GB2262232A

GB2262232A - Bottle steriliser

Info

Publication number: GB2262232A
Application number: GB9126114A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martyn Rowlands
Original assignee: Mothercare UK Ltd
Current assignee: Mothercare UK Ltd
Priority date: 1991-12-09
Filing date: 1991-12-09
Publication date: 1993-06-16
Anticipated expiration: 2011-12-09
Also published as: GB2262232B; GB9126114D0

Abstract

A steriliser for babies bottles and associated parts has a casing (1), a lower tray (5), an upper tray (15) and a central rack (10). The rack is an integral moulding having at least three platforms (11) for carrying feats. The lower tray (5) provides support (6) for a number of bottles while accessories may be placed in the upper tray. A heating plate (2) can be used to boil a measured amount of water placed thereon to create steam for circulation over the parts carried by. the system. <IMAGE>

Description

BOTTLE STERILISERS This invention relates to sterilisers for disinfecting babies feeding and drinking bottles and other parts, e.g. teats, rings, caps etc. commonly associated with such bottles.

One type of steriliser consists of a container for holding a sterilising solution in which the bottles, etc. are immersed. Another type of steriliser comprises a casing housing a heating element for creating an atmosphere of steam within the casing to disinfect the bottles, etc. accommodated in the casing. The present invention is applicable to sterilisers of both types, but is specifically described herein in relation to an embodiment of the latter type.

It is desirable that the outer container or casing of a steriliser should be able to accommodate bottles of various shapes and sizes, as available in the market place, and that the bottles and other parts can be arranged compactly within its interior in order to allow overall dimensions to be kept down. It is known for sterilisers to be equipped with lift-out trays or baskets for convenience of holding the smaller bottle parts, but they do not facilitate maximum utilisation of the internal space.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a steriliser for babies bottles and associated parts, comprising a casing and means for supporting parts within the casing including a preferably central columnar support having several stages located one above the other for supporting respective parts in a vertically spaced array.

In a preferred construction the columnar support is an integral plastic moulding defining at least three, e.g. 6, platforms for receiving respective teats and screw rings. The platforms are disc-like elements having slots to enable the nipple of a teat carried on one platform to project through the next platform above.

A full understanding of the invention will be gained from the following description of an exemplary embodiment, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view showing a support system for use in a steriliser; Figure 2 is a top plan view, shown partly cut away, of the central support rack; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the support system; Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the components of the support system separated from each other; and Figure 5 is an enlarged view of an upper portion of the central support rack.

The support system illustrated in the drawings is intended for removable installation within the casing 1 of a steam steriliser, a heating plate 2 being mounted in the casing for boiling a measured amount of water placed thereon to create steam for circulation over parts carried on the support system to disinfect them. The support system comprises a lower tray 5 which includes a number (6 as shown) of support rings 6 for locating a corresponding number of bottles 18 in a spaced annular array. The positioning of the rings 6 enables bottles of various shapes and sizes to be accommodated within the steriliser casing.

The tray 5 also defines a central socket 7 for location of a central columnar support rack 10 which is formed as a unitary moulding and includes six vertically spaced platforms 11 interconnected by strips 12 which are connected at their upper ends to define a handle. The platforms 11 have slots 13, the purpose of which is explained later. The rack 10 preferably rests freely in the socket 7 of the lower tray although if preferred it could be attached, releasably or fixedly, to the tray 5. A third component of the support system comprises an upper tray 15 which is annular for extending around the rack 10 and has an upstanding handle 16 extending across the central aperture for resting on top of the rack 10 for supporting the upper tray in correct position within the steriliser casing 1. The tray 15 may support bottle caps, sealing discs and/or other accessories requiring sterilisation.

In use, with the lid of the casing and the support system removed, the appropriate amount of water is poured onto the heating plate 2. The lower tray 5 is inserted into the casing and the bottles 18 may then be inserted in inverted position with their necks positioned in or around the location rings 6 according to their size. Teats 20 and their screw rings 21 are loaded onto the platforms 11 of the rack 10, the slots 13 allowing the nipples to project through the next platforms as shown in Fig. 1. Thus, the teats are arranged in a compact linear array, but remain spaced apart to enable effective circulation of steam between them to ensure complete sterilisation of the teats and rings. The rack 10 and the parts carried thereon are lowered into the casing to rest in the central socket 7 of the tray 5. The upper tray 15 is then inserted so that its handle 16 rests on the top of the rack 10, and any parts and accessories not already loaded can be placed on this tray. After the lid of the casing has been replaced the switch can be turned on to heat the plate 2 and boil the water for the steam generated to circulate and disinfect the contents of the steriliser casing.

It will be appreciated that the trays 5 and 15 are preferably perforated, e.g. due to a mesh-like structure, to facilitate circulation of steam.

In addition the platforms 11 of the central rack may be similarly perforated.

Claims

CLAIMS:-

I. A steriliser for babies bottles and associated parts comprising a casing and means for supporting parts within the casing including a columnar support having several stages located one above the other for supporting respective parts in a vertically spaced array.
2. A steriliser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the columnar support is an integral moulding defining at least three platforms for receiving teats and screw rings.
3. A steriliser as claimed in claim 2, wherein the platforms are interconnected by means of elongate elements.
4. A steriliser as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the supporting means includes a lower tray defining central means for location of the columnar support.
5. A steriliser as claimed in claim 4, wherein the lower tray includes projections for locating bottles thereon.
6. A steriliser as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the supporting means includes an upper tray for location at the upper end of the columnar support.
7. A steriliser as claimed in claim 6, wherein the upper tray is annular and defines a central aperture across which a handle extends for resting on the top of the columnar support.
8. A steriliser as claimed inny preceding claim wherein the supporting means are of a meshlike structure.
9. A steriliser as claimed in any of claims 2 to 8, wherein the platforms are provided with slots to enable the nipple of a teat carried on one platform to project through to the platform next above.
10. A steriliser for babies bottles and associated parts substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.