US20040060837A1

US20040060837A1 - Baby bottle brush container

Info

Publication number: US20040060837A1
Application number: US10/256,914
Authority: US
Inventors: Carmen Rogers; Michael Rogers
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-09-27
Filing date: 2002-09-27
Publication date: 2004-04-01

Abstract

A construction for the containment of a baby bottle brush or a baby nipple brush when not in use. These brushes are utilized for cleaning and disinfecting the interior of both baby bottles and nipples used on baby bottles. Often, these brushes are inappropriately stored. A brush container would decrease unsanitary exposure to bacteria, viruses, and possibly additional micro-organisms simply by enclosing these brushes. The proposed product is a two part container, which interlocks, constructed of a waterproof, dishwasher safe, sturdy material, such as rubber or plastic. It is a one step operation. It features ventilation slits for easy drainage and air-drying capacity on the top portion of the container in between uses. It can lay on its side or upside down on it's flat surface. This container serves as a purposeful product in the home or when traveling.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPTER PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention is for the purpose of protecting and containing a brush used for cleaning baby bottles and their attachable nipples. It is lightweight, durable, sanitary, and practical. It is constructed of two cylinder tubes, which interlock to seal the brush in its entirety. It is a simple one step operation to attach and detach the presented container. It features ventilation slits for drainage and air-drying. It should sit upside down in the sink or on the counter top to properly allow the brush to drain and dry. The brush can be stored in this container when not in use or when traveling. p 2. Problems with Prior State of Technology We do not believe there to be a prior invention with this state of technology. Without proper containment, these brushes are unsanitary.

3. Objectives of Invention

Our objective is for a baby bottle brush, as set forth in claim 1, to be contained for sanitation purposes, instead of lying out, fully exposed to bacteria, viruses, and other germs.

Our objective is for a baby nipple brush, as set forth in claim 2, to also be contained for sanitation purposes.

Our objective is for a baby bottle brush container, as set forth in claim 1, to act as a travel case.

Our objective is for a baby nipple brush container, as set forth in claim 2, to also act as a travel case.

Our objective is for the containers, set forth in claims 1 and 2, possess ventilation/drainage slits in the top portion.

Our objective is for the containers, as set forth in claims 1 and 2, have a flat surface on top, so that it may stand vertical for easy and necessary drainage.

Our objective is for the containers, as set forth in claims 1 and 2, be dishwasher safe.

Our objective is for containers, as set forth in claims 1 and 2, be waterproof.

Our objective is to design two container sizes, 1) for the standard baby bottle brush which sometimes includes an attached nipple brush; and 2) for the nipple brush sold separately, as set forth in claims 1 and 2.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The baby bottle brush and nipple brush inventions are innovative and purposeful tools. These products are frequently used to properly clean baby bottles and nipples, before their next use. Unfortunately, they are not appropriately stored between uses, which increases the propensity for these brushes to become contaminated with germs. Whether they are left uncovered on the counter top or lying in the sink, inevitably, these brushes are susceptible to unsanitary exposure. This can be extremely harmful to infants and toddlers. A second problem which needs addressing is the fact that when traveling on vacation, long distances or simply to the sitter's or relative's home, we believe that there does not exist a proper transport unit, or traveling case for a baby bottle brush nor for the nipple brush. For example, when damp, these brushes are sometimes placed in a plastic bag or wrapped in a paper towel, or when dry, these brushes might be placed uncovered in the diaper bag, along with additional items. Both forms of containment are unsanitary. For these reasons, we propose that a baby bottle brush container and a nipple brush container be invented. These containers are similar to a toothbrush travel case, for the exception of its size and that there are ventilation slits located on the top portion of the container for easy drainage and drying capacities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The following is a brief description of the drawings presented for the purpose of illustrating two alternative constructions of the “Baby Bottle Brush Container”, as well as the “Nipple Brush Container.” [0017]
FIG. 1 is the first perspective view of a cylinder shaped container, showing a new design; all sides mirror image shown; [0018]
FIG. 1A is a top view of FIG. 1; [0019]
FIG. 1B is a bottom view of FIG. 1; [0020]
FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of a rectangular shaped container, showing a new design, this figure mirrors FIG. 1-FIG. 1B, with the exception that it is rectangular in shape.[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1-FIG. 1B are perspective drawings of a cylinder shaped “Baby Bottle Brush Container.” The container is made of a waterproof plastic or rubber material. It is dishwasher safe and durable. The container is large enough to hold a standard baby bottle brush and attached nipple brush. FIG. 1 also displays a two piece product that attaches with one another. FIG. 1A specifically displays a view of the many open ventilation slits found on the top portion of the container. FIG. 1B displays a tiny hole located on the bottom of the bottle also intended for ventilation. FIG. 2 mirrors FIG. 1-FIG. 1B with the exception that the container is rectangular shaped versus cylinder shaped. The nipple brush container is of the same construction as the baby bottle brush container for the exception that it is much smaller in size. [0022]
Although the invention has been shown and described according to the featured embodiments, it should be understood that modifications and alterations might be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. [0023]

Claims

1. “What we claim as our invention is the “Baby Bottle Brush Container”, an attachable/detachable, two part, interlocking, water proof, dishwasher safe, and ventilated container used to contain and protect the brush from a bacterium between uses at home or when traveling.

2. “What we claim as our invention is the “Baby Bottle Nipple Brush Container”, an attachable/detachable, two part, interlocking, water proof, dishwasher safe, and ventilated container used to contain and protect the brush from a bacterium between uses at home or when traveling.