TWM683027U - Portable baby bottle sterilizer - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable baby bottle sterilizer is disclosed to address the problem of traditional baby bottle sterilizers being inconvenient to use when out and about. The portable baby bottle sterilizer comprises: a base; an outer cover detachably connected to the base and forming a sterilization space together with the base, the sterilization space being suitable for accommodating one or two baby bottles; and an ultraviolet sterilization module suitable for emitting ultraviolet rays into the sterilization space.

Description

Portable baby bottle sterilizer

This work relates to a sterilization device, particularly a portable baby bottle sterilizer.

Existing bottle sterilization equipment (such as steam sterilizers or large UV sterilizers) is mostly limited by its large size and the need to be connected to the mains power, so it can only be set up indoors for fixed use and does not have the convenience of being portable.

When caregivers take infants out, if multiple feedings are needed and bottle sterilization equipment is unavailable, they often have to carry multiple sterilized bottles. This necessitates that caregivers' bags (such as diapers) have ample space to accommodate the bottles, making the bags bulky and significantly increasing their weight and physical burden. For long trips, too many bottles are not only inconvenient to store but also reduce flexibility when out and about.

Even worse, the tedious preparation and heavy burden of carrying multiple bottles and supplies often cause caregivers intense psychological stress and fatigue, reducing their willingness to take infants and toddlers out for activities, and even forcing them to reduce social or outdoor activities. However, appropriate outdoor activities are extremely beneficial for relieving caregivers' emotional stress, as well as for the sensory development and physical and mental health of infants and toddlers; being confined indoors simply because of inconvenient sterilization is a major shortcoming of modern caregiving life.

Recognizing the shortcomings of the aforementioned conventional technologies, the creator felt that they were not yet perfect. Therefore, he devoted his efforts to researching and overcoming these shortcomings, and developed a portable baby bottle sterilizer that is lightweight, has long battery life, and can efficiently sterilize baby bottles anytime, anywhere.

To achieve the above and other objectives, this invention provides a portable baby bottle sterilizer, comprising: a base; an outer cover detachably connected to the base and forming a sterilization space together with the base, the sterilization space being suitable for accommodating one or two baby bottles; and an ultraviolet sterilization module suitable for emitting ultraviolet rays into the sterilization space.

In the aforementioned portable bottle sterilizer, the inner diameter of the sterilization space and the outer diameter of the bottle can be configured in a compact manner.

In the aforementioned portable bottle sterilizer, the base has a main body, a placement platform is disposed near the top of the main body, and an outer ring is located on the outer periphery of the placement platform. The placement platform and the outer ring can together form a shallow groove on the top of the main body.

In the aforementioned portable bottle sterilizer, the outer cover can be formed into a deep cup shape. After the bottle is placed on the placement platform, the outer cover can cover the bottle and connect with the base.

In the aforementioned portable bottle sterilizer, the outer rim and the outer cover can be made of opaque material, and the outer cover can be provided with a viewing window.

In the aforementioned portable bottle sterilizer, the ultraviolet sterilization module can be located inside the base.

In the aforementioned portable bottle sterilizer, the main body may have a ring wall connected to a base plate, and the placement platform may be positioned on the ring wall to form a chamber between the placement platform and the base plate for housing the ultraviolet sterilization module.

In the aforementioned portable bottle sterilizer, part or all of the placement platform is designed to be light-transmitting, so that the ultraviolet rays generated by the ultraviolet sterilization module during operation can penetrate the placement platform and enter the sterilization space.

In the aforementioned portable baby bottle sterilizer, the ultraviolet sterilization module may include a sterilization light source, a control unit, a bracket, and a lens. The sterilization light source is electrically connected to the control unit. The bracket can be fixed in the chamber. The lens can be disposed on the bracket and positioned above the sterilization light source, which is suitable for focusing the divergent ultraviolet rays output by the sterilization light source. After passing through the lens, parallel ultraviolet rays are formed and pass through the placement platform to irradiate the sterilization space.

In the aforementioned portable baby bottle sterilizer, the sterilization light source may have a lamp plate disposed on the bracket, and the sterilization light source has at least one ultraviolet emitting element disposed on the lamp plate.

In the aforementioned portable bottle sterilizer, the lens can be a Fresnel lens.

In the aforementioned portable baby bottle sterilizer, the lens material can be a cyclic block copolymer.

