HAND OPERATED FEEDER

Abstract

A hand operated feeder for feeding humans and animals, the feeder having an elongate main body with a handle portion with at least one arm portion. A plurality of holders for holding a plurality of fluid and/or solids is located substantially at an end of said arm portion securing a said fluid and/or solid dispenser such that when in operation, manipulation of the handle portion positions the plurality of holders in a desired location for feeding.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hand operated feeder for feeding humans or animals.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Apparatus for feeding infant specifically related to feeding infant is a term commonly known for children between the ages of birth to three years of age and more typically between the ages of 1-12 months.

Typically, apparatus to aid the feeding of an infant is commonly known to extend the reach of an infant carer who is feeding the infant.

Typically, such infant feeders comprise a handle section that elongates length which can be extended at pre-determined intervals coupled with a pair of prongs of the shape adapted to fit around the cross-section of a baby bottle.

Typical infant feeders are suitable for feeding a single infant at a time.

Referring to U.S. Ser. No. 10/837,567 (Cvijic) there is described an infant feeding apparatus to be used in connection with a baby bottle during bottle feeding of an infant.

The apparatus comprises a handle section having an elongated shape and a hollow cross-section and a series of apertures running along the axis of the handle. There is an extension piece adapted to fit within the handle allowing it to rotate within said handle.

The extension has a pair of prongs adapted to fit around the cross-section of a baby bottle, so that the baby bottle may be extended from the arm of the caregiver via the extension piece and handle.

Furthermore, U.S. Ser. No. 10/059,867 discloses a device for positioning a bottle close to a user's mouth, whilst automatically returning the bottle to a more upright position when released by the mouth. The device attaches to a horizontal surface such as a highchair tray and uses a spring mechanism for the automatic return. The height is adjustable.

Whilst such holders for liquid dispensers are known in the art, they have basic flaws in that they are not fully optimised for use by a carer when they are looking after and feeding more than one child. For example, when an infant carer is supervising twins, then a plurality of known bottle holders and feeders would need to be used in order to simultaneously feed the twins. Failing this, each twin would need to be fed individually one after another. This can lead to significant safety problems in that the carer is feeding one child, their attention is drawn away from the other twin and therefore increasing the risk of injury or neglect.

Furthermore, if the infant carer is feeding the twins simultaneously with a plurality of bottle holders and feeders, then the infant carer will have both hands occupied thus will be unable to perform any multiple task whilst feeding the twins such as answering the telephone, using the remote control of the television, wiping the infant's face, repositioning the infant or the like.

Furthermore, known adjustable bottle holders and feeders such as U.S. Ser. No. 10/059,876 are only suitable for children who are able to grip and hold and substantially feed themselves. A child of, for example, 0 months to 1½ years would be unable to feed themselves with the adjustable bottle holder as disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 10/059,876.

In general, infants of a very young age require to be fed by the infant carer. In GB2325413 (De Los Santos) there is disclosed a baby bottle holder which is biased against a person holding a baby or rested upon the baby for stability with at least one hand of the person being free to do other things and by the baby with or without hands.

The holder is a triangular wedge with circular cut-outs that grip the bottle. The cut-outs are arranged so that the bottle can be moved between them without being removed from the holder, to position the bottle correctly with respect to the baby's mouth. The holder may include adjustable straps for hanging the holder around a person's neck.

However, the baby bottle holder as disclosed in GB2325413 is disadvantageous as again it is only optimized for use by one infant. Although there are multiple circular cut-outs that grip the bottle, the circular cut-outs are located next to each other which would render a lack of space for more than one child to feed from it.

Furthermore, the bottle holder is designed to be operated whilst the baby is in the arms of the infant carer and therefore is disadvantageous if infant carer requires to perform an additional task to the feeding of the baby.

At present, the consumer is faced with a number of known bottle holders and feeders, no one device encapsulates need for a liquid/solid dispenser holder and feeder which is fully functional to simultaneously feed one or a plurality of infants aged 0 months to 3 years old without the need for the infant carer to carry the infant which can be operated by a single hand of the single infant carer and is adjustable in orientation such that the infant can be fed in plurality of operating positions whilst allowing the infant carer the space to perform multiple tasks.

