US20060065666A1 - Dishwasher basket infant feeding accessory holders - Google Patents
Dishwasher basket infant feeding accessory holders Download PDFInfo
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- US20060065666A1 US20060065666A1 US10/949,423 US94942304A US2006065666A1 US 20060065666 A1 US20060065666 A1 US 20060065666A1 US 94942304 A US94942304 A US 94942304A US 2006065666 A1 US2006065666 A1 US 2006065666A1
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- Prior art keywords
- nipple
- valve
- baby bottle
- dishwasher
- bottle nipple
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
- A47L15/42—Details
- A47L15/50—Racks ; Baskets
- A47L15/505—Inserts, e.g. for holding baby bottles, stemware or cups
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Abstract
A dishwasher basket for use with baby bottle nipples includes a specially designed rack that maintains baby bottle nipples in an upright position during the washing and drying. The base of the nipple is also prevented from resting upon the surface of the rack. Straw and valve holders are also provided that can be attached to the dishwasher basket. The dishwasher basket is able to be opened using only one hand.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates to the field of dishwasher racks, baskets and accessories. In particular the invention relates to nipple holders, straw holders, and non-spill cup valve holders for use with dishwashers.
- 2. Description of the Related Technology
- A wide variety of accessories are used in the feeding of infants and children. Three of the products currently used to feed children and infants are baby bottles, straw cups, and non-spill cups. These products typically have parts that are small and difficult to wash properly in current dishwashing machines. Baby bottles have nipples, and cups can have straws and/or valves. Nipples, straws and valves tend to be small and awkwardly shaped. This makes it difficult to effectively clean nipples, straws and valves in current dishwashers.
- In order to clean nipples, straws and valves effectively it is necessary that the interiors be struck with the water from the cleaning jets of the dishwasher. Current dishwashers typically have products placed randomly in a basket or in some other dishwasher accessory. Some dishwasher baskets provide methods for retaining a baby bottle nipple within the dishwasher basket. Some examples of dishwasher baskets for nipples are provided below.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,498,594 to Elder discloses having a dishwasher basket for nipples and baby bottles. The disclosed dishwasher basket has storage compartments for different sized nipples. Nipples are held by nipple positioners which extend upwards from the base of the basket into the interior of the nipple. The usage of the nipple positioners prevents the water jets from the dishwashers from adequately cleaning the interior of the nipples.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,512,489 to Green et al. discloses a dishwasher basket for holding nipples.
Protuberances 24 are spaced equally and engage the top portion of a nipple. The basket is then positioned within the dishwasher so that the base of the nipple is resting on the surface of the dishwasher basket lid. Having the base of a nipple resting on the surface of the lid prevents the base of the nipple from being properly dried. This can encourage the growth of mildew and bacteria. - U.S. Pat. No. 4,748,993 to Llewellyn discloses having a rack for holding nipples in a dishwasher. The rack can accommodate different sized nipples, however this is accomplished by having smaller nipples simply be forced upwards during washing. See Col. 3, lines 57-68. Although the nipples are positioned upright, the bases of the nipples rest upon the rack, therefore preventing the bases of the nipples from drying properly. This can encourage the growth of mildew and bacteria.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,200 to Zambano et al. discloses a dishwasher basket for baby bottle parts. The teats of
nipples 60 are placed betweenparallel wire assemblies 50 shown whenwire assemblies 48 are swung down. Aligning the nipples in this dishwasher basket appears to be difficult since the nipples are first placed in the top container portion of the basket and then the lid that restrains the nipples during the dishwashing process must align with the nipples during the closing of the lid. Furthermore the base of the nipples are still resting upon a rack portion and therefore preventing the base of the nipple from adequately drying. - U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,392 to Constantino discloses a dishwasher basket for nipples. Nipples are placed upright on prongs 7. The placement of the nipples on prongs prevents the interior of the nipple from being properly cleaned.
- U.S. Published patent application Ser. No. 2003/0205258 A1 to McConnell et al. discloses having a dishwasher basket for use with baby products. The nipples are not oriented so as to point upwards, but instead rest at an angle on
rims 23. The position of the nipples prevents the interior from being properly cleaned, additionally the base of the nipples rest oncentral ridge 22, thereby preventing the base of the nipples from drying properly. - Although there are some dishwasher baskets out there that contemplate the problem of washing baby bottle nipples, none effectively provide a way to produce a thoroughly cleaned nipple. Furthermore, no dishwasher basket truly permits straws for children's cups or non-spill cup valves to be effectively cleaned. Simply placing the straw or valve in a silverware holder does not permit the entire interior of the straw or valve to be cleaned. Also, a silverware basket is usually placed in the lower rack of a dishwasher, while it may be at times desirable to use the upper rack of a dishwasher, where there is typically less heat.
- A need therefore exists for providing a dishwasher basket that has effective means for enabling baby bottle nipples, cup straws and non-spill cup valves to be effectively and thoroughly cleaned while in a dishwasher.