In the aforementioned portable bottle sterilizer, the control unit may include a microcontroller, and a timer, a button, and a status indicator light electrically connected to the microcontroller, with the button and the status indicator light exposed on one side of the base.

In the aforementioned portable bottle sterilizer, the control unit may further include a rechargeable battery, an electrical connection port, and a charging indicator light that are electrically connected to the microcontroller, with the electrical connection port and the charging indicator light exposed on one side of the base.

In the aforementioned portable bottle sterilizer, the control unit may further include a tilt sensor electrically connected to the microcontroller. The tilt sensor is adapted to output an indication signal when it detects that the base is tilted beyond a preset angle. The microcontroller outputs a corresponding control signal to turn off the sterilization light source based on the indication signal.

Accordingly, this portable bottle sterilizer is designed to sterilize only one or two bottles at a time, making it small and lightweight with excellent portability. It also allows a very small number of bottles to be reused during outings. Therefore, this invention breaks the traditional constraint of carrying a large number of spare bottles, significantly reducing the difficulty of preparing supplies for outings and effectively alleviating the physical exertion and physiological stress caused by carrying heavy loads for extended periods. Simultaneously, this invention addresses the anxiety of cleaning after outdoor feedings, reducing the psychological burden on caregivers when taking infants and toddlers out, thereby increasing caregivers' willingness to participate in social activities and outdoor trips. It makes a positive contribution to improving the caregiver's mental and physical balance and the sensory development of infants and toddlers.

To fully understand the purpose, features, and effects of this invention, a detailed explanation is provided below with specific examples and accompanying drawings:

Please refer to Figures 1 and 2, which are a first embodiment of the portable bottle sterilizer of this invention. The portable bottle sterilizer includes a base 1, an outer cover 2, and an ultraviolet sterilization module 3. The outer cover 2 is detachably connected to the base 1 and together with the base 1 forms a sterilization space S1, which is suitable for accommodating one or two bottles 4. The ultraviolet sterilization module 3 is adapted to output ultraviolet rays to the sterilization space S1 to sterilize the bottles 4 contained in the sterilization space S1.

Specifically, the base 1 has a main body 11 and a placement platform 12 for placing baby bottles 4 or other objects to be sterilized. In this embodiment, the placement platform 12 is generally located near the top of the main body 11, and the base 1 also has an outer ring 13 extending upward to a predetermined height. The outer ring 13 is located on the outer periphery of the placement platform 12, so that the two together form a shallow groove at the top of the main body 11, so as to place the baby bottles 4 to be sterilized on the placement platform 12, or remove the baby bottles 4 from the placement platform 12 after sterilization.

Preferably, the sterilization space S1 is slightly larger than the baby bottle 4 to be contained, so that the inner diameter of the sterilization space S1 and the outer diameter of the baby bottle 4 are compactly configured, for example, the distance difference is between 0.5 cm and 2 cm. Therefore, corresponding to the base 1 of the aforementioned type, the outer cover 2 of this embodiment can be formed into a deep cup shape; after the user places the baby bottle 4 to be sterilized on the placement platform 12, the deep cup-shaped outer cover 2 can be used to cover the baby bottle 4 and combine it with the base 1, so that the baby bottle 4 can be placed stably in the sterilization space S1 and is not easy to tip over. In other embodiments, the base 1 may not have the outer ring 13; or it may have a higher outer ring 13, for example, it may correspond to about half the height of the bottle 4, as well as the outer cover 2; or the outer ring 13 may be slightly higher than the height of the bottle 4, and the outer cover 2 may be changed to a flat plate or a shallow cover, as long as it can completely cover the bottle 4. Therefore, the base 1 and the outer cover 2 of this invention are not limited to the forms shown in the figures. It is worth noting that the outer ring 13 and the outer cover 2 are preferably made of opaque material to prevent the ultraviolet rays input into the sterilization space S1 from irradiating the user; the outer cover 2 may be provided with a window 21 so that the user can check the operating status of the ultraviolet sterilization module 3 without opening the outer cover 2.

On the other hand, the base 1 is provided with a first connecting part 14 for assembly and connection with a second connecting part 22 of the outer cover 2. The first connecting part 14 and the second connecting part 22 may be, for example, a matching thread structure, or a latching structure such as a hook and slot/tick and socket, or a raised dot structure that provides a connection sound or feel, or a strap-like structure such as Velcro, etc. Any structure that allows the outer cover 2 and the base 1 to be selectively connected and not easily separated is acceptable, and this invention is not limited to any particular type.

