Patent Abstract:
Disposable pet food dish and advertising method includes indicia disposed on a disposable pet dish. Indicia are disposed on media coupled to the dish—by adhesive, by insertion in a false bottom, or by placement in the dish. These media cooperate with the dish as it travels through the stream of commerce, providing opportunities to add a message targeted to a consumer having determined characteristics, and providing multiple opportunities to direct a consumer&#39;s attention to an advertising message as the consumer manipulates the dish in the process of unpacking it, loading it, placing it to feed the pet, and discarding it. Optionally, media are detachably adherent to the dish and to the surface the dish is placed on, further involving the consumer when it is time to dispose of the dish. Optionally, the dish is configurable in pairs to provide stable stacked presentation of food and water for a pet.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/083,884, filed on Jul. 25, 2008. The Provisional Application is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a dish for feeding a pet such as a dog or housecat and, more particularly, to a disposable pet food dish. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Pet feeding generally occurs at least once daily. An opportunity to utilize this frequent activity to communicate a commercial message to the large population of pet owners would be particularly helpful to advertisers. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]    For a further understanding of the objects and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which like parts are given like reference numbers and wherein: 
           [0005]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a pet dish advertising apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view thereof; 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment; 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is a side sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  is a side sectional view of another exemplary embodiment; 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of another exemplary embodiment; 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of another exemplary embodiment; 
           [0012]      FIG. 8  is a side sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  is a side sectional view of another exemplary embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 10  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 11  is a side sectional view of another exemplary embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 12  is a side sectional view of another exemplary embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 13  is a bottom perspective view of another exemplary embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 14  is a top plan view of another exemplary embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 15  is a side sectional view of another exemplary embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 16  is a side sectional view of another exemplary embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 17  is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 18  is a side elevational view of another exemplary embodiment; 
           [0023]      FIG. 19  is a bottom plan view of another exemplary embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 20  is a top plan view of another exemplary embodiment wherein a first dish is stacked atop a second dish; 
           [0025]      FIG. 21  is a front elevational view of the dish of the embodiment of  FIG. 20  showing a first dish stacked atop a second dish and configured for use; 
           [0026]      FIG. 22  is a side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 20  showing a first dish stacked atop a second dish in a superimposed configuration for storage and shipment; 
           [0027]      FIG. 23  is a side elevational view of another exemplary embodiment of a generally triangular dish in accordance with the present invention with other such dishes stacked atop it in a superimposed configuration for storage and shipment; 
           [0028]      FIG. 24  is a top plan view of the dish of the embodiment of  FIG. 23  stacked atop another such dish, configured for use; 
           [0029]      FIG. 25  is a side elevational view of the embodiment and configuration shown in  FIG. 24 ; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 26  is a side sectional view of a portion of a bottom of the embodiment of  FIG. 23  forming a groove in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 27  is an exploded view showing one dish on top of another, both having recessed lids. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0032]    The invention will now be described. 
         [0033]    In  FIG. 1  (perspective view) and  FIG. 2  (side elevational view), an exemplary embodiment of disposable pet dish advertising apparatus in accordance with the present invention (hereinafter, the shorter construction, “exemplary embodiment,” will be used) is shown generally at  30  and includes a dish and indicia  40  operatively disposed on the dish. The dish has a generally upward-facing inner surface  32 , parts of which may be horizontally oriented and parts of which may be inclined, and a generally downward-facing outer surface  34 , parts of which may be horizontally oriented and parts of which may be inclined. The dish  30  may be generally round as viewed from above. The dish  30  is formed of cardboard pulp resembling that of a paper egg carton. A dish  30  so formed may be wax coated. Alternatively, the dish  30  is formed of paper or fabric and coated with wax. Alternatively, the dish  30  is formed of a translucent or transparent resinous material such as polyethylene or other polymer, or a composite of fibrous and resinous materials fused by adhesion, melting, curing, drying or the like. The dish  30  may have a turned rim  38  for stiffness or for easy manipulation, as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0034]    The indicia  40  may comprise graphics and text and are disposed on a surface of the dish  30 . Preferably, the indicia  40  are disposed to be perceived by a person viewing the inner surface  32  of the dish  30 .  FIG. 1 , a perspective view, shows indicia  40  disposed directly on the inner surface  32  at two locations.  FIG. 2 , a side view, shows indicia  40  disposed directly on the outer surface  34 . 
