GB2494190A - Feeding bottle with cover - Google Patents

Abstract

A feeding bottle system 00 comprising: a container 5 for liquid feed or drink; a dispenser 6 for connection to the container 5 through which the liquid feed or drink in the container 5 may be dispensed from the container 5, and a cap 2, having handles 10. Wherein the cap 2 is adapted to fit over the dispenser 6 and connect to the dispenser or container in a cover-mode of use to cover the dispenser during storage or transportation of the bottle system 00. The cap 2 is adapted to receive the container 5 within the cap 2 in a dispensing-mode of use of the cap to provide means of a user grasping the bottle system 00 during feeding from the bottle. The cap 2 is adapted to contain liquid in a cup-mode of use of the cap.

Description

Feeding Bottle System [0001] This invention relates to feeding bottles and caps therefor.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Traditionally, feeding bottles generally comprise: a substantially rigid container, having an open neck with screw threads formed around the neck adjacent the opening; an annular collar, having screw threads onto which the container neck may be attached; and a teat, having a flange that extends between the rim of the collar and the top edge of the container neck such that a fluid-tight seal between the container and the teat may be effected. A rubber nipple is arranged on the teat remote from the flange and has a feed opening at the end of the nipple that allows feed to be dispensed from the bottle.

[0003] The utilisation of handgrips that are suitably orientated for assisting an infant in gripping the bottle during feeding is a well-established concept. It is known to incorporate such handgrips on feeding bottles whereby the handles form an integral aspect of the bottle. The difficultly of an infant adequately grasping a relatively large-diameter vessel with respect to an infant's hands can thus be overcome. The aforementioned handgrips also serve the purpose of isolating the infant's hands from conceivably heated feed and facilitate the development of independent drinking techniques that encourage progression from bottle to cup.

[0004] US-4557392 discloses a baby bottle having integral handles for assisting a baby in gripping the bottle so that the baby is encouraged to hold the bottle in an appropriate position during feeding.

However, the handles do not assist the carer and are not always desired. US-5170533 discloses a baby bottle with separable handles for assisting a baby in gripping the bottle so that the baby is encouraged to hold the bottle in appropriate position during feeding. It offers both detachable and reusable handles that utilises pre-cut slots already on some bottles that permit viewing the contents of the bottle. It is also known to provide depending wings that act as handles from a collar that either is the collar that retains the teat of the bottle on the neck of the bottle, or is trapped by such collar.

However, again not only are the handles not always needed but they are redundant when not required for holding the bottle.

[0005] Previously, upright feeding bottles have had large aspect ratios, perhaps with the intention of easier gripping, arid substantially cylindrical containers whereby the teat is symmetrical about the central axis of the container with the nipple situated centrally. Thus, the entire container, collar and neck configuration is symmetrical about a common axis. Recently, there has been a trend towards shorter and wider bottles that offer greater stability. This has initiated an eccentrically placed nipple on the teat. Moreover, JP-A-2000-288 suggests that said eccentrically placed nipples offer the advantage of assisting the transition from a peristaltic feeding action that is instinctive in the newborn baby to a sucking action that develops a few months after birth. Eccentric nipples introduce the problem of arranging the handles (where these are provided on the bottle) correctly oriented with respect to the nipple.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, or at least mitigate some or all of their effects. Indeed, it is an object to provide an arrangement that is versatile.

[0007] The present invention makes use, at least in some embodiments, of a feeding bottle as disclosed in an earlier patent application of the present applicant having the application number: GB1 108049.6. The contents of that application are herein incorporated by reference.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0008] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a feeding bottle system comprising: a container for liquid feed or drink; a dispenser for connection to the container, the dispenser having a nipple with an aperture through which the liquid feed or drink in the container may be dispensed from the container; and a cap having handles, wherein the cap: is adapted to fit over the dispenser and conned to the dispenser or container in a cover-mode of use of the cap to cover the dispenser during storage or transportation of the bottle system; is adapted to receive the container within the cap in a dispensing-mode of use of the cap to provide means of a user grasping the bottle system during feeding from the bottle; and is adapted to contain liquid in a cup-mode of use of the cap.

