GB2520737A

GB2520737A - A device releasably attachable to a surface

Info

Publication number: GB2520737A
Application number: GB1321095.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Gooch; David Richard Stonehouse; Richard Smith; Max Franz Wehebrink
Original assignee: PA Knowledge Ltd
Current assignee: PA Knowledge Ltd
Priority date: 2013-11-29
Filing date: 2013-11-29
Publication date: 2015-06-03
Also published as: WO2015079258A3; WO2015079258A2; CN106030129A; CN106030129B; GB201321095D0

Abstract

A device for releasable attachment to a surface comprises a base 2 having a lower contact portion and a suction device releasably attachable to a surface and releasably engageable with the base. The suction device has a base engagement portion 4 for releasable engagement with the base and a pliable foot 5 for contacting a surface. The pliable foot has a surface contact portion and an outer skirt portion 7. When the base is engaged with the suction device the lower contact portion of the base contacts and compresses the outer skirt portion. A slipping plate 10 may also be arranged between the base and the pliable foot to reduce friction as the bowl is rotated relative to the pliable foot. The use of the lower contact portion to contact and compress the outer skirt portion of the suction disc in use helps to prevent distortion of the suction disc and extend its service life. In use, the device for releasable attachment to a surface is particularly suited for use with feeding bowls 1 (for example for infants or pets) and other items such as toys that are releasably attachable to a surface using a suction device.

Description

A Device Releasably Attachable to a Surface

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for releasable attachment to a surface. In particular, the present invention relates to feeding bowls (br example for infants or pets) and other items such as toys that are releasably attachable to a surface using a suction device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Feeding bowls with suction devices are known. Generally they comprise a plastic or metal bowl (for example baby feeding bowls and pet feeding bowls.) These bowls have an integrated soft pliable plastic or rubber base and are referred to as non-slip' bowls.

Such non-slip bowls are useful for feeding infants and pets when there is a requirement for the bowl not to slip or tip over and spHl its contents A disadvantage of the known feeding apparatus is that, once the plastic or rubber base has been washed several times the material loses its memory' and becomes deformed over time, thus the bowl more readily loses adhesion from the surface it is attached to.

The situation is the same with other items, such as toys that may be secured to a surface to allow an infant to play without the toy moving out of their reach (for example when the infant is not yet sufficiently mobile to reach the toy once moved).

We have therefore appreciated the need for a device that may be attached to and released from a surface, which does not distort and retains the ability to adhere to the surface it is attached to with a much more powerful and long lasting grip that can be used with a variety of items such as, but not limited to, feeding bowls and toys.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention therefore provides a device for releasable attachment to a surface, the device comprising: a base having a lower contact portion; a suction device releasably attachable to a surface and releasably engageable with the base, the suction device comprising: a base engagement means for releasable engagement with the base; and a pliable foot for contacting a surface having a surface contact portion comprising an outer skirt portion, wherein, when the base is engaged with the suction device, the lower contact portion of the base contacts and compresses the outer skirt portion.

Advantageously, the base contacts and compresses the outer skirt of the pliable foot when the base is engaged with the suction device. As such, the compressive force enables the pliable fool to retain its shape, and therefore the suction force, even after many uses of the suction device.

The base of the device may comprise a second lower contact portion, and the suction device comprises an upper contact surface, the second lower contact portion of the base of the device contacting the upper contact surface of the suction device when the base is engaged with the suction device, and wherein the upper contact surface comprises a material having a lower coefficient of friction than that of the base of the device. The upper contact surface may comprise one or more recesses.

The upper contact surface may also comprise a slipping plate arranged between the pliable foot and base, the slipping plate being configured to permit movement of the base of the device relative to the pliable foot.

An upper contact surface or a slipping plate arranged between the base of the device and the pliable foot reduces the frictional forces acting between the base and pliable foot when the base is being rotated relative to the foot (for example during attachment or detachment of the device to a surface). When the upper contact surface is a slipping plate, which may be arranged to be rotatable freely about an axis passing through a central hole when mounted on the base, the base slips more easily over the surface of the pliable foot and/or allows the base of the device to slip more easily relative to the foot. As such, the amount of force required to screw the device relative to the foot for attachment is reduced compared to the situation where there is no upper contact surface or slipping plate.

The slipping plate may comprise one or more contact portions for engaging the base engagement means in a slipping arrangement. Furthermore, the slipping plate may comprise one or more gripping portions. The contact portions grip or engage with the base engagement means, and the gripping portions permit a user to grip the slipping pate more easily for removal from the device for disassembly, for example when the device s to be cleaned.

The base engagement means may comprise an engagement portion for releasable engagement with the base of the device. Preferably, the base comprises an engagement portion arranged to cooperate with the engagement portion of the base engagement means to provide a releasable engagement between the base and the suction device.