- Additionally, current dishwasher baskets require two hands to open, one hand on the main compartment of the basket and the other hand on the lid of the basket. A parent who has their hands full may not find it convenient to put everything down in order to open up the dishwasher basket to grab a straw or a baby bottle nipple. Therefore a need exists to enable a dishwasher basket to be opened using just one hand, permitting free use of the other hand.
- Accordingly, it is an object of certain embodiments of the invention to provide improved holders for baby bottle nipples, straws for cups, and valves for cups.
- A first aspect of the invention is an apparatus for positioning a baby bottle nipple of the type that includes a nursing end, a mounting flange and an annular undercut area between the nursing end and the mounting flange. The apparatus has a dishwasher mounting fixture and nipple mounting structure on the fixture for securely holding a baby bottle nipple by engaging the baby bottle nipple at the annular undercut area.
- A second aspect of the invention is a method of cleaning a baby bottle nipple of the type that includes a nursing end, a mounting flange and an annular undercut area between the nursing end and the mounting flange. The method has the steps of securely mounting a baby bottle nipple in a nipple mounting fixture by engaging the baby bottle nipple at the annular undercut area with nipple mounting structure that is provided on the nipple mounting fixture. The method further has the step of using a dishwasher to clean the baby bottle nipple while the baby bottle nipple remains mounted in the nipple mounting fixture.
- A third aspect of the invention is an apparatus for securely holding small articles for cleansing in a dishwasher having nipple holding means for securely holding a baby bottle nipple and straw mounting structure for securely holding a drinking straw.
- A fourth aspect of the invention is an apparatus for positioning a valve from a non-spill drinking cup for cleaning in a dishwasher having a fixture and valve mounting structure on the fixture for securely holding a valve from a non-spill drinking cup.
- A fifth aspect of the invention is a method of cleaning a valve from a non-spill drinking cup, comprising steps of: securely mounting a valve from a non-spill drinking cup to a valve mounting fixture and using a dishwasher to clean the valve while the valve remains mounted in the valve mounting fixture.
- These and various other advantages and features of novelty that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.
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FIG. 1 is a front view of a dishwasher basket. -
FIG. 2 is a top down isometric view of the dishwasher basket showing straw holders in a closed position. -
FIG. 3 is a top down isometric view of a dishwasher basket holding nipples and showing straw holders in a second opened position holding straws. -
FIG. 4 is a top down view of a nipple holding rack. -
FIG. 5 is a top down view of the straw holder. -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view depicting a locking mechanism. -
FIG. 7 is a top down view of an alternative embodiment of a straw holder. -
FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the locking system shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 9 is a side view of a first hinge of straw holder in an open position. -
FIG. 10 is a side view of a first hinge of straw holder in the closed position. -
FIG. 11 is a top down isometric view of a dishwasher basket holding valves. -
FIG. 12 is a top down isometric view of a dishwasher basket holding valves. -
FIG. 13 is a cross-section of a nipple. - Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views, and referring now to
FIG. 1 , a fixture ordishwasher basket 10 that is constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. -
FIG. 1 shows a front view ofdishwasher basket 10 in a closed position.Dishwasher basket 10 is designed to be placed within a dishwasher so that smaller articles may be placed within and throughout the dishwasher basket in order to prevent the smaller articles from becoming lost within the dishwasher. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the features ofdishwasher basket 10 could be constructed as integral features of a dishwasher and not utilized as a supplemental product. Additionally, some features ofdishwasher basket 10 may be utilized separately fromdishwasher basket 10 and be constructed as separate articles or add-ons for existing dishwashers or dishwasher baskets. For example,nipple holders FIGS. 1-4 and 7, may be placed on a separate rack and attached to a dishwasher, or alternatively may be an integral feature of a dishwasher rack.Straw holders 20, shown inFIGS. 2, 3 , and 5, may additionally be separately attached to a dishwasher rack or constructed as an integral feature of a dishwashing machine or dishwasher basket. - In the example shown in
FIGS. 1-3 , adishwasher basket 10 having alid 4, acontainer 2, and aninterior rack 18 is shown.Lid 4,container 2, andinterior rack 18 are preferably constructed out of polypropylene in order to be lightweight and relatively inexpensive to fabricate. However, they may be constructed out of more durable materials, such as nylon or stainless steel. -
Interior rack 18 is connected tocontainer 2 via hinge members (not shown). Proximate to the location where the hinge members used to attachinterior rack 18 are connected, hinge members used in conjunction withlid 4 are attached. When in a closed position,lid 4 interlocks withinterior rack 18 vialid locking member 12, which is part of lockingsystem 50. Lockingsystem 50 is described in more detail below. Whenlid 4 is interlocked withinterior rack 18, bothinterior rack 18 andlid 4 can move as one unit about their respective hinge members, which pivot about a common axis.Interior rack 18 has interior rack locking member 8 that enablesinterior rack 18 andlid 4 to be secured tocontainer 2. As is explained in greater detail below, upon being secured tocontainer 2, a consumer can releaseinterior rack 18 andlid 4 by pushing unlockingsurface 6 located at the center ofcontainer 2. -
