AU2011226042B2

AU2011226042B2 - Sterilising apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2011226042B2
Application number: AU2011226042A
Authority: AU
Inventors: David Gooch
Original assignee: Milton Int
Current assignee: Milton International
Priority date: 2010-03-12
Filing date: 2011-03-11
Publication date: 2014-04-17
Anticipated expiration: 2031-03-11
Also published as: AU2011226042A1; CA2792992A1; WO2011110666A1; JP2013521837A; GB201004115D0; CN102933238A; EP2544724A1; WO2011110666A8; RU2012143619A; ZA201206957B

Abstract

The present invention relates to portable sterilisers for sterilising items using sterilising fluids. In particular, the present invention provides a portable steriliser for sterilising an item using sterilising fluids, comprising: a container (800) for receiving an item to be sterilised and for receiving a sterilising fluid a removable insert (820) comprising an absorbent material for absorbing a sterilising fluid; and a removable lid (808) engageable with the container, wherein the removable insert is shaped to receive an item to be sterilised.

Description

1 STERILISING APPARATUS The present invention relates to sterilising apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to portable sterilisers for sterilising items using sterilising fluids. Sterilisers for sterilising items using sterilising fluids are known. Generally they 5 comprise a container or receptacle (for example a bucket) into which are place items to be sterilised (for example baby feeding bottles, teats and other baby feeding paraphernalia) and a sterilising fluid (for example Milton (RTM) solution). The items are left in the receptacle until the items are sterilised. 10 A disadvantage of the known sterilising apparatus is that, once filled with the sterilising fluid, the receptacle is generally not portable, as fluid may leak out as it sloshes around the receptacle during transportation. This is not convenient for the user, as it may be required to move the receptacle from one area of a household to another (or even from one property to another) once filled with 15 sterilising fluid. In this specification, references to prior art are not intended to acknowledge or suggest that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field either in Australia or elsewhere. 20 We have therefore appreciated the need for a portable steriliser. The present invention provides a portable steriliser for sterilising an item using sterilising fluids, comprising: 25 a container for receiving an item to be sterilised and for receiving a sterilising fluid; a removable insert comprising an absorbent material for absorbing a sterilising fluid, said removable insert being shaped to receive an item to be sterilized; 30 a removable outer lid engageable with the container; 1A wherein said portable steriliser comprises means adapted to press down on an item to be sterilised, such that excess sterilising fluid comes into contact with upper parts of the item to be sterilised. 5 By using a removable absorbent material, the container does not need to be filled with a sterilising fluid to sterilise the items. Instead, only an amount of sterilising fluid sufficient to saturate the absorbent material is required to enable sterilising of the item placed in the container. As such, this reduces this risk of 10 excess fluid spilling out of the container during opening of the container to WO 20111110666 PCT/EP2011/053702 2 remove a sterilised item. Furthermore, the shape of the removable insert allows the item to be sterilised to be held firmly within the container, and to ensure that a maximum surface area of the item is in contact with the absorbent insert, allowing sterilisation of the item. 5 In preferred embodiments, the removable insert has an exterior shape that corresponds with an interior shape of the container. In other preferred embodiments, the removable insert is shaped to receive a child's dummy. In further preferred embodiments, the absorbent material comprises an absorbent 10 sponge or foam material. In embodiments, the removable insert comprises two or more separable portions. Preferably, at least one of the separable portions is shaped to receive an item to be sterilised. 15 Advantageously, by providing the insert having two separable layers enables easier cleaning of the insert after use. It has been found that after repeated use, debris removed from the item to be sterilised congregates in the recess in the insert. The debris is removed from the insert by separating the upper and lower 20 layers, and either washing or wiping the two portions before re-assembling them. Furthermore, the two separable layers also reduce the risk of the sterilising solution splashing out of the container onto the user during insertion of the 25 insert, since less volume of fluid is displaced for each separable portion when compared to inserting a single piece having the same volume as the two layers combined. In embodiments, the removable lid provides a substantially waterproof seal 30 when engaged with the container. In some embodiments, the removable lid is in a press-fit or threaded engagement with the container when engaged.