Each of the engagement portion of the suction device and the engagement portion of the base may comprise a restricting means to restrict free separation of the device and the suction device once engaged.

Advantageously, this enables the suction device and the device to remain joined during transportation of the device, even when the device and suction device are removed from a surface to which they have been attached.

To enable this, the engagement portion of the suction device and the engagement portion of the base may comprise correspondingly-shaped threads to provide a threaded engagement between the device and the suction device, and wherein the restricting means comprises a protrusion in the path of the thread, each of the protrusions being configured to interact or abut one another to restrict free separation of the device and the suction device once the threads are engaged.

Preferably, the restricting means is located at or near the start of each of the threads.

The protrusion on the engagement portion of the suction device or the engagement portion of the base may extend partally between adjacent threads. The thread comprising the protrusion extending partially between adjacent threads may comprise a lead-in portion for guiding the corresponding thread into engagement.

The suction device may also comprise a protrusion extending below the suction device.

This advantageously enables the suction device to be removed from the surface with minimal force when the suction device is to be removed from the surface. In effect, the protrusion forces the suction device away from the surface, breaking the seal between the foot and skirt and the surface, thus releasing the suction device from the surface.

When the device and suction device are not engaged, the protrusion preferably extends below a lowest part of the pliable foot or the outer skirt portion. When the device and suction device are engaged, the protrusion is preferably located above the lowest part of the pliable foot and the outer skirt portion.

The protrusion may be coupled to or integral with the pliable foot. Furthermore, the protrusion is preferably located away from an outer circumferential edge of the outer skirt portion, and away from a centre portion of the pliable foot.

In preferred embodiments, the base and suction device are engaged, the base engagement means deforms the pliable foot in order to create a volume of air beneath the pliable foot having an air pressure that is lower than the air pressure surrounding the pliable foot.

In embodiments, the device is separable from the base. Preferably, the base and device are engaged, the base sits in a lower recess of the device.

In embodiments, the device is a feeding bowl or a toy.

When the device is a feeding bowl, the device may comprise one or more removable bowl inserts locatable within the bowl, the one or more bowl inserts being shaped and configured to engage with an inner surface of the bowl to provide a frictional engagement and/or air-tight seal between the insert and the bowl.

Advantageously this provides a bowl having seperable and removable compartments, which is useful for feeding infants.

The bowl insert may comprise a lower surface having a shape to match a contour of an inner lower surface of the bowl. When the insert is inserted into the bowl, a gap is preferably provided between the bowl inner lower surface and the insert lower surface.

This enables the insert to be driven down into the bowl to push any air in the gap between the bowl and insert out of the bowl, thereby creating a lower air pressure volume of air between the bowl and insert to help retain the insert in the bowl.

When there are two or more inserts, each insert preferably comprises a contact surface for contacting a contact surface of an adjacent insert when located within the bowl. The contact surfaces may be shaped and configured to provide a frictional engagement and/or air-tight seal between adjacent inserts when located within the bowl.

The bowl insert is preferably resiliently deformable. The bowl insert preferably comprises food safe silicon.

The insert may also comprise a tab or projection projecting from the contact surface of the insert for gripping the contact surface of the insert. The insert may also comprise a tab or projection projecting from an outer surface of the insert for gripping the outer surface of the insert.

The present invention also provides a suction device for releasable attachment to a surface, the suction device comprising: a base engagement means for releasable engagement with a base of a device; and a pliable foot for contacting a surface having a surface contact portion comprising an outer skirt portion, wherein, the outer skirt portion is arranged such that, when a base is engaged with the suction device, a lower contact portion of the base contacts and compresses the outer skirt portion.

The base of the device may comprise a second lower contact portion, and the suction device comprises an upper contact surface, the second lower contact portion of the base of the device contacting the upper contact surface of the suction device when the base is engaged with the suction device, and wherein the upper contact surface comprises a material having a lower coefficient of friction than that of the base of the device.

The upper contact surface of the suction device may comprise a slipping plate above the pliable foot, the slipping plate being configured to permit movement of a base of a device relative to the pliable foot. The advantages of the slipping plate are apparent from the above embodiments.

The slipping plate may also comprise one or more contact portions for engaging the base engagement means in a slipping arrangement. Furthermore, the slipping plate may comprise one or more gripping portions.

The suction device may comprise a protrusion extending below the suction device.

When the device and suction device are not engaged, the protrusion extends below a lowest part of the pliable foot or the outer skirt portion.

When the device and suction device are engaged, the protrusion may be located above the lowest part of the pliable foot and the outer skirt portion.

The protrusion may be coupled to or integral with the pliable foot. Furthermore, the protrusion may be located away from an outer circumferential edge of the outer skirt portion, and away from a centre portion of the pliable toot.

