Patent Publication Number: US-2021169043-A1

Title: Pet food and water bowl apparatus

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to pet food and water stations, and more particularly to a pet food bowl and water apparatus that prevents crawling insects and other pests from being able to get into the pet&#39;s food bowl, and which prevents fouling of the water as a result of food falling into the water. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A common feeding arrangement for pets, particularly cats and dogs, is to provide two bowls; one for food and one for water. While simple and effective, this arrangement can lead to a problem, which is that if the food is not immediately eaten, it can attract insects. The tendency of pet food to attract insects is not desirable for the pet owner, and is it not desirable to have a pet ingest insects, which may poisoned from insecticide. As a result, there have been some food and water bowl systems developed that isolate the food bowl using water, where the food bowl is supported over a basin that is configured to be filled with water, such that water surrounds the food bowl support structure, thereby leaving no path for crawling insects to get to the food bowl, so long as water is maintained in the support basin. 
     In some systems this concept has been extended by configuring the water basin to allow the pet to access the water and drink from the basin, with the food bowl directly over the water basin. However, a problem is created by food falling from the food bowl into the water basin, and fouling the water in the water basin, which can then attract insects to the fouled water. 
     Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure, there is provided a pet food and water bowl apparatus includes a first bowl and a second bowl stacked in a vertical relationship, wherein the second bowl is positioned over a portion of the first bowl on a column that extends upward from a basin of the first bowl, and wherein the column is surrounded by the basin of the first bowl. The first bowl can have an exposed portion that extends horizontally beyond a vertical (downward) projection of the second bowl, meaning the perimeter or outline in a horizontal plane projected downward. The first bowl can further have a covered portion under the second bowl in which the column is mounted. The second bowl can have a basin and a rim around the basin, and further have a cover which extends upward from a portion of the rim and over the basin of the second bowl to partially cover the basin of the second bowl. 
     In accordance with another feature, the second bowl is sized such that it extends outward horizontally such that its vertical projection is outside of a majority of the covered portion of the first bowl. 
     In accordance with another feature, the column comprises at least an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being coupled to the second bowl and the lower portion being coupled to the first bowl in the basin of the first bowl, and wherein the upper and lower portions are adjustable with respect to each other to at least two positions thereby allowing adjustment of the second bowl to at least two orientations with respect to the first bowl. 
     In accordance with another feature, wherein at least one of the orientations orients an open portion of the second bowl directly away from the exposed portion of the first bowl. 
     In accordance with another feature, there is further provided a weight retaining feature on an underside of the first bowl that is configured to retain a weight plate. 
     In accordance with another feature, wherein the column is height adjustable. 
     In accordance with another feature, the column is configured to be modular, and wherein the column comprises an upper portion and a lower portion and can receive at least one middle portion to adjust the height of the column. 
     In accordance with another feature, the cover of the second bowl is detachable from the second bowl. 
     In accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure, there is provided a pet food and water station for keeping crawling insects out of pet food and for keeping pet food out of water, the pet food and water station including a water bowl having a basin, the basin having a drinking portion and a covered portion. The station can further include a base extending vertically from the covered portion and positioned in the water bowl so as to be surrounded by water when water is present in the basin of the water bowl. The station can further include a food bowl mounted on top of the base. The food bowl can have a cover that extends over a portion of the food bowl. The food bowl can have an uncovered portion over which the cover does not extend. The food bowl can be sized so that the uncovered portion of the food bowl extends, horizontally, farther outward than the covered portion of the water bowl beneath the uncovered portion of the food bowl. 
     In accordance with another feature, the base is height adjustable. 
     In accordance with another feature, the base includes a feature that prevents the food bowl from being positioned such that the uncovered portion of the food bowl over the drinking portion of the water bowl. 
     In accordance with another feature, the cover is integrally formed on the food bowl. 
     In accordance with another feature, the cover is a separate piece from the food bowl and is configured to attach to a rim of the food bowl. 
     In accordance with another feature, the cover is configured to attach to the rim of the food bowl in at least two locations, and the rim lacks features to allow attaching the cover to the rim such that the uncovered portion of the food bowl would be over the drinking portion of the water bowl. 
     In accordance with another feature, there is further provided a weight retaining feature on an underside of the water bowl that is configured to retain a weight plate. 
     In accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure, there is provided a pet feeding apparatus, including a water bowl having a basin configured to hold water, a drinking portion, and a covered portion. The apparatus can further include a base that extends vertically upward from the covered portion and is positioned in the basin so as to be surrounded by water when water is in the basin of the water bowl. The apparatus can further include a food bowl that is configured to be mounted on top of the base. The food bowl can have a cover that extends over a portion of the food bowl and around at least a majority of a rim of the food bowl, and wherein a horizontal orientation of the food bowl can be changed such that an uncovered portion of the food bowl can be oriented to face away from the drinking portion of the water bowl, or to a first side or a second side, and not facing the drinking portion of the water bowl. 
