The joints between the half-pipes have rubber seals to stop the contents leaking, and each half-pipe has a vertical pipe connected to it, to introduce or dispose of the fluid concerned.

ECONOMIST: Monitor

Next stop for Rubber Duck is the United States.

CNN: Hong Kong's giant rubber duck

On the occasions the column did stop, we would quickly peel off our rubber boots, desert boots and socks to let our feet air out.

WSJ: Ryan Smith: The Reality That Awaits Women in Combat

The Chronograph Racer also has an automotive-appropriate rubber strap and flyback function stopwatch ideal for recording pit-stop times.

WSJ: The Face of Watchmaking's Future at SIHH and GTE

Stop the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl with the rubber spatula.

CNN: Food Central - Recipes - Incredible Melted Ice-Cream Cake

Does the non-stop flogging of scratch cards, duty-free goods, scorching coffee and rubber paninis initiate premature labour in exasperated mums-to-be?

ECONOMIST: Business travel