The present invention also provides a bowl for receiving food stuffs, comprising: a bowl; and one or more removable bowl inserts locatable within the bowl, wherein the one or more bowl inserts are shaped and configured to engage with an inner surface of the bowl to provide a frictional engagement and/or air-tight seal between the insert and the bowl.

The bowl insert may comprise a lower surface having a shape to match a contour of an inner lower surface of the bowl. When the insert is inserted into the bowl, a gap is provided between the bowl inner lower surface and the insert lower surface. This enables the insert to be driven down into the bowl to push any air in the gap between the bowl and insert out of the bowl, thereby creating a lower air pressure volume of air between the bowl and insert to help retain the insert in the bowl.

When there are two or more inserts, each insert preferably comprises a contact surface for contacting a contact surface of an adjacent insert when located within the bowl. The contact surfaces are preferably shaped and configured to provide a frictional engagement and/or air-tight seal between adjacent inserts when located within the bowl.

Preferably the bowl insert is resiliently deformable. Preferably, the bowl insert comprises food safe silicon.

The insert may also comprise a tab or projection projecting from the contact surface of the insert for gripping the contact surface of the insert. Furthermore, the insert may comprise a tab or projection projecting from an outer surface of the insert for gripping the outer surface of the insert.

The bowl may be configured to engage with a suction device as described above for releasable attachment of the bowl to a surface.

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 shows a device such as a feeding bowl in exploded view; Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the feeding bowl of figure 1 when the base and suction device are assembled; Figure 3 shows an alternative arrangement of the suction device; Figure 4 shows the slipping plate of figure 3; Figure 5 shows an alternative suction device; Figure 6 shows the alternative suction device of figure 5 in cut-through; Figure 7 shows an assembled device and suction device using the suction device of figure 5 in cut-though; Figure 8 shows an alternative view of figure 7; Figure 9 shows the underside of a device such as a bowl; Figure 10 shows a suction device; Figure 11 shows the underside of a suction device; Figure 12 shows a cut-through view of the suction device of figure 11; Figure 13 shows a bowl insert; Figure 14 shows the bowl insert of figure 13 from an alternative angle; Figure 15 shows the bowl insert of figure 13 in a device such as a bowl; and Figure 16 shows the bowl insert and device of figure 15 in cut-through.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to figures 1 and 2, the present invention provides a bowl 1 for feeding an infant or a pet (for example a plastic bowl). The bowl 1 has a detachable rubber, silicon or other soft pliable non-porous material suction device comprising a pliable foot which over moulds a plastic base 3 (or base engagement means) with a central male threaded protrusion 4 (or engagement portion). The soft pliable foot 5 has a contact portion 6, which contacts a surface to which it is to be attached, and an outer skirt portion 7 around its circumference.

The bowl 1 further incorporates a base 2 which is attached to the bowl 1. The base 2 has a central female threaded recess 9 (or engagement portion).

By placing the soft pliable foot 5 onto a sufficiently smooth surface and pressing it down the contact surface 6 and outer skirt 7 of the pliable foot 5 adheres to the surface via suction. The threaded female recess 9 of the base 2 is then located on to the threaded male protrusion 4 and the base 2 and bowl 1 are screwed clockwise. This action draws up the soft pliable foot 5 and reduces the pressure in the volume underneath it. The air pressure outside the soft pliable foot 5 is therefore greater than the air pressure inside it and good adhesion by suction is created. As the bowl is screwed down further a contact portion 8 on the underside of the base 2 comes into contact with the outer skirt portion 7 of the soft pliable foot 5 and compresses it thus helping it to retain its shape and lengthen its memory effect and performance consistency.

Whilst figures 1 and 2 show base 3 is shown having a threaded male protrusion 4 as the engagement portion, it is envisaged that the engagement portion may instead be a female portion. Furthermore, the engagement portion may comprise a different engagement mechanism (i.e. different to a threaded engagement), for example a bayonet type fitting.

In alternative embodiments where the base 3 comprises a female portion, the base 2 of the bowl 1 alternatively comprises a male portion, which is arranged to cooperate with the engagement portion of the base 3. Similarly, the engagement portion may comprise a different engagement mechanism (i.e. different to a threaded engagement), for example a bayonet type fitting.

It has been found that the action of screwing the device, for example a toy or the feeding bowl 1 and base 2, onto the suction device can require the user to exert a higher level of force to turn the bowl. This is due to an additional force required to overcome frictional forces caused by reative movement between the base 2 and the foot 5 as they meet in engagement.

Figures 3 and 4 show an alternative arrangement for the device and suction device in order to address this problem.

