon the supporting surface 60. The use of the at least one position-securing pad 40 adds stability for the base. In certain embodiments, the use of the at least one position-securing pad 40 adds weight to the base 11 for stability as well. The function of pad 40 is to prevent the base 11 from moving upon the supporting surface 60. While in certain embodiments, position-securing pad 40 may be made of a rubber or synthetic compound or cloth, or adhesive, or any structure which is attached to, or made an integral part of, base 11 at or near the bottom 13 in order to impede lateral movement of the base 11. In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the at least one position-securing pad 40 is joined to the bottom 13 of the base 11 for the entire periphery of the base 11.

The apparatus 10 includes a removable and replaceable bowl element 20. The bowl element 20 has a rim 21, an underside 22, an interior surface 23, and at least one side wall 24. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the bowl element 20 fits into the aperture 15 of the base 11. The bowl element 20 has an exterior shape 62 such that the underside 22 and the at least one side wall 24 fit into the interior space 16 of the base 11. When in place, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the bowl element 20 rests in the base 11 such that the interior surface 23 of the bowl element 20 accommodates contents 51. In certain embodiments, the at least one side wall 24 of the bowl element 20 is tapered to accommodate the head of a small animal. As illustrated in FIG. 1, contents 51 are for consumed by a small animal 50.

In certain embodiments, bowl element 20 is made of water-impermeable plastic. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, and in one embodiment, bowl element 20 has dimensions comprising a 4.625-inch outer diameter at the rim, a 3.875-inch outer diameter across the bottom 29, and a height of 1.625 inches. In other embodiments, bowl element 20 is made of paper, cellulose, foam beads, glass, ceramic, or metal. In yet other embodiments, bowl element 20 is made of foil-lined paper. In yet other embodiments, the bowl element 20 includes at least one side wall 24 and a rim 21 which are each deformable.

The rim 21 supports the bowl element 20 and bowl element 20 is thereby suspended by the top 14 of the base 11. The exterior dimensions of the rim 21 exceed the dimension of the aperture 15, thus permitting the rim 21 to support the bowl element 20 on the lip 17. As illustrated in the figures, rim 21 has a lower face 26 which engages the lip 17 at the top 14 of the base 11.

At least one side wall 24 snugly engages the inner edge 18 of the lip 17 so that the bowl element 20 is firmly emplaced in the base 11. In certain embodiments, the dimensions of the exterior 28 are the same as, or slightly less than, the dimensions of the aperture 15. By fitting snugly in the base 11, bowl element 20 is less likely to rotate or move out of the base 11.

The exterior shape of the bowl element 20 corresponds to the shape of the lip 17. In certain preferred embodiments, and as shown in the figures, aperture 15 is a generally annular opening with a radius identical to the radius of the rim 21 of the bowl element 20. In other embodiments where the aperture 15 is not annular, the exterior dimensions and shape of the bowl element 20 corresponds to the dimensions and shape of the lip 17.

Illustrated in FIG. 15 of the drawings, liner element 53 serves as a protective element for the interior surface 23 of bowl element 20. In these embodiments, the liner element 53 has an edge adapted to fit atop the interior surface 23 of the bowl element 20. In yet other embodiments, the liner element 53 is fluted and the edge extends above the rim 21 of the bowl element 20. As illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, liner element 53 is foil-lined and pleated or fluted, for easy adaptation to the interior surface 23 dimensions and shape of bowl element 20. The foil lining 54 prevents seepage of moisture or oil from the contents 51 to the interior surface 23 of the bowl element 20. The contact surface 55 of the liner element 53 may be the same foil as the foil lining 54 or be made of paper or cellulose or other suitable material, including plastic, ceramic, etc. In other preferred embodiments, the liner element 53 may be made entirely of paper. In certain embodiments, the flutes 56 are shown extending above the rim 21 of the bowl element 20. In practice an operator may install and remove the liner element 53 from interior surface 23 of the bowl element 20 by grasping a portion of the flute 56 extending above the rim 21. As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, one embodiment of the liner element 53 has dimensions of 1.5 inches in height with a 4.5-inch outer diameter for placement on a 3.5-inch bowl 20.