Specific embodiments and methods disclosed herein also aim to provide a hand operated feeder for feeding at least one animal, for example, livestock on farms or animals in zoos where the animals are substantially cared for by humans.

The specific embodiments and method disclosed herein are also aimed to provide an apparatus for the simultaneous feeding of humans for use in care homes. For example, adults, children or infants who have disabilities rendering them unable to feed themselves.

The further aim is to provide a bottle holder and feeder which is able to be rotated, pivoted, extended and locked into a position such as to simultaneously feed humans or animals whereby the individuals being fed do not have to be in the same position or distance to one another.

A further aim of the hand operated feeder is to provide a feeder which may be able to be de-assembled such that the feeder can be packaged away compactly for ease of carrying. For example, the operator requires to use the feeder whilst away from their normal every day location.

The feeder is also aimed to be comfortable, practical an easy for the operator to use. Whilst also providing a feeder which can store a fluid and/or solids dispenser without the dripping of the solid and/or fluid dispenser whilst not in use.

A specific embodiment of the hand operated feeder aims to disclose a device for feeding twins simultaneously. It is difficult to feed twins at the same time when an infant carer is on their own, for example, a single parent.

It is difficult to feed an infant occupying both hands with a bottle and babies can become stressed and upset if full attention is not given to that infant.

Furthermore, whilst having to concentrate in more than one direction it is difficult for the infant carer to control the feeding of both twins and keep the fluid and/or fluid dispenser in the correct position in the infants mouth, especially due to the susceptibility of each infant to move about, therefore this often results in the infant becoming covering in the fluid and/or solid.

The existing apparatus allows infants to feed themselves, however these devices cannot be used for extremely young infants i.e. for those of 0 months to 1½ years old.

Furthermore, such apparatus for infants to feed themselves does not allow for the carer to form a bond with the infant.

Furthermore, existing apparatus can be used by an infant carer to feed an infant and requires the infant carer to hold the infant and apparatus on their arms. This can be extremely uncomfortable on the infant carer's arms and also difficult to control.

Therefore, an aim of the hand operated feeder is to provide a method and apparatus to feed at least one infant such to provide control the positioning of the fluid and/or solid dispenser and be subjected to the infant's mouth at the same time providing an apparatus such that the infant carer can bond with the infant(s) such that they are provided with comfort and support so that the infant is not distressed.

The further aim is for the hand operated feeder whereby the infant carer does not have to hold the infant or the apparatus in their arms to fully function the handle the hand operated feeder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a hand operated feeder for feeding humans or animals; said feeder comprising:

• • an elongate main body;
  • said elongate main body comprises:
  • a handle portion; and
  • at least one arm portion;
  • a plurality of holding means for holding a plurality of fluid and/or solid dispensers;
  • wherein at least one said dispenser holding means is located substantially at an end portion of said arm portion for securing a said fluid and/or solid dispenser such that when in operation, manipulation of said handle portion and/or holding means allows for said plurality of holding means to be positioned in a desired location for feeding.

The handle may be releasably connectable to the elongate main body.

The handle portion may be detachable from said main body.

The handle may be rotatable.

The handle portion may be locked into place at any of a plurality of positions.

The handle portion may be static when in a locked position.

Preferably the elongate main body forms a substantially T-shaped frame.

Alternatively the elongate main body forms a substantially Y-shaped frame.

Preferably the at least one arm portion is adjustable relative to the handle portion.

The at least one arm portion may be locked into a set position.

Preferably the arms are extendable.

Preferably the plurality of holding means have an adjustable aperture size.

Preferably the holding means is connected to the arm portion by a fully articulated joint.

The holding means may comprise a hook and loop fastener strap for holding the fluid and/or solid dispenser.

The holding means may allow pitch and yaw movement in relation to the arm portion.