As above, a bowl 1 for feeding an infant or a pet (for example a plastic bowl) has a detachable rubber, silicon or other soft pliable non-porous material suction device comprising a pliable foot 5 which over moulds a plastic base 3 with a central male threaded protrusion 4. The soft pliable foot 5 has a contact portion 6, which contacts a surface to which it is to be attached, and an outer skirt portion 7 around its circumference.

The bowl 1 further incorporates a base (not shown in the figure as it is shown attached to the bowl 1). The base has a central female threaded recess (also not shown) into which the male threaded portion 4 is received.

The suction device further comprises a slipping plate 10 which is arranged between the base of the bowl 1 and the plastic base 3 and toot 5. The slipping plate 10 is able to rotate freely about an axis passing through a central hole 11 when mounted on the base 3 with the male threaded portion passing through the central hole 11. The slipping plate 10 has contact portions 12 that engage with the protrusion 4 of the base 3 to enable it to rotate. The contact portions 12 could be a single hole dimensioned to receive the protrusion 4, or the contact portions 12 could be as shown in the figure (i.e. two or more portions 12 arranged to contact the protrusion 4 to engage with the protrusion 4).

The slipping plate 10 also has gripping portions 13 to enable a user to grip the slipping plate 10 for removal from the suction device for cleaning. The slipping plate 10 is manufactured from a material having a sufficiently low coefficient of friction to enable the bowl 1 and/or foot 5 to move relative to each other.

As above, the device is attached to a surface by placing the soft pliable foot 5 onto a sufficiently smooth surface and pressing it down; the contact surface 6 and outer skirt 7 of the pliable foot 5 adheres to the surface via suction. The threaded femae recess 9 of the base is then located on to the threaded male protrusion 4 and the base and bowl 1 are screwed clockwise.

As the base and bowl 1 are drawn nearer to the foot 5 (via the screw thread on the protrusion 4 in the plastic base 3), the sUpping plate 10 rotates with the rotation of the bowl 1, which slips relative to the base 3 and foot 5 more easily than if the slipping plate 10 were not there. As such, a reduced force is required to turn the bowl 1 to engage the suction device with the foot 5 and surface to which foot 5 is attached. The slipping plate (at least partially) isolates the rotational force of the bowl from the vertical movement of the foot as it is drawn up.

As before, the rotating action of the bowl draws up the soft pliable foot 5 and reduces the pressure within the volume beneath it. The air pressure outside the soft pliable foot is therefore greater than the air pressure inside it and good adhesion by suction is created. As the bowl is screwed down further a contact portion 8 on the underside of the base of the bowl 1 comes into contact with the outer skirt portion 7 of the soft pliable foot 5 and compresses it thus helping it to retain its shape and lengthen its memory effect and performance consistency.

As with the embodiments shown in figures 1 and 2, the threaded male portion 4 and threaded female portion 9 may be reversed (i.e. the threaded male portion 4 being located in the base 2, and the threaded female portion 9 being located in the base 3), and alternative engagement means to the thread may be used (for example a bayonet type engagement).

Whilst the above embodiment describes a separate slipping plate 10, the addition of a further, separable, component is not always desirable due to the risk that the slipping pate 10 may become separated and lost from the device. As such, a further embodiment will now be described with reference to figures 5 to 8.

Figures 5 and 6 show an alternative suction device from different views. As above, the suction device comprises a pliable foot 25 which may comprise of rubber, silicon or other soft pliable non-porous materials. A base 23, with a central male threaded protrusion (or engagement portion) 24, over-moulds the pliable foot 25. The base also comprises a surface 41 that has a lower coefficient of friction than that of the underside of the base 22 of the bowl 21, which contacts this surface when the suction device and bowl are engaged. The surface runs circumferentially around the base 41 and may extend radially from the outer edge of the engagement portion 24 to the circumferential edge, or may extend only a portion of the total radial length. The base 23 may be manufactured of the same material as the surface 41, or the surface 41 may be layered onto the base 23.

Furthermore, one or more recesses 31 are located along a portion of the base 23. The recesses permit air to flow into and out of a cavity formed between the suction device and the base 22 of the bowl 21 when engaged. Without the recesses 31, it may be more difficult to separate the bowl 21 from the suction device due to a vacuum forming between the bowl and suction device when engaged.

Figures 7 and 8 show the suction device of figures 5 and 6 when engaged with a bowl 21. As with the above embodiments, the bowl 21 further incorporates a base (not shown separately in the figure as it is shown attached to, or integral with, the bowl 21).

The base has a central female threaded recess (also not shown) into which the engagement portion 24 of the suction device is received.

As above, the device is attached to a surface by placing the soft pliable foot 25 onto a sufficiently smooth surface and pressing it down; the contact surface 26 and outer skirt 27 of the pliable foot 25 adheres to the surface via suction. The threaded female recess 29 of the base is then located on to the threaded male protrusion 24 and the base 22 and bowl 21 are screwed clockwise.