In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the elevating means 30 is a lever mechanism 36 with an underside-engaging element 31, a fulcrum 33, a lever means 32, and an attachment means 36 being a structure attaching the fulcrum 33 to the at least one side 12 of the base 11. The underside-engaging element 31 has a longitudinal axis 35, a proximal end 38, for engaging the underside 22 of the bowl element 20, and a distal end 39. The fulcrum 33 is transverse to the longitudinal axis 35 of the underside-engaging element 31. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the lever means 32 is a handle. The lever means 32 is located at the distal end 39 of the underside-engaging element 31. The attachment means 36 accommodates the fulcrum 33 to the at least one side 12 of the base 11.

In certain embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the fulcrum 33 employs a pin 34 which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis 35 of the lever means 32. In one embodiment, the fulcrum 33 is 1.25 inches from the bottom 13 of the base 11. In another embodiment, but not illustrated in the drawings, the fulcrum 33 does not employ a pin 34 but at least one fulcrum snap 37.

In operation, the underside-engaging element 31 is configured to engage the underside 22 of the bowl element 20. In operation, the underside-engaging element 31, contacts the underside 22 of the bowl element 20, and as the bowl element 20 is lifted, the rim 21 rises above the top 14 of the base 11.

In yet further embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4A, the lever means 32 is actuated by a cantilevered switch 70 mounted to the exterior 19 of the at least one side 12 of the base 11. The wide style of switch 70 illustrates an embodiment permitting ease of operation by an operator, with an unlikely intervention of operation by the small animal 50 being fed.

In certain other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the elevating means 30 is a lever mechanism 36′ with a rim-engaging element 72, a fulcrum 33′, a lever means 32′ and an attachment means 36′ being a structure attaching the fulcrum 33′ to the at least one side 12 of the base 11. The rim-engaging element 72 has a longitudinal axis 35′, a proximal end 38′, for engaging the lower face 26 of the rim 21 of the bowl element 20, and a distal end 39′. The fulcrum 33′ is transverse to the longitudinal axis 35′ of the rim-engaging element 72. The lever means 32′ is located at the distal end 39′ of the rim-engaging element 72. The attachment means 36′ accommodates the fulcrum 33′ to the at least one side 12 of the base 11. In operation, the lever mechanism 36′ is configured to engage the lower face 26 of the rim 21 of the bowl element 20. In operation, the rim-engaging element 72, contacts the lower face 26 of the rim 21 of the bowl element 20, and as the bowl element 20 is lifted, the rim 21 rises above the top 14 of the base 11.

In one embodiment, the lever mechanism 36 comprises the lever 32, the fulcrum 33, and an attachment element 36 for attaching the fulcrum 33 to the at least one side 12 of the base 11. In this embodiment, the fulcrum 33 has an aperture 33A for receiving the lever 32 therethrough. The fulcrum 33 further has a pair of ears 33B on opposite sides of the aperture 33A. At least one pin 34 extends through each of the pair of ears 33B into the lever 32 for pivotally mounting the lever 32 on the fulcrum 33. As discussed above, the proximal end 38 is adapted to abut the bowl element 20 when the bowl element 20 is in the interior space 16 of the base 11, and a distal end 39 is opposite the proximal end 38. Depressing the distal end 39 of the lever 32 raises the proximal end 38 and ejects the bowl element 20 from the interior space 16 of the base 11.

In certain other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the elevating means 30 is a lever mechanism 36″ with a side-engaging element 73, a fulcrum 33″, a lever means 32″ and an attachment means 37″ being a structure attaching the fulcrum 33″ to the at least one side 12 of the base 11. The side-engaging element 73 has a longitudinal axis 35″, a proximal end 38″, for engaging the at least one side 12 of the bowl element 20, and a distal end 39″. The fulcrum 33″ is transverse to the longitudinal axis (35 lf). The lever means 32″ is located at the distal end 39″ of the side-engaging element 73. The attachment means 36″ accommodates the fulcrum 33″ to the at least one side 12 of the base 11.

In operation, the lever mechanism 36″ is configured to engage the at least one side wall 24 of the bowl element 20. In operation, the side-engaging element 73, contacts the exterior 28 of at least one side wall 24 of the bowl element 20, and as the bowl element 20 is lifted, the rim 21 rises above the top 14 of the base 11.

