Stabilization mechanism and manufacturing method

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus comprising: a base portion comprising a holding device, the holding device comprising at least one opening; and at least one stabilization mechanism wherein each of the at least one stabilization mechanism comprises a connecting element and a support element wherein the connecting element has a shape configured to be positioned in the at least one opening, and wherein the at least one stabilization mechanism provides stability to the device when the at least one stabilization mechanism is deployed to the first position to expand the footprint of the device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to stabilization mechanisms and, more particularly, to methods of using and making stabilization mechanisms. Background Art

[0002] Gravity dispensers for food or other liquids operate by inverting a container holding the food or liquid and dispensing the food or liquid into a tray or bowl. Typically, the container is heavy when initially filled and may be heavier than the tray or bowl holding the food or liquid. In scenarios where a pet uses a gravity dispenser, the gravity dispenser may be knocked over if the pet bumps into the container due to the imbalance in weight between the container and the tray or bowl. Therefore, there is a need to provide gravity dispensers with improved stability to mitigate the risk of them being knocked over. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] In order to facilitate further description of the embodiments, the following drawings are provided, in which:

[0004] Figure 1A shows an exploded view of an exemplary dispenser according to an embodiment;

[0005] Figure 1B Showing the embodiment according to Figure 1A An assembled view of an exemplary dispenser;

[0006] Figure 2A Showing the embodiment according to Figure 1A A top left front perspective view of a base portion;

[0007] Figure 2B Showing the embodiment according to Figure 1A Different top left front perspective views of the base portion;

[0008] Figure 2C Showing the embodiment according to Figure 1A The base part along the section line AA( Figure 1B a cross-sectional view of

[0009] Figure 2D Showing the embodiment according to Figure 1A A bottom left front perspective view of the base portion;

[0010] Figure 2E Showing the embodiment according to Figure 1A A retaining device for the base portion;

[0011] Figure 3A Showing the embodiment according to Figure 1A A top perspective view of a stabilizing mechanism;

[0012] Figure 3B Showing the embodiment according to Figure 1A A bottom view of a portion of a stabilizing mechanism;

[0013] Figure 3C Shown is a connection to Figure 2E The holding device Figure 1A A bottom view of a portion of a stabilizing mechanism;

[0014] Figure 3D Shown is a connection to Figure 2E The holding device Figure 1A An alternative bottom view of the stabilizing mechanism;

[0015] Figure 4A Showing the embodiment according to Figure 1A A top left front perspective view of the adapter;

[0016] Figure 4B Showing the embodiment according to Figure 1A A top right front perspective view of the adapter;

[0017] Figure 4C Showing the embodiment according to Figure 1A a view of an upper portion of a coupling mechanism of an adapter;

[0018] Figure 5A Showing the embodiment according to Figure 1A a side view of a bottom portion of a container;

[0019] Figure 5B Showing the embodiment according to Figure 1A a side view of an alternative embodiment of a bottom portion of a container;

[0020] Figure 6 Showing the embodiment according to Figure 1A An exploded view of a dispenser mechanism;

[0021] Fig. 7A Shown according to the use Figure 5A Embodiments of the container Figure 1B A portion of the dispenser (as partially assembled) along section line BB ( Figure 1B a cross section of

[0022] Figure 7B Shown according to the use Figure 5A Embodiments of the container and also using embodiments of the dispenser mechanism Figure 1B A portion of the dispenser (as fully assembled) along section line AA ( Figure 1B Another cross section of the

[0023] Figure 8illustrating an alternative stabilization mechanism according to an embodiment; and

[0024] Fig. 9 A flow chart showing a method for manufacturing a device according to an embodiment.

[0025] For the sake of simplicity and clarity, the drawings show the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. In addition, the elements in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. For example, the sizes of some elements in the drawings may be enlarged relative to other elements to help improve the understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals in different figures represent the same elements.

[0026] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc., if any, in the specification and claims are used to distinguish similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a particular ordered or temporal order. It should be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable where appropriate, such that the embodiments described herein can, for example, operate in a sequence different from the sequence shown or otherwise described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that includes a series of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, and may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, systems, articles, devices, or apparatus.