         [0035]    Indicia  40  disposed directly on a surface of the dish  30  are contact-printed, ink-jet printed, stamped, embossed, glued, sprayed, brushed, laser-engraved or the like. Indicia  40  directly disposed on the inner surface  32  are preferably indelibly disposed and non-toxic in composition. 
         [0036]      FIG. 3  (perspective view) and  FIG. 4  (side sectional view) show another exemplary embodiment in which the dish  30  has an inner surface  32  on which is disposed an indicia-bearing label  42 . The label  42  is of paper, plastic film or the like. The label  42  is placed loose in the dish  30 , where a consumer will be likely to notice it, pick it up, and read it. Alternatively, the label  42  is glued or fused to the inner surface  32 . Both of these embodiments are preferably made entirely of natural, food-grade materials that would not cause injury or distress if ingested by a pet or by a child. 
         [0037]      FIG. 5  shows a side sectional view of an alternative embodiment, made like the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , but in which the dish  30  has an outer surface  34  on which is disposed an indicia-bearing label  42 . In this embodiment, preferably, the dish  30  is transparent or translucent and a consumer is able to perceive the indicia  40  of the label  42  through the dish  30  when viewing the inner surface  32  of the dish  30 . Text, if included, should be reversed (virtual image) on the label  42  and should be visible from the sticky side of the label  42  before the label  42  is applied. 
         [0038]      FIG. 6  shows a top view of another exemplary embodiment in which the dish  30  has an exaggerated oval shape and the indicia  40  are oriented lengthwise relative to that shape, providing a convenient vehicle for text in banner format. 
         [0039]      FIG. 7  (top view) and  FIG. 8  (side sectional view) show another exemplary embodiment in which the dish  30  has a rectangular shape as viewed from above. Indicia  40  are shown disposed on the inner surface  32 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 9  (side sectional view) and  FIG. 10  (top view) show another exemplary embodiment in which the inner surface  32  is divided to provide convenient side-by-side presentation of food for two small pets or of food and water (in which case wax or resinous components are preferred to retard saturation of the dish  30  material). Indicia  40  are shown disposed at two locations on the divided inner surface  32 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 11  shows a side sectional view of another exemplary embodiment in which a wad of adhesive  44  detachably adheres an indicia-bearing label  42  to the inner surface  32 . A consumer is likely to notice the label  42  and detach it from the inner surface  32  before feeding a pet. This involves the consumer with the label  42  and increases the likelihood that the consumer will read it, thereby furthering the goal of conveying a commercial message. 
         [0042]      FIG. 12  shows a side sectional view of another exemplary embodiment in which a wad of adhesive  44  detachably adheres an indicia-bearing label  42  to the outer surface  34 . A consumer is likely to notice the label  42  and detach it before feeding a pet. This involves the consumer with the label  42  and increases the likelihood that the consumer will read it, thereby furthering the goal of conveying a commercial message. The adhesive  44  is of the type commonly used to attach a protective film to a new consumer product, and may, alternatively, take the form of an electrostatic treatment or film rather than a wad of gummy or gelatinous material. 
         [0043]    As is further illustrated by  FIG. 12 , the label  42  is double-sidedly adhesive, providing a means to conveniently and temporarily anchor the dish  30  to a floor surface. The behaviors of setting the dish  30  down on the floor and picking it up (this latter step entails detaching the dish  30  from the label  42 , the label  42  from the floor, or both) involves the consumer with the label  42 , increasing the likelihood that the advertising message is printed on the label  42  will be perceived. Indeed, when two or three wads of adhesive  44  anchor the label  42  to the floor, while only one wad anchors the dish  30  to the label  42 , it is likely that the consumer will first see the label  42  through the transparent dish  30 , then lift the dish  30  and see the label  42  anchored to the floor, and finally detach the label  42  from the floor, further involving the consumer and providing added opportunities for the consumer to perceive the advertising message. 
