Abstract:
A vessel assembly for holding and presenting solids, liquids or both, including a vessel body having a base portion and at least one wall member extending from the base portion and defining at least one cavity for containing solids, liquids or both; a stabilizer including a stabilizer body for ground engagement; and a fastener assembly for releasably retaining the body and the stabilizer in a mated relationship, the fastener including a first fastener portion operatively associated with the vessel body and a second fastener portion operatively associated with the stabilizer in a configuration for mating with the first fastener portion for stabilizing the vessel.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/583,641, filed Aug. 24, 2009. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates broadly to apparatus and methods for facilitating feeding and nourishing animals such as pets and, more particularly, to a stabilized pet dish assembly that includes an anti-tip feature for both indoor and outdoor use. 
         [0003]    It is generally good practice to provide pet animals such as dogs with a water dish outdoors. Especially desired in hot weather, a dog&#39;s need for water can be satisfied without bringing the dog inside. Further, some dogs actually live outdoors, some in fenced enclosures containing a conventional dog house. With or without an enclosure, the need to keep a water dish, food dish or both near a dog&#39;s habitat is important for the wellbeing of the animal, both indoors and outdoors. 
         [0004]    One of the problems with leaving conventional dog or pet dishes adjacent a dog&#39;s habitat is that the dog or other animal can easily upend the dish, thereby spilling its contents. If the contents are dry food, the spillage would make little difference to the dog who would merely eat the dry food from the ground. On the other hand, if the spillage involves water, the water is irretrievable as it would likely soak into the ground. If the spillage occurs indoors, it must be cleaned up to maintain an orderly dog feeding area. 
         [0005]    For use outdoors, attempts have been made in the past to apply multiple spikes to the bottom of a dog dish so that the spikes can be driven into the ground to prevent upending of the dish. Examples of such structure are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,202,181 to Jones and US Patent Publication No. 2007/0266952 to Cruse. Among disadvantages of this type of structure is the possible difficulty in removing the dish from the ground for refilling, grooming the area around the dish or for dish cleaning. Further, driving the dish into the ground with the dish full of water could be a difficult task and would likely result in spillage of the water or the contents of the dish. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there exists a need for a pet water dish for use indoors and outdoors that can be anchored to the ground or other support structure in an easy and efficient manner and can also be removed in a likewise easy and efficient manner. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a pet dish for indoor and outdoor use which may be selectively anchored to the ground or other support structure. 
         [0008]    It is another object of the present invention to provide such a pet dish wherein the pet dish may be readily attached or detached from a support as necessary. 
         [0009]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for stabilizing a pet dish on a support surface wherein the pet dish may be readily attached or detached from a support as necessary. 
         [0010]    To those ends, the present invention is directed to a vessel assembly for holding and presenting solids, liquids or both. The vessel assembly includes a vessel body having a base portion and at least one wall member extending from the base portion and defining at least one cavity for containing solids, liquids or both. A stabilizer element includes a stabilizer body for engagement with an underlying surface. The present invention further includes a fastener assembly for releasably retaining the body and the stabilizer in a mated relationship, the fastener assembly including a first fastener portion operatively associated with the vessel body and a second fastener portion operatively associated with the stabilizer in a configuration for mating with the first fastener portion when the second fastener portion is closely adjacent a support surface. 
         [0011]    Preferably, the stabilizer body is formed as a generally planar mat having the fastener assembly disposed thereonto. It is further preferred that the mat extends in a generally horizontal manner outwardly from the vessel body. Preferably, the mat is configured for displaying indicia thereon. 
         [0012]    It is preferred that the first fastener portion is formed with at least one wall defining a receiving chamber and a cover for covering the receiving chamber. The cover is formed with a keyway therein, and the second fastener body portion includes at least one boss projecting therefrom and configured for selective engagement with the keyway formed in the cover of the first fastener portion for selective retention of the vessel and the stabilizer in a mated relationship. 
         [0013]    Preferably, at least one of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion includes a receiving chamber formed therein and the second fastener portion includes a body portion configured for receipt in the receiving chamber. The receiving chamber is configured for selective retention of the body portion in a mated relationship therewith. It is preferred that at least one of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion is formed with at least one wall defining the receiving chamber, with the at least one wall being formed with at least one slot therein and the other of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion includes at least one boss projecting therefrom and configured for selective engagement with the at least one slot for selective retention of the vessel and the stabilizer in a mated relationship. 
         [0014]    It is further preferred that the first fastener portion and the second faster portion are configured for engagement with one another by relative rotational motion of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion between a first position wherein the first fastener portion is engaged with the second fastener portion and a second position wherein the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion are retained in a mated relationship, thereby retaining the vessel and the stabilizer in a mated relationship. 