[0027] The use of the terms "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "above", "below", etc., if any, in the specification and claims is for descriptive purposes and is not necessarily intended to describe permanent relative positions. It is understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and / or articles described herein are, for example, capable of operation in orientations other than those shown or otherwise described herein.

[0028] The terms "couple / coupled / couples / coupling" and the like should be understood broadly and refer to connecting two or more elements mechanically and / or otherwise. A coupling may last for any length of time, such as permanently or semi-permanently or only momentarily. The absence of the words "removably", "removable", etc. near the words "couple", etc. does not mean that the coupling, etc. in question is removable or non-removable.

[0029] As defined herein, two or more elements are "unitary" if they are composed of the same piece of material. As defined herein, two or more elements are "non-unitary" if they are composed of different pieces of material.

[0030] As defined herein, in some embodiments, "approximately" may mean within plus or minus ten percent of the stated value. In other embodiments, "approximately" may mean within plus or minus five percent of the stated value. In further embodiments, "approximately" may mean within plus or minus three percent of the stated value. In still other embodiments, "approximately" may mean within plus or minus one percent of the stated value. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Various embodiments are directed to stabilization mechanisms and methods of manufacture. Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a device comprising: a base portion comprising a retaining device comprising at least one opening; and at least one stabilization mechanism, wherein each of the at least one stabilization mechanism comprises a connecting element and a supporting element, wherein the connecting element has a shape configured to be positioned in the at least one opening, and wherein when the at least one stabilization mechanism is deployed to a first position to expand the footprint of the device, the at least one stabilization mechanism provides stability to the device.

[0032] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of manufacturing a device. In some embodiments, the method includes: providing a base portion, the base portion including a retaining device, the retaining device including at least one opening; and providing at least one stabilization mechanism, wherein each of the at least one stabilization mechanism includes a connecting element and a supporting element, wherein the connecting element has a shape configured to be positioned in the at least one opening, and wherein when the at least one stabilization mechanism is deployed to a first position to expand the footprint of the device, the at least one stabilization mechanism provides stability to the device.

[0033] The embodiments disclosed herein address the common problem of food or liquid dispensers tipping over. Conventional dispensers do not include stabilization mechanisms, which often result in the device tipping over, food spilling, or breaking when impacted. The embodiments disclosed herein relate to significant improvements over existing dispensers by increasing stability.

[0034] As demonstrated by the present disclosure, the stabilization mechanism can be customizable, with a range of adjustable features that allow the user to customize it to their specific needs. The stabilization mechanism is intuitive to use and can be adjusted with minimal force, allowing the user to quickly and easily increase the stability of their dispenser.

[0035] Go to the attached picture, Figure 1A The exemplary dispenser 100 is shown in an exploded view, and Figure 1BAn exemplary dispenser 100 is shown in an assembled view. The dispenser 100 of the illustrated embodiment includes a base portion 102, a stabilizing mechanism 104, an adapter 106, a container 108, a dispenser mechanism 110, a lid 112, a collar 114, a tray 116, and a retaining mechanism 118. The lid 112 is adapted to be coupled to the container 108 to hold food or liquids, and the collar 114 is adapted to be coupled to the container 108 to assist a user in holding the container 108.

[0036] Go to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E , showing various views of the base portion 102. In particular, Figure 2A Show Figure 1A A top left front perspective view of the base portion 102, Figure 2B Show Figure 1A A different top left front perspective view of the base portion 102, Figure 2C Show Figure 1A The base portion 102 is along the section line AA ( Figure 1B ), Figure 2D Show Figure 1A A bottom left front perspective view of the base portion 102, and Figure 2E Show Figure 1A The base portion 102 is provided with a retaining device 226. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E Implementation of the base portion 102.

[0037] exist FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 102 includes a central region 200 having a bottom surface 202, a bottom edge 204, and an outer sidewall 206. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer sidewall 206 includes an inner surface 208 and an outer surface 210. The inner surface 208 and the outer surface 210 are spaced apart to define a recessed portion 212 ( Figure 2C ). The size of the recess 212 can be set based on the desired width of the base portion 102. In some embodiments, the base portion 102 includes supports 214 that are positioned in the recess 212 to connect the interior surface 208 and the exterior surface 210.