The holding means may be connected to the arm portion by a ball and socket joint.

The holding means may be connected to the arm portion by a joint comprising two pivot means configured to pivot transverse to one another.

The holding means may be connected to the arm portion by a universal joint.

Preferably the holding means comprises rubber grips.

Preferably the holding means comprises foam cushioning means.

Preferably the holding means comprises a plastic support means.

Preferably the feeder is operable by a single hand.

Preferably the arm portion is extendable from the handle portion by a gear system.

The arm portion may be extendable from said handle portion by a metal slider system.

The arm portion may be flexible.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a feeder device for feeding a human or animal, said device comprising:

• • a handle portion for holding said device;
  • an elongate arm member having first and second ends; said handle member positioned between said first and second ends of said arm member;
  • said first end of said arm member comprising a first holding means for holding a first solid and/or fluid dispenser;
  • said second end comprising a second holding means for holding a second solid and/or fluid dispenser; said first and second ends being moveable towards and away from each other so as to adjust a distance between said first and second solid and/or fluid dispensers.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts for a hand operated feeder for feeding humans or animals, said feeder comprising:

• • an elongate main body;
  • a handle portion;
  • at least one arm portion;
  • a plurality of holding means for holding a plurality of fluid and/or solid dispensers;
  • wherein at least one said dispenser holding means is located substantially at an end of said arm portion for securing a said fluid and/or solid dispenser such that when in operation, manipulation of said handle portion and/or holding means allows for said plurality of holding means to be positioned in a desired location for feeding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a hand operated feeder according to the invention, including a plurality of holding means;

FIG. 2 is a series of perspective views of the holding means shown in FIG. 1, in different positions;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a hand operated feeder according to the invention, comprising two arm portions;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a further embodiment of a hand operated feeder according to the invention, in which two arm portions are solidarily adjustable;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a hand operated feeder according to the invention, in which two arm portions are solidarily adjustable;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of yet another embodiment of a hand operated feeder according to the invention, in which at least one arm portion is flexible;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a further embodiment of a hand operated feeder according to the invention, in which the holding means are independently adjustable;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a fluid and/or solid dispenser holding means;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a fluid and/or solid dispenser holding means;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a fluid and/or solid dispenser holding means; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a fluid and/or solid dispenser holding means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description.

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a first embodiment of a hand operated feeder 1 for feeding humans or animals is shown, which comprises an elongate main body 2 having a substantially T-shaped frame. The main body 2 comprises a handle portion 3 and at least one arm portion 4. The at least one arm portion 4 is curvilinear, substantially elongate and transverse relative to the handle portion 3.

The feeder 1 further comprises a plurality of holding means 5a, 5b for holding a plurality of fluid and/or solid dispenses 6a, 6b. Each holding means 5a, 5b is located substantially at a respective end of the arm portion 4 furthest away from the handle portion 3 and is connected with the arm portion by a respective joint 7. In the example, the joints are fully articulated joints 7a, 7b, which advantageously allow attitude 10a, pitch 10b and yaw 10c movement of each holding means 5a, 5b relative to the arm portion 4. It will be readily apparent to the skilled person that the joint may instead be implemented as a ball and socket joint, two pivot means configured to pivot transverse to one another, or a universal joint.

The arm portion 4 is user-configurable for adjusting a distance 11 between at least one holding means 5a and the main body 2. The distance 11 may be modified according to a distance between neighboring infants and, in use, consists in translating at least a portion 4a of the arm 4 in a required direction 12 relative to the main body 2, until such time as both holding means 5a, 5b maintain the dispensers 6a, 6b at a distance between each other, which corresponds to the distance between the neighboring infants' respective mouths.

The feeder main body 2, the handle portion 3, the arm portion 4, the plurality of holding means 5a, 5b are attached and/or connected to one another, the holding means 5a, 5b being respectively located at opposed extremities of the arm portion 4, distal from the main body 2. In use, fluid and/or solid dispensers 6a, 6b are held in a respective holding means 5a, 5b, whereby manipulation of the handle portion 3 effectively translates the manipulation to the entire feeder 1, including the fluid and/or solid dispensers 6a, 6b held therewith.