WO 20111110666 PCT/EP2011/053702 3 In some embodiments, the removable lid is a removable inner lid. Additionally, the steriliser may comprise a removable outer lid engageable with the container via a press-fit or threaded engagement. 5 In alternative embodiments, the removable lid is a removable outer lid. In some embodiments, the removable outer lid comprises an O-ring around an inner circumferential edge. In other embodiments, the container comprises an O-ring around an outer circumferential edge. 10 In some embodiments, the removable outer lid comprises a handle or attachment means for attaching the steriliser to other items. In some embodiments, the removable lid comprises one or more protrusions 15 extending from a surface, the protrusions being arranged to contact an item to be sterilised when the removable lid is engaged with the container. Advantageously, the protrusion ensures that as much of the item to be sterilised as possible is in contact with the insert, and therefore the sterilising solution. 20 The present invention also provides a portable steriliser for sterilising items using sterilising fluids, comprising: a container for receiving items to be sterilised and for receiving a sterilising fluid; and a removable outer lid engageable with the container to provide a substantially waterproof seal when 25 engaged with the container, wherein the removable outer lid comprises a pressure valve configured to close to provide a substantially waterproof seal when an internal pressure of the container is below a pressure threshold, and configured to open when an internal pressure of the container is above the pressure threshold. 30 The valve in the lid opens when a pressure in the container (due to a build up of steam when use for example as a steam steriliser) increases above a desired threshold to prevent a dangerous build up of steam. In practice, the valve allows WO 20111110666 PCT/EP2011/053702 4 the pressure to increase up to 1 bar, although the skilled reader would understand that if the components (for example the container and the lid) were designed to withstand greater pressures, other values may be possible. Advantageously, an increased pressure during the sterilisation process actually 5 aids the degree to which the items are sterilised. In some embodiments, the portable steriliser further comprises a float engageable with the removable outer lid, wherein, when the float is engaged 10 with the removable outer lid and the removable outer lid is engaged with the container, the float extends from the removable outer lid and is arranged to contact items to be sterilised in the container. Advantageously, the float ensures that all the items to be sterilised are 15 submerged in the sterilising fluid. In embodiments, the outer lid, when engaged with the container, is in threaded engagement. In some embodiments, the outer lid comprises an O-ring around an inner circumferential edge. 20 In preferred embodiments, the outer lid comprises a handle for carrying the steriliser. In some embodiments, the container comprises a recess for containing a measured portion of fluid. 25 In some embodiments, the portable steriliser comprises an outer flange extending from the container or removable lid, the outer flange being arranged to permit the container to be placed on its side. The present invention also provides a portable steriliser for sterilising items 30 using sterilising fluids, comprising: a container for receiving items to be sterilised and for receiving a sterilising fluid; a first interior collar disposed at a first level of an interior surface of the container; a removable inner lid engageable with the first interior collar; and a removable outer lid engageable WO 20111110666 PCT/EP2011/053702 5 with the container, wherein the removable inner lid is configured to provide a substantially waterproof seal when engaged with the first inner collar, and wherein the removable inner lid comprises a pressure valve configured to close to provide a substantially waterproof seal when an internal pressure of the 5 container is below a pressure threshold, and configured to open when an internal pressure of the container is above the pressure threshold. Since the inner lid engages with the inner collar and is configured to provide a substantially waterproof seal when engaged with the inner collar, this allows the 10 container to be transported during use without the risk of the contents of the container spilling out. The valve in the lid opens when a pressure in the container (due to a build up of steam when use for example as a steam steriliser) increases above a desired 15 threshold to prevent a dangerous build up of steam. In practice, the valve allows the pressure to increase up to 1 bar, although the skilled reader would understand that if the components (for example the container and the lid) were designed to withstand greater pressures, other values may be possible. Advantageously, an increased pressure during the sterilisation process actually 20 aids the degree to which the items are sterilised. In embodiments, the portable steriliser comprises a second inner collar disposed at a second level, different from the first level, of an interior surface of the container, and wherein the inner lid is engageable with the second inner 25 collar to provide a substantially waterproof seal. The provision of a second inner collar at a different level or position within the container means that the inner lid can be placed at different levels and still provide a waterproof seal. This means that the inner lid can be placed at a level 30 that is appropriate for the amount of sterilising fluid required for the number of items to be sterilised.