Lid 4 comprises anipple holding rack 44 that has afirst nipple holder 14 andsecond nipple holder 16. Athird nipple holder 23 may be additionally formed inlid 4, shown inFIG. 2 . The nipple holders hold the nipples in an upright fashion within the dishwasher machine in order to permit the interior of the nipple to become thoroughly cleaned. In the shown embodiment, the nipple holders are formed as cutouts inlid 4. In alternative embodiments nipple holders may be formed ininterior rack 18, or be formed in a separate rack placed elsewhere indishwasher basket 10.Drainage spaces 42 are also provided inlid 4 to permit additional drainage fromdishwasher basket 10 during dishwashing. In alternative embodiments, additional slots, holes, or cutouts, may be provided in the surface oflid 4 to permit additional drainage ofdishwasher basket 10. -
First nipple holder 14 is sized to hold nipples used with baby bottles by havingnipple 34 placed innipple holder 14 so that thetop portion 38 ofnipple 34 extends abovelid 4, andbottom portion 40 ofnipple 34 is below the surface oflid 4 and above the top surface ofinterior rack 18 shown inFIG. 3 . A nipple is pulled up throughfirst nipple holder 14 with the under cut 39, shown inFIG. 13 , contacting the sides offirst nipple holder 14. This securesnipple 34. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 3 , a wide mouth, or oversized nipple may be held stable innipple holder 14 by itstop portion 38.Nipple holder 14 may have a minimum diameter of between about 0.5 inches to about 2.0 inches, preferably a minimum diameter of between about 0.7 inches to about 1.75 inches. -
Nipple holder protrusions 22, shown inFIG. 2 andFIG. 4 , are arranged around the circumference offirst nipple holder 14.Nipple holder protrusions 22 assist in securing different sizes and shapes of nipples. Undercut 39 of smaller sized nipples will be abutted bynipple holder protrusions 22, thereby permitting them to be maintained in an upright position without contactinginterior rack 18. As shown inFIG. 4 ,nipple holder protrusions 22 preferably consist of three equidistantly spaced protrusions, however there may be as many protrusions as deemed necessary to effectively abut a nipple. In alternative embodiments,nipple holder protrusions 22 can be flexible so as to more easily accommodate varying sizes of nipples. Additionally,first nipple holder 14 is proximate to sizingspace 25. Sizingspace 25 permits the extra material from oversized nipples to fit intofirst nipple holder 14 while having the nipple maintain an upright position without contactinginterior rack 18 and is constructed out of polypropylene. Sizingspace 25 also functions as additional space for drainage ofdishwasher basket 10 during and after dishwashing. - As shown in
FIG. 3 ,second nipple holder 16 is sized to hold ababy bottle nipple 34 by a nipple'stop portion 38.Second nipple holder 16 is used in the event that neither afirst nipple holder 14 nor athird nipple holder 23 is available due to the number of nipples to be washed.Second nipple holder 16 can also maintain smaller sized nipples in an upright position and still prevent the smaller sized nipples from resting oninterior rack 18. Additionally, a wide mouth, or oversized nipple may be held stable innipple holder 16. -
Third nipple holder 23, shown inFIG. 1 andFIG. 2 , functions in the same manner asnipple holder 14 but does not use sizingspacer 25 to compensate for oversized nipples. In alternative embodiments the rack portion that formslid 4 can be constructed entirely ofthird nipple holder 23 cutouts. It is also possible to secure a wide mouth, or oversized nipple by itstop portion 38 withthird nipple holder 23. -
FIG. 2 shows a top down isometric view ofdishwasher basket 10 showingstraw holders 20 in a closed position.Straw holder 20 is preferably made of polyethylene.Straw holder 20 has twofirst hinge members 28 located at the distal ends ofstraw holder 20.First hinge members 28 are attached tocontainer 2 athinge attachment locations 30.Stop member 36, shown inFIG. 5 , is also attached athinge attachment location 30 and functions so as to limit the movement ofstraw holder 20 during the opening and closing ofstraw holder 20. The ability to movestraw holder 20 from an open position to a closed position allows the dishwasher basket to be smaller in size for easier fitting into a dishwasher when straws are not being washed. In the event thatstraw holders 20 are not being used, they may be disconnected from thedishwasher basket 10. In the shown embodiment,first hinge members 28 are attached to the sides ofcontainer 2.Additional straw holders 20 may be attached tocontainer 2 as needed. - In alternative
embodiments straw holders 20 may be attached elsewhere in a dishwasher to a preexisting dishwasher basket or directly to a dishwasher rack. Additionally, other means for connection may be used such as permanent fixtures, for example ultrasonic welding, solvent bonding, or other non-permanent connectors, such as clips. Alternatively,straw holders 20 may be integrated into the basket. -
