AU2013101078A4 - Shaker element - Google Patents

Abstract

SHAKER ELEMENT Abstract A shaker element (10) dimensioned for insertion into a baby bottle. The shaker element (10) in an embodiment comprises a wire construct, being a coil defining a number of turns (100). The shaker element has a maximum width of about 30 mm, and in an embodiment has a maximum width of about 20 mm. ..... , o .._ _ .... ...... ...... ....... ............... 'NB

Description

1 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 Provisional Specification For The Invention Entitled: SHAKER ELEMENT The invention is described in the following statement: 2 Field of the Invention [1] The present invention relates to a shaker element for promoting mixing of powders and liquids in a container. Background of the Invention [2] Baby bottles are commonly used to store drinks prepared from powdered substances, such as baby milk powder and concentrated or reconstituted drink mixtures. To ensure proper mixing of the powdered substances, vigorous shaking of the baby bottles is required. However, this does not always achieve complete mixing and can result in lumps in the drink or clumps of powder still attached to inner surfaces of the baby bottle. Due to the typically narrow opening and long length of baby bottles, it is difficult to break up or dislodge such lumps and clumps using typical implements such as spoons. The lumps can also result in blockage of the nipple during use. [3] The present invention seeks to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative. [4] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. Summary of the Invention [5] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a shaker element dimensioned for insertion into a baby bottle. [6] In a preferred embodiment, the shaker element comprises a wire construct. [7] In another preferred embodiment, the wire construct is a coil defining a number of turns. [8] In another preferred embodiment, the coil is tapered at at least one end. [9] In another preferred embodiment, the wire construct is a spherical mesh. [10] In a preferred embodiment, the shaker element is constructed from food grade stainless steel. [11] In a preferred embodiment, the wire construct has a wire thickness of between 14 16 gauge (1.588 - 1.291 mm). [12] In a preferred embodiment, the shaker element has a maximum width of about 30 mm. [13] In another preferred embodiment, the shaker element has a maximum width of about 20 mm.

3 [14] In another preferred embodiment, the shaker element has a maximum width of about 10 mm. [15] In a preferred embodiment, the shaker element has a length of between 20 mm to 50 mm. [16] In a preferred embodiment, the shaker element has defines gap between the turns and a central space. [17] In a preferred embodiment, the shaker element is a coiled sphere. [18] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings [19] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [20] Fig. 1 illustrates a shaker element according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; [21] Fig. 2 illustrates a shaker element according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; and [22] Fig. 3 illustrates a shaker element according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. Description of Embodiments [23] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features. [24] Fig. 1 illustrates a shaker element 10 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The shaker element 10 has a coiled wire construct defining a number of turns 100. The shaker element 10 is constructed from food grade stainless steel, and has a wire thickness A of between 14 - 16 gauge (1.588 - 1.291 mm). A maximum width B of the shaker element 10 is about 30 mm, and thereby adapted to fit into a baby bottle. In other embodiments, the shaker element has a smaller maximum width of about 20 mm to fit smaller baby bottles. [25] Being of a coiled construction, the shaker element thus defines gaps 110 between the turns 100 as well as a central space 120. [26] The shaker element 10 is illustrated with nine turns 100, however it is to be understood that the shaker element 10 is not so limited, and may have less than or more than nine turns. The shaker element can thus have a length of between 20 mm to 50 mm.