[0009] Preferably, each of said cap and said container or dispenser, comprises connection means to enable connection of said cap to said dispenser or connector when used in cover-mode or dispensing-mode.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment said container defines: a longitudinal axis; a first plane lying on said longitudinal axis; and a second plane lying in or parallel to said longitudinal axis and perpendicular to said first plane, wherein said nipple is positioned in said second plane; and said cap further comprises a longitudinal axis and a handle plane lying on said longitudinal axis, wherein said handles are positioned in said handle plane, wherein said first and handle planes are parallel when the cap is in said dispensing-mode.

[0011] Preferably the second plane of said container lies on the longitudinal axis. Said nipple may be offset from the first plane of said container.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, said connection means align the first plane of said container with the handle plane of said cap.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the present invention; said container further comprises depressions in an outside surface of the container, at least one of said depressions being in said first plane; and, said cap further comprises bulges in an inner surface of the cap, at least one of said bulges being in the first plane; such that said bulges in said cap interlock with said depressions in said container when said feeding bottle system is used in said dispensing-mode.

[0014] Preferably said interlocking bulges and depressions align said first plane of said container and with said handle plane of said cap.

10015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when used in said cover-mode, an inside surface of said cap engages with said dispenser to prevent leakage of said liquid. Said dispenser may be a teat such that when said cap surface is applied to the teat in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, an aperture in the nipple is closed.

[0016] Preferably said inside surface of said cap further comprises a raised area to engage with said nipple or further comprises a depression for said nipple to fit within.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said cap is made using a plastics material and may be moulded using an injection moulding process. The method of moulding may comprise the steps of: providing a first mould for said cap, wherein said first mould creates an unfinished cap with holes in a wall of said unfinished cap suitable for receiving said handles, wherein said holes are smaller on an outside surface of said walls than on an inside surface of said walls; injecting said first mould with a molten plastics; allowing said plastics to cool and removing said unfinished cap from said first mould; providing a second mould for said handles comprising a receptacle for said unfinished cap; placing said unfinished cap inside said second mould; injecting said second mould with a molten plastic whereby said holes are filled with plastics material; and allowing said plastics to cool and removing said cap from said second mould.

[0018] Preferably, said handles extend beyond said inside surface of said wall to create said bulges.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention is further described hereinafter, by way of examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first arrangement of feeding bottle system in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second arrangement of feeding bottle system in accordance with the invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a third arrangement of feeding bottle system in accordance with the invention; Figures 4a-b are side views of a feeding bottle system according to Figure 1; FigureS shows a cross-sectional view of a feeding bottle system as shown in Figure 2; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a feeding bottle system according to Figure 2; and Figures 7a-c illustrate steps of a moulding process for making a cap assording to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The feeding bottle as referred to in the following text preferably has, but is not restricted to, a configuration as disclosed in the GB patent application 1108049.6. Therefore the features of the bottle have not been specifically described herein.

[0020] Figure 1 shows a feeding bottle system 00 in accordance with the invention. The system comprises a bottle 1 and a cap/beaker 2. The bottle consists of a container 5 and a dispenser 6 connected to the container. In a cover mode 100, shown in Figure 1, the system is configured for storage/transportation of the feeding bottle (container) 1 to prevent spillage of its contents. This is performed when the cap 2 is inverted and connected to the container. Connection means 3a,b are disposed on the inner surface 4 of the cap 2 (as lip 3a) and the outer surface 5 of the container 1 or dispenser (as groove 3b) to ensure a secure connection between the cap and bottle when the cap is positioned on the bottle 1 and the connection means snapped into engagement. The connection means are further described below.