WO 2011/110666 PCT/EP2011/053702 6 In embodiments, the inner lid is in threaded engagement with the inner collar when engaged. In some embodiments, the outer lid, when engaged with the container, is in threaded engagement. 5 In some embodiments, the inner lid comprises an O-ring around an outer circumferential surface. In other embodiments, the inner collar comprises an 0 ring around an inner circumferential edge. In some embodiments, the inner lid is flexible, in other embodiments the inner 10 lid is rigid. Furthermore the outer lid may comprise a handle for carrying the steriliser. In some embodiments, the outer lid comprises an O-ring around an inner circumferential edge. 15 In preferred embodiments, the outer lid comprises one or more vent apertures. In some embodiments, the container comprises a recess for containing a measured portion of fluid. 20 In some embodiments, the portable steriliser comprises an outer flange extending from the container or removable lid, the outer flange being arranged to permit the container to be placed on its side. 25 The present invention also provides a portable steriliser for sterilising items using sterilising fluids, comprising: a container for receiving items to be sterilised and for receiving a sterilising fluid; a first interior collar disposed at a first level of an interior surface of the container; a removable inner lid engageable with the first interior collar; and a removable outer lid engageable 30 with the container, wherein the removable inner lid is configured to provide a substantially waterproof seal when engaged with the first inner collar.

WO 20111110666 PCT/EP2011/053702 7 Since the inner lid engages with the inner collar and is configured to provide a substantially waterproof seal when engaged with the inner collar, this allows the container to be transported during use without the risk of the contents of the container spilling out. 5 The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figures 1a-1d show a first embodiment of a portable steriliser according to the 10 present invention; Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a portable steriliser according to the present invention; 15 Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of a portable steriliser according to the present invention; Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a portable steriliser according to the present invention; 20 Figure 5 shows a close-up of the lid area of a portable steriliser according to the present invention; Figures 6a-6d show a fifth embodiment of a portable steriliser according to the 25 present invention; Figures 7a-7g show a sixth embodiment of a portable steriliser according to the present invention; and 30 Figures 8a-8b show a seventh embodiment of a portable steriliser according to the present invention.