[0038] The base portion 102 of the illustrated embodiment includes a coupling mechanism 216 formed on the bottom surface 202 and the interior surface 208 of the outer side wall 206. The coupling mechanism 216 includes a back support 218, one or more side supports 220, one or more ribs 222, and one or more walls 224. The coupling mechanism 216 is used to connect the adapter 106 ( Figure 1A ) is connected to the base portion 102, as discussed in more detail below.

[0039] The base portion 102 (particularly the outer sidewall 206) includes a portion 225 having a certain shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the shape of the portion 225 is concave. However, the shape can be convex or any other type of shape (e.g., triangular, rectangular, etc.).

[0040] The base portion 102 of the illustrated embodiment includes at least one retaining device 226 on the bottom surface 202. The retaining device 226 includes a first protrusion 228, a second protrusion 230, and a third protrusion 232. The first protrusion 228 and the second protrusion 230 operate in a similar manner (e.g., the second protrusion 230 is a mirror image of the structure of the first protrusion 228). The first protrusion 228 includes a first end 234 and a second end 236. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 234 is coupled to the bottom surface 202. The second end 236 of the first protrusion 228 includes a rib 238 extending along the axis 240 of the retaining device 226 approximately half the length of the first protrusion 228. The rear portion 242 of the first protrusion 228 is coupled to the third protrusion 232. In the illustrated embodiment, the third protrusion 232 is approximately half the height of the first protrusion 228. The ribs 238 of the first protrusion 228 (as well as the ribs 238 of the second protrusion 230) and the third protrusion 232 define an opening 244. In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs 238 are spaced apart by a first distance 246, and the first protrusion 228 and the second protrusion 230 are spaced apart by a second distance 248. The first distance 246 and the second distance 248 are different and define a retention feature (e.g., a snap-fit ​​connection).

[0041] return Figure 2D In some embodiments, the outer sidewall 206 is sized to raise the bottom surface 202 away from the bottom edge 204 (e.g., the bottom edge 204 of the outer sidewall 206). For example, the bottom edge 204 is adapted to extend beyond the bottom surface 202 of the base portion 102, thereby raising the bottom surface 202, such as Figure 2C In some embodiments, when the dispenser 100 ( Figure 1A ) is supported by a support surface (e.g., a table, a floor, etc.), the support surface is closer to a bottom edge 204 of an outer side wall 206 of the base portion 102 than a bottom surface 202 of a central area 200 of the base portion 102.

[0042] Go to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D , various views of the stabilization mechanism 104 are shown. In particular, Figure 3A yes Figure 1A A top perspective view of the stabilizing mechanism 104; Figure 3B yes Figure 1A A bottom view of a portion of the stabilizing mechanism 104; Figure 3C is connected to Figure 2E The holding device 226 Figure 1A A bottom view of a portion of the stabilizing mechanism 104; and Figure 3D is connected to Figure 2E The holding device 226 Figure 1A An alternative bottom view of the stabilizing mechanism 104. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D Implementation of the stabilizing mechanism 104. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the dispenser 100 includes two stabilizing mechanisms, each stabilizing mechanism is located on opposite sides (left and right) of the dispenser 100. In other embodiments, the dispenser may include (a) two stabilizing mechanisms located at the front and rear sides of the dispenser; and / or (b) three or more stabilizing mechanisms. In some embodiments, the dispenser may include a stabilizing mechanism located on the front, rear, left or right sides of the dispenser.