In another embodiment, but not shown in the drawings, the lever mechanism 36″ engages the exterior 28 of the at least one side wall 24 of the bowl element 20. When the side-engaging element 73 contacts the exterior 28 of the at least one side wall 24 of the bowl element 20, the application of force upon the lever means 32″ results in the side-engaging element 73 deforming the at least one side wall 24 of the bowl element 20. As the at least one side wall 24 is deformed, the rim 21 which is attached to the at least one side wall 24 also undergoes a deformation. The rim 21 of the bowl element 20 is prevented from movement into the interior 16 of the base 11; the engagement of the lip 17 with the rim 21 and the inner edge 18 of the lip 17 with at least one side wall 24 results in the rim 21 being deformed and raised above the base 11 sufficiently to permit an operator to grasp the rim 21 of the bowl element 20 without the necessity of touching the interior surface 23 of the bowl element 20.

In certain other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the elevating means comprises an, elevating plate 74, a spring 75, at least one plunger 76, at least one releasable locking means 77, and an activator 78. The elevating plate 74 has a bowl-engaging upper surface 79 for engaging the underside 22 of the bowl element 20. The elevating plate 74 has a lower surface 80. The spring 75 has an upper end 81, aFIttached to the lower surface 80 of the elevating plate 74. The spring 75 also has a lower end 82 at a fixed position within the interior space 16 of the base 11. The position of the lower end 82 of the spring 75, is either coplanar to, or above, the bottom 13 of the base 11. The elevating plate 74 also has at least one plunger 76 with a shaft 83 and a knob 84. The shaft 83 has a first end 85 and a second end 86. The first end 85 of the shaft 83 is attached to the lower surface 80 of the elevating plate 74. The knob 84 is located at the second end 86 of the shaft 83. The knob 84 engages the at least one releasable locking means 77 when the movable collar 87 receives the knob 84 of the at least one plunger 76. An activator 78 moves the movable collar 87 from a first position to a second position. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the first position holds the knob 84 in a lower stationary position, while the second position, illustrated in FIG. 10, permits the knob 84, and thus the at least one plunger 76 rises to a position above the first position. The force of the spring 75 pushes the elevating plate 74 upwards, thus raising the position of the bowl element 20 above the lip 17 at the top 14 of the base 11 so that an operator may remove the bowl element 20 without the necessity of touching the interior surface 23.

In certain other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the elevating means comprises an elevating plate 174, a spring 175, at least one plunger 176, at least one releasable locking means 177, and an activator 178. The elevating plate 174 has at least one rim-engaging upper surface 179 for engaging the lower face 26 of the rim 21. The elevating plate 174 has a lower surface 180. The spring 175 has an upper end 181, attached to the lower surface 180 of the elevating plate 174. The spring 175 also has a lower end 182 at a fixed position within the interior space 16 of the base 11. The position of the lower end 182 of the spring 175 is either coplanar to, or above, the bottom 13 of the base 11. The elevating plate 174 also has at least one plunger 176 with a shaft 183 and a knob 184. The shaft 183 has a first end 185 and a second end 186. The first end 185 of the shaft 183 is attached to the lower surface 180 of the elevating plate 174. The knob 184 is located at the second end 186 of the shaft 183. The knob 184 engages the at least one releasable locking means 177 when the movable collar 187 receives the knob 184 of the at least one plunger 176. An activator 178 moves the movable collar 187 from a first position to a second position. The first position holds the knob 184 in a lower stationary position, while the second position permits the knob 184, thus the at least one plunger 176, to rise to a position above the first position. The force of the spring 175 pushes the elevating plate 174 upwards, thus raising the position of the bowl element 20 above the lip 17 at the top 14 of the base 11 so that an operator may remove the bowl element 20 without the necessity of touching the interior surface 23.

In certain other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the elevating means comprises an elevating plate 274, a spring 275, at least one plunger 276, at least one releasable locking means 277, and an activator 278. The elevating plate 274 has at least one side-wall-engaging upper surface 279 for engaging the at least one side wall 24 of the bowl element 20. The elevating plate 274 has a lower surface 280. The spring 275 has an upper end 281, attached to the lower surface 280 of the elevating plate 274. The spring 275 also has a lower end 282, at a fixed position within the interior space 16 of the base 11. The position of the lower end 282 of the spring 275, is either coplanar to, or above, the bottom 13 of the base 11. The elevating plate 274 also has at least one plunger 276 with a shaft 283 and a knob 284. The shaft 283 has a first end 285 and a second end 286. The first end 285 of the shaft 283 is attached to the lower surface 280 of the elevating plate 274. The knob 284 is located at the second end 286 of the shaft 283. The knob 284 engages the at least one releasable locking means 277 when the movable collar 287 receives the knob 284 of the at least one plunger 276. An activator 278 moves the movable collar 287 from a first position to a second position. The first position holds the knob 284 in a lower stationary position, while the second position permits the knob 284, and thus the at least one plunger 276, to rise to a position above the first position. The force of the spring 275 pushes the elevating plate 274 upwards, thus raising the position of the bowl element 20 above the lip 17 at the top 14 of the base 11 so that an operator may remove the bowl element 20 without the necessity of touching the interior surface 23.

