AU2004203584B2 - Water bowl - Google Patents

Description

P/00/0II Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Revised 5/99 Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Michael Jones Actual Inventors: Michael Jones Address for Service: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE, Patent Attorneys, of Level 3, 303 Coronation Drive, Milton, Queensland, 4064, Australia. Invention Title: "Water bowl" Details of Associated Provisional Application Nos: 2003904099 filed 5 August 2003 2004901158 filed 8 March 2004 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: TITLE "WATER BOWL" FIELD OF THE INVENTION THIS INVENTION relates to vessels designed to contain liquids and, in 5 particular, vessels for containing water. The invention is primarily directed towards water bowls for animals such as pets. Preferred embodiments are directed to water bowls for dogs. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As part of the animal human interaction, domestic pets usually rely on 10 people for the provision of their food and water. While food may be delivered intermittently, it is more common to provide a constant source of drinking water to pets. This need is particularly important where a pet has limited or no access to other water sources such as streams, troughs or even swimming pools. The need to maintain access to water is accentuated in hot climates. If an animal is denied access to 15 water for any significant period in such an environment in summer, clinical dehydration may result and, if prolonged, may lead to permanent adverse consequences and even death. Animal owners often provide water to a pet, such as a dog, in specially adapted containers provided as water bowls. These water bowls may have a wide base with sloping sides to minimise the risk of being tipped over. Other more adhoc devices, 20 such as empty ice-cream buckets, old cans, saucepans and similar, are often used. These makeshift articles are particularly prone to tipping with loss of contents. If an animal is restrained on a chain or even restricted to a yard, it may be prone to boredom and may seek entertainment by investigating or playing with any objects in its environment. It is well known for dogs to paw or nuzzle water bowls which may 25 lead to their being tipped over and spilling the contents. In fact, some dogs may become serial water bowl up-enders. This problem with retention of a water supply may become more prevalent in recent times where homes are often devoid of people during working hours, particularly with the modem tendency for all adults in a residence to be employed. In the absence of companionship, dogs are more prone to boredom initiated displacement 30 activities. The risk to the animal is immediate and clear. If an owner is absent for any -2 extended period of time, the above outlined threat of dehydration and serious sequelae may crystallise. It would be advantageous to provide a water bowl which reduced or minimised the opportunity for an animal to deprive itself of access to potable water or for such a deficiency to arise accidentally. 5 The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any country. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the 10 word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or integer or group of elements or integers but not the exclusion of any other element or integer or group of elements or integers. In a first aspect, the' invention resides in a water bowl comprising a first bowl section having: 15 a bottom member; side walls connected to the bottom member; a water dispensing space defined by the bottom member and side walls; a water storage compartment located in or adjacent to the side walls; a fluid pathway providing a flow path for water between the water 20 dispensing space and water storage compartment; wherein: water levels in the water dispensing space and the water storage compartment correspond when the water bowl is in a first upward or upright position and water is retained in the water storage compartment in a second downward or inverted 25 position opposite to the first position. The bottom member may be substantially planar. Alternatively, the bottom member may be curved on indeed any suitable shape. The side walls may be formed as a single continuous side wall. The side walls may be part circular in cross-section. The side walls may be integral or continuous 30 with the bottom member. The side walls may form a substantially annular structure. An outer surface of the side walls may slope outwardly. The side walls may be curved at an -.3 uppermost edge or zone. The side walls may be formed as a continuous half ring. The water dispensing space may be cylindrical or box-like or any other suitable shape. The water dispensing space may have a rectangular, square, circular, triangular or any other suitable shape as its bottom. 5 The water storage compartment may be formed as a single compartment or, alternatively, as two or more compartments. The water storage compartment is preferably located within the side walls. Alternatively, the water storage compartment may be located partially or totally outside the side walls but preferably, within a reasonable proximity thereto. 10 The fluid pathway may be a single aperture between the water storage compartment and the water dispensing space. Alternatively, the fluid pathway may be a tunnel or channel. The fluid pathway may comprise a plurality of apertures, tunnels or channels between the storage compartment and the water dispensing space. The fluid pathway is preferably adapted for fluid flow in both directions. 15 Preferably, the fluid pathway is located adjacent the bottom member of the water bowl. In a preferred embodiment, the water bowl may include valve means for opening or closing the fluid pathway. The valve means may comprise a valve door selectively movable between a closed and open position. A valve door may be provided 20 for each aperture or tunnel in the fluid pathway. The valve door is preferably slidable between the open and closed positions. A plurality of valve doors may be spaced around a connecting ring, whereby movement of the valve doors is synchronised. The valve door may be formed as a thin, rigid structure. The water bowl may have separate filling means. The filling means may 25 comprise inlet means such as an inlet aperture. The inlet aperture may be located on a lower portion of the water bowl walls or on the bottom member. The inlet aperture may be extended by an inlet tube extending into the water storage compartment. The inlet tube may extend past the fluid pathway and preferably extend substantially upwardly (ie. away from the bottom member) into the water storage compartment. The inlet tube may include 30 a valve arrangement, such as a one-way valve, positioned to allow inflow of liquid and restrict outflow.