[0043] exist FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D In the illustrated embodiment, the stabilizing mechanism 104 includes a connecting element 300 and a supporting element 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting element 300 includes a rod 304 and one or more openings 306. The connecting element 300 has a structure configured to be positioned in the holding device 226 ( Figure 2E ) opening 244( Figure 2E ). Figure 3C and Figure 3D In the illustrated embodiment, the rod 304 of the connecting element 300 is positioned in the opening 244 and is retained in the opening 244 by the rib 238. The rib 238 of the first protrusion 228 is positioned in the opening 306 of the connecting element 300 to allow the stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) can be around axis 240 ( Figure 2E ) rotates. Stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) is surrounded by the retaining device 226 ( Figure 2E ) defined by the axis 240( Figure 2E ) rotates approximately 180 degrees. In particular, the stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) is operable between a retracted position and a deployed position. In the retracted position, the stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) is rotated to stabilize the mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) is positioned on the bottom surface 202 ( Figure 2A ) and by the outer side wall 206 ( Figure 2A ) covers, so that when the bottom edge 204 ( Figure 2A ) will be distributed 100 ( Figure 1A ) is supported above the support surface, the stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) is not visible. In the deployed position, the stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) is rotated to stabilize the mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A) is positioned in the deployed position and partially on the outer side wall 206 ( Figure 2A ) outside, such as Figure 1B As shown, the stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) Expandable distributor 100 ( Figure 1A ) occupies a space, thereby being consistent with the stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) is at the bottom surface 202 ( Figure 2D ) below the retracted position, the dispenser 100 ( Figure 1A ) provides improved stability.

[0044] Stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) of the support element 302 includes a top surface 308 and a bottom surface 310. The top surface 308 includes a recessed portion 312. In the embodiments disclosed herein, the outer side wall 206 ( Figure 2A ) includes a portion 225 having a certain shape ( Figure 2B ), and the recessed portion 312 has a complementary shape, when the stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) is in the deployed position, the outer side wall 206 ( Figure 2A ) section 225( Figure 2B ) is positioned in the complementary shape. Figure 3C and Figure 3D , stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) is in the deployed position, and the outer side wall 206 ( Figure 2A ) section 225( Figure 2B ) is positioned in the recessed portion 312.

[0045] In some embodiments, the stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) contacts a supporting surface (e.g., a table, a floor, etc.). For example, when the stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) is in the deployed position, the stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) The base portion 102 ( Figure 1A ) is supported above the support surface so that when the stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) is in the deployed position, the base portion 102 ( Figure 1A ) does not contact the support surface. In the above embodiment, when the stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) is in the deployed position, the dispenser 100 ( Figure 1A ) is increased in height. In other embodiments, when the stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) is in the deployed position, the dispenser 100 ( Figure 1A ) does not increase in height. For example, the outer side wall 206 ( Figure 2A ) may have a recess or an opening, the stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A) fits into the recess or opening when in the deployed position. In this embodiment, when the stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) is in the deployed position, the stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) and the outer side wall 206 ( Figure 2A )'s bottom edge 204 may contact the support surface.

[0046] The bottom surface 310 includes a housing 314 for the retaining mechanism 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining mechanism 118 is a rubber stop. In many embodiments, the bottom surface 310 may have multiple housings and retaining mechanisms. In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism 118 contacts the support surface (e.g., a table, a floor, etc.). For example, when the stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) is in the deployed position, the retaining mechanism 118 holds the base portion 102 ( Figure 1A ) is supported above the support surface so that when the stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) is in the deployed position, the base portion 102 ( Figure 1A ) does not contact the support surface. The higher friction surface of the holding mechanism 118 (with the base portion 102 and the stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) further reduces the friction of the distributor 100 ( Figure 1A ) lateral movement. In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism 118 and / or the stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) is emphasized to provide more than the expansion distributor 100 ( Figure 1A )'s additional support for the occupied space.

[0047] Go to FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C , showing the adapter 106 ( Figure 1A ). In particular, Figure 4A Show Figure 1A A top left front perspective view of the adapter; Figure 4B Show Figure 1A a top right front perspective view of the adapter; and Figure 4C Show Figure 1A A view of the upper portion of the coupling mechanism of the adapter. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C Adapter 106 ( Figure 1A ) implementation plan.