     In accordance with another feature, the base is height adjustable. 
     In accordance with another feature, there is further provided a weight retaining feature on an underside of the water bowl that is configured to retain a weight plate. 
     In accordance with another feature, the food bowl is mounted on the base and retained on the base by retractable protrusions in the base that interface with corresponding holes in an extension at a bottom of the food bowl. 
     Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a pet food and water bowl apparatus, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. 
     Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale. 
     Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. 
     “In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, azimuth or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “inside”, “outside”, “front”, “back”, “head”, “tail” and so on, are azimuth or positional relationships based on the drawings, which are only to facilitate description of the embodiments of the present invention and simplify the description, but not to indicate or imply that the devices or components must have a specific azimuth, or be constructed or operated in the specific azimuth, which thus cannot be understood as a limitation to the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as “first”, “second”, “third” and so on are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. 
     In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, terms such as “installed”, “coupled”, “connected” should be broadly interpreted, for example, it may be fixedly connected, or may be detachably connected, or integrally connected; it may be mechanically connected, or may be electrically connected; it may be directly connected, or may be indirectly connected via an intermediate medium. As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the support column, or the water basin, depending on the context. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above-mentioned terms in the embodiments of the present invention according to the specific circumstances. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of a pet food and water bowl apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of a pet food and water bowl apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of a pet food and water bowl apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a pet food and water bowl apparatus, from a top and side angle, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a retaining feature for holding a pet food bowl, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  is a cut-away side view of a column assembly for holding a pet food bowl over a water basin, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of a column section for elevating a pet food bowl over a water basin, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom view of a bowl extension that mates with a top portion of a column section for elevating a pet food bowl over a water basin, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom view of a pet food and water bowl apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevational view of a pet food and water bowl apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 11  is a top plan view of a pet food and water bowl apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIGS. 12-13  show an alternative configuration of a pet bowl and bowl apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIGS. 14-15  show a side view of an alternative retention mechanism for retaining a support structure on the lower bowl, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 16  shows a side view an alternative arrangement for bowl having a cover that attaches to a food bowl, and which can be repositioned on the food bowl, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 17  is a top view of a food bowl that is configured to receive a cover that can be repositioned on the food bowl to one of several positions except a position that allows food to fall out of the food bowl into the water below, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom view of a cover that is configured to attach to a complementarily designed food bowl, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 19  is a partial perspective view of a support structure for supporting a food bowl over a water bowl, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 20  is a sectional perspective view of a support portion using opposing deflectable projections for retaining the support sections together, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 21  is a side cutaway view through the support column showing the opposing deflectable projection structure, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 22  is a bottom view of a support section including a retaining feature having opposing deflectable projections, in accordance with some embodiments; and 
         FIG. 23  is an exploded perspective view of a pet feeding apparatus including retaining features with opposing deflectable projections, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. 
     The present invention provides a novel and efficient pet food and water bowl system. 
     Embodiments of the inventive disclosure provide a pet food bowl that is supported over a water basin such that, when the water basin contain water, the structure that supports the food bowl is surrounded by water, and the water is accessible for the pet to drink. Further, the food bowl is configured to prevent food falling from the bowl into the water basin below. In addition, embodiments of the inventive disclosure provide that the food bowl orientation can be changed over a range of approximately 180 degrees to allow the owner to configure the system to fit in a variety of locations. Furthermore, the height of the food bowl over the water basin can be adjusted to suit the particular size of the pet being fed and watered with the system. 
       FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of a pet food and water bowl system  100 , in accordance with some embodiments.  FIGS. 2-4 and 9  show a similar system and common features will use common reference numerals throughout the following disclosure. The system  100  includes a first bowl  102  and a second bowl  104  in a stacked vertical relationship, with the second bowl  104  being positioned over a portion of the first bowl  102 . The first bowl  102  is configured to be a water basin to hold water for a pet to drink and also to isolate the support structure  106  that holds the second bowl  104  over the first bowl  102 . That is, when water is placed in the first bowl  102 , the water surface will surround the support structure  106 , isolating it from the rim  103  of the first bowl, thereby eliminating any surface by which an insect could crawl from the rim  103  to the support structure  106 , and up into the second bowl  104 . Thus, both the first bowl  102  and the second bowl  104  contain respective volumes that are surrounded by the walls of the bowls, and which have an open or accessible top which allows a pet to access material provided in the bowls (e.g. food or water). 