         [0015]    It is preferred that the first fastener portion and the second faster portion are configured for relative rotational motion of about ¼ of a full 360 degree rotation to about ½ of a full 360 degree rotation of the vessel with respect to the stabilizer and thereby the first fastener portion with respect to the second fastener portion that results in the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion experiencing relative movement between a first position wherein the first fastener portion is engaged with the second fastener portion and a second position wherein the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion are retained in a mated relationship, thereby retaining the vessel and the stabilizer in a mated relationship. 
         [0016]    According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion includes at least one wall forming a receiving chamber therein. The at least one wall is threaded. The other of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion includes a fastener body being formed with threads operationally corresponding to the threads formed on the receiving chamber, with the receiving chamber being configured for selective retention of the fastener body in a threadedly mated relationship therewith. 
         [0017]    According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion includes a receiving portion formed thereon and the other of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion includes a corresponding member configured for receipt by the receiving portion. At least one magnet is disposed on at least one of the receiving portion and the corresponding member, and wherein at least one of the receiving portion and the corresponding member includes a magnetically attractive element for selective retention of the receiving portion in a magnetically mated relationship with the corresponding member. 
         [0018]    In other terms and according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a pet dish is provided for holding and presenting pet-related items, the pet dish being generally for outdoor disposition. The pet dish assembly for holding and presenting pet-related items includes a dish body having a base portion and at least one wall member extending from the base portion and defining at least one cavity for containing pet related items. A support member includes a generally elongate body for engagement with an underlying surface. Further provided is a fastener assembly for releasably retaining the dish and the support member in a mated relationship, the fastener including a first fastener portion operatively associated with the dish and a second fastener portion operatively associated with the support member in a configuration for mating with the first fastener portion for impeding relative movement of the dish body and the support member when the pet dish assembly is in use. 
         [0019]    Preferably, the support member includes a generally planar horizontally extending mat for generally parallel engagement with a support surface. It is preferred that the mat is configured for displaying indicia thereon. 
         [0020]    Alternately, it is preferred that the support member includes a generally elongate body for penetrating ground engagement 
         [0021]    Preferably, the fastener assembly is provided for releasably retaining the dish and the support member in a mated relationship, with the fastener including a first fastener portion operatively associated with the dish and a second fastener portion operatively associated with the support member in a configuration for mating with the first fastener portion when the second fastener portion is closely adjacent a ground surface with the support member extending into the ground. 
         [0022]    It is preferred that at least one of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion is formed with at least one wall defining a receiving chamber and a cover for covering the receiving chamber. The cover is formed with a keyway therein, and the other of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion includes at least one boss projecting therefrom and configured for selective engagement with the keyway formed in the cover of the first fastener portion for selective retention of the vessel and the stabilizer in a mated relationship. 
         [0023]    Preferably, at least one of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion includes a receiving chamber formed therein and the other of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion includes a body portion configured for receipt in the receiving chamber, with the receiving chamber configured for selective retention of the body portion in a mated relationship therewith. It is preferred that at least one of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion is formed with at least one wall defining the receiving chamber, with the at least one wall being formed with at least one slot therein and the other of the first fastener portion and the second fastener body portion includes at least one boss projecting therefrom and configured for selective engagement with the at least one slot formed for selective retention of the vessel and the stabilizer in a mated relationship. 
         [0024]    It is further preferred that the first fastener portion and the second faster portion are configured for engagement with one another by relative rotational motion of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion between a first position wherein the first fastener portion is engaged with the second fastener portion and a second position wherein the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion are retained in a mated relationship, wherein the vessel and the stabilizer are retained in a mated relationship. 
         [0025]    Preferably, the first fastener portion and the second faster portion are configured for relative rotational motion of about ¼ of a full 360 degree rotation to about ½ of a full 360 degree rotation between the vessel and the stabilizer and thereby the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion that results in the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion experiencing relative movement between a first position wherein the first fastener portion is engaged with the second fastener portion and a second position wherein the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion are retained in a mated relationship, thereby retaining the dish and the support member in a mated relationship. 
         [0026]    According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion includes at least one wall forming a receiving chamber therein, with the at least one wall being threaded. The other of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion includes a fastener body being formed with threads operationally corresponding to the threads formed on the receiving chamber, with the receiving chamber being configured for selective retention of the fastener body in a threadedly mated relationship therewith. 