WO 20111110666 PCT/EP2011/053702 8 It should be appreciated that when we describe a sterilising fluid, this fluid may be a pre-mixed sterilising solution. Alternatively, the sterilising fluid may refer to a non-sterilised fluid (for example water) to which a sterilising agent is added, in liquid or tablet form (for example Milton (RTM) Sterilising Tablets), to create a 5 sterilising fluid. Furthermore, the terms "sterilising", "sterilised" or "sterile" are intended to cover situations where a high level of sterilisation has occurred, as well as situations where a satisfactory level of disinfection (preferably a high level) has occurred 10 (i.e. the item is not sterilised, but disinfected to a satisfactory level). Figures la to 1d show a portable steriliser according to a first aspect of the present invention. 15 The steriliser comprises a container 100 for receiving items to be sterilised and the sterilising fluid. First 102 and second 104 inner collars are provided along an internal surface of the container 100 at respective first and second levels. Each of the first and second inner collars has a thread on an inner circumferential edge. The inner collars 102 and 104 are glued or plastic welded in position 20 during manufacture. The steriliser also comprises a flexible, removable inner lid 106 that has a thread along an outer circumferential edge and an O-ring along the same circumferential edge. A removable outer lid 108 is also provided, and that has a 25 thread along an inner circumferential edge for engaging with a corresponding threaded on an outer circumferential edge of the container 100. The removable inner lid also comprises a valve (not shown), which is designed to provide a waterproof seal when closed. 30 During use, the items to be sterilised are placed in the container 100 with the sterilising fluid (not shown). Assuming a full amount of the fluid is required, the flexible inner lid 106 is screwed into the second, higher, inner collar 106. The combination of the thread and the O-ring provides a substantially waterproof WO 20111110666 PCT/EP2011/053702 9 seal to seal off the container and to prevent fluids from leaking or sloshing from the container during transportation. The outer lid 108 is then screwed to the container 100 and the items to be are 5 left to be sterilised. The steriliser may then be transported using the handle 110 on the outer lid 108. Alternatively, if fewer or smaller items or less fluid is requires, the inner lid 106 may be screwed to the first, lower inner collar 102. 10 The advantage of the removable inner lid 106 and inner collars are that they provide a substantially waterproof seal, such that the portable steriliser may be moved during use without the sterilising fluid leaking out. 15 In an alternative use of the portable steriliser, a small amount of water is placed in a recess (not shown) in the base of the container 100 along with the items to be sterilised. In this alternative use, the inner lid 106 is again screwed to the inner collars 102 or 104 to give the desired volume in which items may be sterilised. The outer lid 108 may be screwed to the container 100 and the unit is 20 placed in a microwave for sterilisation using steam. For this use, the valve in the removable lid opens when a pressure in the container (due to a build up of steam) increases above a desired threshold to prevent a dangerous build up of steam. Furthermore, vents 112 are also located in the outer lid 108 to prevent a dangerous build up of steam. In practice, the valve allows the pressure to 25 increase up to 1 bar, although the skilled reader would understand that if the components (for example the container and the lid) were designed to withstand greater pressures, other values may be possible. Advantageously, an increased pressure during the sterilisation process actually 30 aids the degree to which the items are sterilised. Figure 2 show an exploded view of a second embodiment of the portable steriliser.

WO 20111110666 PCT/EP2011/053702 10 The steriliser again comprises a container 200 for receiving items to be sterilised and the sterilising fluid. No internal collars are provided in this embodiment. Instead, the volume comprises the whole of the container. 5 The steriliser also comprises a removable float 242, which can be attached to the outer lid 208. When attached to the outer lid, the float 242 extends from the outer lid in the direction of the container 200. A sealing element 240, which may comprise an O-ring shaped to rest on a circumferential edge of the container, is 10 provided between the the container and outer lid to provide a waterproof seal. Alternatively, the sealing element 240 is affixed to the outer lid 208. The outer lid 208 is provided with a valve 250, which comprises an O-ring seal 252. The valve is designed to provide a waterproof seal when closed. The outer 15 lid 208 is also provided with a handle 210. During use, the items to be sterilised are placed in the container 200 with the sterilising fluid (not shown). The outer lid 208 is then screwed to the container 200 and the items to be sterilised are left to sterilise. The steriliser may then be 20 transported using the handle 210 on the outer lid 208. The sealing element 240 provides a substantially waterproof seal to seal off the container and to prevent fluids from leaking or sloshing from the container during transportation when the outer lid 208 is engaged with the container 200. 25 In an alternative use of the portable steriliser, a small amount of water is placed in a recess (not shown) in the base of the container 200 along with the items to be sterilised. The outer lid 208 is screwed to the container 200 and the unit is placed in a microwave for sterilisation using steam. For this use, the valve in the outer lid opens when a pressure in the container (due to a build up of steam) 30 increases above a desired threshold to prevent a dangerous build up of steam. Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the present invention, which is a smaller version of the first embodiment. In this third embodiment, the container 300 is WO 20111110666 PCT/EP2011/053702 11 smaller in capacity for added portability. For example, the container 300 may only be large enough to receive a single set of baby's bottle, teat and lid. The principle of operation is similar to that given for figures la to Id, except that there are no inner collars, and the inner removable lid 106 (also comprising a 5 valve - not shown) only attaches at one location of the container (i.e. the top). Features the same as the first embodiment have been given like numbers. As with the first embodiment of the invention, the aspect shown in figure 3 may be used with a sterilising fluid, or be placed in a microwave for sterilising using steam. 10 Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention, which is a smaller version of the second embodiment. In this fourth embodiment, the container 400 is smaller in capacity for added portability. For example, the container 400 may only be large enough to receive a single set of baby's bottle, teat and lid. The 15 principle of operation is similar to that given to the second embodiment and with reference to figure 2. Features the same as the second embodiment have been given like numbers. As with the second embodiment of the invention, the embodiment shown in figure 4 may be used with a sterilising fluid, or be placed in a microwave for sterilising using steam. In such a use, the valve 250 in the 20 outer lid 208 prevents a dangerous build up of steam occurring in the container 400 by opening when the pressure within the container reaches a pressure threshold value. Figure 5 shows the portable steriliser having an outer flange 560, which enables 25 the steriliser to be placed on its side on a surface without it rolling around on the surface. This feature is particularly useful with smaller microwave ovens, where the ovens are not tall enough to receive an upright steriliser. Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. In this 30 embodiment, the container 600 is smaller still. For example, the container 600 may only be large enough to receive a child's dummy 624.