Straw holders 20 are movable from a first position, shown inFIG. 2 , to a second position, shown inFIG. 3 .First hinge members 28 and stopmember 36 cooperate in order to limit the movement ofstraw holders 20 so that movement ofstraw holders 20 between the first position and the second position is limited to a ninety-degree arc of travel. InFIG. 3 ,Straw holder 20 has a first surface and a second surface that together form a restricted passage. InFIG. 3 the first surface and second surface are the sides of the hole. These surfaces are used in order to mount the straw withinstraw holder 20. The two surfaces are preferably spaced apart a distance that is between about 0.2 to about 0.9 inches, and more preferably are spaced apart between about 0.25 and about 0.5 inches. In the illustrated embodiment shown inFIG. 3 , twostraw holders 20 are used in cooperation in order to holdstraws 32. In alternative embodiments, fewer ormore straw holders 20 may be used in ordersecure straws 32 depending on the available space located ondishwasher basket 10.Straw holders 20secure straws 32 in an upright position during the usage of a dishwasher permitting the interior ofstraws 32 to be thoroughly cleaned. - As shown in
FIGS. 2, 3 , and 5,straw holder 20 has four straw holes 24.Straw hole 24 may be between about 0.2-0.9 inches, and is preferably are spaced apart between 0.25 and 0.5 inches. Eachstraw hole 24 hasflexible tabs 26 extending from the inner circumference ofstraw hole 24. In the embodiment shown, fourflexible tabs 26 are spaced equidistantly apart. In alternative embodiments there may be as manyflexible tabs 26 as deemed necessary in order guide and retainstraw 32. In the open, second position,flexible tabs 26 are angled radially inwardly and downwardly with respect to the location oflid 4. The angling offlexible tabs 26 assist in placingstraws 32 into straw holes 24. In the embodiment shown, flexible tabs are flexible thereby permitting theflexible tabs 26 to bend slightly while placing astraw 32 intostraw hole 24 and facilitating the placement of the straw withinstraw hole 24. -
FIG. 6 shows locking system 50, shown inFIG. 1 , in more detail. Lockingsystem 50 comprises alid locking member 12 located onlid 4 that interlocks with interior rack locking member 8 located oninterior rack 18. Bothlid locking member 12 and interior rack locking member 8 are then secured tocontainer 2.Lid locking member 12 has alid lock lip 52 that can be used by a consumer to disengagelid 4 frominterior rack 18. First lidlock engagement portion 54 located onlid locking member 12 engages second lid lockingengagement portion 56 located on interior rack locking member 8. When first lidlock engagement portion 54 engages second lid lockingengagement portion 56,lid 4 is attached tointerior rack 18 and bothlid 4 andinterior rack 18 can move as a single unit. - First lock member placement portion 58 and first lock
member engagement portion 60 are located on interior rack lock member 8. First lock member placement portion 58 and first lockmember engagement portion 60 are then used to engage second lock member placement portion (not shown) and second lockmember engagement portion 64, respectively. Second lock member placement portion (not shown) and second lockmember engagement portion 64 are located oncontainer 2. Second lock member portion is a guide member that assists in guiding interior rack locking member 8. First lock member placement portion 58 cooperates with second lock member placement portion to help guide interior rack locking member 8. First lockmember engagement portion 60 engages second lockmember engagement portion 64 in order to secure interior rack locking member 8 tocontainer 2. When unlockingsurface 6 is depressed second lockmember engagement portion 64 disengages first lockmember engagement portion 60 andinterior rack 18 andlid 4 are free to move away fromcontainer 2. Unlockingsurface 6 can be depressed using just one hand. This enables a consumer to unlock the dishwasher basket while keeping one hand free. -
FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of a nipple holding rack.Nipple holding rack 45 has straw holes 24 andflexible tabs 26.Flexible tabs 26 are made of resilient elastomeric material and form part of the frictional engagement structure. Straw holes 24 andflexible tabs 26 permit straws to be held bynipple holding rack 45. This permits straws to be held in an upright position during dishwashing and permits thorough cleaning of the interior of straws. There can additionally be corresponding straw holes 24 andflexible tabs 26 aligned withstraw holes 24 andflexible tabs 26 provided onnipple holding rack 45 that are provided on racks situated belownipple holding rack 45 in a dishwasher basket. When corresponding straw holes 24 andflexible tabs 26 are provided on racks situated belownipple holding rack 45 in a dishwasher basket, the straws are placed withstraw holes 24 so as to be secured in twostraw holes 24, similar tostraws 32 held inFIG. 3 . This would permit additional stabilizing of the straws during dishwashing and drying. -
FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of straw holder.Straw holder 21 hasfirst hinge members 28 and stopmembers 36.First hinge members 28 are attached tocontainer 2 athinge attachment locations 30.Stop member 36 is also attached at ahinge attachment location 30 and functions so as to limit the movement ofstraw holder 21 during the opening and closing ofstraw holder 21. In alternative embodiments,straw holder 21 may be attached directly within the dishwasher, or may be formed as an integral part of a dishwasher.First hinge members 28 and stopmember 36 cooperate in order to limit the movement ofstraw holders 21 so thatstraw holders 21 when moved from a first position to a second position moves in a ninety-degree arc. -
Straw holder 21 uses a resilient clip formed byfirst clip member 46 andsecond clip member 48 to secure straws.First clip member 46 andsecond clip member 48 are biased towards each other so that a constant force is applied to the surface of a straw when clipped.Straw holder 21 can be used in conjunction withadditional straw holders 21 in order to provide more stability for a straw during the dishwashing process. -
FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view offirst hinge 28 ofstraw holder 20 in the open, second position.First hinge 28 is connected atattachment locations 30 oncontainer 2.FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view offirst hinge 28 ofstraw holder 20 in the closed, first position. As is shown inFIGS. 9 and 10 , hinge 28 is constructed of an inner pin having an outer surface that has a square cross-section, and an outer housing having a square internal surface that rides over the outer surface as thehinge 28 moves between the first and second positions. Accordingly,straw holder 20 is biased so as to favor placement in either the first or second positions. -
FIGS. 11 and 12 show an alternative embodiment of a dishwasher basket. In thealternative embodiment rack 19 is designed to hold non-spill cup valves.FIG. 11 shows rack 19 holdingvalves FIG. 12 showsvalve 72 d being held inrack 19.Rack 19 may be used indishwasher basket 10, shown inFIGS. 1-3 , in place ofrack 18. Additionally,lid 4 shown inFIGS. 1-3 may be used with the dishwasher basket shown inFIGS. 11 and 12 .Rack 19 may also be used separately. -
Rack 19 is preferably constructed out of polypropylene in order to be lightweight and relatively inexpensive to fabricate. However, it may be constructed out of more durable materials, such as nylon or stainless steel. -
Rack 19 hasvalve holding members 70 andvalve retaining members 68.Rack 19 shown inFIGS. 11 and 12 has eightvalve holding members 70 and fourvalve retaining members 68. The number ofvalve holding members 70 andvalve retaining members 68 can vary depending on the size and shape ofrack 19. -
Valve holding member 70 generally consists of a hole inrack 19 that is preferably is sized to be within a range of about 0.1 inches to about 0.5 inches, and more preferably within a range of about 0.2 inches to about 0.4 inches.Valve holding member 70 may additionally have protrusions similar to those used withnipple holding member 14.Valve retaining member 68 is a raised portion generally oval in shape that is approximately 0.1 to 0.5 inches above the surface ofrack 19, and is preferably between 0.2 and 0.4 inches above the surface ofrack 19. A plastic support member suspendsvalve retaining member 68 above the surface ofrack 19 and one plastic support member may support more than onevalve retaining member 68. -
Valve holding members 70 andvalve retaining members 68 may work in conjunction in order to secure and mount various shaped non-spill cup valves.Valve holding members 70 andvalve retaining members 68 maintain the valves in an upright position during the washing of the products. Being maintained in an upright position ensures that the valves are thoroughly cleaned. -
FIGS. 11 and 12 show various types of valves that are used in non-spill cups. The valves illustrated are not exhaustive of the various possible configurations that a valve may take and thatrack 19 may be able to hold. InFIG. 11 the base portion of avalve 72 a, which is of a design that is sold by Munchkin, Inc., is retained invalve holding member 70 and portion ofvalve 72 a is retained under the oval portion ofvalve retaining member 68.Valve retaining member 68 limits the movement ofvalve 72 a by maintainingvalve 72 a's position during the washing process.Valve 72 b comes from a different type of non-spill cup, namely that marketed by Luv 'N Care, and a circular portion ofvalve 72 b is placed invalve holding member 70, while another circular portion ofvalve 72 b is placed in anothervalve holding member 70.Valve 72 c, which is a design marketed by Gerber, is also held withinvalve holding member 70 and the top surface portion ofvalve 72 c may additionally be retained byvalve retaining member 68.Valve 72 d, a type marketed by Playtex, shown inFIG. 12 , is secured byvalve retaining member 68. Alternatively,valve 72 d may have the circular portions placed withinvalve holding members 70 and also be secured byvalve retaining member 68. -
Valve holding member 70 andvalve retaining member 68 may be utilized separately from the dishwasher basket and be constructed as separate articles or add-ons for existing dishwashers or dishwasher baskets. For example,rack 19, may be attached to a dishwasher, or alternatively may be an integral feature of a dishwasher rack. -
FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of anipple 34 for use with baby bottles.Nipple 34 has atop nursing portion 38 that is used for nursing infants.Nipple 34 further has a bottom mountingflange portion 40 that is wider in diameter thantop portion 38. At the location wheretop portion 38 andbottom portion 40 meet is an undercut 39. In usingdishwasher basket 10 shown inFIGS. 1-3 ,nipple 34 is placed infirst nipple holder 14, orthird nipple holder 23, so thattop portion 38 ofnipple 34 extends abovelid 4, andbottom portion 40 ofnipple 34 is below the surface oflid 4 and above the top surface ofinterior rack 18 shown inFIG. 3 .Nipple 34 is pulled up throughfirst nipple holder 14 with the undercut 39, shown inFIG. 13 , contacting the sides offirst nipple holder 14 and securingnipple 34. Additionally,nipple holder protrusions 22 may engage undercut 39 in order to further securenipple 34 infirst nipple holder 14, orthird nipple holder 23. - While the structures disclosed above are described for the preferred use of mounting baby bottle nipples, feeding straws and valves within a dishwasher, it is equally within the invention to use the disclosed structure to mount such articles for other purposes, such as for a drying rack for drying the articles after hand washing and/or rinsing.