As the base 22 and bowl 21 are drawn nearer to the foot 25 (via the screw thread on the protrusion 24 on the base 23), the surface 41, which comprises a material having a lower coefficient of friction than the base 22 of the bowl 21, allows the bowl to slip relatively easily against the base 23 and foot 25. As such, a reduced force is required to turn the bowl 21 to engage the suction device with the foot 25 and surface to which foot 25 is attached. The surface 41 (at least partially) isolates the rotational force of the bowl from the vertical movement of the foot as it is drawn up.

As before, the rotating action of the bowl 21 draws up the soft pliable foot 25 and reduces the pressure within the volume beneath it. The air pressure outside the soft pliable foot 25 is therefore greater than the air pressure inside it and good adhesion by suction is created. As the bowl is screwed down further a contact portion 28 on the underside of the base of the bowl 21 comes into contact with the outer skirt portion 27 of the soft pliable toot 25 and compresses it thus helping it to retain its shape and lengthen its memory effect and performance consistency.

As with the embodiments shown in figures 1 2, 3 and 4, the threaded male portion 24 and threaded female portion 29 may be reversed (i.e. the threaded male portion 24 being located in the base 22, and the threaded female portion 29 being located in the base 23), and alternative engagement means to the thread may be used (for example a bayonet type engagement).

It is sometimes desirable for the bowl and suction device to remain coupled together, even when the suction device is removed from the surface to which it has been attached. This may be the case when, for example, the user wishes to move the bowl from one location to another quickly and easily, or if the user is holding items (or a child) in one hand and only has the other hand available for removing the bowl from the surface.

Keeping the bowl and suction device coupled together presents two problems: (i) how to prevent the bowl and suction device from separating easily, but to allow it to be separated for cleaning purposes; and (H) how to remove the suction device from the surface to which it was attached without removing the bowl from the suction device first.

Figures 9 and 10 address the first problem. Figure 9 shows the underside of a base 22 of a bowl 21. Figure 10 shows a suction device for use with the bowl shown in figure 9.

In figure 9, the base 22 of the bowl 21 is shown with a male threaded protrusion (an engagement portion), and correspondingly figure 10 shows a female threaded protrusion (or engagement portion). As with other embodiments described above, these features could be swapped.

The thread of figure 9 (i.e. the thread in the base 22 of the bowl 21) is shown comprising a protrusion 51 that extends radially outwardly from the thread base. The protrusion 51 is located at or near the beginning of the thread.

The thread of figure 10 (i.e. the thread in the suction device, which comprises the base 23 and pliable foot 25) is shown comprises a correspondingly shaped protrusion 52, also near the start of the thread. The thread of figure 10 further comprises a lead-in portion 53, which will be described below.

Thread protrusion 52 extends radially inwardly and also extends partially between adjacent threads. A gap 54 between the thread tracks still remains, to allow the thread of figure 9 to start and engage with the thread of figure 10, and also to permit separation of the two threads should the bowl and suction device need to be separated.

When the bowl 21 is first engaged with the suction device, the thread of figure 9 is guided into the thread of figure 10 by the lead-in portion 53 and through gap 54. Once engaged in threaded engagement, the threads behave normally, and the bowl is screwed onto the suction device as described above.

When the user needs to release the suction device from the surface, the bowl is unscrewed until the correspondingly shaped protrusions 51 and 52 abut one another at the start of the thread (i.e. when the bowl is at its furthermost unscrewed position).

Each of the protrusions have abutment faces that abut one another to prevent the thread being disengaged completely.

In this position, the suction device may be removed from the surface (since unscrewing the bowl to this position bring the air pressure in the volume under the suction device nearer to normal air pressure) whilst the bowl remains in firm engagement with the suction device.

However the gap 54 in the thread means that, should the user require separation of the bowl and suction device, all is required is a firm further twisting action between the bowl and the suction device to separate the bowl and suction device.

As such, once engaged in threaded engagement, the bowl and suction device may be screwed and unscrewed relative to one another between limits using a first force. To unscrew the bowl from the suction device, a second force that is greater than the first force is required to overcome the abutment between the protrusions 51, 52 in the corresponding threads.

Turning to the second problem mentioned above, sometimes it has been found that merely unscrewing the bowl to its outer limit (i.e. prior to separation of the bowl from the suction device) is not sufficient to break the seal between the suction device and the surface to which is was attached. For example, there may still be a vacuum beneath the suction device, or the outer skirt 27 may still firmly engage with the surface, preventing separation.

Figures 11 and 12 attempt to address this problem. Figures 11 and 12 show a suction device comprising the base 23 and pliable toot 25 similar to those shown in early figures. However, the suction device is also provided with a protrusion 61 extending downwardly from the pliable foot 25.