     The support structure  106  can include a single column or post structure that has a bottom end connected to the floor or bottom of the first bowl  104 . The top of the support structure mates with a support for the second bowl  104 , which can be a portion of the second bowl  104 , at the bottom of the second bowl  104 , or it can be another structure configured to receive the second bowl  104 . Accordingly, the upper and lower portions of the column are adjustable with respect to each other, allowing for a user to adjust the height of the second bowl  104 . The support structure is located over one side of the first bowl  102 , a covered portion  115 , such that the second bowl  104  does not cover a drinking portion  114  of the first bowl  102 , as indicated by boundary line  116  (e.g. to the right of line  116  the first bowl  102  is open and freely accessible). The covered portion  115  is the portion of the first bowl  102  that is under the second bowl  104 . The covered portion  115  and the drinking portion  114  are contiguous with each other in some embodiments, but can be separate portions of the first bowl  102  with a barrier between them in some embodiments. The support structure  106  can be height-configurable, meaning it can be adjusted or changed to support the second bowl  104  at one of several selectable heights over the first bowl  102 . For example, the support structure  106  as shown include a first segment  108  and a second segment  110 . These segments  108 ,  110  interlock using retaining features that will be described in relation to  FIGS. 5-8 . The retaining features include an extension that acts as a cantilevered member that has a button portion  112  that fits within a window of a mating section. Thus, a user can press on the button portions  112  to push the retaining feature inward, allowing clearance of the retaining feature with respect to the window, and thereby allowing the segments (e.g.  108 ,  110 ) to be separated and removed as desired. Thus, the first bowl  102  includes an attachment feature in the basin of the first bowl  102  (not seen in this view) to which segments for the support structure  106  can be attached, such as segments  108 ,  110 . Likewise, the bottom or underside of the second bowl  104  includes a mating feature or features that couple with the top of a segment  108 ,  110  (here segment  108 ) to mount the second bowl  104  over the covered portion of the first bowl  102 . The support structure  106  is further configured to adjust the rotational orientation of the second bowl  104  in a horizontal plane over the first bowl  102 .  FIG. 2  shows the system of  FIG. 1  in a second side view  200  with the support structure  106  adjusted by removing segment  110  from the support structure  106  to position the second bowl  104  at a lower height. 
     The second bowl  104  is configured to prevent food that is placed in the second bowl  104  from falling into the first bowl  102 . This is accomplished, in part, by a partial cover  118  that extends upwards from a rear side of the rim of the second bowl  104 . The partial cover  118  can further extend partially over the basin of the second bowl  104 , leaving an opening  120  by which food can be placed into the second bowl  104 , and a pet can then access the food in the second bowl  104 . The partial cover  118  also extends, not just upwards from the back of the second bowl  104 , but also horizontally around part of the second bowl  104 . In some embodiments, the partial cover  118  can extend around approximately half of the second bowl  104 , and the second bowl  104  can have a circular basin around which the partial cover  118  extends (e.g. along a semi-circle). 
       FIG. 3  is a top plan view  300  of a pet food and water bowl apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments. The pet food and water bowl apparatus shown here can be substantially identical to that of  FIGS. 1-2 , and in this view it can be seen that the first bowl  102  has a drinking portion  114 . The basin of the first bowl  102  further includes a covered portion under the second bowl  104 . Both the open portion  114  and the covered portion can, in some embodiments, have a semi-circular shape. However the diameter of the circles on which each portion are based differ. For example, diameter or width  302  across the drinking portion  114  is larger than either the diameter or width  306  of the basin at the covered portion, as well as the outside diameter  304  of the second bowl  104 . And more particularly, the outside diameter  304  of the second bowl  104  is larger than the diameter or width  306  of the covered portion under the second bowl  104 . By making the outside diameter  304  of the second bowl  104  larger than the diameter or width  306  of the covered portion under the second bowl  104 , and food that falls out of the second bowl  104  will not fall into the first bowl  102 . Thus, the second bowl  104  is sized so that it extends outward horizontally such that its vertical projection is outside of a majority of the covered portion of the first bowl  102 . As shown here, the second bowl  104  is oriented on the support structure (which can&#39;t be seen in this view as it is under the second bowl  104 ) such that the opening  120  is oriented away from the drinking portion  114  of the first bowl  102 . The partial cover  118  prevents any food from falling from the second bowl at the backside of the second bowl  104  as well as the adjacent sides as the partial cover  118  extends around approximately (e.g. +1-10%) half of the rim of the second bowl  104 . Having the drinking portion  114  wider than the covered portion in the first bowl can add to the stability of the apparatus to ensure that even vigorous feeding from the second bowl  104  will not tip the apparatus over. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view  400  of a pet food and water bowl apparatus, from a top and side angle, in accordance with some embodiments. Again, the apparatus shown here is substantially similar to that of  FIGS. 1-3 . In this view the basins of the first and second bowls  102 ,  104  can be seen. A base  402  in the covered portion of the first bowl is shown, and is the foundation for the columnar support structure  106 . The first bowl  102  is can define a first end  404  and a second end  408 , that is opposite the first end  404 . A line could be drawn from the first end  404  to the second end  408  across the first bowl  102  to provide a reference with respect to the orientation of the second bowl  104 , which is shown here turned ninety degrees with respect previous drawings. That is, the front  406  of the second bowl  104  is shown facing to a side, rather than towards the second end  408  of the first bowl  102 . The support structure  106  is configured to allow the second bowl to be oriented as shown here, as in  FIGS. 1-3 , or facing one hundred eighty degrees in the opposite direct from that shown here. Further, the support structure  106  can be configured to prevent the second bowl  104  from facing toward the first end  404  of the first bowl  102 . That is, to prevent the front  406  of the second bowl  104  from facing towards the first end  404 . In accordance with such embodiments, then, the apparatus is configurable to allow the second bowl  104  to be oriented through a range of about one hundred eighty degrees to allow the user to orient the second bowl  104  to be oriented in a way that allows easiest use of the apparatus in the space given, wherever the apparatus is used. When oriented as shown here in  FIG. 4 , the partial cover  118 , since it extends approximately halfway around the second bowl, prevents food from falling into the first bowl. However, if the second bowl were oriented with the front  406  of the second bowl  104  oriented towards the first end  404  of the first bowl  102 , then food could fall from the second bowl into the first bowl. Accordingly, the apparatus can be provided with features to prevent the second bowl  104  from being oriented towards the drinking portion  114  of the first bowl  102 , or it can be left to the user to not so orient the second bowl  104 . 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  show the second bowl  104  is two different horizontal orientations. In  FIG. 3  the uncovered portion or opening  120  is oriented to face away from the drinking portion  114 . In  FIG. 4  the opening  120  is oriented to face to one side, but could be oriented to face to the opposite side. The cover  118  extends around the rim of the second bowl around at least half of the rim, and preferably more, to act as a barrier to food falling into the water below. In some embodiments the mounting structure of the base and the second bowl can be configured to prevent the opening  120  from facing towards the drinking portion  114 . 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of a retaining feature  500  for holding a pet food bowl, in accordance with some embodiments. Specifically the retaining feature  500  is formed on the support structure segments such as segment  110  shown here. Various forms of retaining features will occur to those skilled in the art, but the purpose is to hold the second bowl in a selected orientation (i.e. horizontal rotation) with respect to the first bowl. A pair of cantilevered members  502  extend from a top  508  of the segment  110 , and are made of a resilient material that can be deflected from their resting position by pressing inward (e.g. towards each other) on the button portion  112 . A top end  504  will move inward when the button portion  112  is so acted upon, allowing a ramped lip  506  to clear the edge of a window formed in adjoining segment. The ramped lip  506  starts at the top outside edge of the cantilevered members  502 , and extends outward at an angle to a terminal edge which is perpendicular to the side of the cantilevered member. The resulting ramp face created by the outside allows the cantilevered members  502  to be deflected inward upon inserting them into another segment, and the underside of the ramped lip  506  forms a bearing surface which engages a retaining ridge inside the adjoining segment. 
       FIG. 6  is a cut-away side view  600  of a column assembly for holding a pet food bowl over a water basin, in accordance with some embodiments. In particular, the view  600  shows the interconnection of segments  108 ,  110 , and the interconnection of segment  110  to base  402 , each of which have retaining corresponding retaining features. Segment  108  can alternatively be the extension on the bottom of the second bowl  104 . Both the base  402  and segment  110  have cantilevered members  502  on their top ends. Each of the cantilevered members includes a button portion  112  that fits within a window  604 , which is an opening in the side of the segment or extension. The windows are provided in an arrangement that corresponds to the positioned of the cantilevered members  502 . Thus, when there are two opposing cantilevered members  502 , the windows  604  in the adjoining support structure component are arranged in an opposing manner as well. To join the support structure components, the bottom of one component is placed over a lower positioned component. So the bottom segment  110  can be placed over the cantilevered members  502  of the base  402 . The fit of the components is such that the cantilevered members  502  of the base are deflected inward by the interference between the ramped lip  506  and the wall of the segment  110 . Further, the top  606  of the button portion  112  is ramped as well to similarly allow passage into the adjoining segment  110 . The inside of the segment  110  and other components includes a retaining ridge  602  that is positioned such that when the adjoining segment is abutting the top of the lower segment/component, the ramped retaining lip  506  will be clear of the ridge  602  and the underside of the ramped lip  506  will be engaged with the top of the retaining ridge  602 , and the button portions  112  will be seating in a corresponding window  604 , thereby retaining the segments together. To release the segments, the user simply pushes inward on the opposing button portions  112  to clear the ramped lip  506  over the retaining ridge  602 , and then the segments can be moved apart. Thus, the opposing windows  604  allow the second bowl to be oriented in opposing orientations. Additional windows can allow for still other orientations. 