- It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.
Claims (38)
1. An apparatus for positioning a baby bottle nipple of the type that includes a nursing end, a mounting flange and an annular undercut area between said nursing end and said mounting flange, comprising:
a dishwasher mounting fixture; and
nipple mounting means on said dishwasher mounting fixture for securely holding a baby bottle nipple by engaging the baby bottle nipple at the annular undercut area.
2. An apparatus for positioning a baby bottle nipple according to claim 1 , wherein said dishwasher mounting fixture is constructed and arranged to be dishwasher safe.
3. An apparatus for positioning a baby bottle nipple according to claim 1 , wherein said dishwasher mounting fixture is constructed and arranged to be positioned within a dishwasher.
4. An apparatus for positioning a baby bottle nipple according to claim 3 , wherein said dishwasher mounting fixture comprises a dishwasher basket for holding small articles within a dishwasher.
5. An apparatus for positioning a baby bottle nipple according to claim 1 , wherein said nipple mounting means is constructed and arranged to hold the baby bottle nipple in a substantially upright position.
6. An apparatus for positioning a baby bottle nipple according to claim 1 , wherein said nipple mounting means comprises structure defining a hole in said fixture that is sized for receiving a baby bottle nipple and engaging said annular undercut area at edges thereof.
7. An apparatus for positioning a baby bottle nipple according to claim 6 , wherein said hole has a minimum diameter that is within a range of about 0.5 inches to about 2.0 inches.
8. An apparatus for positioning a baby bottle nipple according to claim 7 , wherein said hole has a minimum diameter that is within a range of about 0.7 inches to about 1.75 inches.
9. An apparatus for positioning a baby bottle nipple according to claim 6 , further comprising at least one radially inwardly extending protrusion extending into said hole.
10. An apparatus for positioning a baby bottle nipple according to claim 10 , wherein there are a plurality of said protrusions.
11. A method of cleaning a baby bottle nipple of the type that includes a nursing end, a mounting flange and an annular undercut area between said nursing end and said mounting flange, comprising steps of:
securely mounting a baby bottle nipple in a nipple mounting fixture by engaging the baby bottle nipple at the annular undercut area with nipple mounting structure that is provided on said nipple mounting fixture; and
using a dishwasher to clean said baby bottle nipple while said baby bottle nipple remains mounted in said nipple mounting fixture.
12. A method of cleaning a baby bottle nipple according to claim 11 , further comprising a step of placing said nipple mounting fixture within a dishwasher.
13. A method of cleaning a baby bottle nipple according to claim 11 , wherein said step of securely mounting said baby bottle nipple is performed so that the baby bottle nipple is oriented substantially in an upright position.
14. A method of cleaning a baby bottle nipple according to claim 11 , wherein said fixture comprises a dishwasher basket for holding small articles within a dishwasher.
15. A method of cleaning a baby bottle nipple according to claim 11 , wherein said nipple mounting structure defines a hole in said fixture that is sized for receiving a baby bottle nipple and engaging said annular undercut area at edges thereof.
16. A method of cleaning a baby bottle nipple according to claim 15 , wherein said hole has a minimum diameter that is within a range of about 0.5 inches to about 2.0 inches.
17. A method of cleaning a baby bottle nipple according to claim 16 , wherein said hole has a minimum diameter that is within a range of about 0.7 inches to about 1.75 inches.
18. A method of cleaning a baby bottle nipple according to claim 16 , wherein said step of securely engaging said baby bottle nipple further comprises engaging the baby bottle nipple with at least one radially inwardly extending protrusion that extends into said hole.
19. An apparatus for securely holding small articles for cleansing in a dishwasher, comprising:
nipple holding means for securely holding a baby bottle nipple; and
straw mounting means for securely holding a drinking straw.
20. An apparatus according to claim 19 , wherein said nipple holding means is constructed and arranged to engage the baby bottle nipple at an annular undercut area of the baby bottle nipple.
21. An apparatus according to claim 19 , wherein said straw mounting means comprises frictional engagement means for frictionally engaging an outer surface of a drinking straw.
22. An apparatus according to claim 21 , wherein said straw mounting means comprises structure defining a restricted passage for receiving a drinking straw, and wherein said frictional engagement means is constructed and arranged to engage a drinking straw at a location that is proximate to said restricted passage.
23. An apparatus according to claim 22 , wherein said frictional engagement means comprises a first surface for frictionally engaging a first portion of an outer surface of a drinking straw and a second surface, spaced across said restricted passage from said first surface, for frictionally engaging a second portion of the outer surface of the drinking straw, whereby the drinking straw will be held in place by said first and second surfaces.