-4 The inlet aperture may also be extended outwardly from the water storage compartment by an outward extension tube. The inlet means may have a removable sealing cap. Preferably the inlet means is adapted to receive a water supply source such as a hose. 5 Most preferably, the water bowl comprises a first bowl section and a second bowl section connected to the first bowl section, each of the bowl sections comprising: a bottom member; side walls connected to the bottom member; a water dispensing space defined by the bottom member and side walls; 10 a water storage compartment located in or adjacent to the side walls; a fluid pathway providing a flow path for water between the water dispensing space and water storage compartment; wherein: water levels in the water dispensing space and the water storage 15 compartment may correspond when the water bowl is in a first upward or upright position and water may be retained in the water storage compartment in a second downward or inverted position opposite to the first position; and when the first bowl section is in the upward or upright position, the second bowl section is in the downward or inverted position and vice versa. 20 It is preferred if the first bowl section and second bowl section have a common bottom member or, at least, adjacent bottom members. Outward extension tubes of the respective bowl sections may extend through the water storage compartment of the other bowl section to terminate level with or outwardly of the side walls of that other bowl section. Caps or plugs may be provided for 25 the outward extension tubes for reversibly sealing the tubes. The water bowl may include valve means for each fluid pathway, the valve means substantially as described above. The water bowl may be made of any suitable material. Preferably, the water bowl is made of polypropylene or other suitable polymer which is hygienic and 30 easily cleaned. In one preferred embodiment, the side walls are formed from polypropylene while the bottom member is formed from high impact polystyrene.