       FIG. 7  is a top view of a column segment  700  for elevating a pet food bowl over a water basin, in accordance with some embodiments. The segment  700  can be substantially similar to segment  110 , and includes a top surface  508 . In some embodiments, however, the segment  700  can be hollow and tubular, and as such, would have a cylindrical wall. The segment  700  includes two opposing cantilevered members  502  that each include a button portion  112 . By “opposing,” as used here, it is meant that the two cantilevered members  502  are on opposite sides of the top of the segment with respect to each other. The cantilevered members  502  extend upward (i.e. out of the page as shown here) to a free end that includes a ramped lip, as previously described. An orientation feature  702  can be provided to prevent the second bowl from being oriented such that it faces the open portion of the first bowl. The orientation feature  702  can simply be a protrusion that fits within the adjoining component, and interferes with a corresponding feature (e.g.  804  of  FIG. 8 ) to prevent orienting the second bowl in a particular orientation. 
       FIG. 8  is a bottom view of a bowl extension  800  that mates with a top portion of a column section for elevating a pet food bowl over a water basin, in accordance with some embodiments. In particular, the extension  800  can mate with the segment  700  of  FIG. 7 , with the exception that orientation feature  702  with interfere with orientation feature  804  on the inside wall of the extension  800 , in space  802  inside the extension  800 . Windows  604  are shown in broken line in this view as they are hidden by the material of the bottom of the extension  800 . Orientation feature  804  prevents the second bowl form being oriented such that orientation feature  804  would be positioned where orientation feature  702  is location because they two feature cannot occupy the same space. Thus, the orientation features  702 ,  804  can be positioned such that the second bowl cannot be oriented with its front toward the open portion of the first bowl. 
       FIG. 9  is a bottom view  900  of a pet food and water bowl apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments. Since the height of the second bowl  104  over the first bowl  102  effectively makes the second bowl  104  a lever with respect to the first bowl  102 , an instability can result if a vigorously feeding pet pushes against the second bowl  104 . Filling the first bowl with water will add stabilizing weight, but in some embodiments an additional weight plate  902  can be retained at the bottom of the first bowl  104  using several weight retaining features. A static support  904  is configured to go under the weight plate  902  and hold it up at one end, and a retaining latch  906  can be used on an opposite side of the weight plate  902 . One or more guide posts  908  can further align the weight plate into position to be held between the support  904  and the retaining latch  906 . The weight plate can be concealed by the skirt  910  on the outside of the second bowl  102 , and sit under the basin of the first bowl. Thus, the skirt  910  extends down farther than the depth of the basin from the rim of the first bowl  102 . The weight plate  902  is disposed under the open portion of the first bowl to place the weight at the widest portion of the first bowl  102 . 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  show various view of a pet food and water bowl apparatus in which the second bowl is shaped with a partial circumferential wall around the rim of the second bowl, rather than a partial cover that extend over the basin of the second bowl. In particular,  FIG. 10  shows a side elevational view  1000  of a pet food and water bowl apparatus, and  FIG. 11  shows a top plan view  1100  of the pet food and water bowl apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments. The first bowl  102  can be the same as that shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , for example, as is the support structure  106  on which the second bowl  1002  sits over the covered portion of the first bowl  102 . The second bowl  1002  has a lower extension  1004  that couples to the support structure  106 . Further, the second bowl  1002  include a front  1008  and a back  1010  along a rim which defines an opening  1006 . A circumferential wall  1012  increases in height around the rim from the front  1008  to the back  1010  of the rim of the second bowl  1002 . The circumferential wall  1012  tends to orient the pet to feed from the lower side (e.g. the front  1008 ), and it tends to prevent food from falling into the first bowl  102 . The circumferential wall  1012  can, in some embodiment rise at an angle (or parabolic) as shown, or it can be an abrupt rise to a stepped height over that at the front  1008 , and should extend around to the sides of the second bowl  1002  to facilitate a choice of orientation of the second bowl  1002  while still preventing food from spilling or being knocked into the first bowl  102 . Further, the shape of the second bowl  1002  should correspond to the shape of the covered portion of the first bowl  102  in each mounting orientation so that the second bowl  1002  can completely cover the covered portion of the first bowl  102 , vertically, to prevent food from falling into the covered portion of the first bowl  102 . This can be seen in  FIG. 11 , for example, where the outside diameter or width  1102  of the second bowl  1002  is larger than the width  1104  of the covered portion of the first bowl  102 . 