Throughout the examples, the fluid and/or solid dispensers 6a, 6b are conventional infant feeding bottles, traditionally dispensing milk, milk substitute, water or the like.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, alternative embodiments of a hand operated feeder 1 are shown, in which the arm portion 14 comprises two distinct arm portions 14a, 14b, which are solidarily adjustable. The arm portions 14a, 14b are substantially parallel to one another, located atop one another, respectively extending on both sides of the main body 2, and transverse relative to the handle portion 3. Each holding means 5a, 5b is attached to a respective arm portions 14a, 14b.

The arm portions 14a, 14b are articulated relative to one another by a mechanism, wherein movement of one arm sub-portion 14a in a direction 12 co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the arm, for distancing the holding means 5a relative to the main body 2 by a distance 11, is translated into an equal movement of the second arm-portion 14b in an opposite direction, by an equal distance 11 relative to the main body 2.

An example mechanism is shown in further details in FIG. 5, wherein each of arm portions 14a, 14b includes a respective toothed edge 13a, 13b, each toothed edge being substantially parallel to, and in opposition relative to, the other, and both toothed edges 13a, 13b being engaged by an rotating toothed wheel or gear 15 located within the main body 2, mounted centrally between the toothed edges. With this configuration, translation of either arm portion 14a, 14b along a direction 12 is imparted to the other arm portion in an opposite direction and by an equal distance, as the teeth of the toothed edge 13a of the first arm portion 14a moved by the user engage the gear 15 and cause same to rotate, the rotation of which in turn drives the teeth of the opposed toothed edge 13b in the opposite direction.

With reference to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of a hand operated feeder 1 is shown, which is functionally similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 in that two arm portions are solidarily adjustable, but wherein the mechanism differs.

In this embodiment, the arm portion 40 again comprise two arm portions 40a, 40b articulated relative to one another by a mechanism, wherein movement of one arm sub-portion 40a in an arcuate direction relative to the main body 2, in order to modify a distance between a holding means 5a and the main body 2, is translated into an equal but opposed arcuate movement of the second arm-portion 40b, by an equal distance relative to the main body 2.

Each of arm-portions 40a, 40b is an elongate member, having a substantially curvilinear extremity 41a, 41b nearest the main body 2, which is pivoted about the main body 2 so that each arm-portion may rotate about its respective pivot axis, and cause its respective holding means 5 to move along a substantially arcuate direction.

Each substantially curvilinear extremity 41a, 41b of arm-portions 40a, 40b includes a respective toothed edge 23a, 23b. The toothed edges of the arm portions are substantially co-planar and opposed to one another, with their respective teeth engaging one another substantially at the main body 2. With this configuration, a pivoting of either arm portion 40a, 40b is imparted to the other arm portion in an opposite direction and by an equal distance, the displacement of the first pivoted arm portion 40a, 40b causing the teeth 23 of the first pivoted arm portion 40a, 40b to engage and drive the teeth 23 of the other arm portion 40b, 40a, thereby pivoting the other arm portion 40b, 40a about its respective pivot axis.

With reference to FIG. 7, an alternative embodiment of a hand operated feeder 1 is shown, wherein the arm portion is substantially flexible. The feeder again comprises an elongate main body 2 having a T-shaped frame, the main body 2 comprising a handle portion 3 and at least one arm portion 50, which is curvilinear, substantially elongate and transverse relative to the handle portion 3. The feeder 1 again comprises a plurality of holding means 5a, 5b for holding a plurality of fluid and/or dispensers 6a, 6b.

In this embodiment, the arm portion 50 is implemented as a substantially flexible element, either made of a resilient material for allowing a temporary re-configuration of the arm portion 50 relative to the main body 2, or made from a deformable material apt to retain the form or shape a user manually imparts to the arm portion 50, until such time as the current form, shape or configuration is again altered by the user.