In certain other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the elevating means 30 comprises a load cylinder 90, a load piston 91, a fluid or gas line 92, and a source 93 of fluid or gas 94. The load cylinder 90 has an interior 96, and an inlet 95. The load piston 91 is located in the interior 96 of the load cylinder 90. The load piston 91 has an underside-engaging upper surface 97 and a lower surface 98. The underside-engaging upper surface 97 engages the underside 22 of the bowl element 20. The fluid or gas 94 is in fluid communication with the fluid or gas line 92 and the interior 96 of the load cylinder 90 for moving the load piston 91. In certain embodiments, one source of fluid or gas 93 would be a reservoir 99 positioned near the exterior 19 of the at least one side 12 of the base 11. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the reservoir 99 could be a bulb or a pump. In the operation to raise the bowl element 20 out of the base 11, the fluid or gas 94 fills the load cylinder 96 thus moving the load piston 91. The underside 22 of the bowl element 20 is engaged by the underside-engaging upper surface 97 of the load piston 91. As the load piston 91 rises from a first load piston position to a second position above the first load piston position, the bowl element 20 is raised. Having raised the position of the bowl element 20 above the lip 17 at the top 14 of the base 11, an operator may remove the bowl element 20 without the necessity of touching the interior surface 23.

In certain other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the elevating means 30 comprises a load cylinder 190, a load piston 191, a fluid or gas line 192, and a source 193 of fluid or gas 194. The load cylinder 190 has an interior 196, and an inlet 195. The load piston 191 is located in the interior 196 of the load cylinder 190. The load piston 191 has at least one rim-engaging upper surface 197 and a lower surface 198. The at least one rim-engaging upper surface 197 engages the lower face 26 of rim 21 of the bowl element 20. The fluid or gas 194 is in fluid communication with the fluid or gas line 192 and the interior 196 of the load cylinder 190 for moving the load piston 191. In certain embodiments, one source of fluid or gas 193 would be a reservoir 199 positioned near the exterior 19 of the at least one side 12 of the base 11. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the reservoir 199 could be a bulb or a pump. In the operation to raise the bowl element 20 out of the base 11, the fluid or gas 194 fills the load cylinder 196 thus moving the load piston 191. The lower face 26 of rim 21 of the bowl element 20 is engaged by the at least one rim-engaging upper surface 197 of the load piston 191. As the load piston 191 rises from a first load piston position to a second position above the first load piston position, the bowl element 20 is raised. Having raised the position of the bowl element 20 above the lip 17 at the top 14 of the base 11, an operator may remove the bowl element 20 without the necessity of touching the interior surface 23.

In certain other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the elevating means 30 comprises a load cylinder 290, a load piston 291, a fluid or gas line 292, and a source 293 of fluid or gas 294. The load cylinder 290 has an interior 296, and an inlet 295. The load piston 291 is located in the interior 296 of the load cylinder 292. The load piston 291 has at least one side-wall-engaging upper surface 297 and a lower surface 298. The at least one side-wall-engaging upper surface 297 engages the exterior 19 of the at least one side 12 of the bowl element 20. The fluid or gas 294 is in fluid communication with the fluid or gas line 292 and the interior 296 of the load cylinder 290 for moving the load piston 291. In certain embodiments, one source of fluid or gas 293 would be a reservoir 299 positioned near the exterior 19 of the at least one side 12 of the base 11. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the reservoir 299 could be a bulb or a pump. In the operation to raise the bowl element 20 out of the base 11, the fluid or gas 294 fills the load cylinder 296 thus moving the load piston 291. The exterior 19 of the at least one side 12 of the bowl element 20 is engaged by the at least one side-wall-engaging upper surface 297 of the load piston 291. As the load piston 291 rises from a first load piston position to a second position above the first load piston position, the bowl element 20 is raised. Having raised the position of the bowl element 20 above the lip 17 at the top 14 of the base 11, an operator may remove the bowl element 20 without the necessity of touching the interior surface 23.