       FIGS. 12-13  show an alternative configuration of the pet bowl and bowl apparatus  1200 , in accordance with some embodiments. In particular, the apparatus  1200  uses square or squared bowls. A first bowl  1202  comprises two contiguous squared sections including an open portion  1204  and a covered portion  1206 . A second bowl  1214  is mounted on a support structure  1212  that rises from the basin  1210  of the covered portion  1206  of the first bowl  1202 . The second bowl  1214  does not extend over the open portion  1204 , leaving a large opening over the basin portion  1208  of the open portion  1204 . The second bowl  1214  includes a front portion  1218  the defines a rim line, and a three sided wall  1216  extends upward and around the other three sides of the second bowl  1214 . In  FIG. 13  it can be seen that the perimeter of the covered portion  1206  of the first bowl  1202  is within the outer perimeter of the second bowl  1214 . Further, the front  1218  of the second bowl  1214  defines a rim, and the three sided wall  1216  extends upwards from the level of the rim, and around three sides  1300 ,  1302 ,  1304  of the second bowl  1214 . The second bowl  1214  can be oriented as shown, or turned ninety degree from the shown orientation in either direction. However, orientation features in the support structure  1212  could be used to prevent the second bowl  1214  from being oriented one hundred eighty degrees from the orientation shown here (i.e. facing the open portion  1204 ). An outset view  1306  of the second bowl  1214  shows a perspective view of the second bowl, turned to the right, where the three sided wall  1216  can be seen relative to the front of the second bowl  1214 . 
       FIGS. 14-15  show a side view of an alternative retention mechanism for retaining a support structure on the lower bowl, in accordance with some embodiments. A base or extension  1402  is configured to fit over a portion of the lower support structure segment  1408 , and includes one or more holes  1404 ,  1406  through the sidewall of the base  1402 . The lower support structure segment  1408  is either a part of, or attached to the basin of the lower bowl  1420  such that the lower support structure segment  1408  can be surrounded by water when water is placed in the basin of the lower bowl  1420 . Both the base  1402  and the lower support structure segment  1408  can be cylindrical, or have a square cross section. The upper portion  1410  of the lower support structure segment  1408  can be reduced in size to fit within the lower portion of the base  1402 . A pair of retractable protrusions  1412 ,  1414  extend outward from the side of the upper portion  1410  of the lower support structure segment  1408 , and are movable in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the retractable protrusions  1412 ,  1414  are movable inwardly sufficient to allow the base  1402  to fit over the upper portion  1410  of the lower support structure segment  1408  such that holes  1404 ,  1406  align or interface, respectively, with protrusions  1412 ,  1414 . A mechanism inside the lower support structure segment  1408  is operated by a button  1416  to cause the retractable protrusions  1412 ,  1414  to retract, as indicated by arrows  1418 . Alternatively, the faces of the protrusions can be angled to allow the bottom of the base to slip over the protrusions while pushing them inward at the same time, and to allow a user to press the protrusions inward and allow the base  1402  to be removed over the protrusions, having been biased inward. When the base  1402  is properly positioned on the lower support structure segment  1408 , the button  1416  can be released, allowing the retractable protrusions  1412 ,  1414  to extend outward through the holes  1404 ,  1406 , thereby retaining the base  1402  on the lower support structure segment  1408 .  FIG. 15  shows the base  1402  retained on the lower support structure segment  1408  with the retractable protrusions  1412 ,  1414  passing through the wall of the base  1408  (i.e. at holes  1404 ,  1406 ). The base  1402  and lower support structure segment  1408  can be designed to allow only specific orientations of the food bowl by using mechanical features that allow the base  1402  to fully seat onto the lower support structure segment  1408  only when the base  1402  is in an allowed position or orientation, in order to prevent the front of the food bowl to be over the basin of the lower bowl. 