4 [27] In use, the shaker element 10 is wholly inserted into a baby bottle. Preferably, the shaker element 10 is inserted into the baby bottle before any powdered mixture or liquid is added to the bottle, such that the shaker element 10 rests on a bottom of the baby bottle. Alternatively, the shaker element 10 can be inserted at a later stage, and caused to propagate to the bottom of the baby bottle by one or more of gravity and a shaking action. [28] Once the shaker element 10 and all powdered mixture and liquid are in the baby bottle, a shaking action is applied to the baby bottle. The shaking action causes the shaker element 10 to move within the baby bottle and agitate the powdered mixture and liquid within the baby bottle. A predominant motion of the shaker element 10 will be one of longitudinal motion along a length of the baby bottle. However, secondary side-to-side motion of the shaker element 10 against the inner surfaces of the baby bottle will also be achieved. [29] The shaking action causes the shaker element 10 to also be agitated against the inner surfaces of the baby bottle, and in this manner break apart any clumps of powdered mixture that have attached to the inner surfaces. [30] The turns 100 of the shaker element engage the powdered mixture and assists in dissolving the powdered mixture n the liquid. [31] By virtue of its coiled configuration and the gaps 110 and central space 120, the shaker element 10 does not hinder or restrict the normal flow of liquid from within the baby bottle out through a nipple. Accordingly, the shaker element 10 may be left in the baby bottle after shaking, and while the mixture within the baby bottle is being consumed. [32] If the parent or carer sees any remaining clumps of powdered mixture, the bottle can be shaken again and use the shaker element to break up the clumps. [33] Once the mixture within the baby bottle is consumed, the shaker element 10 is removed from the baby bottle by upending the baby bottle such that the shaker element 10 falls out. The shaker element can then be cleaned easily and re-used. [34] Fig. 2 illustrates a shaker element 20 according to a second aspect of the present disclosure. The shaker element 20 is in most respects similar to the shaker element 10, except that the shaker element 20 is tapered at one or both ends 210. Like reference numbers as those used in Fig. 1 refer to like components also present in the shaker element 20 of Fig. 2. As with the shaker element 10 of Fig. 1, the shaker element 2 according to the second aspect has a maximum width B of between 20 - 30 mm. [35] Having one or more tapered ends 210 provides a different agitation pattern to that of the shaker element 10, which may be more effective with mixtures of different viscosity or 5 consistency. Moreover, having one or more tapered ends 210 may better suit baby bottles of different shapes, for example baby bottles which have an hourglass shape. [36] When used in a baby bottle having, for example, an hourglass shape, the tapered ends 210 of the shaker element 20 more readily align the shaker element 20 into the narrowed waistline of an hourglass shaped baby bottle, and thereby facilitates the longitudinal motion of the shaker element 20 throughout a length of the baby bottle. The tapered shape of the shaker element 20 also allows a larger area of the shaker element 20 to be in contact with any sloped inner surfaces of a baby bottle. Similarly, the tapered ends 210, being tapered into a narrower point, allows the shaker element 20 to better come into contact with narrow recesses and the like within the baby bottle. [37] Fig. 3 illustrates a shaker element 30 according to a third aspect of the present disclosure. The shaker element 30 is constructed as a hollow spherical mesh 310, and as with the shaker element 10 of Fig. 1, is constructed from food grade stainless style. The shaker element 30 provides a different agitation pattern to those of shaker elements 10 and 20, and may be better suited to baby bottles with a wider and rounder internal volume, and mixtures of different viscosity and consistency. [38] Although the invention has been described herein with reference to a number of specific embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited only to the disclosed embodiments, and that these embodiments described a best-mode/preferred embodiment, whereas the invention may be embodied in other forms encompassed within the scope of this invention. [39] In other possible forms, the shaker element can be a coiled sphere.

Claims (13)

1. A shaker element dimensioned for insertion into a baby bottle.

2. The shaker element of claim 1 wherein the shaker element comprises a wire construct.

3. The shaker element of claim 2 wherein the wire construct is a coil defining a number of turns.

4. The shaker element of claim 3 wherein the coil is tapered at at least one end.

5. The shaker element of claim 2 wherein the wire construct is a spherical mesh.

6. The shaker element of claim 1 wherein the shaker element is constructed from food grade stainless steel.

7. The shaker element of claim 2 wherein the wire construct has a wire thickness of between 14 - 16 gauge (1.588 - 1.291 mm).

8. The shaker element of claim 1 wherein the shaker element has a maximum width of about 30 mm.

9. The shaker element of claim 1 wherein the shaker element has a maximum width of about 20 mm.

10. The shaker element of claim 1 wherein the shaker element has a maximum width of about 10 mm.

11. The shaker element of claim 1 wherein the shaker element has a length of between 20 mm to 50 mm.

12. The shaker element of claim 1 wherein the shaker element has defines gap between the turns and a central space.

13. The shaker element of claim 1 wherein the shaker element is a coiled sphere.