Abstract

The subject invention provides a bowl having recessed acquisition features that permit the bowl to be manipulated by humans without providing protrusions that could be grasped by an animal, through biting or otherwise. In one embodiment, the recessed acquisition feature is formed by two spaced apart slots recessed in the exterior wall of the bowl. Each slot is characterized by a first wall oriented to face the opposing slot and a second wall oriented to face the interior cavity, each wall being substantially vertical or negatively sloped to provide a lifting surface. The thumb and a finger are placed in these slots against gripping surfaces and squeezed towards one another. The bowl may also be raised by grasping the interior wall of the cavity and the substantially vertical or negatively sloped second wall of a slot between the thumb and fingers. In another embodiment, a recessed slot is shaped to have the natural curve of a human finger. The portion of the slot wall oriented to face the interior cavity is preferably substantially vertical or negatively sloped. The curved shape of the slot permits one to apply a lifting force on the bowl. In other embodiments, the acquisition feature is an inwardly sloping, vertical slot recessed at the base edge of the bowl. The inwardly sloping portion of the slot may consist of a tab or a portion of the exterior wall of the bowl. Again, a thumb or finger disposed in the recessed slot can be used to apply a lifting force to the bowl while a stabilizing force is exerted on the bowl's rim.