       FIG. 16  shows a side view an alternative arrangement for bowl having a cover that attaches to a food bowl, and which can be repositioned on the food bowl, in accordance with some embodiments. In embodiments corresponding to that of  FIGS. 16-18 , the food bowl  1602  is placed over the water bowl (not shown here) as in previous drawings. However, rather than the food bowl  1602  being re-orientable around the vertical axis of the support structure, the food bowl  1602  can remain fixed in position and the cover  1604  can detachable from the food bowl  1602  and can be moved to different positions on the food bowl  1602  to accomplish an equivalent result. Accordingly, at the bottom of the cover  1604  there can be a latch component  1606  that mates with corresponding latch receptacles  1608  in the sidewall of the food bowl  1602 . The latch receptacles  1608  can be provided in locations on the rim of the food bowl  1602  to ensure that the cover  1604  can&#39;t be placed on the food bowl  1602  in an orientation that allows food in the food bowl  1602  to fall into the water bowl below. Specifically, there is no latching receptacle  1608  that allows the cover  1604  to be placed on the food bowl  1602  such that the open (uncovered) side of the food bowl  1602  is over the exposed portion of the water bowl, between the main drinking basin of the water bowl (e.g.  114 ) and the portion around the support structure (e.g.  115 ). 
       FIG. 17  is a top view of the food bowl  1602  of  FIG. 17 , which is configured to receive a cover  1604  that can be repositioned on the food bowl  1602  to one of several positions except a position that allows food to fall out of the food bowl  1602  into the water below, in accordance with some embodiments. The cover  1604  has a latch component  1606  that extends downward from the bottom rim of the cover  1606 , at the middle of the bottom rim. The food bowl  1602  include latch receptacles  1608  in the top rim of the food bowl  1602  that are configured to receive and retain the latch component  1606  if/when the latch component  1606  is inserted into the latch receptacle  1608 . As shown here, there are latch receptacles  1608  in three places, with two of the receptacles being opposite each other, and another being midway around the rim between the opposing latch receptacles. A front position  1702  lacks a latch receptacle. This configuration of latch receptacles, along with the cover  1604  having the latch component  1606  at the mid-point of its lower rim, allows the cover  1604  to be positioned facing the front (i.e. away from the drinking portion  114  of the water bowl), or to either side, but not to face the drinking portion of the water bowl. This prevents a user from aligning the cover in a way that allows food to fall from the food bowl  1602  into the water bowl below.  FIG. 18  is a bottom view of the cover  1604  and the latching component  1606  can be seen at the midway point of the lower rim of the cover  1604 . The latching component  1606  prevents the user from placing the cover  1604  on the food bowl  1602  facing the drinking portion of the water bowl below because the food bowl  1602  lacks a latch receptacle at position  1702 . 
     Other means of preventing misalignment of the food bowl or the opening of the food bowl created by the cover, whether the cover is detachable or integrally formed with the food bowl, will occur to those skilled in the art. Such other arrangements, of course, are equivalent in function in that the operate in the same manner for the same purpose and accomplish an equivalent result. 
       FIG. 19  is a partial perspective view of a support structure for supporting a food bowl over a water bowl, in accordance with some embodiments. The detail here focuses on the support structure in allowing the food bowl to be positioned in various orientations. The food bowl for this example can have a cover or cover portion, as previously described, which blocks food from falling out of the food bowl around about half of the circumference of the food bowl, if circular, or the sides and back of the food bowl otherwise. Here, the base  1902  is disposed in the covered portion of a water bowl, and has an upper surface  1904  from which is non-circular member  1906  extends vertically. An upper support structure member  1908  is attached to, or formed on a food bowl, and extends downward from the food bowl, and has a bottom surface  1910  that mates with the top surface  1904  of the base  1902 . A vertical channel  1912  is formed in the upper support structure member  1908  and is sized to receive the non-circular member  1906  in a close relationship that prevents rotation of the upper support structure member  1908 , and hence the food bowl. No latching is used in some embodiments, and the food bowl can be oriented in any direction allowed by the interface of the non-circular member  1906  and the vertical channel  1912 . In the example shown in  FIG. 19 , the vertical member  1906  has a square profile, allowing four different orientations. This arrangement simplifies the assembly by eliminating the retention, and requires the user to take care not to orient the open portion of the food bowl to face the drinking portion of the water bowl, below. 
       FIG. 20  is a sectional perspective view of a support portion  2000  using opposing deflectable projections  2008 ,  2010  for retaining support sections together, or securing a feed bowl to the top of a support column section, in accordance with some embodiments. Support portion  2000  forms at least part of a support column and can interface with either another column section or the correspondingly configured receptacle on the bottom of a feed bowl. A narrowed portion  2004  is sized to fit within the inner diameter of another support section or a bowl support receptacle. Portions  2006  extend upwards to ensure proper orientation of a bowl by either interfering with structure in receptacle on the bottom of the bowl, or falling into corresponding recesses to ensure the bowl is not facing the drinking portion of the lower/water bowl. A pair of deflectable protrusions  2008 ,  2010  extend outward, horizontally, from within the support portion  2000  in the narrowed portion  2004 . Each of the opposing deflectable protrusions  2008 ,  2010  are biased outward, and can be pushed inward to clear fitting into another section. Each protrusion  2008 ,  2010  has an angled face such as angled face  2012  to facilitate connection and disconnection of sections. When the support portion  2000  is connected to another section of the assembly, the user can urge protrusions  2008 ,  2010  inward, and insert the narrowed portion  2004  into the other section, which includes holes corresponding to protrusions  2008 ,  2010 . The user can push the protrusions  2008 ,  2010  inward sufficiently to clear the inner diameter of the joining section. Then the user can turn, on a vertical axis, the two sections until the protrusions  2008 ,  2010  pop out through the corresponding holes in the joining portion. In disconnecting sections, since it would be difficult for a user to press the protrusions  2008 ,  2010  in far enough to allow vertical movement, the angled faces (e.g.  2012 ) allow the user to push the protrusions  2008 ,  2010  in somewhat, and then turn the sections (about a vertical axis) to depress the protrusions  2008 ,  2010  inward against the inner wall of the adjoining section, thereby allowing the adjoining section to be removed. 