         [0027]    According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion has a receiving portion formed thereon. The other of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion includes a corresponding member configured for receipt by the receiving portion, with at least one magnet being disposed on at least one of the receiving portion and the corresponding member. At least one of the receiving portion and the corresponding member includes a magnetically attractive element for selective retention of the receiving portion in a magnetically mated relationship with the corresponding member. 
         [0028]    According to one preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, a method is provided for stabilizing a pet dish for holding and presenting pet-related items. The method includes the steps of:
       providing a pet dish including a dish body having a base portion and at least one wall member extending from the base portion and defining at least one cavity for containing pet related items;   providing a support member including a generally elongate body for engagement with an underlying surface;   providing a fastener assembly including a first fastener portion operatively associated with the dish and a second fastener portion operatively associated with the support member in a configuration for mating with the first fastener portion;   engaging the support member with the underlying support surface; and   placing the pet dish on the support member in a manner wherein the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion are in a mated relationship.       
 
         [0034]    Preferably, the step of providing a support member includes providing a generally elongate body for engagement with an underlying surface, includes providing a generally planar mat for carrying at least one of the first fastener element and the second fastener element, and the step of engaging the support member with the underlying support surface preferably includes placing the mat on a generally horizontal support surface with the mat extending generally horizontally from the pet dish when in use, wherein a pet can stand on the mat with the dish stabilized thereon to further enhance the stability of the pet dish assembly. 
         [0035]    It is further preferred that the step of providing a fastener assembly includes providing a fastener assembly wherein at least one of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion is formed with at least one wall defining a receiving chamber, with the at least one wall being formed with at least one slot therein and the other of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion includes at least one boss projecting therefrom and configured for selective engagement with the at least one slot for selective retention of the dish and the support member in a mated relationship. 
         [0036]    Preferably, the step of providing a support member includes providing a ground piercing elongate member for ground engagement. The step of engaging the support member with the underlying support surface may preferably include piercing the ground with the support member to a predetermined depth wherein the fastener element is disposed at a predetermined vertical spacing with the ground surface to elevate the pet dish body to a predetermine height above the ground surface. It is further preferred that the step of placing the pet dish on the support member in a manner wherein the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion are in a mated relationship includes engaging the at least one boss projecting from the body portion with the at least one slot formed in the at least one wall of the first fastener portion for selective retention of the dish and the support member in a mated relationship, wherein the pet dish body is disposed at the predetermine height above the ground surface. 
         [0037]    Preferably, the step of providing a fastener assembly includes providing a fastener assembly wherein at least one of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion is formed with at least one wall defining a receiving chamber and a cover for covering the receiving chamber, the cover being formed with a keyway therein, and the other of the first fastener portion and the second fastener body portion includes at least one boss projecting therefrom and configured for selective engagement with the keyway formed in the cover of the first fastener portion for selective retention of the vessel and the stabilizer in a mated relationship and the step of placing the pet dish on the support member in a manner wherein the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion are in a mated relationship includes engaging the at least one boss projecting from the body portion with the keyway formed in the cover of the first fastener portion for selective retention of the dish and the support member in a mated relationship. 
         [0038]    It is preferred that the step of providing a fastener assembly includes providing a fastener assembly wherein at least one of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion is formed with at least one wall defining a receiving chamber, with the at least one wall being formed with at least one slot therein and the other of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion has at least one boss projecting therefrom and being configured for selective engagement with the at least one slot formed in the at least one wall of the first fastener portion for selective retention of the dish and the support member in a mated relationship. The step of placing the pet dish on the support member in a manner wherein the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion are in a mated relationship includes engaging the at least one boss projecting from the body portion with the at least one slot formed in the at least one wall of the first fastener portion for selective retention of the dish and the support member in a mated relationship. 
         [0039]    Preferably, the step of providing a fastener assembly includes providing a fastener assembly wherein the first fastener portion and the second faster portion are configured for relative rotational motion of about ¼ of a full 360 degree rotation to about ½ of a full 360 degree rotation between the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion and thereby between the dish and the support member and thereby. The step of placing the pet dish on the support member in a manner wherein the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion are in a mated relationship includes moving the first fastener portion relative to the second fastener portion about ¼ of a full 360 degree rotation to about ½ of a full 360 degree rotation between a first position wherein the first fastener portion is engaged with the second fastener portion and second position wherein the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion are retained in a mated relationship, thereby retaining the dish and the support member in a mated relationship. 