WO 20111110666 PCT/EP2011/053702 12 In operation, a removable insert 620, which comprises an absorbent material, is placed in the container 600. The insert 600 has an external shape that substantially corresponds with the internal shape of the container 600 for a snug-fit. The insert 620 also has an internal shape that is suitable for snugly 5 receiving an item to be sterilised, for example such as a child's dummy 624. The insert 620 is made from an absorbent material such as a foam or sponge, for example a PVA type material. A sterilising fluid 622 is then introduced into the container 600 until the insert 10 620 is sufficiently saturated with the fluid 622. The item 624 is then placed into the internal-shaped portion of the insert 620 and the outer lid 608 is screwed to the container 600. As well as a thread on an inner circumferential edge of the outer lid 608, an O-ring is provided along that same edge. Alternatively, the 0 ring may be along the outer circumferential edge of the container 600. 15 The O-ring and threaded engagement between the container 600 and the outer lid 608 provide a substantially waterproof seal to allow the container 600 to be moved during sterilising of the item 624. Furthermore, the shape of the insert maximises the contact surface area of the item to be sterilised 624, ensuring 20 proper sterilisation of the item. Figure 7 shows an alternative (sixth) embodiment of the steriliser shown in figure 6. In this embodiment, the container 700 is similarly sized to container 600 in figure 6. That is, the container 700 may only be large enough to receive a 25 child's dummy 724. In operation, a sterilising fluid is poured into the container 700 up to a fill level, preferably marked on the container. Alternatively, a non-sterilised fluid (for example water) is poured to the correct level, and a sterilising tablet 722 is 30 added to the fluid to create a sterilising fluid. Alternatively, a concentrated sterilising solution is added to the non-sterile fluid to create a sterilising fluid of the desired concentration.