-5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top view of a water bowl of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the water bowl of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is an exploded view of components aligned for assembly; 5 FIG. 4 is a top view of an embodiment of a water bowl; FIG. 5 is a side view of the water bowl of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a side exploded view of a water bowl including a valve arrangement for the fluid pathway; FIG. 7 is a perspective exploded view of the arrangement of FIG. 6; 10 FIG. 8 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 6; FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the arrangement of FIG. 8 taken in the direction of arrows AA; FIG. 10 is a magnified view of section B of FIG. 9; FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 with the valves 15 open; FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 11 with the valves closed; FIG. 13 is a lower perspective view of a wall section with valves open; FIG. 14 is a lower perspective view of the arrangement of FIG. 13 with 20 valves closed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to FIG. 1, there is seen a water bowl 10 having a bottom member 11 and side wall 12. The side wall is formed as a continuous ring or annular structure. It is clear, however, that a rectangular structure might be constructed with integrally formed 25 walls or, alternatively, modular wall pieces that are interconnected. Any suitable shape may be utilised. An inlet aperture 13 is located in a top section of the wall 12. This aperture is an inlet for filling the water storage compartment of a side of the water bowl removed from the present view. This is more readily apparent below. An inlet aperture 22 is shown in hidden detail and serves to deliver water to the top compartment. 30 Further details are apparent in FIG. 2 which is a sectional view of the arrangement of FIG. 1. The side wall 12 is apparent, as is the bottom member 11 and a -6 lower side wall 14. Both the upper side wall 12 and lower side wall 14 are substantially hollow to define an upper water storage compartment 15 and lower water storage compartment 16, each located on opposite sides of the bottom member 11. The bottom member 11 is preferably common to the two water bowl sections but may be formed as 5 two abutting, separate structures. A fluid pathway is provided in the form of a plurality of upper apertures 17 and lower apertures 18. The bowl is formed with approximately 6 apertures in both upper and lower regions but any suitable number of apertures may be used. The operation of the water bowl can be described with reference to this 10 view. A water level 19 is shown in the upper region and extends through the upper water storage compartment 15 and the water dispensing space 20 defined by the upper side wall 12 and bottom member 11. The water level 19 equalises between the two areas due to the effect of the upper apertures 17 so that the water levels correspond. Water flows into the dispensing space 20 and is available for easy access for a pet to the fresh water supply 15 which is refurbished from the water storage compartment 15 when removed from the water dispensing space 20, such as through consumption by the pet. At the same time, water 21 is stored or retained in the lower water storage compartment 16 and is unable to access the lower apertures 18 in this position. As such, the water is safely stored and cannot be drained away or subject to significant evaporative 20 loss. If an animal exhausts the water supply in the upper region, the bowl may be inverted intentionally by the animal. Alternatively, the animal may playfully invert the water bowl and discharge the contents of the water dispensing space. In either case, the position of the upper and lower regions will reverse and each will function in the manner 25 of the other as described above. Therefore, the lower section will then become an upper water dispensing section with immediate presentation of fresh water to an animal for consumption. Meanwhile, the former uppermost section (and now lowermost) has in the act of inversion, discharged most, if not all, of the water in the dispensing section. However, water in the upper water storage compartment 15 is by and large conserved by 30 being displaced into the formerly upper (now lowermost section) of the water storage compartment to be stored in a manner as previously described in relation to lower water -7 storage compartment 16. The natural safety factor and advantage of this arrangement for an animal and animal owner is clearly obvious, If the upper section is depleted or exhausted of water, it is within the nature of animals to be able to identify the presence of other water 5 through smell. Pawing or nuzzling at the device is a natural reaction, particularly of a dog, in an attempt to gain access to the water. Chances are high that the device will be inverted by such an animal and lifesaving access to water may be provided. Alternative configurations are within the scope of the present invention. For example, an outer flange or a plurality of tabs might be provided outwardly of the side 10 wall 12, 14 to provide a lifting point for an animal's nose. The shape of the side walls in terms of the outer surface may also be varied. While a curved ring shape is convenient and shown presently, it may also be suitable to provide a rectangular or square cross-sectional shape. In one preferred embodiment, the inner side wall which is in water contacting location in relation to the water dispensing space may be raised substantially vertically to 15 limit wave formation in the device during inversion. An inlet aperture 22 is shown which is in fact the inlet aperture for the upper water storage compartment 15. Of course, it is also possible to provide an inlet aperture anywhere that is effective. For example, an inlet aperture may be provided through the upper wall 12 and have a salable opening possibly with a cork, plug or similar 20 device or, alternatively, a threaded lip or recess with an engageable cap or plug as appropriate. However, in the preferred embodiment, the inlet aperture is continuous with an inlet extension tube 23 which penetrates the bottom member 11 and extends into the upper water storage compartment 15. Extension into the compartment 15 is such to provide an outlet 24 which is located close to an uppermost point or region 25 of the upper 25 side wall 12. This provides maximum water holding capacity in the water storage compartment 15. If the water level in the compartment were to be above the outlet 24, water would passively leak through the extension tube 23 and out of the device. The outlet 24 may be fitted with a one-way valve, such as a flap valve, arranged to allow the inflow of water and resist or restrict its backflow. 