The ultraviolet sterilization module 3 can be placed in any position, as long as it can output ultraviolet rays to the sterilization space S1. For example, but not limited to, in this embodiment, the ultraviolet sterilization module 3 can be placed on the base 1, and preferably placed inside the base 1.

Specifically, referring to Figure 3, the base body 11 can be cup-shaped, with a ring wall 111 connected to a base plate 112. The placement platform 12 can be a plate and can be directly or indirectly positioned on the inner wall of the ring wall 111, so that a chamber S2 can be formed between the placement platform 12 and the base plate 112 to accommodate the ultraviolet sterilization module 3. Partially or entirely of the placement platform 12 is designed to be light-transmitting, so that the ultraviolet rays generated by the ultraviolet sterilization module 3 during operation can penetrate the placement platform 12 and enter the sterilization space S1. For example, the placement platform 12 can be a light-transmitting plate made of quartz, plastic, or any other ultraviolet-permeable material; or at least one light-transmitting hole can be opened on an opaque plate, but it is preferable to seal the light-transmitting hole with an ultraviolet-permeable material to prevent dust or liquid from penetrating to the bottom of the placement platform 12, so that the top of the placement platform 12 can be easily cleaned when it is contaminated, and at the same time, it can also prevent the ultraviolet sterilization module 3 from getting damp, ensuring that the electronic components of the ultraviolet sterilization module 3 can operate normally.

The ultraviolet sterilization module 3 includes a sterilization light source 31 and a control unit 32. The control unit 32 is electrically connected to the sterilization light source 31 and controls the operation of the sterilization light source 31 to output ultraviolet rays into the sterilization space S1. In this embodiment, the ultraviolet rays penetrate the placement platform 12 and irradiate the baby bottle 4 placed in the sterilization space S1 to sterilize the baby bottle 4.

In one embodiment of this invention, the ultraviolet sterilization module 3 may further include a support 33 and a lens 34. The support 33 is fixed at a predetermined position in the chamber S2. A lamp plate 311 of the sterilization light source 31 is disposed on the support 33, and the sterilization light source 31 has at least one ultraviolet light-emitting element 312 (such as a UVC LED) disposed on the lamp plate 311. The lens 34 is also disposed on the support 33, and the lens 34 is located above the ultraviolet light-emitting element 312. In this way, the lens 34 can be used to focus the divergent ultraviolet rays output by the ultraviolet light-emitting element 312, and form parallel ultraviolet rays after passing through the lens 34. The parallel ultraviolet rays can then pass through the placement platform 12 and irradiate the sterilization space S1, and evenly irradiate the baby bottle 4 placed in the sterilization space S1, so as to perform comprehensive and thorough sterilization of the baby bottle 4.

The lens 34 can be a general convex lens or a dome lens, and preferably a Fresnel lens with features such as thinness and short focal length, which helps to reduce the size and weight of the overall portable bottle sterilizer. Furthermore, the material of the lens 34 can be any ultraviolet-permeable material, preferably but not limited to cyclic block copolymers (CBCs), to reduce the aging, embrittlement, or yellowing of the lens 34 due to long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation, ensuring that the lens 34 can perform its light-gathering effect normally and extending its service life.

In addition, referring to Figures 3 and 4, in one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 32 may include a microcontroller 321, and a timer 322, a button 323 and a status indicator 324 electrically connected to the microcontroller 321, wherein the button 323 and the status indicator 324 are exposed on one side of the base 1.

Furthermore, the control unit 32 may also include a rechargeable battery 325, an electrical connection port 326, and a charging indicator light 327 electrically connected to the microcontroller 321. The rechargeable battery 325 may be, for example, but not limited to, a lithium battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-hydrogen battery, or other types of batteries capable of multiple charge-discharge cycles. The electrical connection port 326 and the charging indicator light 327 are exposed on one side of the base 1.

The timer 322 records the time the button 323 is pressed and outputs an indication signal according to the pressing time. The microcontroller 321 outputs a corresponding control signal according to the indication signal to turn on, off, or control the operation of the ultraviolet light-emitting element 312, the status indicator light 324, and/or the charging indicator light 327.