When the suction device is in a resting position (i.e. the bowl is unscrewed), the protrusion 61 extends below the lowest portion of the pliable foot 25, or, in some embodiments, below the lowest portion of the outer skirt 27. As the bowl is screwed into the suction device, the protrusion 61 retracts with the engagement portion 24, raising the protrusion to above the lowest portion of the outer skirt 27 and foot 25, which permits the pliable foot 25 and outer skirt 27 to create a seal with the surface to permit a reduced air pressure to be created underneath the pliable foot 25. As the bowl is unscrewed again, the protrusion 62 extends below the level of the pliable foot 25 or outer skirt 27, which forces the suction device away from the surface, breaking the seal between the foot 25 and skirt 27 and thus releasing the suction device from the surface.

The protrusion 61 is preferably located radially away trom a central axis in the toot (not shown) extending through the centre of the engagement portion 24. Preferably the protrusion 61 is located radially inwardly of the outer skirt and the outer circumferential edge of the foot 25. The protrusion may be of any shape. The protruson shown in figures 11 and 12 is oblong.

Whilst figures 9, 10, 11 and 12 show the protrusions 51, 52, lead-in portion 53, and gap 54 in combination with protrusion 61, it is envisaged that features 51, 52, 53 and 54 may be used without protrusion 61. Similarly, it is envisages that protrusion 61 may be used without features 51, 52, 53 and 54.

In preferred embodiments, the shape ot the bowl is such that it is suitable for feeding an infant.

In further embodiments the bowl can include partitions to enable different foods to be separated from each other.

Figures 13 to 16 describe embodiments where the bowl receives one or more bowl inserts.

Bowl inserts are particularly useful for separating foodstuffs within the bowl (for example for children one bowl insert may be used for one set of foodstuffs, and the other for a second set of foodstuffs). The bowl inserts that shall be described below are removable to enable ease of emptying, cleaning and refilling, and also to be used as a separate portable bowl part, for example to use to feed a baby snacks (either by themselves, or with the help of an adult).

In the preferred embodiment, there are two bowl inserts 61, although only one is shown in the drawings for the sake of clarity. It would be apparent that other numbers of bowl inserts 61 would be possible, for example 3, 4, 5, or a greater number. Whilst the bowl inserts 61 are described with reference to the bowl 21, it can also be used with bowl 1.

The bowl insert 61 comprises a bowl portion for receiving items (for example foodstuffs), a bowl insert contacting surface 62 for contacting a neighbouring or adjacent bowl insert 61. The bowl insert further comprises a lower surface 63. The bowl insert is preferable made from a resilienty deformable and durable material that is food safe, for example a food safe silicon or the like.

The bowl insert 61 is shaped to be received snugly in the bowl 21. When each of the corresponding bowl inserts 6 are fully inserted into the bowl 21, portions of the outer circumferential surface of each of the inserts 61 contact inner surface of the bowl 21 and also the contact surface 62 of each of the inserts 61 contacts the corresponding contact surface 62 of the other inserts 61. The shape of the lower surface 63 is configured to follow a contour (closely, but not exactly) of the bowl 21 into which the insert 61 is placed.

By this arrangement, the outer circumferential surface of each of the inserts 61 and the contact surface 62 of each of the inserts 61 provide a frictional engagement with the bowl 21 and each other insert 61 to prevent easy removal of the insert 61 from the bowl 21. Furthermore, this arrangement also provides substantially air-tight seals so that, by insertion of the inserts 61 into the bowl 21, air beneath the inserts 61 is forced out, leaving a volume of air beneath the inserts 61 having a lower air pressure than the air surrounding the outer surface of the inserts 61. As such, the air pressure difference aids in the retention of the inserts 61 within the bowl 21.

A gap may be left between the lower surface 63 and the upper surface of the bowl 21 in order to allow the inserts 61 to be pressed into the bowl 21 to push any air beneath the inserts 61 out to create the volume of air having the lower air pressure.

In order to remove the inserts 61 (for example for refilling or cleaning), the air-tight seal between the inserts 61 and inner surface of the bowl 21 or between the adjacent inserts 61 may be broken by deforming the inserts 61 away from the inner surface of the bowl 21 or by separating the contact surfaces 62 to enable air to be drawn into the lower air pressure space beneath the inserts 61. The inserts 61 may then be removed.

In some embodiments, the bowl inserts may comprise a tab or some projecting feature to enable to user to separate the contact surfaces from each other or to separate the outer circumferential surface of the insert from the inner surface of the bowl.

In further embodiments the shape of the bowl is such that it is suitable for feeding pets.