         [0040]    According to another preferred embodiment thereof, the step of providing a fastener assembly includes providing a fastener assembly wherein at least one of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion includes at least one wall forming a receiving chamber, with the at least one wall being threaded and the other of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion includes a body being formed with threads operationally corresponding to the threads formed on the receiving chamber. The step of placing the pet dish on the support member in a manner wherein the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion are in a mated relationship includes mating the threads of the first fastener portion with the threads of the second fastener portion and rotating the dish relative to the support member to operationally engage the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion to threadedly retain the dish and the support member in a mated relationship. 
         [0041]    According to another preferred embodiment thereof, the present method includes the step of providing a fastener assembly wherein at least one of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion includes a receiving portion formed thereon and the other of the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion includes a corresponding member configured for receipt by the receiving portion, with at least one magnet being disposed on at least one of the receiving portion and the corresponding member and wherein at least one of the receiving portion and the corresponding member includes a magnetically attractive element. The step of placing the pet dish on the support member in a manner wherein the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion are in a mated relationship includes bringing the first fastener portion into abutment with the second fastener portion for magnetic retention of the first fastener portion with the second fastener portion for selective retention of the pet dish and the support member in a magnetically mated relationship therewith. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0042]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a stabilized pet dish assembly according to two alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the fastener assembly according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 3  is a cutaway view of the stabilized pet dish assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the stabilized pet dish assembly illustrated in  FIG. 3  shown partially broken open to illustrate a further position of the fastener assembly; 
           [0046]      FIG. 5  is s side view of a stabilized pet dish assembly according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0047]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the stabilized pet dish assembly illustrated in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a stabilized pet dish assembly according to two alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0049]    an operational view of the stabilized pet dish assembly illustrated in  FIG. 6  shown partially broken open to illustrate operation of the fastener assembly; 
           [0050]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the stabilized pet dish assembly illustrated in  FIG. 7  shown in cross section as illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 9  is an operational view of the stabilized pet dish assembly illustrated in  FIG. 8  shown partially broken open to illustrate operation of the fastener assembly; 
           [0052]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the stabilized pet dish assembly illustrated in  FIG. 8  shown partially broken open to illustrate a further position of the fastener assembly; 
           [0053]      FIG. 11  is a side, cutaway view of the stabilized pet dish assembly of the present invention illustrating another preferred embodiment thereof; 
           [0054]      FIG. 12  is a side, cutaway view of the stabilized pet dish assembly illustrating another preferred embodiment thereof; 
           [0055]      FIG. 13  is an exploded view of a stabilized pet dish assembly according to two additional. alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0056]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the stabilized pet dish assembly illustrated in  FIG. 13  shown partially broken open; 
           [0057]      FIG. 15  is an exploded view of a stabilized pet dish assembly according to two additional, alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention; and 
           [0058]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the stabilized pet dish assembly illustrated in  FIG. 13  shown partially broken open. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0059]    Turning now to the drawings and, more particularly to  FIG. 1 , a stabilized pet dish assembly is illustrated generally at  10  and includes a dish or vessel  12  having a frusto-conical outer wall curved inwardly to form an inner cavity  16 . The dish  12  includes a base portion  18  that is generally circular and planar for ground disposition. It should be noted that the dish  12  can take any number of shapes as long as it defines at least one cavity for receiving pet sustenance items such as water or food therein. Optionally, the dish  12  may be formed with multiple cavities. The dish  12  may be formed of plastic, metal or any other acceptable material. The dish  12  may include a generally planar face portion that extends over substantially the entire surface of the underside of the dish  12  or the dish  12  may be formed from a continuous wall member that is curved and pressed into shape as illustrated in the cutaway view of  FIG. 2 . Preferably the dish  12  is formed from stainless steel and is pressed into shape. 
         [0060]    In order to support and secure the dish  12  in ground engagement, and according to a first option for use outdoors, a support member or stabilizer  28  is provided and is formed as a generally elongate shaft  30  having a generally pointed ground piercing tip  32  at one end thereof and a portion of a fastener assembly fitted to the opposite end, as we explained in greater detail hereinafter. Optionally, a pair of generally planar vanes  34  may project outwardly from the shaft  30  in order to further stabilize the support member  28  when it is inserted in the ground. As it will be appreciated, the vanes  34  will help prevent rotation of the generally cylindrical shaft  30  in the ground when the dish  12  is applied thereto according to the method of the present invention. Optionally, a plurality of upwardly projecting arm members  48  are fitted to the shaft  30  to project upwardly and angularly away therefrom. The arm members  48  terminate at approximately the level of the upper end of the shaft  30  to provide a foot support for the user inserting the support member  28  in the ground using s stepping action. An array of arm members  48  may be disposed at periodic intervals around the shaft  30 . 