24. An apparatus according to claim 19 , further comprising valve mounting means for securely holding a valve from a non-spill drink cup.
25. An apparatus for positioning a valve from a non-spill drinking cup for cleaning in a dishwasher, comprising:
a fixture; and
valve mounting means on said fixture for securely holding a valve from a non-spill drinking cup.
26. An apparatus for positioning a valve from a non-spill drinking cup according to claim 25 , wherein said fixture is constructed and arranged to be dishwasher safe.
27. An apparatus for positioning a valve from a non-spill drinking cup according to claim 26 , wherein said fixture is constructed and arranged to be positioned within a dishwasher.
28. An apparatus for positioning a valve from a non-spill drinking cup according to claim 25 , wherein said fixture comprises a dishwasher basket for holding small articles within a dishwasher.
29. An apparatus for positioning a valve from a non-spill drinking cup according to claim 25 , wherein said valve mounting means is constructed and arranged to hold the valve in a substantially upright position.
30. An apparatus for positioning a valve from a non-spill drinking cup according to claim 25 , further comprising straw mounting means for securely holding a drinking straw.
31. An apparatus for positioning a valve from a non-spill drinking cup according to claim 25 , further comprising nipple holding means for securely holding a baby bottle nipple.
32. An apparatus for positioning a valve from a non-spill drinking cup according to claim 25 , wherein said valve mounting means comprises a hole that is within a range of about 0.1 inches to about 0.5 inches.
33. An apparatus for positioning a valve from a non-spill drinking cup according to claim 25 , wherein said valve mounting means comprises a hole that is within a range of about 0.2 inches to about 0.4 inches.
34. A method of cleaning a valve from a non-spill drinking cup, comprising steps of:
securely mounting a valve from a non-spill drinking cup to a valve mounting fixture; and
using a dishwasher to clean said valve while said valve remains mounted in said valve mounting fixture.
35. A method of cleaning a valve from a non-spill drinking cup according to claim 34 , further comprising a step of placing said valve mounting fixture within a dishwasher.
36. A method of cleaning a valve from a non-spill drinking cup according to claim 34 , wherein said valve mounting fixture comprises a dishwasher basket for holding small articles within a dishwasher.
37. A method of cleaning a valve from a non-spill drinking cup according to claim 34 , wherein said valve mounting means comprises a hole that is within a range of about 0.1 inches to about 0.5 inches.
38. A method of cleaning a valve from a non-spill drinking cup according to claim 34 , wherein said valve mounting means comprises hole that is within a range of about 0.2 inches to about 0.4 inches.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/949,423 US20060065666A1 (en) | 2004-09-24 | 2004-09-24 | Dishwasher basket infant feeding accessory holders |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/949,423 US20060065666A1 (en) | 2004-09-24 | 2004-09-24 | Dishwasher basket infant feeding accessory holders |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060065666A1 true US20060065666A1 (en) | 2006-03-30 |
Family
ID=36097862
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/949,423 Abandoned US20060065666A1 (en) | 2004-09-24 | 2004-09-24 | Dishwasher basket infant feeding accessory holders |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20060065666A1 (en) |
Cited By (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2007127819A2 (en) * | 2006-04-26 | 2007-11-08 | Handi-Craft Company | Apparatus for holding nursing bottle components in a dishwasher |
US20070295868A1 (en) * | 2006-04-26 | 2007-12-27 | Handi-Craft Company | Apparatus for holding nursing bottle components in a dishwasher |
US20080272126A1 (en) * | 2007-05-04 | 2008-11-06 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Dishwasher basket assembly |
WO2010141109A1 (en) * | 2009-06-02 | 2010-12-09 | Helen Of Troy Limited | Dishwasher basket |
WO2013020811A1 (en) * | 2011-08-11 | 2013-02-14 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Dishwasher with at least one receiving structure for items to be washed that is provided with arrangement directions |
US8733859B2 (en) * | 2012-06-11 | 2014-05-27 | General Electric Company | Silverware basket for a dishwasher appliance |
US20140263302A1 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2014-09-18 | Walter Pipp | Basket of dishwasher for washing components of baby bottle |
WO2015084904A1 (en) * | 2013-12-06 | 2015-06-11 | Hillsborough Bay Group, Llc | Apparatus for washing articles for an infant |
USD748873S1 (en) * | 2013-12-04 | 2016-02-02 | Whirlpool Corporation | Dishwasher silverware basket |