This embodiment is particularly useful in that, in addition to the yaw, pitch and attitude adjustments permitted by the articulated joint 7 connecting the holding means 5 to a respective end of the arm portion 50, it allows adjustment of the holding means 5 relative to the main body 2 and handle portion 3 within a 3-dimensional space 21, rather than along a longitudinally-constrained direction 11 as shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 or within a two-dimensional space as shown in FIG. 6.

By contrast, and with reference now to FIG. 8, a further embodiment of a hand operated feeder 1 is shown, which comprises an elongate main body 2 having a substantially tubular frame, a portion of which proximate the user constitutes the handle portion 3, and a remaining portion distal from the user and substantially co-axial with the handle portion 3 being configured to allow an arm portion 60 to pass therethrough, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular main body 2.

In this embodiment, the arm portion 60 includes two arm sub-portions 60a, 60b, which are curvilinear, co-planar and substantially parallel to one another. An alternative embodiment (not shown) having a single arm portion 60 rather than 2 distinct arm members 60a, 60b is considered as within that scope of the present disclosure.

The feeder 1 again comprises a plurality of holding means 5a, 5b for holding a plurality of fluid and/or solid dispensers 6a, 6b and the holding means 5a, 5b are again located substantially at respective ends of the arm sub-portions 60a, 60b furthest away from the main body 2.

In this embodiment, however, each holding means 5a, 5b is connected with both arm sub-portions 60a, 60b by a substantially arm-engaging member 61. Each member 61 includes two through-apertures co-planar and each adapted to accommodate a respective arm sub-portion 60a, 60b therein in a sliding fit. Each member 61 further includes a holding means link portion, which connects the holding means 5, and therefore the fluid and/or solid dispenser 6 therein to the member 61. In this embodiment, each holding means 5 can usefully be positioned along the arm 60 independently of any other holding means.

This configuration is advantageous in that it is simpler and therefore more economical to manufacture, than the embodiments previously discussed, since it contains fewer components, moving and/or articulated parts.

Whilst the combination of the fully articulated joint 7 or an equivalent in the form of a universal joint with this embodiment are considered within the scope of the present disclosure, the materials selected for arm sub-portions 60a, 60b are preferably selected for their resilient or semi-resilient properties, to provide sufficient elasticity so that the pitch 10b of the holding means 5, and therefore the dispenser 6, may still be adjusted, relative to the main axis of the main body 2 and handle portion 3.

With references to FIGS. 9 to 12, several embodiments of a fluid and/or solid dispenser holding means 5 are shown, which may be used with any of the feeder embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 8. Throughout the following embodiments, a guiding principle is that the fluid and/or solid dispenser holding means 5 is substantially universal, in that it is preferably apt to releasably maintain an infant dispenser 6 of any brand, type, length or other characteristic of shape or form therein.

With reference to FIG. 9 firstly, a fluid and/or solid dispenser holding means 5 is shown, an example use of which is also shown with the feeder embodiment of FIG. 6.

The holding means 5 is substantially circular and comprises an open cylindrical or tubular main body 100, having a central through aperture with a diameter sufficient to accommodate a dispenser 6 in at least a sliding fit, but preferably having a diameter larger than the dispenser. At least one extremity of the open cylinder includes a plurality of resiliently-deformable members 101, which are disposed about the internal diameter of the main body 100 and extend towards the longitudinal axis of the main body 100 over a distance equal to the radius or less of the internal diameter. The resiliently-deformable members 101 are for instance made of a rubber compound.

The extremity of the main body 100 bearing the deformable members 101 is further adapted to releasably hold a dispenser cap 10, which a user can position over the mouth-engaging portion, for instance the teat, of the dispenser 6 protruding through the aperture, for hygienic or safety reasons.