[0021] In the configuration 100, a nipple 6a of the teat (dispenser) 6 of the container engages with a base 7 of the inverted cap 2. The base 7 of the cap may comprise a corresponding dimple 8, that presses against the teat 6 of the bottle. The dimple S closes an opening Gb in the crown of the nipple 6a. However, the dimple may be formed as a raised track 8a around the base 7 of the cap, as shown in Figure 1. This is because the bottle and cap are oval (or racetrack-shaped) in cross-section and therefore the cap can be arranged to fit on the bottle in two ways. The alternative is two dimples S at each locus of the nipple.

[0022] The dimple 8 or Ba is configured to have a height such that the nipple 6a engages with the base 7. In any event, the configuration ensures that the teat aperture 6b is closed and the contents of the bottle 1 do not escape. This first arrangement 100 also provides carrying handles 10 for the system. The handles project from the outer surface 11 of the cap 2 and are located in a handle plane of the cap as described in more detail below.

[0023] Figure 2 shows the feeding bottle system 00 in its dispensing mode 200. The arrangement is configured to facilitate easy gripping of the container by an infant, or otherwise, during feeding.

The container 5 is positioned upright inside the cap 2. Here, the connection means 3 ensure that the cap is locked in position to provide a system for effective use of by an infant. Further depressions 12 in the body of the cap engage with corresponding depressions 13 in the body of the container 1 to augment the connection of the two parts, the cap 2 and the container 1, and ensure that they do not separate during use.

[0024] The bottle 1 defines a drinking plane (not identified in Figure 2 but being that which is perpendicular to the plane of the handles 10). The drinking plane as a feature of the bottle is not defined by the handles, however. It is defined in that it contains a longitudinal axis 15 of the bottle, and the nipple 6a. The nipple 6a is eccentric and the depressions 13 in the side of the bottle provide finger and thumb grips for the carer to grip the bottle. The drinking plane is really the plane in which the bottle is tilted during feeding. Of course, with a bottle that is symmetrical around its longitudinal axis (the bottle shown is NOT symmetrical about such axis), there is no drinking plane defined by features of the bottle. Such a plane could only be defined by feeding actions in such a bottle.

[0025] The handles 10 of the cap 2 define a first (gripping) plane of the cap. Such a gripping plane is perpendicular to the drinking plane, at least when defined by the drinking action of a person gripping the handles with each hand and tilting the edge of the cap to drink from it as a cup. Given the oval shape of the cap and bottle, as shown, when the bottle is inserted into the cap in the dispensing-mode as shown in Figure 2, the gripping plane of the cap is coincident with the gripping plane of the bottle and therefore perpendicular to the drinking plane of the bottle. In this configuration, therefore, a child learning to drink for him-or herself can grasp the handles 10 and feed him-or herself from the bottle 1.

[0026] In this configuration 200 the dimple 8, or track Ba, of the cap 2 may be contained in a corresponding dimple or track (not visible) in the base 14 of the container 1. This is not however, otherwise important.

[0027] Figure 3 shows the cap 2 in the third configuration 300, as offered by the system. This configuration may be used when an infant progresses from requiring the bottle and is moving to drinking from cups. The cap offers some familiarity and a suitable holding arrangement. The handles as mentioned above provide a suitable gripping means for an infant's hands and encourage progression from using the cap to using a cup, or mug for example. Moreover, it reduces the redundancy of the components of the system making them more versatile providing feeding arrangements right through from initial baby feeding with parental holding of the bottle alone, through infant holding of the bottle employing the cap as a bottle-holder, and finally the cap serving as a first drinking cup. Indeed, a separate lid having a drinking spout could be provided for this stage, if desired.

[0028] Figures 4a&b show the feeding bottle system in the first configuration 100 as shown by figure 1. The gripping (first) plane of the container 1 is shown in figure 4a as going into the page along longitudinal axis 15. When the cap 2 is inverted and placed on top of the container 1, the handles 10 of the container are disposed in this plane. The teat 6 is shown to be offset from the gripping plane to permit ease of use. The dimple 8, or racetrack Ba, is shown to be in contact with the teat 6.

[0029] Figure 4b shows the drinking (second) plane 16 as going into the page along axis 15. This plane is perpendicular to the gripping plane. As shown, the teat 6 lies on the drinking plane, however, although not desirable, it could be offset therefrom. The depressions 13 in the container are shown in figures 4a&b to align with the gripping plane.