US9656304B2 (en) | 2014-06-08 | 2017-05-23 | Anchal Tiwari | Washer device for breast pump accessories |
US9782803B2 (en) | 2010-02-10 | 2017-10-10 | Hillsborough Bay Group, Llc | Apparatus for washing and sanitizing articles for an infant |
US9883988B1 (en) * | 2014-10-20 | 2018-02-06 | Innovost, LLC | Pacifier holder |
USD855906S1 (en) * | 2017-11-30 | 2019-08-06 | Barenthal North America, Inc. | Dishwasher basket |
US10507497B2 (en) | 2010-02-10 | 2019-12-17 | Hillsborough Bay Group, Llc | Apparatus and method for washing and sanitizing articles for an infant |
CN110811457A (en) * | 2018-08-13 | 2020-02-21 | 青岛海尔洗碗机有限公司 | Bowl basket and dish washing machine |
US10694922B1 (en) * | 2018-04-25 | 2020-06-30 | 4 R Oceans, LLC | Drinking straw cleaning caddy |
US10932647B1 (en) | 2018-04-25 | 2021-03-02 | 4 R Oceans, LLC | Drinking straw cleaning caddy |
CN112493964A (en) * | 2020-12-04 | 2021-03-16 | 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 | Cleaning support structure and feeding bottle cleaning machine |
EP3868260A1 (en) * | 2020-02-21 | 2021-08-25 | Daniel Blaufelder | Device for holding straws |
USD931559S1 (en) * | 2019-08-28 | 2021-09-21 | Julia Michelle Piri | Dishwasher basket |
US11950744B2 (en) | 2022-03-14 | 2024-04-09 | Midea Group Co., Ltd. | Dishwasher with straw carrier |
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US7628163B2 (en) * | 2006-04-26 | 2009-12-08 | Handi-Craft Company | Apparatus for holding nursing bottle components in a dishwasher |
US20070261724A1 (en) * | 2006-04-26 | 2007-11-15 | Kemper Bernard J | Apparatus for holding nursing bottle components in a dishwasher |
US20070295868A1 (en) * | 2006-04-26 | 2007-12-27 | Handi-Craft Company | Apparatus for holding nursing bottle components in a dishwasher |
WO2007127819A2 (en) * | 2006-04-26 | 2007-11-08 | Handi-Craft Company | Apparatus for holding nursing bottle components in a dishwasher |
WO2007127819A3 (en) * | 2006-04-26 | 2008-11-27 | Handi Craft Co | Apparatus for holding nursing bottle components in a dishwasher |
US7650896B2 (en) * | 2006-04-26 | 2010-01-26 | Handi-Craft Company | Apparatus for holding nursing bottle components in a dishwasher |
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US8522998B2 (en) | 2007-05-04 | 2013-09-03 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Dishwasher basket assembly |
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US8087519B2 (en) | 2009-06-02 | 2012-01-03 | Helen Of Troy Limited | Dishwasher basket |
US10507497B2 (en) | 2010-02-10 | 2019-12-17 | Hillsborough Bay Group, Llc | Apparatus and method for washing and sanitizing articles for an infant |
US9782803B2 (en) | 2010-02-10 | 2017-10-10 | Hillsborough Bay Group, Llc | Apparatus for washing and sanitizing articles for an infant |
US11167323B2 (en) | 2010-02-10 | 2021-11-09 | Hillsborough Bay Group, Llc | Apparatus and method for washing and sanitizing articles for an infant |
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US9186039B2 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2015-11-17 | Walter Pipp | Basket of dishwasher for washing components of baby bottle |
US20140263302A1 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2014-09-18 | Walter Pipp | Basket of dishwasher for washing components of baby bottle |
USD748873S1 (en) * | 2013-12-04 | 2016-02-02 | Whirlpool Corporation | Dishwasher silverware basket |
WO2015084904A1 (en) * | 2013-12-06 | 2015-06-11 | Hillsborough Bay Group, Llc | Apparatus for washing articles for an infant |
US9656304B2 (en) | 2014-06-08 | 2017-05-23 | Anchal Tiwari | Washer device for breast pump accessories |
US9883988B1 (en) * | 2014-10-20 | 2018-02-06 | Innovost, LLC | Pacifier holder |
USD855906S1 (en) * | 2017-11-30 | 2019-08-06 | Barenthal North America, Inc. | Dishwasher basket |
US10694922B1 (en) * | 2018-04-25 | 2020-06-30 | 4 R Oceans, LLC | Drinking straw cleaning caddy |
US10932647B1 (en) | 2018-04-25 | 2021-03-02 | 4 R Oceans, LLC | Drinking straw cleaning caddy |
CN110811457A (en) * | 2018-08-13 | 2020-02-21 | 青岛海尔洗碗机有限公司 | Bowl basket and dish washing machine |
USD931559S1 (en) * | 2019-08-28 | 2021-09-21 | Julia Michelle Piri | Dishwasher basket |
EP3868260A1 (en) * | 2020-02-21 | 2021-08-25 | Daniel Blaufelder | Device for holding straws |
CN112493964A (en) * | 2020-12-04 | 2021-03-16 | 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 | Cleaning support structure and feeding bottle cleaning machine |
US11950744B2 (en) | 2022-03-14 | 2024-04-09 | Midea Group Co., Ltd. | Dishwasher with straw carrier |
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Owner name: UNION BANK, N.A. FKA UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:MUNCHKIN, INC.;REEL/FRAME:022960/0690 Effective date: 20090611 |
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