The method of this invention uses an apparatus 10 with at least one removable and replaceable receptacle bowl element 20 or liner 53 in a base 11. The method requires the placing and rising of at least one removable and replaceable receptacle bowl element or liner 20. The method comprises: placing a bowl element 20 in a base 11; inserting the underside 22 of the bowl element 20 through the aperture 15 at the top 14 of the base 11 such that the underside 22 of the bowl element 20 is located within the inside of the base 11. The method further comprises supporting, at least in part, the rim 21 of the bowl element 20 by the periphery 27 of the top 14 of the base 11, and contacting the rim 21, underside 22, or at least one side wall 24 of the bowl element 20, with an elevating means 30 thus raising, with the elevating means 30, the bowl element 20 from the base 11.

This invention is an improvement of the prior art. In particular, prior art animal feeding bowls do not employ components which permit an operator to remove a bowl with mechanical assistance. The relevant prior art assumes that an operator will initiate removal of a bowl mounted in a base with fingers, by lifting the edge of, or the interior of, the liner or bowl or by grabbing a tab.

The apparatus of this invention is novel. The apparatus of this invention employs a variety of elevating means to disengage the liner 53 or bowl element 20 from the base 11. In some preferred embodiments, the elevating means engage the underside of the bowl element 20 and raise the bowl element 20 so that an operator can grasp the rim or the exterior of the at least one side wall 24 without the necessity of touching the interior surface 23 of the bowl element 20.

In other preferred embodiments, the elevating means engage at least one side of the liner 53 or bowl element 20. In these embodiments, the elevating means 30 engage the side of the bowl and either lifts or deforms the bowl element 20. In the process of deforming the side of the bowl, the rim is deformed, thus permitting an operator to grasp the bowl element without the necessity of touching the interior surface 23 of the bowl element 20.

In other preferred embodiments, the elevating means engage the underside of the rim of the bowl element. In these embodiments, the elevating means engage the lower face 26 of the rim 21 of the bowl element 21. When the bowl element 20 is lifted, a space is opened between the top of the base and the lower edge of the rim, thus permitting access by an operator to the at least one side wall 24 of the bowl element 20. By these alternate means, an operator can grasp the rim or the exterior surface of the at least one side wall 24 of the bowl element 20 without the necessity of touching the interior surface 23 of the bowl element 20.

The method of this invention is distinguished from the prior art. Rather than having the bowl removed by an operator grasping the rim or the interior of a used or soiled bowl, the method of this invention permits the sanitary removal of a bowl from the base by an elevating means.

It is contemplated that the components of the invention are to be made of metal, plastic, paper, ceramic, glass, and foil. This invention has a novel mechanical construction permitting the safe, accurate, and easy placement of a bowl in a base. The use of metal, plastic, paper, ceramic, glass and foil is not intended as limiting the scope of the invention, but is contemplated and described here in order to better illustrate the components of the invention. Additionally, the size of the components employed is not intended as a limit of the invention disclosed or the various embodiments of this invention. It is contemplated that in other embodiments of his invention components may be made of metal, plastic, wood or other suitable materials for performing the function of the elements of the invention.

This invention addresses the need to have a feeding apparatus for pets which is cleaner in operation, both during the feeding and afterwards, in the process of removing the bowl from the base. While the apparatus of this invention is directed primarily for use with pet food, dispensing and serving, the apparatus of this invention is applicable where a sanitary bowl is desired: one application of this apparatus is for the dispensing of food to humans; whether used in dispensing snack foods to adults or nutritional food to children or having a sanitary means for having food dispensed in a hospital environment, the apparatus of this invention is diversely applicable. Another application pertains to the manicure service industry: warm fluid can be in the bowl element 20, or liner 53 for placement in a bowl element 20, for placement in the base 11 for sanitary purposes. One advantage comprises an operator being able to sanitarily remove a replaceable and sanitary bowl from a base with a non-skid type feature.

Claims

1. A method for using an apparatus for placing and raising at least one removable and replaceable receptacle bowl element or liner, the method comprising:

placing a bowl element with a rim, an underside, an interior surface, at least one side wall, and an exterior shape, in a base having at least one side with an exterior and an inside, a bottom, a top having a periphery and an aperture, an interior space, and an elevating means for raising the bowl element from the base;

inserting the underside of the bowl element through the aperture at the top of the base and the underside of the bowl element is located within the inside of the base;

supporting, at least in part, the rim of the bowl element by the periphery of the top of the base;

contacting the rim, underside, or at least one side wall of the bowl element; and

raising, with an elevating means, the bowl element from the base.