30 Filling of the upper water storage compartment 15 is accomplished by inverting the water bowl 10 from the position presently shown and pouring water through -8 the inlet 22 until it fills to the level of the apertures 17. Water then flows through the apertures to signal to a person filling the device that it is full. The water bowl may then be inverted and a similar process conducted in relation to a corresponding inlet 13 for the lower water storage compartment 16. The device would then be fully loaded with its full 5 complement of water and ready for use. In FIG. 3, a preferred means of manufacture is shown. This is a non limiting example of manufacturing the device but provides an effective and cheap means of production. An upper half tube section 30 is formed in a full ring. The section 30 is provided with an inlet 31 and inlet extension tube 32 for use on a lower half tube section 10 33 when assembled. The section between the inlet 31 and bottom member 40 may be regarded as an outward extension tube or section and the lower section may be considered an inlet extension tube or section. The upper tube section 30 and lower tube section 33 may conveniently be formed from polypropylene. The external wall 34 of upper tube section 30 and external wall 35 of lower tube section 33 both form a saddle 36, 37 15 respectively and recess 38, 39, respectively, which are circumferential. The bottom member 40 has two opposed tongues 41, 42 also formed substantially circumferentially and adapted for location in the recesses 38, 39 respectively, in a snap lock action which provides a substantially waterproof union between the bottom member 40 and upper and lower tube sections 30, 33. 20 The inlet extension tube 32 is dimensioned for location through aperture 43 which also has a supporting collar 44. The extension tube 32 may engage the collar in a frictional fit which is also substantially waterproof. An aperture 45 is also apparent. The bond between an inner surface 46 of the wall 35 does not need to be waterproof as water is dispensed into the water dispensing section 47 in operation. 25 The bottom member 40 may be formed of high impact polystyrene. The present method and arrangement provides a cheap and economical means of manufacturing water bowls of the present invention. However, it is also obvious that there are many other mechanisms for creating the devices such as using glues, plastic welding, metallic components with soldering welding or gluing and using moulds and moulding processes 30 for providing components of the device. In one embodiment, it may be possible to form a simple bowl using only -9 half the described water bowl components and therefore having an upper section or first bowl section only. The advantage of this device is that it would limit water loss during inversion but would require correction for access to water by an animal. It is generally preferred to form the embodiment having both first and second bowl sections as described. 5 Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is seen a top view and side view of a water bowl 50 comprising a top or first bowl section 51 and bottom or second bowl section 52. An inlet aperture 53 traverses the top bowl section 51 and extends into the bottom bowl section 52 for filling of the latter. Bottom member 54 and annular semi-toroidal shaped wall 55 form a dispensing space for presentation of water to an animal. 10 FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the arrangement of FIGS. 4 and 5 including upper side wall 55, bottom member 54 and lower side wall 56. The aperture 53 communicates with inlet tube 57 for filling the bottom bowl section 52. A second aperture 58 communicates with a second inlet tube 59 for filling the top bowl section 51. A non-restricting example of a valve means is shown in the form of first 15 ring 60 and second ring 61. Each ring is formed of a thin, rigid material and has notches 62, 63, respectively, formed in their walls. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the rings locate over a similar ring structure as shown by the formed ring structure 64 in the bottom section 52. The ring structure 64 forms an inner section of the side wall 52 which defines an outer wall or surface of the 20 dispensing area. The formed ring structure 64 is dimensioned to be slightly smaller in diameter than the second ring 61. The second ring 61 may therefore be located over the ring structure 64 to provide a relative sliding action between the two structures. In an alternative embodiment, the first ring may fit snugly inside the ring structure. However, the preferred arrangement is as described. 25 FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 show a top view and corresponding sectional views of the arrangement of FIG. 7 when assembled. The inlet tube 57 locates through a receiving aperture 66 (seen in FIG. 7) and sits inside the bottom bowl section 52. The inlet aperture 53 may be formed by a wall that is reinforced with gussets 67. The apertures 68, 69, respectively, have the first ring 60 30 and second ring 61, respectively, positioned in sliding arrangement just internally of the apertures, - 10 FIGS. 11 and 12 show the operation of the valve ring. In FIG. 11, the ring is retracted to provide the apertures 68 as fluid flow paths between the dispensing space 70 and the internal water storage compartment of the upper bowl section 51. In FIG. 12, an operator has used a tab 71 to slide the rings shut, thereby placing the notches in the ring 60 5 out of alignment with the apertures and occluding the pathway. It is preferred if the rings provide a watertight seal. However, it may be acceptable to have an arrangement where the closure is not necessarily watertight and simply restricts outflow of water during transport of the device after filling. If the closure is watertight, the union between the bottom member 54 and respective ring structures of the upper and lower bowl section may 10 also be watertight. FIGS. 13 and 14 show the operation again as viewed in the upper side wall 55 having a ring structure 73. The notches of the ring and the apertures of the ring structure are in alignment. In FIG. 14, the first ring 60 has been advanced to place the notches 62 out of register or alignment with the apertures 68, thereby occluding water flow 15 from the storage compartment to the dispensing region. The present invention provides a relatively cheap accessory which can be of particular assistance in maintaining the well-being of a pet. This is particularly the case for animals in hot environments. Filling of the device is easy and use of the valves may permit easy transport. 20 Throughout the specification, the aim has been to describe the preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Those of skill in the art will therefore appreciate that, in light of the instant disclosure, various modifications and changes can be made in the particular embodiments exemplified without departing from the scope of the present 25 invention. All such modifications and changes are intended to be included within the scope of the appendant claims.