         [0061]    A fastener assembly is provided for mating the dish  12  and the support member  28  in a stabilized manner. With reference to  FIG. 2 , the fastener assembly includes a first fastener portion  20  including an upstanding circular wall  22  defining a receiving chamber  21  therein for receiving a second fastener portion  36 . A keyed cover  23  is provided with a keyway  25  formed therein for receipt of the second fastener portion  36 . 
         [0062]    With reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the second fastener portion  38  is formed on one end of the shaft  30  of the support member  28 . The second fastener portion  36  includes a body  38  which is formed in a generally cylindrical manner integral with the shaft  30 , and is configured for receipt in the receiving chamber  21  of the first fastener portion  20  through the keyway  25 . In order to be properly aligned and to lock the dish  12  onto the support member  28 , a pair of bosses or tabs  40  extend outwardly from either side of the body  38  of the second fastener portion  36 . The bosses  40  are configured for entrance into the receiving chamber  21  through the keyway  25 . 
         [0063]    Optionally, and with reference to  FIG. 1 , the dish  12  may be mounted to a mat  50  for use primarily indoors, although the mat  50  may be used outdoors as well with no meaningful loss of effectiveness. A mat-based second fastener portion  52  is mounted to the mat  50  and includes a body  54  including a relatively short, generally cylindrical shaft  56  which is configured for receipt in the receiving chamber  21  of the first fastener portion  20  through the keyway  25 . In a manner similar to the first option, and in order to be properly aligned and to lock the dish  12 , a pair of bosses or tabs  58  extend outwardly from either side of the body  54 . The bosses  58  are configured for entrance into the receiving chamber  21  through the keyway  25 . An animal using the dish can stand on the mat, thereby enhancing the stability of the pet dish assembly during use. 
         [0064]    In operation, with reference to  FIG. 3  and according to a first embodiment of the method of the present invention, the dish  12  is to be placed onto the mat  50  and locked into position. The mat  50  is either placed at the desired location or otherwise manually manipulated such that the fastener portions  20  and  52  may be operationally engaged. The bosses  58  are directed through the keyway  25  and the dish  12  rotated relative to the mat  50  to lock the dish  12  into place on the mat  50  for indoor or outdoor mat-based usage. 
         [0065]    In accordance with a ground-based, outdoor version of the present invention and a second preferred embodiment of the method thereof, and with reference to  FIG. 4 , the dish  12  is placed onto the support member  28  and locked into position. The support member  28  is driven into the ground G using the ground-penetrating shaft  30  and the tip  32  by pressing on the shaft  30  and the arm members  48 , if present. The shaft  30  may be driven into the ground G to a position wherein the second fastener portion  36  projects from the ground G to the minimum extent required for engagement with the dish. Some experimentation may be required to achieve the height relationship, although the dish  12  may be fitted to the shaft  30  at a position above the ground G and then the entire assembly driven toward the ground G. When the dish  12  rests on the ground G, the shaft  30  is a correct depth. The second fastener assembly  36  may be maintained at a height that is below the height of a rotating lawnmower blade so that the support member  28  may remain in the ground G while grooming operations are performed on the surrounding area. 
         [0066]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , the shaft  30  may be inserted to a predetermined depth so as to place the second fastener portion  28 , and ultimately the dish  12  at a predetermined height H, e.g. 5 to 7 inches, to accommodate a standing pet. 
         [0067]    Once the shaft  30  is in the ground G to the desired depth, and with reference to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , the dish  12  is placed over the support member  28  in a manner in a manner wherein the bosses  40  extend through the keyway  25  into the receiving chamber  21 . As will be seen in greater detail, the dish  12  is then rotated through a predetermined angular displacement which is preferably ¼ turn. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the term ¼ turn refers to ¼ of a 360 degree rotation. Lesser or greater turn amounts may be incorporated in the present invention without deviating from the spirit and scope thereof. The foregoing description of the ground-based pet dish assembly of the present invention applies to other types of fastener assemblies as will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that operation of the fastener assembly to secure the pet dish to either a mat or a ground-based stake element involves the same operational steps and the foregoing description of mat-based fastener operation applies to ground-based stake element as well. 
         [0068]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the second fastener portion  52  is affixed to a support mat  50  for engagement with the first fastener portion  20  by moving the bosses  58  into the receiving chamber  21  and rotating the dish  12 . The entire pet dish assembly  10  may then be placed on a support surface as desired. 