For example, in one embodiment of this invention, when the sterilization light source 31 is not turned on, when the timer 322 records that the button 323 has been pressed for a preset duration (e.g., but not limited to more than 2 seconds), the microcontroller 321 controls the sterilization light source 31 to be turned on to sterilize the baby bottle 4 placed in the sterilization space S1; at the same time, the status indicator light 324 is lit (e.g., but not limited to constant light or flashing white light) to remind the user that the sterilization function has been turned on.

When the sterilization light source 31 is turned on, and after the sterilization light source 31 has been turned on for a preset time (e.g., but not limited to 60 seconds), the microcontroller 321 controls the sterilization light source 31 to turn off, so as to stop sterilizing the baby bottle 4 placed in the sterilization space S1; at the same time, it controls the status indicator light 324 to turn off, so as to remind the user that the baby bottle 4 has been sterilized and the sterilization function has been automatically turned off.

Alternatively, during the sterilization process, the user can press the button 323 for a preset duration (e.g., but not limited to about 0.8 seconds), and the microcontroller 321 will control the sterilization light source 31 to turn off, so as to stop sterilizing the baby bottle 4 placed in the sterilization space S1; at the same time, it will control the status indicator light 324 to turn off, so as to remind the user that the sterilization function has been manually turned off.

Furthermore, the electrical connector 326 is electrically connected to an external power source via a charging cable (not shown) to supply power to the rechargeable battery 325 for charging. Simultaneously, the microcontroller 321 controls the charging indicator light 327 to be turned on, illuminating (e.g., but not limited to a constant or flashing red light) to indicate to the user that charging is in progress. Once the rechargeable battery 325 is fully charged, the microcontroller 321 controls the charging indicator light 327 to switch to different light colors or flashing modes (e.g., but not limited to a constant or flashing green light) to indicate to the user that charging is complete.

Furthermore, the control unit 32 may further include a tilt sensor 328, which is electrically connected to the microcontroller 321. The tilt sensor 328 is adapted to detect whether the base 1 is excessively tilted; that is, when the base 1 changes from an upright state to a tilted state from a flat surface (such as a desktop, tabletop, or other platform surface), and tilts beyond a preset angle, the tilt sensor 328 outputs an indication signal. The microcontroller 321 then outputs a corresponding control signal based on the indication signal to turn off the germicidal light source 31, preventing UVC from directly entering the eyes and causing harm. The preset angle is, for example, but not limited to, 25–35 degrees, preferably 30 degrees.

Please refer to Figure 5, which is the second embodiment of the portable bottle sterilizer of this invention. This embodiment is largely the same as the first embodiment described above, with the main difference being the size of the base 1 and the outer cover 2. The sterilization space S1 of this embodiment is slightly larger, accommodating approximately two bottles 4. Thus, the portable bottle sterilizer of this embodiment can sterilize two bottles 4 at a time, making it more suitable for use in scenarios involving feeding twins or mixed feeding (such as drinking milk and feeding complementary foods). In addition, a portion of the sterilization space S1 can be used to sterilize the bottles 4, while the other portion can be used to sterilize baby products such as nipples and teething rings, or larger items that would occupy approximately the space of two bottles 4. This embodiment allows users to utilize the sterilization space S1 more flexibly.

To ensure compatibility with various commercially available baby bottles, for reference, the portable baby bottle sterilizer of the first embodiment has a size of approximately 70 mm * 70 mm * 190 mm; the portable baby bottle sterilizer of the second embodiment has a size of approximately 140 mm * 70 mm * 190 mm.

In summary, this portable bottle sterilizer is designed to sterilize only a very small number of bottles at a time, such as one or two. Its compact size and lightweight design make it highly portable and easily stored in bags of various sizes. To use it, caregivers simply rinse the bottles after feeding and place them in the sterilizer for efficient sterilization. Therefore, only a small number of bottles need to be prepared for repeated use. Furthermore, thanks to its high-efficiency circuit management system and low-power components, a single charge provides dozens (e.g., more than 50) sterilization cycles, sufficient for multi-day trips and enhancing its practicality in resource-scarce environments (such as camping).

Therefore, this invention breaks the traditional dilemma of having to carry a large number of spare bottles, significantly reducing the difficulty of preparing supplies for outings and effectively alleviating the physical exertion and physiological stress caused by carrying heavy loads for extended periods. At the same time, this invention addresses the anxiety of cleaning up after outdoor feedings, reducing the psychological burden on caregivers when taking infants and toddlers out, thereby increasing caregivers' willingness to participate in social activities and outdoor trips. It makes a positive contribution to improving the caregiver's mental and physical balance and the sensory development of infants and toddlers.

