Mesh-type feeder
First Claim
1. A feeding apparatus, comprising:
- a mesh enclosure having a first open end and a second closed end;
a mesh holder for holding said first, open end of said mesh enclosure in an open position, said mesh holder having an opening defined therein through which food may be inserted into said mesh enclosure;
a closure member for selectively sealing said opening; and
pivotal mounting means for mounting said closure member to said mesh holder for movement between a first open position wherein food may be inserted or removed from said mesh enclosure through said opening and a second, closed position wherein said opening is sealed, said pivotal mounting means being constructed so as to maintain engagement between said closure member and said mesh holder in both said first open position and said second closed position, said pivotal mounting means comprising a hinge that constrains said closure member for pivotal movement about a fixed pivot axis relative to said mesh holding means, said hinge comprising a hinge pin that defines said pivot axis.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A feeding apparatus that has particular utility for feeding infants, small children and adults that are at risk for choking on soft food includes a mesh enclosure that is open at a first end and closed at a second end. A mesh holder engages and holds open the first open end of the mesh enclosure and has an opening communicating with the interior of the mesh enclosure through which food may be inserted into the mesh enclosure. A closure mechanism is mounted to the mesh holder for movement between a first open position wherein the opening is uncovered and food may be inserted or removed from the mesh enclosure and a second closed position wherein the food is secured within the mesh enclosure. The closure mechanism advantageously remains engaged with the mesh holder in both the first and second positions.
49 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A feeding apparatus, comprising:
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a mesh enclosure having a first open end and a second closed end; a mesh holder for holding said first, open end of said mesh enclosure in an open position, said mesh holder having an opening defined therein through which food may be inserted into said mesh enclosure; a closure member for selectively sealing said opening; and pivotal mounting means for mounting said closure member to said mesh holder for movement between a first open position wherein food may be inserted or removed from said mesh enclosure through said opening and a second, closed position wherein said opening is sealed, said pivotal mounting means being constructed so as to maintain engagement between said closure member and said mesh holder in both said first open position and said second closed position, said pivotal mounting means comprising a hinge that constrains said closure member for pivotal movement about a fixed pivot axis relative to said mesh holding means, said hinge comprising a hinge pin that defines said pivot axis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A feeding apparatus, comprising:
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a mesh enclosure having a first open end and a second closed end; a mesh holder for holding said first, open end of said mesh enclosure in an open position, said mesh holder having an opening defined therein through which food may be inserted into said mesh enclosure; a closure member for selectively sealing said opening; and pivotal mounting means for mounting said closure member to said mesh holder for movement between a first open position wherein food may be inserted or removed from said mesh enclosure through said opening and a second, closed position wherein said opening is sealed, said pivotal mounting means being constructed so as to maintain engagement between said closure member and said mesh holder in both said first open position and said second closed position, said pivotal mounting means comprising a hinge that constrains said closure member for pivotal movement about a fixed pivot axis relative to said mesh holding means, wherein said hinge comprises a first member that is integral with said mesh holder and a second member that is integral with said closure member, said hinge being operable so that said first and second members pivot with respect to each other. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28)
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Specification