         [0069]    With continued reference to  FIG. 6 , the dish  12  has been rotated through the predetermined angular displacement and the bosses  58  rotated out of alignment with the keyway  26 , thereby locking the first fastener portion  20  and the second fastener portion  52  in a mated relationship and retaining the dish on the mat  50  in a manner that resists removal of the dish  12  without further horizontal rotation in the opposite direction. The dish  12  can therefore be considered locked to the mat  50  and therefore resistant to overturning. With a pet standing on the mat  50 , during dish use, the stability of the pet dish assembly  10  is thereby further enhanced. 
         [0070]    According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention and with reference to  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 , another fastener assembly is provided for mating the dish  12  and the support member  28  or mat  50  in a stabilized manner. With continued reference to  FIG. 7 , the fastener assembly includes a first fastener portion  120  including an upstanding circular wall member  122  defining a receiving chamber therein for receiving a second fastener portion  136 , as explained in greater detail hereinafter. The wall member  122  includes a channel  124  formed circumferentially therein. A pair of slots  126  is provided in the wall  122  for entrance to the channel  124 , as seen in  FIG. 8 . A single slot is illustrated in the drawings for clarity. 
         [0071]    In a manner similar to the embodiments displayed in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and with reference to  FIG. 7 , the second fastener portion  136  is formed on one end of the shaft  30  of the support member  28 . The second fastener portion  136  includes a body  138  which is formed in a generally cylindrical manner and is configured for receipt in the receiving chamber  121  of the first fastener portion  120 . In order to be properly aligned and to lock the dish  12  onto the support member  28 , a pair of bosses or tabs  140  extend outwardly from either side of the body of the second fastener portion  136 . The bosses  140  are configured for entrance into the channel  124  through the slots  126 . 
         [0072]    Optionally, and with reference to  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 , the dish  12  may be mounted to the mat  50  for use primarily indoors, although, as before, the mat  50  may be used outdoors as well with no meaningful loss of effectiveness. A mat-based second fastener portion  152  is mounted to the mat  50  and includes a body  54  including a relatively short, generally cylindrical shaft  56  which is configured for receipt in the receiving chamber  121  of the first fastener portion  120 . In a manner similar to the first option, and in order to be properly aligned and to lock the dish  12 , a pair of bosses or tabs  158  extend outwardly from either side of the body  154 . The bosses  158  are configured for entrance into the receiving chamber  121 . Slots  126  are formed in the wall  122  to receive the bosses  158  from the second fastener portion for travel within the channel  124 . 
         [0073]    In operation and according to another preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, the dish  12  is placed onto the mat-based support member  152  and locked into position. Referring now to  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 , the second fastener portion  152  is affixed to a support mat  50  for engagement with the first fastener portion  120  by moving the bosses  158  into the receiving chamber  121  using the slot  126  and then rotating the dish  12 . The entire pet dish assembly  10  may then be placed on a support surface as desired. An animal using the dish can stand on the mat, thereby enhancing the stability of the pet dish assembly during use. 
         [0074]    With reference to  FIG. 10 , the dish  12  has been rotated through the predetermined angular displacement and the bosses  158  have traveled along the channel  124  out of alignment with the slots  126 , thereby locking the first fastener portion  120  and the second fastener portion  152  in a mated relationship and retaining the dish on the mat  50  in a manner that resists removal of the dish  12  without further horizontal rotation in the opposite direction. 
         [0075]    The dish  12  may be rotated through a predetermined angular displacement which is preferably between ¼ turn and ½ turn. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the terms ¼ turn and ½ turn refer to ¼ of a 360 degree rotation and ½ of a 360 degree rotation, respectively. Lesser or greater turn amounts may be incorporated in the present invention without deviating from the spirit and scope thereof. The dish  12  can therefore be considered locked to the mat  50  and therefore resistant to overturning. With a pet standing on the mat during dish use, the stability of the pet dish assembly  10  is thereby enhanced. 
         [0076]    It will be understood that using the version of the pet dish assembly that includes a ground-engaging shaft  30 , once the shaft  30  is in the ground G, the dish  12  is placed over the support member  28  in a manner wherein the bosses  140  extend into the entrances  126  to the receiving chamber  121 . The dish  12  is then rotated through a predetermined angular displacement which is preferably between ¼ turn and ½ turn. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the terms ¼ turn and ¼ turn refer to ¼ of a 360 degree rotation and ½ of a 360 degree rotation, respectively. Lesser or greater turn amounts may be incorporated in the present invention without deviating from the spirit and scope thereof. When the dish  12  has been rotated through the predetermined amount and the bosses  140  are engaged fully with the slot  124 , thereby locking the first fastener portion  120  and the second fastener portion  136  in a mated relationship and retaining the dish on the ground G in a manner that resists removal of the dish  12  without further horizontal rotation in the opposite direction. The dish  12  can therefore be considered locked to the ground G and therefore resistant to overturning. 