WO 20111110666 PCT/EP2011/053702 13 A removable insert 720, which comprises an absorbent material, is placed in the container 700. The insert 720 has an external diameter that substantially corresponds with the internal diameter of the container 700. The insert 720 also has an internal shape that is suitable for snugly receiving an item to be 5 sterilised, for example such as a child's dummy 724. The insert 720 is made from an absorbent material such as a foam or sponge. The insert 720 is additionally retained in the container 700 by a retaining lip 730. The external surface of the insert 720 is provided with ridges extending from an 10 upper portion to a lower portion about its circumference. This external shape of the insert 720 allows the sponge to be inserted into the base without substantially displacing the sterilising fluid already in the container 700. Once placed into the sterilising solution, the insert 720 absorbs a portion of the 15 solution, and is saturated by the solution. The item 724 is then placed into the internal-shaped portion of the insert 720. A removable inner lid, or sealing cap 706, which is preferably made from a soft, flexible material, is placed over and pressed into the open end of the container 700. The sealing cap 706 is dimensioned to create a water-tight seal to prevent the sterilising solution 20 escaping. Furthermore, the sealing cap is also dimensioned to press down on the item to be sterilised and the insert such that excess sterilising fluid comes into contact with upper parts of the item to be sterilised. An outer lid 708 is screwed to the container 700 to close the container. 25 In some embodiments, the sealing cap 706 is integral with the outer lid 708. In other embodiments, the out lid 708 has as an O-ring provided on the thread on the inner circumferential edge. Alternatively, the O-ring may be along the outer circumferential edge of the container 700. Such an O-ring provides an 30 additional water-tight seal between the lid and the container. With such substantially waterproof seals, this allows the container 700 to be moved during sterilising of the item 724. Furthermore, the shape of the insert WO 20111110666 PCT/EP2011/053702 14 maximises the contact surface area of the item to be sterilised 724, ensuring proper sterilisation of the item. Figure 8 shows a seventh embodiment of the steriliser, similar to that shown in 5 figures 6 and 7. In this embodiment, the container 800 is similarly sized to container 600 in figure 6. That is, the container 800 may only be large enough to receive a child's dummy. In operation, a sterilising fluid is poured into the container 800 up to a fill level, 10 preferably marked on the container. Alternatively, a non-sterilised fluid (for example water) is poured to the correct level, and a sterilising tablet is added to the fluid to create a sterilising fluid. Alternatively, a concentrated sterilising solution is added to the non-sterile fluid to create a sterilising fluid of the desired concentration. 15 A removable insert 820, which comprises an absorbent material, is placed in the container 800. The insert 820 has an external diameter that substantially corresponds with the internal diameter of the container 800. The insert 820 also has an internal shape that is suitable for snugly receiving an item to be 20 sterilised, for example such as a child's dummy. The insert 820 is made from an absorbent material such as a foam or sponge. The insert 820 is additionally retained in the container 800 by a retaining lip 830. In this embodiment, the insert 820 comprises two separable portions 820a and 25 820b, shown as upper and lower layers in the figures. A recess is provided in the upper layer 820a for receiving snugly the item to be sterilised. Advantageously, by providing the insert having two separable layers enables easier cleaning of the insert after use. It has been found that after repeated use, debris removed from the item to be sterilised congregates in the recess in the 30 insert 820. The debris is removed from the insert by separating the upper 820a and lower 820b layers, and either washing or wiping the two portions before re assembling them.

WO 20111110666 PCT/EP2011/053702 15 Furthermore, the two separable layers also reduce the risk of the sterilising solution splashing out of the container onto the user during insertion of the insert, since less volume of fluid is displaced for each separable portion when compared to inserting a single piece having the same volume as the two layers 5 combined. The two separable layers 820a and 820b are coloured differently to aid insertion of the layers of the insert in the correct order. Preferably, lower layer 820b is a darker colour than the upper layer 820a. In one embodiment, lower layer 820b 10 is blue and the upper layer 820a is a white or cream colour. The skilled reader of course would have many colours to choose from, and would understand that a difference in contrast between the two layers is sufficient to help aid the layers into the container in the correct order. Furthermore, the lower layer 820b is coloured with a dye that fades over time, for example over a period of one to 15 two months (whatever is desired by the manufacturer). Advantageously, this provides the user with a visual indicator that the insert 820 has been used for a length of time and should now be replaced with a new insert. This ensures that ageing inserts are replaced regularly so that the sterilisation of items can be effective. 20 Once placed into the sterilising solution, the insert 820 absorbs a portion of the solution, and is saturated by the solution. The item to be sterilised is then placed into the internal-shaped portion of the insert 820 and pressed down to ensure that the sterilising solution covers the item. The item may be partially 25 rotated in the insert; the friction between the item and the snug-fitting insert 820 enable debris to be removed. An outer lid 808 is screwed to the container 800 to close the container. A sealing element, or O-ring, 840 is located between the lid 808 and the container 30 800 and is designed to provide a substantially waterproof seal between the lid and container to prevent the sterilising solution escaping.