The present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are for the purpose of describing the present invention only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that all variations and substitutions equivalent to these embodiments should be considered within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the scope of the patent application.

1: Base 11: Base Body 111: Surrounding Wall 112: Base Plate 12: Placement Platform 13: Outer Edge 14: First Joint 2: Outer Cover 21: Viewing Window 22: Second Joint 3: Ultraviolet Sterilization Module 31: Sterilization Light Source 311: Light Panel 312: Ultraviolet Light Emitting Element 32: Control Unit 321: Microcontroller 322: Timer 323: Button 324: Status Indicator 325: Rechargeable Battery 326: Electrical Connection Port 327: Charging Indicator 328: Tilt Sensor 33: Bracket 34: Mirror 4: Baby Bottle S1: Sterilization Space S2: Chamber

[Figure 1] is a three-dimensional exploded structural diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] is a side sectional structural diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of Figure 2. [Figure 4] is a system schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] is a three-dimensional exploded structural diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention.

1: Base

11: The Body of the Seat

13: Outer ring edge

14: First Union Section

2: Outer Cover

21: Window

4: Baby Bottles

Claims (15)

A portable baby bottle sterilizer includes: a base; an outer cover detachably connected to the base and forming a sterilization space together with the base, the sterilization space being suitable for accommodating one or two baby bottles; and an ultraviolet sterilization module suitable for emitting ultraviolet rays into the sterilization space. The portable bottle sterilizer as described in claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the sterilization space is compactly configured with the outer diameter of the bottle. The portable bottle sterilizer as described in claim 1, wherein the base has a main body, a placement platform disposed near the top of the main body, and an outer ring edge located on the outer periphery of the placement platform, the placement platform and the outer ring edge together forming a shallow groove on the top of the main body. The portable bottle sterilizer as described in claim 3, wherein the outer cover is formed in the shape of a deep cup, and after the bottle is placed on the placement platform, the outer cover covers the bottle and is connected to the base. The portable bottle sterilizer as described in claim 4, wherein the outer rim and the outer cover are made of opaque material, and the outer cover is provided with a viewing window. The portable bottle sterilizer as described in claim 3, wherein the ultraviolet sterilization module is located inside the base. The portable bottle sterilizer as described in claim 6, wherein the base body has a wall connected to a base plate, and the placement platform is positioned on the wall to form a chamber between the placement platform and the base plate for housing the ultraviolet sterilization module. As described in claim 7, in the portable bottle sterilizer, part or all of the placement platform is designed to be light-transmitting, so that the ultraviolet rays generated by the ultraviolet sterilization module during operation can penetrate the placement platform and enter the sterilization space. The portable baby bottle sterilizer as described in claim 7 includes an ultraviolet sterilization module comprising a sterilization light source, a control unit, a support, and a lens. The sterilization light source is electrically connected to the control unit. The support is fixed in the chamber. The lens is disposed on the support and positioned above the sterilization light source, and is adapted to focus the divergent ultraviolet rays output by the sterilization light source. After passing through the lens, parallel ultraviolet rays are formed and pass through the placement platform to irradiate the sterilization space. The portable bottle sterilizer as described in claim 9, wherein the sterilization light source has a lamp plate disposed on the bracket, and the sterilization light source has at least one ultraviolet emitting element disposed on the lamp plate. The portable bottle sterilizer as described in claim 9, wherein the lens is a Fresnel lens. The portable bottle sterilizer as described in claim 9, wherein the lens is made of a cyclic block copolymer. The portable bottle sterilizer as described in claim 9, wherein the control unit includes a microcontroller, and a timer, a button and a status indicator light electrically connected to the microcontroller, the button and the status indicator light being exposed on one side of the base. The portable bottle sterilizer as described in claim 13, wherein the control unit further includes a rechargeable battery, an electrical connection port, and a charging indicator light electrically connected to the microcontroller, the electrical connection port and the charging indicator light being exposed on one side of the base. The portable bottle sterilizer as described in claim 13, wherein the control unit further includes a tilt sensor electrically connected to the microcontroller, the tilt sensor being adapted to output an indication signal when it detects that the base is tilted beyond a preset angle, and the microcontroller outputs a corresponding control signal to turn off the sterilization light source according to the indication signal.