Animal husbandry – Feeding device – Suckling appliances
Reexamination Certificate
2003-04-07
2004-06-22
Poon, Peter M. (Department: 3643)
Animal husbandry
Feeding device
Suckling appliances
C119S072500
Reexamination Certificate
active
06752103
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to heated animal nursing devices and, more particularly, to a thermostatically controlled, heated animal nurser and means for simulating a mother's heartbeat.
2. Description of the Related Art
A great many people are involved with caring for animals across our country and the world. It is just a matter of human compassion to help care for animals that are unable to care for themselves and would die without outside assistance. Perhaps the most common animals that require help are orphaned or abandoned kittens, puppies and the like. Whether as a result of their mother dying during birth, or simply discarded because they are not wanted, these animals tug the hardest at our hearts. One of the biggest problems with such animals is getting them to feed or nurse. Any attempt by a human to feed such animals with a bottle is usually met with resistance due to the fact that the animal is not familiar with the bottle and is not comfortable.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention: however, the following references were considered related:
U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,850 describes a nursing bottle with body, flexible liner, and feeding nipple.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,699,920 describes a nurser with resilient outer shell and flexible liner.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,505 describes an animal nursing nipple.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,122,130 describes an automatic pig feeding apparatus.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,214,554 describes a feeding apparatus for nursing animals.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,620,505 describes an automatic self-cleansing system for nursing animals.
And, U.S. Pat. No. D394,334 describes an animal nursing feeder.
Of considerable relevance is U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,061, issued in the name of Lombardi, which describes a pet and animal feeder with nursing means within a soft material. Designed to take the place of the newborn mammal's mother in the event the mother should die, abandon its young, take ill, or any other reason, and designed not only to resemble the newborn mammal's mother but also is designed to suckle the newborn as well, the Lombardi reference also anticipates the inclusion of a heating means. While such features are incorporated into this invention in combination, other elements are different enough as to make the combination distinguished over this and other prior art.
Consequently, there is a need for a means by which abandoned or orphaned animals can be fed or nursed without the difficulties as described above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved heated animal nursing device.
It is a feature of the present invention to provide an improved heated animal nursing device incorporating a thermostatically controlled, heated animal nurser and means for simulating a mother's heartbeat.
Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a heated animal nurser is provided as an apparatus to aid in the feeding of orphaned infant animals such as kittens, puppies and the like. Upon initial observation of the invention, it looks like a conventional stuffed animal such as a dog or cat that a child might play with. An internal cavity that can hold up to six individual bottles, or one internal bladder having multiple nipples of milk is provided. Each bottle is provided with a nipple that protrudes through the bottom of the invention mimicking the appearance of a nursing animal mother. Additionally, an internal heating pad, powered by a battery pack is provided to keep the milk warm, thus further aiding the nursing effort of the young animals.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the present invention assists young animals in nursing and feeding, and can be for use with kittens, puppies, and similar animals.
An advantage of the present invention is that it mimics the look, feel and size of natural mother.
Further, the use of a stuffed animal body that is life-size and washable is supplied with internal cavity for milk bottles, or one internal bladder, that aids in properly positioning the bottles.
Further still, the use of an integrated heating pad keeps milk/formula at proper temperature.
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Gugliotta John D.
Olszewski Joan M.
Poon Peter M.
York, III Olen L.
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