         [0077]    Another preferred embodiment of the present invention eliminates both the foregoing bayonet connectors by using screw threads. As seen in  FIG. 11 , the walls  222  of the first fastener portion  220  are formed with screw threads  224  on an internal portion thereof. Corresponding threads  260  are formed on the body  254  of the second fastener portion  252 . 
         [0078]    In operation, the dish  12  is placed on the mat  50  with the second fastener portion  252  threadedly engaged with the first fastener portion  220  such that the threads  260  on the second fastener portion  252  operationally engage the threads  224  on the first fastener portion  220 . Rotation of the dish  12  through multiple forward rotations is required for complete engagement of the dish  12  with the mat  50 . 
         [0079]    It will be understood that the threaded connector is a ready substitute for the bayonet type connectors when attached to a shaft for ground engagement in the outdoor-only version of the pet dish assembly. 
         [0080]    The threaded connector assembly can provide a more secure connection over the bayonet types discussed previously. Nevertheless, the screw thread type takes more time and effort for engagement. With respect to the shaft-based outdoor-only version, one advantage of the threaded-type connector is that the length of the body portion  38  may be varied such that the depth of penetration of the shaft  30  is more variable than with the bayonet-type connector. It should be noted however, that the threaded body portion  38  should not project beyond the level at which it would engage a mower blade during grooming operations of the surrounding area. 
         [0081]    According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and with reference to  FIG. 12 , a magnet  360  is attached to the second fastener portion  352  and projects upwardly from the body portion  354  thereof. As before, the body portion  354  of the second fastener portion  352  is configured for fitment within the wall  324  defining the receiving chamber of the first fastener portion  320 . A magnetically attractive element (not shown) may be mounted within the first fastener portion  320  or the walls  14  forming the dish  12  may be formed from a magnetically attractive metallic material. Alternately, the magnet may be attached to the dish  12  and the magnetically attractive element may be mounted to the second fastener portion  352  or the second fastener portion  352  may be formed from a magnetically attractive metallic material. 
         [0082]    It will be apparent that the magnetic connector can provide a ready substitute for the other heretofore discussed connectors on a shaft-based outdoor version of the pet dish assembly of the present invention. 
         [0083]    In operation, the dish  12  is placed onto the mat  50  such that the body  354  and magnet  360  of the second fastener portion  352  is received by the first fastener portion  320  and the magnetic attraction between either the walls  14  of the dish  12  or the magnetically attractive element (not shown) retains the dish in place on the ground G. An advantage of this embodiment is that no rotation of the dish  12  is required for mating with the support member. Therefore, placing the dish assembly in a stabilized manner can occur more rapidly than with the bayonet connector version or the threaded version of the present invention. 
         [0084]    Use of the magnetic fastener assembly provides an additional advantage. The magnet can act to repel ants. For their sense of direction, ants use magnetic fields, such as the weak magnetic fields generated by the electrical wiring in buildings, which are substantially constant. By using the magnetic fastener assembly, the magnetic fields are altered, which makes ants flee in an attempt to reorient themselves. Therefore, the pet dish assembly with a magnetic fastener assembly tends to repel ants A as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0085]    Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14 . With reference thereto, another preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and includes another different structure for the fastener portions. In  FIG. 13 , a first fastener portion  452  includes a disc element  454  suspended a predetermined spacing from the bottom portion of the dish wall  12  by a short stem  456 . A second fastener portion forms a carriage element  436  attached to the mat  50  and includes a semicircular element forming a receiving cavity  421 . The semicircular element is formed to extend in an approximately 180 degree arch by an upstanding wall portion  422  and a flange  424  mounted to the wall portion  422  and projecting radially inwardly therefrom in a generally perpendicular relationship with the wall portion  422  thereby forming the receiving chamber  421  for the disc  454 . 
         [0086]    A similar structure may be mounted to a stake for outdoor use. As seen in  FIG. 13 , the stake version of the carriage element  536  includes an upstanding wall portion  522  with a flange  524  mounted to an upper portion thereof and projecting radially inwardly to define a receiving chamber  521 . The second fastener portion  536  is mounted to a stake  30  for penetrating ground use. 