       FIG. 21  is a side cutaway view through the support column showing the opposing deflectable projection structure, in accordance with some embodiments. In this view it can be seen that the opposing protrusions  2008 ,  2010  are part of a common structure  2104 , which can be made of a plastic material to allow deflection of the protrusions  20008 ,  2010 . The structure  2104  is a generally “V” shaped structure that provides a spring effect so that when the protrusions  2008 ,  2010  are pushed towards each other, the spring effect of the structure  2104  urges the protrusions  2008 ,  2010  outward, away from each other. As shown here, the structure  2104  is located in a column portion  2000  that is itself connected to a base  2102  of the bowl  2100  using another protrusion structure  2106  in the same manner. Protrusions  2108 ,  2110  align with, and pass through holes located in the bottom of support portion  2000 .  FIG. 22  is a bottom view of a support section  2000  including a retaining structure  2104  having opposing deflectable projections  2008 ,  2010 , in accordance with some embodiments. The view shown here is looking upwards into the bottom of support portion  2000 . 
       FIG. 23  is an exploded perspective view of a pet feeding apparatus  2300  including retaining features with opposing deflectable projections, in accordance with some embodiments. A lower bowl  2302  is intended to contain water to both provide water for a pet to drink, as well as to guard a support structure  2312  located in a covered portion  2306  of the bowl  2302 . The covered portion  2306  will be covered by an upper bowl in which pet food is placed. The non-covered portion  2304  will not be covered, allowing access to the water for the pet to drink. A bottom portion of the wall of the lower bowl  2302  can be covered with shoe  2308  that is made of a material such as rubber, and is intended to resist movement of the assembly  2300 . A first retaining structure  2314  can fit within the lower support structure  2312  in the bowl  2302 . Protrusion  2315  can fit through opening  2317  in the lower support structure  2312 . An upper support structure  2316  can attach to the lower support structure  2312 , and housing a second retaining structure  2320  that can be identical to the first retaining structure  2314 , and has projections that fit through holes (e.g.  2322 ) in the top of upper support structure  2316 . Second retaining structure  2320  is used to retain an upper bowl, such as either bowl  2324 , or bowl  2326 , as preferred by the user. The bottom of each bowl  2324 ,  2326  includes a receptacle that interfaces with the top of upper support section  2316  in the same manner as upper support section  2316  interfaces and is retained on lower support structure  2312 , and the second retaining structure  2320  ensures that the bowl (whichever is used) is retained on the assembly  2300 . Bowls  2324 ,  2326  differ in capacity and amount of coverage over the bowl by the cover portions  2328 ,  2330 , respectively. Both cover portions  2328 ,  2330  can be partial dome structures, that, at their lower periphery where they meet the circular bowl, extend around at least half of the circular perimeter of their respective bowls. 
     A pet food and water bowl apparatus has been disclosed that keeps food safe from crawling insects and other pests, and which prevents food from fouling the drinking water. A first bowl is used to hold the water, and a support structure is provided in the first bowl such that the support structure is entirely surrounded by water when water is placed in the basin of the first bowl. A second bowl for food is mounted on top of the support structure that is sized and configured to prevent food from falling into the first bowl and fouling the water. The apparatus is configured to allow re-orientation of the second bowl throughout substantially a 180 degree range, horizontally, to allow the user to configure the direction from which the pet feeds from the second bowl. The second bowl is provided with a perimeter or circumferential wall or partial cover that tends to force the pet to feed from the front of the second bowl, and which prevents food from falling over sides of the second bowl. Thus, the apparatus provides the benefit of preventing crawling insects and other pets from getting to the food by isolating the food bowl with water, and which allows the user to configured the angle at which the pet feed from the food bowl so that the apparatus can be located in various placements in a residence or other location to provide food and water to the pet.