         [0044]      FIG. 13  shows a bottom perspective view of an alternative embodiment in which text is reverse (virtual image) disposed on the outer surface  34  of a transparent or translucent dish  30 . The indicia  40  are perceptible and the text readable through the dish  30  as viewed through the inner surface  32 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 14  shows a top view of an alternative embodiment in which the dish  30  has a triangular shape. A triangle has a greater circumference per area than a circle or square. Consequently, this embodiment provides ample placement for text in banner format on an inclined portion of the inner surface  32  or outer surface  34 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 15  shows a side sectional view of another exemplary embodiment in which the dish  30  is formed of a transparent material and indicia  40  are cooperatively disposed on the inner surface  32  and outer surface  34  and perceptible together in a view of the inner surface  32 . Superimposed indicia  40  provide an opportunity to generate a moiré pattern which, with its shimmering effect, is useful in attracting a consumer&#39;s attention to any text or graphic message that is included in the indicia  40 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 16  (side sectional view) and  FIG. 17  (bottom view) show another exemplary embodiment wherein the dish  30  comprises an undercut false bottom  46  in which indicia-bearing media  50  are removably disposed. Exemplary media  50  include cards and leaflets. Media  50  so disposed in a false bottom  46  are likely to drop from the dish  30  as the dish  30  is being transferred from a carton or package to a place where a pet is to be fed. A consumer is likely to become involved with the media  50  and, in the process, likely to perceive the advertising message contained in the indicia  40 . Preferably, the dish  30  is transparent, providing another opportunity for the consumer to notice the media  50  by viewing it through the dish  30 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 18  is a side view of another exemplary embodiment wherein the false bottom  46  defines a plurality of openings. Media  50 , either on a continuous strip or on discrete cards, may be fed into the false bottom  46  or withdrawn therefrom via these openings. 
         [0049]      FIG. 19  is a bottom view of another exemplary embodiment wherein an indicia-bearing label  42  is detachably coupled to the dish  30  and the label  42  comprises a tab  48  facilitating detachment of the label  42  from the outer surface  34 . 
         [0050]    Also in accordance with the present invention is an exemplary method of advertising to pet owners, comprising the steps of providing a disposable pet feeding dish  30 ; operatively disposing indicia  40  on the dish  30 ; and distributing the dish  30  to consumers who will perceive the indicia  40  when feeding their pets. 
         [0051]    In another exemplary method, the dish  30  is at least partly transparent and has an inner surface  32  and an outer surface  34 , the indicia  40  being disposed on the outer surface  34  and being readable as viewed through the inner surface  32 . The method further comprises a step of shipping the dish  30  to a distributor before the indicia  40  are printed on or attached to the dish  30 . This method allows the advertising method to be selected and associated with the dish  30  after the demographic characteristics of the intended consumer are determined. 
         [0052]    In another exemplary method, the indicia  40  are contained on media  50  and the media  50  are separably coupled to the dish  30 . This exemplary method further comprises a step of dispensing the media  50  from the dish  30  when the dish  30  is manipulated by a consumer. As a practical matter, media  50  inserted in a false bottom  46  of the dish  30  or dropped into the dish  30  will attract the consumer&#39;s attention, either because the consumer will wish to remove them before adding food or because the media  50  drop from the dish  30  and flutter to the floor. 
         [0053]    In another exemplary method, the indicia  40  are contained on media  50 , the media  50  are detachably adhered to the dish  30 , and the method further comprises a step of displaying the indicia  40  when the media  50  are detached from the dish  30 . A consumer will, for example, pull a label  42  or other media  50  from the inner surface  32  of the dish  30 , optionally with the aid of a tab  48 , before feeding the pet. 
         [0054]    In another exemplary method, where indicia  40 -bearing media  50  are detachably adhered to an outer surface  34 —especially a downward-facing surface—of the dish  30 , further steps of detachably adhering the media  50  to an environmental surface—usually the floor—when the dish  30  is placed for feeding, detaching the media  50  from the dish  30  when retrieving the dish  30  after feeding, and thereafter displaying the indicia  40  while the media  50  adhere to the environmental surface provide multiple opportunities to direct the consumer&#39;s attention to the advertising message contained in the indicia  40 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 20  is a top plan view of another exemplary embodiment wherein a first, shallow, generally elliptical dish  62  has a bottom  64 , a sidewall  66 , and a rim  68 . The sidewall  66  and the rim  68  form opposite, laterally projecting leaves  70 . The first dish  62  is shown stacked upon a second such dish  63 , which has its own bottom  65 , sidewall  67 , and rim  69 , the sidewall  67  and rim  69  forming opposite, laterally projecting leaves  71 . The first dish  62  is positioned at a right angle to the second dish  63 . Thus positioned and oriented, the first dish  62  rests upon the second dish  63  and, in particular, the major axis portions of the sidewalls  66  of the first dish  62  are stably cradled in the leaves  71  of the second dish  63  (dotted lines represent features of the second dish  63  obscured from direct view by the first dish  62 ). Consequently, the bottom  64  of the first dish  62  is spaced apart from the bottom  65  of the second dish  63  and the second dish  63  has capacity for holding water, which may be poured into the second dish  63  and which is accessible to a pet which may drink or lap the water, inserting its snout or tongue beneath the leaves  70  of the first dish  62  and above the rim  69  of the second dish  63 . Meanwhile, the first dish  62  has capacity to hold food. 
