GB2504529A

GB2504529A - Elastically deformable container for puree

Info

Publication number: GB2504529A
Application number: GB201213725A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Angelica Wozny
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-07-31
Filing date: 2012-07-31
Publication date: 2014-02-05
Also published as: GB201213725D0

Abstract

A puree container comprises an elastically deformable body having a peripheral teat and a separate opening into the body. The teat may be provided with a cap formed from material that is less flexible than the material forming the container, which may be an insulator such as silicone. The cap may be connected to the body with a tether. The separate opening may be provided with a lid. The teat, lid or cap may allow air into the body during use. The body may be deformable to be reduced in volume by 50% and may be reversible for cleaning. The body may be provided with a detachable, elastic sleeve which may be an insulator. The container may hold hot or cold food purees for infants.

Description

A PUREE CONTAINER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a puree container, more particularly wherein the container is for developing independence and confidence in intermediate years when a baby is weaned from bottle-feeding and breast-feeding onto solid foods.

Background and Prior Art

With increasing focus on health matters, healthy eating, concentration on locally sourceci food and home cooked meals, it has also become recognised that it is generally good for the child's wellbeing to start early with improved eating habits.

Baby bottles are used throughout the world for provision of liquids to infants as breast-feeding or wet-nursing has receded. Typically these are heated to an acceptable temperature for small babies to replicate body warmth,

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a puree.container, comprising an elastically deformable body having: a peripheral teat; and a separate opening into the body.

Ideally the separate opening into the body is located on the body spaced away from the teat.

In preferred embodiments the body is deformable, so that it can be squeezed by an infant, Ideally the body is formed from silicone or a similar elastomer material.

In some preferred embodiments the body is formed from an insulator, whose 0 properties are dependent on thickness of the body wall.

In this way the container is ideally deformable by sufficient amounts soas to ensure access to all of the container contents during use.

In some embodiments squeezing the container creates vacuum conditions within the container body and therefore' it is important that a user is enabled to draw or suck on the teat and remove contents of the container through the teat. In particular a deformable material facilitates proper use by small children.

According to a second aspect of the present invention the container is used with a detachable sleeve, said sleeve is an insulator, wherein the sleeve enables the container to maintain a constant temperature for cold or hot substances.

The sleeve is ideally flexible and elastic, being typically sufficiently elastic to grip tightly over the container, whatever deformation the container is subjected to.

Furthermore said sleeve, in providing a tight elastic fit over the body, so that a user is not able inadvertently to remove the sleeve and is correspondingly prevented from emptying or displacing contents of the container.

Thus the only way of displacing the contents of the container is by use of the teat, for the child user to access the contents; or by use of the access, for a carer or parent to access the contents.

Preferably the body is reversible through the access, wherein said access is provided by an aperture, and said aperture is sufficiently wide to enable the body to be pulled there through so that the body is turned inside but' so as to enable easy washing or cleaning of the inner surface of the body.

The access is ideally defined by a aperture at least 2 cm in diameter, with a perimeter and a lid.

In. all preferred embodiments the access and lid are provided in a relatively non- *:s deformable material in order that deformation of the body is not liable to cause leakage at the access, so that the aperture perimeter and lid maintain a close fit under all circumstances and deformations of the body. S..

In some embodiments there is provided a cap for the teat, Ideally said cap is detachable or displaceable and is formed in a relatively non-deformable material. In this way preferably the cap may be used as a base! being dimensioned and adaptable so as to clip or fit over the body at a distal end of the body from the teat.

In some embodiments the cap may be displaceable and attached or connected to the body by a tether, said tether ideally formed in a material similar to the body.

In other embodiments the cap may be formed of material similar or the same as the body, being likewise, more or less deformable. In such embodiments the cap may be deformed so as to fit onto the teat, wherein there may be provided for example a lip about the teat for the cap to stretch over.

In some embodiments the cap, lid or preferably teat allow entrance of air into the body during use! in a manner similar to common varieties of infant milk bottle. In this way drinking is facilitated. Ideally said entrance is closely controlled, wherein the container contents are not able to pass the entrance in a direction out of the container.

In preferred embodiments the cap is screw fit rather than push in cap so that caps are not liable to displace or accidentally pop off' when in transport.

In all embodiments the container has a peripherally located teat, wherein the teat is at a location on the container where the contents may be displaced from distal ends of the body towards the teat.

In some embodiments for example the teat may be situate in a corner of the body. In all embodiment8 the body shape facilitates full emptying of the body and container.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings in which: Brief DescriDtion of Figures *:*::* Figure 1 shows an isometric exploded view of an embodiment of the container; Figure 2 shows a side view of the embodiment;

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Figures 3 show back and front view of the embodiment; Figures 4 show top views of the embodiment with cap off and on; and Figure 5 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment.

Detailed Description of Figures

The pictured and preferred embodiment of the container provides a reusable pouch for containing baby puree, which allows babies to self-feed intuitively. The baby can suck the puree straight out of the pouch without any mess which encourages self-confidence and independence1 within control.

The thermal sleeves (not pictured) may be flexibly roiled on like a condom but with open ends at either side so the cap or lid in the pictured embodiment is accessible and can be popped in the base when in use.

The container base or bottom section is recessed so that once the lid is removed and pushed onto the bottom, it fits flush with the body.

Varying embodiments may include different options for how the lid secures into the teat, wherein it may screws into the teat in a circular motion, which would mean the teat would need a thread, it may be push fitting, with a male part being on the lid and a female recess in the teat.

In yet further embodiments a separate insert in the base may be removable for when the container needs to be refilled. In this way the lid or cap may be used as a means of closure of the container, by situating the lid onto the base Ideally it will be difficult for a child to subsequently displace the lid, and consequently spill contents.

Other embodiments of the container may be spherical which allows the 9ontainer to rest in any position and be held in any position.

The containers are not only designed to hold fruit and cold purees but also warm puree& Accordingly the sleeve will help keep the puree contents warmer for. longer, * .:35 whilst also stopping heat from transferring to the child's hands: . . Preferred embodiments, as that pictured, have smooth and rounded edges in order to be more user friendly.

The teat of the container must be smooth and inviting with the container in total simple and sleek and easy and appealing to hold.

The containers as pictured and accordingly to the wider invention as claimed, are also capable of helping people who have difficulty eating or swallowing.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then! it. is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specificajion are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, Further since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction d operaon shown and described, and.accordingl.y,..all. suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. * * * * **

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Claims

Claims 1. A puree container, comprising an elastically deformable body having: a peripheral teat; and a separate, opening into the body.S
2. A container according to claim 1 wherein the body is deformable so as to reduce its volume by at least 50%.
3. A container according, to claim 1 or 2 wherein the body is formed from an insulator.
4. A container according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the container has a detachable sleeve.
5. A container according to claim 4 wherein the sleeve is elastic in order to grip tightly over at least part of the container.
6. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the body is reversible through the opening.
7. A container according to any preceding claim wherein a detachable or displaceable cap is formed from a material that is less flexible than the material forming the container.
8. A container according to claim 7 wherein the cap is attached or connected to the body by a tether.
9. A container according to claim 7 or B wherein the cap, lid or teat allow entrance of air into the body during use.*:*.:
10. A method of forming a container according to any of the preceding claims or *:e** with reference to the drawings. * S. * S * **S S..S *5 * S. 6.