Rack for holding nipples in a dishwasher

Claim 1

A rack for holding bottle nipples of various types and sizes, against the force of a stream of water within a functioning automatic dishwasher, each one of the nipples having an open bottom portion tapering to an upper portion that generally forms a reduced-diameter neck portion and an upper generally round tip portion, the rack comprising, in combination: (a) a generally open base for supporting the bottom portion of each nipple, and for permitting dishwasher water to enter each nipple through its open bottom portion in an upright generally vertical direction, for an effective cleaning of the nipple; (b) said open base including a substantially planar central portion formed of a plurality of spaced-apart rods, said rods being arranged for seating different size nipples, and for positioning the nipples in a stable substantially upright position; (c) means for holding down the nipples including a substantially planar central portion supported releasably to said base, whereby, in a first position, said planar central portions of said base and of the nipple hold-down means are substantially parallel and separated by a distance that is less than the height of the nipples for restraining the upward movement thereof; (d) the nipple hold-down means defining an elongated spacing dimensioned and adapted to receive closely, serially the upper portions of the nipples when the nipple hold-down means is in the first position; (e) said spacing extending in close proximity to the reduced-diameter neck portions of the nipples, for limiting their lateral movement; and (f) means for engaging the nipple hold-down means to said base.