Claims (22)

1. A water bowl for use with pets, the water bowl comprising a first bowl section and a second bowl section connected to the first bowl section, each of the bowl sections comprising: 5 a bottom member; side walls connected to the bottom member; a water dispensing space defined by the bottom member and side walls; a water storage compartment located in or adjacent to the side walls; a fluid pathway providing a flow path for water between the water 10 dispensing space and water storage compartment; wherein: water levels in the water dispensing space and water storage compartment of a bowl section correspond when the bowl section is in a first upward or upright position and water is retained in the water storage compartment of a bowl section when the bowl 15 section is in a second downward or inverted position opposite to the first position and when the first bowl section is in the upward or upright position, the second bowl section is in the downward or inverted position and vice versa.

2. The water bowl of claim 1, wherein the first bowl section and second bowl section have a common bottom member. 20

3. The water bowl of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the bottom member is substantially planar.

4. The water bowl of any one of claims I to 3, wherein the side walls are formed as a single continuous side wall.

5. The water bowl of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side walls 25 form a substantially annular structure.

6. The water bowl of claim 5, wherein the side walls are formed as a semi circle in cross-section.

7. The water bowl of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water storage compartment of each bowl section is located within the side walls of the respective 30 bowl section.

8. The water bowl of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid P:\OpeGMS\Proscution\Jones, Michael\I2180972\2 180972 amended claims.doc-26/06/2009 - 12 pathway of each bowl section is one or more apertures between the water storage compartment and the water dispensing space of the respective bowl section.

9. The water bowl of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid pathway is adapted for fluid flow in both directions. 5

10. The water bowl of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid pathway of each bowl section is located adjacent the bottom member of the respective bowl section.

11. The water bowl of any one of the preceding claims including valve means for opening or closing the fluid pathway of at least one bowl section. 10

12. The water bowl of claim 11, wherein the valve means comprises a valve door selectively movable between a closed and open position.

13. The water bowl of claim 12, wherein a plurality of valve doors are spaced around a connecting ring and slidable between an open position wherein the fluid pathway is open and a closed position wherein the fluid pathway is closed. 15

14. The water bowl of any one of the preceding claims, each of the bowl sections further comprising an inlet aperture for filling the water storage compartment of the respective bowl section.

15. The water bowl of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet aperture of each bowl section is extended into the water storage compartment of the 20 respective bowl section by an inlet tube.

16. The water bowl of claim 15, wherein the inlet tube of each bowl section extends past the fluid pathway of the respective bowl section and extends substantially away from the bottom member into the water storage compartment of the respective bowl section. 25

17. The water bowl of claim 16, wherein the inlet apertures with each bowl section are extended outwardly from the water storage compartments of the respective bowl section by outward extension tubes, and outward extension tubes with respective bowl sections extend through the water storage compartment of the other bowl section to terminate level with or outwardly of the side walls of that other bowl section. 30

18. The water bowl of claim 17, wherein caps or plugs are provided for the outward extension tubes for reversibly sealing the tubes. P: OpcGMS\Posecuion\ons, Michael\l 2180972\12180972 amended claims doc-260)6/2009 - 13

19. The water bowl of any one of the claims 15 to 18, wherein the inlet tube of each bowl section includes a valve arrangement to permit inflow of liquid and resist backflow of the liquid.

20. The water bowl of any one of the preceding claims with radially or laterally 5 extending flange adapted to facilitate inversion of the water bowl by a pet.

21. The water bowl of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first bowl section and second bowl section are attached by a common bottom member or abutting bottom members.

22. A water bowl substantially as described with reference to the figures herein. 10