[0048] exist FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C In the illustrated embodiment, the adapter 106 includes an exterior surface 400 and an interior surface 402. The adapter 106 ( Figure 1A ) includes a first coupling mechanism 404. In the illustrated embodiment, the first coupling mechanism 404 is included in the adapter 106 ( Figure 1A) on the outer surface 400. The first coupling mechanism 404 is adapted to receive the base portion 102 ( Figure 1A ) of the connecting mechanism 216 ( Figure 2B ) of one or more ribs 222 ( Figure 2B ) to connect the adapter 106 ( Figure 1A ) is connected to the base portion 102 ( Figure 1A ). The adapter 106 ( Figure 1A ) includes a side wall portion 406 defining an opening 408. The side wall portion 406 is adjacent to the back support member 218 ( Figure 2B ) and one or more side supports 220 ( Figure 2B )’s rear surface positioning, such as Fig. 7A and Figure 7B One or more walls 224 ( Figure 2B ) is adapted to abut the side wall portion 406 to further retain the adapter 106 ( Figure 1A ).

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the adapter 106 ( Figure 1A ) includes an upper portion 410, which includes a first annular shoulder 412, a second annular shoulder 414 and a third annular shoulder 416. The second annular shoulder 414 includes a second coupling mechanism 418. Figure 4C As shown, the second coupling mechanism 418 includes an opening 420, a housing 422, and a lip 424. The second coupling mechanism 418 is suitable for coupling the adapter 106 ( Figure 1A ) is connected to the container 108 ( Figure 1A ).

[0050] Go to Figure 5A , a side view of the bottom portion of the container 108 is shown. Figure 5A In the illustrated embodiment, the container 108 includes an inner surface 500 (e.g., an interior portion of the container 108) and an outer surface 502. Figure 5A In the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface 502 includes a first coupling mechanism 504 and a second coupling mechanism 506. The first coupling mechanism 504 includes a protrusion 508. In some embodiments, the container 108 ( Figure 1A ) is positioned so that the protrusion 508 is positioned within the opening 420 ( Figure 4C ), and then rotating the container 108 ( Figure 1A ) to position the protrusion 508 on the housing 422 ( Figure 4C ), thereby placing container 108 ( Figure 1A ) is connected to the adapter 106 ( Figure 1A ), and lip 424 ( Figure 4C ) retaining protrusion 508. Figure 5A In the illustrated embodiment, the second coupling mechanism 506 is used to couple the dispenser mechanism 110 ( Figure 1A ) is connected to the container 108 ( Figure 1A ). Figure 5A The container 108 of the illustrated embodiment is used to dispense liquids, rather than solid food.

[0051] Figure 5B A side view of an alternative embodiment of a bottom portion of a container 108 for dispensing solid food rather than liquids is shown. Figure 5B In the illustrated embodiment, the container 108 does not include the second coupling mechanism 506 (and therefore, is not attached to the dispenser mechanism 110 ( Figure 1A )), thereby enabling the opening adjacent the first coupling mechanism 508 to be larger to allow solid food to pass therethrough during operation (eg, when the container 108 is coupled to the adapter 106). Figure 5A The second coupling mechanism 506 in the embodiment is a threaded connector and is suitable for connecting the dispenser mechanism 110 ( Figure 1A ) is connected to the container 108 ( Figure 1A ).

[0052] Go to Figure 6 , showing the dispenser mechanism 110 ( Figure 1A ) is an exploded view of the embodiment shown. The dispenser mechanism 110 of the illustrated embodiment includes: a cap base 600 including a recess 602 and an opening 604; a stem 606 positioned in the opening 604; a seal 608 positioned in the recess 602; a silicone seal 610 coupled to the upper end of the stem 606; a sealing cover 612 positioned in the recess 602 above the seal 608; a filter 614 positioned on the sealing cover 612; and a housing 616 positioned in the recess 602 above the sealing cover 612. The housing 616 is adapted to retain the stem 606, the seal 608, the silicone seal 610, the sealing cover 612, and the filter 614. In some embodiments, the stem 606, the seal 608, the silicone seal 610, the sealing cover 612, the filter 614, and the housing 616 are positioned in the container 108 ( Figure 1A ) in an interior portion (eg, adjacent to the inner surface 500). The recess 602 includes a complementary threaded connector to allow the dispensing mechanism 110 ( Figure 1A ) can be connected to the container 108 ( Figure 1A ) of the second connecting mechanism 506 ( Figure 5A ).