In further embodiments the rim of the bowl can be scalloped to enable easier twisting.

This feature is particularly desirable when used by the elderly or infirm.

In further embodiments the base and the soft pliable foot can be integrated into toys, which require suction to adhere, them onto surfaces such as a child's highchair or a hard floor surface.

It will be appreciated that since the pliable foot 5 is removeably attachable to the base 2 of the bowl 1, the bowl and base may be removed from the foot for cleaning without needing the foot to be removed from the surface. This interchangability also means that several different bowls, plates or toys may be placed on the foot at dftferent times dependent on the needs of the infant or pet being fed or entertained. In some embodiments, the base 2 and bowl 1 may be integral with one another.

The foot may be made from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), rubber or silicon. The skilled reader will appreciate the properties required of the pliable foot (for example non-porous, non-slip, pliable, preferably retains its shape over time). For children's feeding bowls, this would preferably be made from BPA-free polypropylene. The male thread is preferably made from a material that is resistant to high temperatures (due to the over-moulding process to manufacture and assemble the pliable foot), for example a high-temperature specified polypropylene.

The choice of non-metallic parts through the construction of the device means that all components may be placed in a microwave or dishwasher.

Whilst the slipping plate 10 has been described in conjunction with the feature that the skirt portion 7 of the foot 5 is compressed when the device is engaged with the foot, we also envisage embodiments where the slipping plate may be used without the device compressing the skirt 7 when engaged. We also envisage embodiments without the slipping plate 10 but with the lower friction surface where the outer skirt 7 is not compressed by the base.

Whilst the present invention has beer described with reference to feeding bowls (whether for pets or children), it will be appreciated that the suction device also may be mated with other items, such as a toy (for example a child's or pet's toy).