         [0056]    It will be appreciated that the first dish  62  and the second dish  63  are generally the same shape and are provided in a size appropriate for the pet that is to be fed. Although the leaves  70  of the first dish  62  and the rim  69  of the second dish  63  appear not to be spaced far apart, even a short-faced animal, such as a Pug, a Boston Terrier, or a Bulldog, may drink by inserting its tongue between them and lapping the water. Optionally, the first dish  62  and second dish  63  may be made more eccentric (greater ratio of major axis to minor axis of the ellipses described), with the result that the leaves  70  will be spaced farther from the rims  69 , making it easier for the animal to drink. Optionally, the first dish  62  and second dish  63  are boat-shaped or rectangular instead of elliptical. 
         [0057]      FIG. 21  is a front elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 20 . A first dish  62  has a bottom  64 , a sidewall  66 , a rim  68 , and leaves  70 . A second dish  63  has a bottom  65 , a sidewall  66 , a rim  69 , and leaves  71 . The first dish  62  rests in the second dish  63  as described with reference to  FIG. 20 . In this figure, the first dish  62  is viewed from an end and the second dish  63  is viewed from a side. The dotted lines represent portions of the first dish  62  obscured from this view by the second dish  63 . The bottom  64  and sidewalls  66  of the first dish  62  are spaced apart from the bottom  65  and sidewalls  67  of the second dish  63 , allowing the second dish  63  to have capacity for water and permitting the animal to lap the water. 
         [0058]      FIG. 22  is a side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 20  and  FIG. 21  shown configured for storage or shipment. A first dish  62  is shown compactly nested in a second dish  63 , mutually superimposed rather than rotated at a right angle. For clarity of illustration, a token separation in shown between the first dish  62  and the second dish  63 ; however, it will be appreciated that the dishes will settle compactly in this configuration. 
         [0059]    With reference to  FIG. 20 ,  FIG. 21  and  FIG. 22 , the user unpacks two dishes (which may be supplied stacked compactly, all in the same orientation), places water in one and food in the other, and stacks the food dish atop the water dish, oriented at right angles thereto. The resulting stable configuration of the two dishes saves space. Advertising indicia (not shown in these figures) are applicable to the bottoms and inside and outside the sidewalls. 
         [0060]      FIG. 23  is a side elevational view of another exemplary embodiment of a dish  82  in accordance with the present invention having a bottom  84 , a sidewall  86 , a rim  88 , corners  90 , and grooves  92  formed in the bottom  84  intermediate the corners  90 . Also shown are additional dishes  81  and  82  of the same design stacked compactly in a mutually superimposed configuration atop the described dish  82  for storage and shipping. 