[0053] Briefly go to Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , Fig. 7A yes Figure 1B A portion of the dispenser (as partially assembled) along section line BB ( Figure 1B ), and Figure 7B According to the use Figure 5A Embodiments of the container and also using embodiments of the dispenser mechanism Figure 1B A portion of the dispenser (as fully assembled) along section line AA ( Figure 1B Briefly go to Figure 7B During operation, the rod 606 engages the tray 116 to disengage the silicone seal 610 , thereby allowing liquid in the container 108 to pass through the filter 614 to load the pet liquid into the tray 116 .

[0054] Go to Figure 8 , showing an alternative stabilizing mechanism 800. With stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 3A , Figure 3B ) is used, when the alternative stabilizing mechanism 800 is used, the retaining device 226 ( Figure 2E ) rotated 90 degrees and closer to the bottom surface 202 ( Figure 2D ) is positioned at the central portion, and the connecting element 300 ( Figure 3A ) of rod 304( Figure 3A ) is divided into along the retaining device 226 ( Figure 2E ) axis 240( Figure 2E ) slide along three separate tracks 802. In this embodiment, the stabilizing mechanism 800 is arranged along the retaining device 226 ( Figure 2E ) slides to transition the stabilizing mechanism 800 between (a) a deployed position and (b) a retracted position, in which the stabilizing mechanism 800 is positioned on the base portion 102 ( Figure 1A ) and in the retracted position, the stabilizing mechanism 800 is positioned on the base portion 102 ( Figure 1A ) of the bottom surface 202 ( Figure 2A ) below.

[0055] Fig. 9 A flow chart is shown of a method (900) for making a device, such as dispenser 100 (FIG. 1), according to certain embodiments. As an example, a dispenser made using method 900 can be similar or identical to dispenser 100 (FIG. 1).

[0056] In various embodiments, method 900 may include providing a base portion including a retaining device including at least one opening (block 902). For example, providing base portion 102 ( Figure 1A ), the base portion includes a retaining device 226 ( Figure 2E ), the retaining device includes an opening 244 ( Figure 2E). In some embodiments, the base portion may be made of plastic and may be formed by injection molding.

[0057] In various embodiments, method 900 may include providing at least one stabilization mechanism, wherein each of the at least one stabilization mechanism includes a connecting element and a supporting element (block 904). For example, providing stabilization mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ), wherein the stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) includes a connecting element 300 ( Figure 3A ) and support element 302 ( Figure 3A In some embodiments, the connecting element 300 ( Figure 3A ) has a configuration to be positioned in at least one opening 244 ( Figure 2E ) and when at least one stabilizing mechanism 104 ( Figure 1A ) is deployed to a first position to expand the footprint of the device, at least one stabilizing mechanism 302 ( Figure 3A ) provides stability to the device. In some embodiments, the stabilizing mechanism may be made of plastic (except for the retaining mechanism (when included as part of the stabilizing mechanism), which may be made of rubber) and may be formed by injection molding.

[0058] Although the stabilizing mechanism has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure of the embodiments is intended to illustrate the scope of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the present disclosure be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. For example, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that any component of the stabilizing mechanism disclosed herein and the steps for making the stabilizing mechanism may be modified, and the foregoing discussion of certain embodiments of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. As another example, although Figure 2E and Figure 8 Three retaining devices are shown per side of the base portion, but one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the dispenser may include a greater or lesser number of such retaining devices, and may also have the same or different numbers of such retaining devices per side.

[0059] Replacement of one or more of the claimed elements constitutes reconstruction rather than repair. In addition, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with respect to specific embodiments. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any one or more elements that may make any benefit, advantage, or solution occur or become more apparent should not be construed as a key, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims unless such benefit, advantage, solution, or element is recited in said claims.