A holding means link arm 103 extends from the outer periphery of the main body 100, substantially perpendicular to the main axis of the main body. At its other extremity, the link 103 ends in an adjustment member 104. The adjustment member 104 is a substantially cylindrical member transverse to the main body 100, therefore having a main axis substantially perpendicular to the main axis of the main body 100, and apt to be maintained within a retaining member (not shown) of the arm portion, within which it may rotate about its main axis, therefore permitting a pitch adjustment of the holding means main body 100 and the dispenser 6 therein. The adjustment 104 further comprises two abutting members 105a, 105b, for constraining the pitch adjustment within the retaining member to a specific angular range.

With reference to FIG. 10 now, a fluid and/or solid dispenser holding means 5 is shown, having features permitting an independent slideable adjustment relative to the arm 60 shown with the feeder embodiment of FIG. 8.

In this embodiment, the holding means 5 includes first and second cylindrical or tubular bodies 100a, 100b, each of which is substantially similar to the holding means main body 100 described in connection with FIG. 9. Each body 100a, 100b includes a plurality of resiliently deformable members 101a, 101b, again substantially similar to the resiliently-deformable members 101 of FIG. 9, which are arranged in a similar configuration.

The two bodies 100a, 100b are located co-axially with one another, parallel to one another and maintained at a fixed distance from one another by first and second linking arms 110a, 110b, wherein the linking arms 110a, 110b are substantially co-planar with the main axis of the two main bodies 100a, 100b and diametrically opposed to one another, relative to the same diameter of the two main bodies 100a, 100b.

A holdings means link arm 113 extends from at least one of the two linking arms 110a, 110b in a similar manner to the linking arm 103 shown in FIG. 9, again perpendicularly relative to the main axis of the main bodies 100a, 100b. The extremity of the link arm 113 distal from the structure defined by the bodies 100a, 100b and linking arms 110a, 110b includes an arm engaging member 61 having at least one through-aperture 161, which is substantially as previously described in connection with the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, therefore for engaging the arm 4 of the feeder 1.

With reference to FIG. 11 now, a fluid and/or solid dispenser holding means 5 is shown, having features permitting an independent slideable adjustment relative to the arm 60 shown with the feeder embodiment of FIG. 8.

In this embodiment, the holding means 5 includes an elongate main body 200, which is substantially oblong and having a first concave surface for locating against a substantially cylindrical or tubular dispenser 6, and an opposed, parallel and correspondingly convex surface, from which a holding means link arm 113 extends substantially perpendicularly relative to the two surfaces. The link arm 113 is functionally and essentially similar to link arms 103, 113 previously described and, at its extremity distal from the holding means main body 200, includes an arm engaging member 61 having at least one through-aperture 161 again as previously discussed.

Extending from the main body 200 opposite the link portion 113 is a dispenser biasing member 201, which holds and bias a dispenser 6 towards the holding means main body 200 in use. In the example, the biasing means 201 takes the form of a clip member, implemented as a partial cylinder, having a diameter sufficient to accommodate a dispenser 6 within its internal diameter, and the free extremity 202 of the partial cylinder providing a biasing effect 203 towards the main body 200. In use, a user may pull the free extremity 202 in a direction opposite to the natural bias of the partial cylinder, in order to release the dispenser 6 from the holding means 5. The partial cylinder is preferably made from a resilient material such as a plastic compound.

With reference to FIG. 12 now, a fluid and/or solid dispenser holding means 5 is shown, having features permitting an independent slideable adjustment relative to the arm 60 shown with the feeder embodiment of FIG. 8.

The holding means 5 comprises an adjustable structure, which includes a first substantially L-shaped main body 300. A first portion of the main body 300 comprises two rails 301, which are parallel to, and co-planer with one another and extend in a parallel direction relative to a dispenser 6 when maintained in the structure. A second portion of the main body 300, substantially perpendicular to the rails 301, includes a through-aperture 302 for allowing at least the mouth-engaging portion, e.g. the teat, of the dispenser 6 to pass therethrough. A distance separates the two rails 301 from one another, which amounts to at least a portion of the width or diameter of a dispenser 6 and which defines the width or diameter of the aperture 302. A link arm 113 extends from the extremity of the second portion distal from the first portion 301, again being terminated by an arm-engaging member 61 with at least one through aperture 161 as previously discussed.