         [0087]    As seen in  FIG. 14 , and in operation, the disc  454  may slide inwardly into the receiving chamber  421  for retention by the wall  422  and the flange  424  to hold the dish body  12  to the mat  50 . The outdoor version of the present invention operates in a matter similar to the mat version with the disc  454  being received by the receiving chamber  521  and held in place by contact with the wall  522  and the flange  524 . It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the fastener portions  432 ,  436 ,  536  illustrated in  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14  are interchangeable such that the carriage element  436 ,  536  may be fitted to the dish body  12  and the disc  454  fitted to either the mat  50  or the stake  30 . Operation is essentially the same with the disc  454  being confined in the receiving chambers,  421 ,  521  and it will be understood that a single receiving chamber may be mounted to the dish body  12  with a disc  454  mounted to each of the mat  50  and the stake  30 . 
         [0088]    It should also be understood that the dish body  12  may be formed with a radially projecting lip or flange  15  for contact with the mat or ground. In that case, the mat may be formed with a wall  422  having a radius slightly larger than the dish body  12  for receipt of the dog dish flange  15  to lock the body  12  into place on the mat  50 . This could also be accomplished with a stake based version although the larger receiving chamber is best suited for a mat use. 
         [0089]    Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 15  and  FIG. 16 . With reference thereto, another preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and includes another the fastener assembly. In  FIG. 16 , the first fastener portion is illustrated at  622 . With reference to  FIG. 15  and  FIG. 16 , the first fastener portion may be formed as a elastic flexible band illustrated at  622 A for positioning on the walls  16  of the pet dish  12  as illustrated in the phantom at  622 B. The first fastener portion may also be represented by the inner wall of the sloping dish as seen in  FIG. 16 . The band  622  is snug at a portion of the sloping wall  16  of the dish  12  and extends around a diameter illustrated at D 2 . The diameter D 2  lies intermediate to the diameter of the upper portion of the dish illustrated at D 1  and the diameter of the lower portion of the dish illustrated at D 3  with the sloping wall sloping inwardly from diameter D 1  to diameter D 3 . The portion at diameter D 2  is the contact area for the dish body  12  and the ring  654  mounted to the mat  50  as seen in  FIG. 16  It will become apparent that the elastic band  622  is not necessarily required but is favored for enhanced operation. 
         [0090]    For use with a mat  50 , the second fastener portion is illustrated at  652  and includes a substantially circular continuous loop forming a ring  654  defining an aperture  656  that is supported a predetermined distance above the mat  50  by a plurality of legs  658 . Optionally, a traction surface may be formed on the ring  654 . Although four legs  658  are illustrated, there is no requirement that the number of legs must be four. 
         [0091]    A similar structure provides the necessary aperture for use with a stake  30  in an outdoor ground engagement situation. With continued reference to  FIG. 15 , the aperture  676  is defined by two semicircular ring portions  673 ,  674 , each made from a rod extending away from the stake  30  and is curved upwardly to form a leg  678 . The rod then curves outwardly to form a rim  673  that defines a semicircle aperture. A mirror structure illustrated at  674  provides the second half of the ring structure, and thereby a generally circular aperture  676  for receiving and retaining the first fastener portion  620  of the pet dish. Optionally, a traction surface may be formed on the ring  673 , 674 . 
         [0092]    In operation, the band  622  may be placed on the dish body  12 . The band  622  may also not be present in any shape or form although a rubber surface can provide an enhanced traction surface to further enhance the stability of a dish within the ring  654 . With or without the band  622 , the pet dish is placed over the second fastener portion  652  with the first fastener portion  622  in frictional contact with the ring  654  inner diameter. The inner diameter of the ring  654  conforms to diameter D 2  at the contact surface of the frusto-conical wall defining the bowl portion of the pet dish  12 . The stability of the dish is thereby enhanced. Using the outdoor version, the stake  30  is driven into the ground with the ring  673 ,  674  spaced above the ground sufficiently to accommodate the pet dish  12  in a manner similar to the mat-based structure. 
         [0093]    By the above, the present invention provides a stabilized pet dish for indoor and outdoor use that can function essentially as a conventional pet dish in that it can be removed from the support and used without a mat or a shaft for ground insertion, cleaned or refilled and returned to the outdoor position and locked into place on the mat or ground without movement of the support member which remains in the ground throughout. There should be no reason to remove the support mat or member from the ground and therefore, the present stabilized pet dish provides ease of use that has been heretofore unobtainable with past stabilized pet dishes. 
         [0094]    It will therefore be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of a broad utility and application. While the present invention is described in all currently foreseeable embodiments, there may be other, unforeseeable embodiments and adaptations of the present invention, as well as variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, that do not depart from the substance or scope of the present invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended or to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.