[0030] In Figure 5, the connection means 3a of the cap 2 are shown offset from the connection means 3b of the container 5 and do not interengage in the dispensing mode 200 shown. This is merely a matter of choice. In Figure 5, the depressions 12a if the container are shown engaged by the handles 10 which penetrate the wall of the cap, at least in the position of the depressions 12a. In this embodiment, the handles 10 and depressions 12a provide the connection means between the two components and this may be more secure than the cap mode requires. In the dispensing mode, it is feasible that a child will shake the system by holding only the handles 10 and so it is important that the bottle, which might be full, does not slip out of engagement with the cup. Figure 5 shows the arrangement where both the top 17 of the handle 10 and the bottom 18 of the handle protrude through the wall of the cap 2. The protrusion 17 at the top can form the lug 3a which corresponds with the groove 19 (connection part 3a) on the container when in the cap-mode of use shown in Figure 1. The protrusion 18 at the bottom forms the raised section 13a to correspond with the indent 12a in the bottle 1.

[0031] Figure 6 further depicts the embodiment shown in Figure 5. The figure shows a cupped racetrack 20 configured to house the teat 6 of the bottle when the cap acts as a cap for the bottle.

[0032] Figures 7a -7c, demonstrate parts of a moulding process to be used to form the cap 2, particularly the cap shown in Figures 5 and 6. In Figure 7a, the first step of a moulding process is that molten plastics is injected (I) into a mould 20 to fill the volume 21 and create an unfinished cap 2a (see Figure 7b). The unfinished cap 2a is removed from the mould 20 once cool. The unfinished cap 2a has holes 22a, which ultimately receive the handles (not shown).

[0033] The holes 22a preferably taper from a smaller outside dimension 23 to a larger inside dimension 24. This feature adds strength to the connection between the cap and its handles and prevents the handles from being pulled out. Figure 7c shows the second step in the moulding process. In this step, another mould 25 is completed by insertion of the unfinished cap 2a. The mould is injected (I) with molten plastics to form the handles lOa. The mould may also be configured 3a, 12a to permit some of the injected material to extend into a space inside the cap to produce connection means 3 and bulges 12 as previously discussed. The injected material may therefore be secured inside the cap by both the tapered holes and the material inside the walls of the cap. Once cool the completed cap 2 may be removed from the mould 25.

[0034] The method of moulding illustrated in Figures 7a-c permit a different material or even a different colour plastics to be used for the handles as used in the body of the cap. Subject to other requirements, for example resistance to microwave heating, the material of the handles may be a relatively soft elastomeric material, providing greater comfort of use. This also explains the non- overlap of the lip 3a and groove 3b in Figure 5, in which the lip provides another assurance of slack-free interconnection between the cap and container.

[0035] In an alternative moulding process, the cap and its handles may be moulded in a single operation.

[0036] In one embodiment the handles are formed separately from the body of the cap. The handles may be formed from the same or different material to the body and are adhered to the body.

Attachment may also be in the form of part of the handle substantially penetrating the wall of the body to provide a more secure connection.

[0037] Connection of the cap to the body has been depicted in the figures described above.

Connection may be made through a snap fit method, or a screw, plug, etc. Male and female elements are located on the cap and the body respectively. The cap preferably has resilience such that its shape is distorted as the two parts are pushed together but returns to the original cylindrical (or similar) shape when permitted. However, the cap may, on the other hand, be substantially rigid and the lug 3 be resilient to permit the snap fit. Therefore once the lug 3 as disposed on the cap 2 aligns with the corresponding hole on the bottle 1, the lug snaps into the hole and the cap-container connection is made. The dimensions of the cap are selected such that same lug 3 aligns with the hole or groove on the bottle when the cap acts as a lid 100 or a handle 200.

[0038] Other methods of connection which permit perpendicular alignment of the drinking plane with the gripping plane, such as a screw thread, are conceived.