The structure comprises a second substantially L-shaped body 303, which is mounted to the first body 300 and configured for a sliding adjustment 304 relative thereto. A first portion of the second body 303 is substantially parallel to the rails 301 and engaged therewith, the sliding adjustment being effected by a translation or sliding of the second body 303 on the rails 301. A second portion of the second body 303, perpendicular to the first portion, comprises an abutment 305, which is intended to contact an extremity or end portion of a dispenser 6 mounted within the structure. The adjustment of the two bodies 300 and 303 effectively maintains the dispenser 6 therebetween in the manner of a vice, as the abutment 305 presses at least the mouth-engaging portion of the dispenser 6 through the aperture 302 and shoulders of the dispenser 6 proximate its mouth-engaging portion abut the first body 300 adjacent the aperture 302.

Claims

1. A hand operated feeder for feeding humans or animals; said feeder comprising;

an elongate main body;

said elongate main body comprises;

a handle portion; and

at least one arm portion;

a plurality of holding means for holding a plurality of fluid and/or solid dispensers;

wherein at least one said dispenser holding means is located substantially at an end of said arm portion for securing a said fluid and/or solid dispenser such that when in operation, manipulation of said handle portion and/or holding means allows for said plurality of holding means to be positioned in a desired location for feeding.

2. A feeder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said handle is releasably connectable to said elongate main body.

3. A feeder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said handle portion is detachable from said main body.

4. A feeder as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said handle is rotatable.

5. A feeder as claimed in claim 2 wherein said handle portion can lock into place at a plurality of angles.

6. A feeder as claimed in claim 5 wherein said handle portion is static when in a locked position.

7. A feeder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said elongate main body forms a Y shaped frame.

8. A feeder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said elongate main body forms a T shaped frame.

9. A feeder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said at least one arm portion is adjustable relative to said handle portion.

10. A feeder as claimed in claim 9 wherein said at least one arm portion may be locked into a set position.

11. A feeder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said arms are extendable.

12. A feeder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said plurality of holding means have an adjustable aperture size.

13. A feeder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said holding means is connected to said arm portion by a fully articulated joint.

14. A feeder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said holding means comprises a hook and loop fastener strap for holding said fluid and/or solid dispenser.

15. A feeder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said holding means having pitch and yaw movement relative to said arm portion.

16. A feeder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said holding means is connected to said arm portion by a ball and socket joint.

17. A feeder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said holding means is connected to said arm portion by a joint comprising two pivot means configured to pivot transverse to one another.

18. A feeder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said holding means is connected to said arm portion by a universal joint.

19. A feeder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said holding means comprises a gripping means.

20. A feeder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said holding means comprises a cushioning means.

21. A feeder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said holding means comprises a support means.

22. A feeder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said feeder is operable by a single hand.

23. A feeder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said arm portion is extendable from said handle portion by a gear system.

24. A feeder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said arm portion is extendable from said handle portion by a metal slider system.

25. A feeder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said arm portion is flexible.

26. A feeder device for feeding a human or animal, said device comprising:

a handle portion for holding said device;

an elongate arm member having first and second ends; said handle member positioned between said first and second ends of said arm member;

said first end of said arm member comprising a first holding means for holding a first solid and/or fluid dispenser;

said second end comprising a second holding means for holding a second solid and/or fluid dispenser; said first and second ends being moveable towards and away from each other so as to adjust a distance between said first and second solid and/or fluid dispensers.

27. A kit of parts for a hand operated feeder for feeding humans or animals, said feeder comprising:

an elongate main body;

a handle portion;

at least one arm portion;

a plurality of holding means for holding a plurality of fluid and/or solid dispensers;

wherein at least one said dispenser holding means is located substantially at an end of said arm portion for securing a said fluid and/or solid dispenser such that when in operation, manipulation of said handle portion and/or holding means allows for said plurality of holding means to be positioned in a desired location for feeding.