         [0061]      FIG. 24  is a top plan view of a first dish  82  of the embodiment of  FIG. 23  stacked atop a second such dish  102 . First dish  82  has a rim  88 , sidewalls  86 , corners  90 , bottom  84 , and grooves  92  formed in the bottom  84  and traversing the bottom  84  and extending to adjacent sidewalls  86  intermediate the corners  90 . Second dish  102  has a rim  108 , sidewalls  106 , a bottom  104 , corners  110 , and grooves (not shown because obscured) formed in the bottom intermediate the corners  110  in the same manner as the grooves  92  of the first dish  82 . The grooves  92  of the first dish  82  rest on the rim  108  of the second dish  102 , stabilizing the first dish  82  atop the second dish  102  and spaced apart therefrom, so that the second dish  102  has capacity to hold water. The first dish  82  is rotated sixty degrees relative to the second dish  102 , exposing the second dish  102  proximate the corners  110  thereof so that a pet may drink from the second dish  102 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 25 , a side elevational view of the embodiment and configuration shown in  FIG. 24 , shows the first dish  82  having rim  88 , sidewalls  86 , bottom  84 , corners  90  and grooves  92 . The first dish  82  is placed atop the second dish  102 , which has a rim  108 , sidewalls  106 , bottom  104 , corners  110 , and grooves  112 . The view is shadowed to indicate that the middle of the three corners  90  is projecting toward the viewer, overhanging a sidewall  106  of the second dish  102  with the grooves  92  stabilized atop the rim  108 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 26  shows a sectional view of a bottom  84  forming a groove  92 . 
         [0064]    With reference to  FIGS. 23 ,  24 ,  25 , and  26 , the user procures two dishes  82  and  102  (which may be supplied stacked compactly, all in the same orientation), adds water to one and food to the other, and stacks the food dish atop the water dish, forming a stable, accessible, space-saving dish combination for feeding and watering a pet. Advertising indicia (not shown in these figures) are applicable to the bottoms and inside and outside the sidewalls. 
         [0065]    Also with reference to the embodiment of  FIGS. 23 ,  24 ,  25 , and  26 , optionally, the first dish  82  and second dish  102  are boat-shaped or rectangular, or even elliptical as in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 20-22 , instead of triangular, with the rims  88  and  108  and the grooves  92  and  112  shaped, located and oriented transversely in the bottoms  84  and  104  so that the same compactly stacked storage and shipping configuration and vertically spaced-apart feeding configuration are provided for—i.e., the dishes nest compactly when exactly superimposed, and the grooves of an upper dish rest stably on the rim of a lower dish when the dishes are rotated a given angle (for boat and rectangle, as with the elliptical, by 90 degrees) one relative to another. In other words, the groove feature detailed with reference to this triangular embodiment is applicable to other shapes including the elliptical, in which case the leaves  70  and  71  shown in  FIGS. 20-22  can be eliminated. In a rectangular dish, the grooves are spaced and oriented to conform to the portions of the rims that they will rest on top of. In an elliptical dish, the grooves are spaced, oriented and curved to conform to the portions of the rims on which they will rest. 
         [0066]      FIG. 27  shows an additional embodiment, in which the disposable dishes  82  and  102  (which may be stacked compactly) are pre-filled with pet food and covered with lids  130  and  132  that are recessed within the dishes  80  and  102 . Dish  82  sits on the recessed lid  132 . Alternately dishes  82  and  102  can be covered with additional dish covers (not shown) that fit over the rims  110  of the dishes  80  and  102 . When such dish covers are used, the dishes stack on the covers. The recessed lids  130  and  132  are fabricated from the same or different material as the dishes and attached after the dishes are filled with pet food. The lids are attached by any of the usual methods, including but not limited to heat seal, pressure seal, or glue. The dish covers can be made of any suitable material and can be attached in any suitable method for easy removal. One such method is friction fit around the outside of the rims  110  of the dishes. 
         [0067]    With reference to the various embodiments described in accordance with the present invention, the dish comprises cardboard pulp resembling that of a paper egg carton; alternatively, wax-coated cardboard, paper product or fabric; alternatively, a translucent or transparent resinous material such as polyethylene or other polymer, or a composite of fibrous and resinous materials fused by adhesion, melting, curing, drying or the like. The dish may have a turned rim for stiffness or for easy manipulation. 
         [0068]    As can be seen from the drawing figures and from the description, each embodiment of the disposable pet dish advertising apparatus and advertising method in accordance with the present invention solves a problem by addressing an advertiser&#39;s need to direct a consumer&#39;s attention to an advertising message contained in indicia operatively associated with the pet dish. 
         [0069]    Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any arrangement calculated to achieve same purposes can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that the above description has been made in an illustrative fashion, and not a restrictive one. 
         [0070]    Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of various embodiments of the invention includes any other applications in which the above structures and methods are used. Therefore, the scope of various embodiments of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
         [0071]    In the foregoing description, if various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure, this method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments of the invention require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims, and such other claims as may later be added, are hereby incorporated into the description of the embodiments of the invention, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0