16 Furthermore, a portion 842 of the outer lid 808 protrudes from the outer lid so that it presses down on the item to be sterilised when the lid is in engaged with the container such that excess sterilising fluid comes into contact with upper parts of the item to be sterilised. 5 In some embodiments, the sealing element 840 is coupled to the outer lid 808. Alternatively, the sealing element is coupled to a circumferential edge of the container 800. 10 With such substantially waterproof seals, this allows the container 800 to be moved during sterilising of the item. Furthermore, the shape of the insert maximises the contact surface area of the item to be sterilised, ensuring proper sterilisation of the item. 15 No doubt many other effective alternatives will occur to the skilled person. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments and encompasses modifications apparent to those skilled in the art lying within the scope of the claims appended hereto. 20 In this specification, the term 'comprises' and its variants are not intended to exclude the presence of other integers, components or steps.

Claims

1. A portable steriliser for sterilising an item using sterilising fluids, comprising: 5 a container for receiving an item to be sterilised and for receiving a sterilising fluid; a removable insert comprising an absorbent material for absorbing a sterilising fluid, said removable insert being shaped to receive an item to be sterilized; 10 a removable outer lid engageable with the container; wherein said portable steriliser comprises means adapted to press down on an item to be sterilised, such that excess sterilising fluid comes into contact with upper parts of the item to be sterilised.

2. A portable steriliser according to claim 1, wherein said means comprise a 15 portion of said removable outer lid, said portion protruding from the removable outer lid so as to press down on an item to be sterilised when the removable outer lid is engaged with the container.

3. A portable steriliser according to claim 2, wherein the removable insert comprises two or more separable portions. 20

4. A portable steriliser according to claim 3, wherein the removable insert comprises a first separable portion that is shaped to snugly receive and surround at least a portion of an item to be sterilised, and a second separable portion arranged beneath the first separable portion and shaped to contact at least an end portion of an item to be sterilised. 25

5. A portable steriliser according to claim 4, wherein the first separable portion comprises a channel extending between upper and lower surfaces of the first separable portion for snugly receiving and surrounding at least a portion of an item to be sterilised. 18

6. A portable steriliser according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the second separable portion comprises a substantially flat upper surface for contacting an end portion of the item to be sterilised.

7. A portable steriliser according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first 5 separable portion of the removable insert is shaped to snugly receive at least a portion of a teat of a child's dummy.

8. A portable steriliser according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the second separable portion comprises a dye that fades over a period of time, and wherein a faded dye indicates that the removable insert has expired. 10

9. A portable steriliser according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the removable insert is shaped and dimensioned to create a well area beneath the second separable portion for receiving unabsorbed sterilising fluid.

10. A portable steriliser according to claim 1, wherein said means comprise a removable inner lid adapted to be placed over the open end of the container, said 15 removable inner lid being dimensioned to press down on an item to be sterilised and said insert.

11. A portable steriliser according to claim 10, wherein said removable inner lid is made of a soft, flexible material.

12. A portable steriliser according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the 20 removable inner lid is integral with the removable outer lid.

13. A portable steriliser according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the removable insert has an external surface provided with ridges extending from an upper portion to a lower portion about its circumference.

14. A portable steriliser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein 25 the removable outer lid provides a waterproof seal when engaged with the container.

15. A portable steriliser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when engaged, the removable outer lid is in a press-fit or threaded engagement with the container. 19

16. A portable steriliser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removable outer lid comprises an O-ring around an inner circumferential edge.

17. A portable steriliser according to any one of claims 1 to 15 , wherein the 5 container comprises an O-ring around an outer circumferential edge.

18. A portable steriliser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removable outer lid comprises a handle or attachment means for attaching the steriliser to other items.

19. A portable steriliser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein 10 the removable insert has an exterior shape that corresponds with an interior shape of the container.

20. A portable steriliser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent material comprises an absorbent sponge or foam material.

21. A portable steriliser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein 15 the removable insert is retained in the container by a retaining lip.