[0039] The body of the cap is a prerferably plastics material. The handles may be made from the same plastics as the body, or otherwise, but may also be made from a material with rubber properties to enhance the feel of the handles.

[0040] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description $ and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0041] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments.

The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0042] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>CLAIMS1. A feeding bottle system comprising: a container for liquid feed or drink; a dispenser for connection to the container, the dispenser having a nipple with an aperture through which the liquid feed or drink in the container may be dispensed from the container; and a cap having handles, wherein the cap: is adapted to fit over the dispenser and connect to the dispenser or container in a cover-mode of use of the cap to cover the dispenser during storage or transportation of the bottle system; is adapted to receive the container within the cap in a dispensing-mode of use of the cap to provide means of a user grasping the bottle system during feeding from the bottle; and is adapted to contain liquid in a cup-mode of use of the cap.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A feeding bottle system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said cap and said container or dispenser, comprises connection means to enable connection of said cap to said dispenser or connector when used in cover-mode or dispensing-mode.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A feeding bottle system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein: said container defines: a longitudinal axis; a first plane lying on said longitudinal axis; and, a second plane lying in or parallel to said longitudinal axis and perpendicular to said first plane, wherein said nipple is positioned in said second plane; and said cap further comprises: a longitudinal axis; and a handle plane lying on said longitudinal axis, wherein said handles are positioned in said handle plane, wherein said first and handle planes are parallel when the cap is in said dispensing-mode 4. A feeding bottle system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second plane of said container contains the longitudinal axis.5. A feeding bottle system as claimed in claim 3 or 4 wherein said nipple is offset from the first plane of said container.6. A feeding bottle system as claimed in any of claims 3 to 5, when dependent on claim 2, wherein said connection means align the first plane of said container with the handle plane of said cap.7. A feeding bottle system as claimed in any of claims 3 to 6 wherein; said container further comprises depressions in an outside surface of the container, at least one of said depressions being in said first plane; and, said cap further comprises bulges in an inner surface of the cap, at least one of said bulges being in the first plane; such that said bulges in said cap interlock with said depressions in said container when said feeding bottle system is used in said dispensing-mode.8. A feeding bottle system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said interlocking bulges and depressions align said first plane of said container and with said handle plane of said cap.9. A feeding bottle system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, when used in said cover-mode, an inside surface of said cap engages with said dispenser to prevent leakage of said liquid.10. A feeding bottle system as claimed in claim 9 wherein said dispenser is a teat of resilient material such that when said cap surface is applied to the teat in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, an aperture in the nipple is closed.11. A feeding bottle system as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 wherein said inside surface of said cap further comprises a raised area to engage with said nipple.12. A feeding boftie system as claimed in claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein said inside surface of said cap further comprises a depression for said nipple to fit within.13. A feeding bottle system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said cap is made of a plastics material.14. A method of injection moulding a cap for a feeding bottle system as claimed in claim 13 wherein said method comprises the steps of: providing a mould for said cap and said handles; injecting said mould with a molten plastics; and, allowing said plastics to cool and removing said cap from said mould.15. A method of injection moulding a cap for a feeding bottle system as claimed in claim 13 wherein said method comprises the steps of: providing a first mould for said cap, wherein said first mould creates an unfinished cap with holes in a wall of said unfinished cap suitable for receiving said handles, wherein said holes are smaller on an outside surface of said walls than on an inside surface of said walls; injecting said first mould with a molten plastics; allowing said plastics to cool and removing said unfinished cap from said first mould; providing a second mould for said handles comprising a receptacle for said unfinished cap; placing said unfinished cap inside said second mould; injecting said second mould with a molten plastic whereby said holes are filled with plastics material; and allowing said plastics to cool and removing said cap from said second mould.16. A feeding bottle system as claimed in claim 15 and when dependent on claim 7 wherein said handles extend beyond said inside surface of said wall to create said bulges.17. A feeding bottle system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.18. A method of making a cap for a feeding bottle system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.</claim-text>