No doubt many other effective alternatives will occur to the skilled person. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments and encompasses modifications apparent to those skilled in the art lying within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A device for releasable attachment to a surface, the device comprising: a base having a lower contact portion; a suction device releasably attachable to a surface and releasably engageable with the base, the suction device comprising: a base engagement means for releasable engagement with the base; and a pliable foot for contacting a surface having a surface contact portion comprising an outer skirt portion, wherein, when the base is engaged with the suction device, the lower contact portion of the base contacts and compresses the outer skirt portion.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the base of the device comprises a second lower contact portion, and the suction device comprises an upper contact surface, the second lower contact porton of the base of the device contacting the upper contact surface of the suction devce when the base is engaged with the suction device, and wherein the upper contact surface comprises a material having a lower coefficient of friction than that of the base of the device.
3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the upper contact surface comprises one or more recesses.
4. A device according to claim 2, wherein the upper contact surface comprises a slipping plate arranged between the plable foot and base, the slipping plate being configured to permit movement of the base of the device relative to the pliable foot.
5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the slipping plate comprises one or more contact portions for engaging the base engagement means in a slipping arrangement.
6. A device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the slipping plate comprises one or more gripping portions.
7. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the base engagement means comprises an engagement portion for releasable engagement with the base of the device.
8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the base comprises an engagement portion arranged to cooperate with the engagement portion of the base engagement means to provide a releasable engagement between the base and the suction device.
9. A device according to claim 8, wherein each of the engagement portion of the suction device and the engagement portion of the base comprise a restricting means to restrict free separation of the device and the suction device once engaged.
10. A device according to claim 9, wherein the engagement portion of the suction device and the engagement portion of the base comprise correspondingly-shaped threads to provide a threaded engagement between the device and the suction device, and wherein the restricting means comprises a protrusion in the path of the thread, each of the protrusions being configured to interact or abut one another to restrict free separation of the device and the suction device once the threads are engaged.
11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the restricting means is located at or near the start of each of the threads.
12. A device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the protrusion on the engagement portion of the suction device or the engagement portion of the base extends partially between adjacent threads.
13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the thread comprising the protrusion extending partially between adjacent threads comprises a lead-in portion for guiding the corresponding thread into engagement.
14. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the suction device comprises a protrusion extending below the suction device.
15. A device according to claim 14, wherein when the device and suction device are not engaged, the protrusion extends below a lowest part of the pliable foot or the outer skirt portion.
16. A device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein when the device and suction device are engaged, the protrusion is above the lowest part of the pliable foot and the outer skirt portion.
17. A device according to claim 14, 15 or 16, wherein the protrusion is coupled to or integral with the pliable foot.
18. A device according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the protrusion is located away from an outer circumferential edge of the outer skirt portion, and away from a centre portion of the pliable foot.
19. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein, when the base and suction device are engaged, the base engagement means deforms the pliable foot in order to create volume of air beneath the pliable foot having an air pressure that is lower than the air pressure surrounding the pliable foot.
20. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is separable from the base.
21. A device according to claim 22, wherein, when the base and device are engaged, the base sits in a lower recess of the device.
22. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is a feeding bowl or a toy.
23. A device according to claim 22, comprising one or more removable bowl inserts locatable within the bowl, the one or more bowl inserts being shaped and configured to engage with an inner surface of the bow to provide a frictional engagement and/or air-tight seal between the insert and the bowl.
24. A device according to claim 23! wherein the bowl insert comprises a lower surface having a shape to match a contour of an inner lower surface of the bowl.
25. A device according to claim 24, wherein, when the insert is inserted into the bowl, a gap is provided between the bowl inner lower surface and the insert lower surface.
26. A device according to claim 23, 24 or 25, wherein, when there are two or more inserts, each insert comprises a contact surface for contacting a contact surface of an adjacent insert when located within the bowl.
27. A device according to claim 26, wherein the contact surfaces are shaped and configured to provide a frictional engagement and/or air-tight seal between adjacent inserts when located within the bowl.
28. A device according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the bowl insert is resiliently deformable.
29. A device according to any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the bowl insert comprises food safe silicon.
30. A device according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the insert comprises a tab or projection projecting from the contact surface of the insert for gripping the contact surface of the insert.
31. A device according to any one of claims 23 to 30, wherein the insert comprises a tab or projection projecting from an outer surface of the insert for gripping the outer surface of the insert.
32. A suction device for releasable affachment to a surface, the suction device comprising: a base engagement means for releasable engagement with a base of a device; and a pliable foot for contacting a surface having a surface contact portion comprising an outer skirt portion, wherein, the outer skirt portion is arranged such that, when a base is engaged with the suction device, a lower contact portion of the base contacts and compresses the outer skirt portion.
33. A suction device according to claim 32, wherein the base of the device comprises a second lower contact portion, and the suction device comprises an upper contact surface, the second lower contact portion of the base of the device contacting the upper contact surface of the suction device when the base is engaged with the suction device, and wherein the upper contact surface comprises a material having a lower coefficient of friction than that of the base of the device.
34. A suction device according to claim 33, wherein the upper contact surface comprises a slipping plate above the pliable foot, the slipping plate being configured to permit movement of a base of a device relative to the pliable foot.
35. A suction device according to claim 34, wherein the slipping plate comprises one or more contact portions for engaging the base engagement means in a slipping arrangement.
36. A suction device according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the slipping plate comprises one or more gripping portions.
37. A suction device according to any one of claims 32 to 36, comprising a protrusion extending below the suction device.
38. A suction device according to claim 37, wherein when the device and suction device are not engaged, the protrusion extends below a lowest part of the pliable foot or the outer skirt portion.
39. A suction device according to daim 37 or 38, wherein when the device and suction device are engaged, the protruson is above the lowest part of the pliable foot and the outer skirt portion.
40. A suction device according to claim 37, 38 or 39, wherein the protrusion is coupled to or integral with the pliable foot.
41. A suction device according to any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein the protrusion is located away from an outer circumferential edge of the outer skirt portion, and away from a centre portion of the pliable foot.
42. A bowl for receiving food stuffs, comprising: a bowl; and one or more removable bowl inserts locatable within the bowl, wherein the one or more bowl inserts are shaped and configured to engage with an inner surface of the bowl to provide a frictional engagement and/or air-tight seal between the insert and the bowl.
43. A bowl according to claim 42, wherein the bowl insert comprises a lower surface having a shape to match a contour of an inner lower surface of the bowl.
44. A bowl according to claim 43, wherein, when the insert is inserted nto the bowl, a gap is provided between the bowl inner lower surface and the insert lower surface.
45. A bowl according to claim 42, 43 or 44, wherein, when there are two or more inserts, each insert comprises a contact surface for contacting a contact surface of an adjacent insert when located within the bowl.
46. A bowl according to claim 45, wherein the contact surfaces are shaped and configured to provide a frictional engagement and/or air-tight seal between adjacent inserts when located within the bowl.
47. A bowl according to any one of claims 42 to 46, wherein the bowl insert is resiliently deformable.
48. A bowl according to any one of claims 42 to 48, wherein the bowl insert comprises food safe silicon.
49. A bowl according to any one of claims 45 to 48, wherein the insert comprises a tab or projection projecting from the contact surface of the insert for gripping the contact surface of the insert.
50. A bowl according to any one of claims 42 to 49, wherein the insert comprises a tab or projection projecting from an outer surface of the insert for gripping the outer surface of the insert.
51. A bowl according to any one of claims 42 to 50, wherein the bowl is configured to engage with a suction device according to any one of claims 32 to 41 for releasable attachment of the bowl to a surface.
52. A device or suction device for releasable attachment to a surface substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.
53. A bowl or bowl insert substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.