[0060] In addition, the embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of exclusiveness if the embodiments and / or limitations: (1) are not explicitly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or could be equivalent to the express elements and / or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a base portion, the base portion comprising a retaining device, the retaining device comprising at least one opening; as well as At least one stabilization mechanism, wherein each of the at least one stabilization mechanism comprises a connecting element and a supporting element, wherein the connecting element has a shape configured to be positioned in the at least one opening, and wherein when the at least one stabilization mechanism is deployed to a first position to expand the footprint of the device, the at least one stabilization mechanism provides stability to the device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The base portion also includes: an outer sidewall having a bottom edge; and a central region having a bottom surface; When the device is supported by a support surface, the support surface is closer to the bottom edge of the outer sidewall of the base portion than to the bottom surface of the central region of the base portion.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein: The outer side wall includes a first portion having a certain shape; The at least one stabilization mechanism includes a top surface having a recessed portion; The recess has a complementary shape into which the first portion of the outer sidewall is positioned when the at least one stabilization mechanism is deployed to the first position.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein when the at least one stabilization mechanism is deployed to the first position, the at least one stabilization mechanism contacts a support surface of the device.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein when the at least one stabilizing mechanism is deployed to the first position, the at least one stabilizing mechanism supports the base portion above the support surface such that the base portion does not contact the support surface when the at least one stabilizing mechanism is deployed to the first position.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the at least one stabilization mechanism is deployed to the first position, the height of the apparatus increases.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one stabilization mechanism rotates approximately 180 degrees about an axis at least partially defined by the retaining device.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: moving the support element of each at least one stabilization mechanism through the at least one opening to deploy the at least one stabilization mechanism into the first position; and When the at least one stabilization mechanism is in the first position, the connecting element is positioned in the at least one opening.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one stabilizing mechanism is not visible when the at least one stabilizing mechanism is retracted into the second position and when the device is supported by a support surface.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an adapter positioned over the base portion; as well as A container is coupled to the adapter, the container being configured to hold food or liquid for a pet.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein: The apparatus further comprises a dispenser mechanism; The container comprises an inner surface, an outer surface, a first coupling mechanism at the outer surface of the container, and a second coupling mechanism at the outer surface of the container; The first coupling mechanism is coupled to the adapter; and The second coupling mechanism is coupled to the dispenser mechanism.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein: The base portion includes an outer sidewall having an interior surface and a coupling mechanism; The coupling mechanism of the outer side wall is located at the inner surface of the outer side wall; The adapter includes an exterior surface and a coupling mechanism; The coupling mechanism of the adapter is located at the exterior surface of the adapter; and The coupling mechanism of the outer sidewall couples to the coupling mechanism of the adapter when the adapter is positioned over the base portion.

13. A method of manufacturing a device, the method comprising: providing a base portion, the base portion comprising a retaining device, the retaining device comprising at least one opening; as well as At least one stabilization mechanism is provided, wherein each of the at least one stabilization mechanism includes a connecting element and a supporting element, wherein the connecting element has a shape configured to be positioned in the at least one opening, and wherein when the at least one stabilization mechanism is deployed to a first position to expand the footprint of the device, the at least one stabilization mechanism provides stability to the device.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing the base portion with: an outer sidewall having a bottom edge; and a central region having a bottom surface; When the device is supported by a support surface, the support surface is closer to the bottom edge of the outer sidewall of the base portion than to the bottom surface of the central region of the base portion.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein: providing the outer side wall with a first portion having a certain shape; providing the at least one stabilizing mechanism with a top surface having a recessed portion; The recess is provided with a complementary shape into which the first portion of the outer sidewall is positioned when the at least one stabilization mechanism is deployed to the first position.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising: providing an adapter positioned above the base portion; as well as A container coupled to the adapter is provided, the container being configured to hold food or liquid for a pet.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a dispenser mechanism adapted to filter a liquid and dispense the liquid in an engaged position.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: providing the container with an inner surface, an outer surface, a first coupling mechanism at the outer surface of the container, and a second coupling mechanism at the outer surface of the container; The first coupling mechanism is coupled to the adapter; and The second coupling mechanism is coupled to the dispenser mechanism.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein: providing the base portion with an outer sidewall having an inner surface and a coupling mechanism; The coupling mechanism of the outer sidewall is located at the inner surface of the outer sidewall.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein: providing an external surface and a coupling mechanism for the adapter; The coupling mechanism of the adapter is located at the exterior surface of the adapter; and The coupling mechanism of the outer sidewall couples to the coupling mechanism of the adapter when the adapter is positioned over the base portion.

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