WO2021053675A2

WO2021053675A2 - Warming mechanism for container

Info

Publication number: WO2021053675A2
Application number: PCT/IL2020/051021
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yotam SHLOMAY
Original assignee: One Of A Kind Fashion Limited
Priority date: 2019-09-18
Filing date: 2020-09-17
Publication date: 2021-03-25
Also published as: WO2021053675A3

Abstract

A vessel may have soft side. Optionally a support holds a portion of the soft side to fit a surface of a predetermined shape. For example, the support may hold a portion of the vessel taut and/or flat. Optionally, the support is permanently attached to the vessel. The vessel may include an opening opposite the support. A heater may be provided having a surface fitting the support. In some embodiments, the vessel includes a spout for the opening of the vessel and/or a frame to hold the vessel. For example, the spout may snap to the frame. Optionally, the support includes a temperature measurement feature. For example, a surface and/or an indentation and/or a cavity configured to facilitate thermal contact between a temperature sensor of a heating device and the contents of the vessel. Optionally, the heating device includes a logic system that accounts for latent heat in the heating element.

Description

APPLICATION FOR PATENT

Title : WARMING MECHANISM FOR CONTAINER

RELATED APPLICATION/S

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC §119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/901,813 filed 18 Sept. 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC §119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/001,383 filed 29 March 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a system for heating fluids in soft containers and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a container and warmer for milk. US Patent no. 9675525 appears to disclose that, “A child feeding system includes a spout pouch having a spout and a pouch coupled to the spout and configured to hold a liquid for feeding to a child, a device coupled to the spout of the spout pouch and configured to allow the liquid to flow into or out from the pouch, and a holder having a top and a body, the top having an opening configured to laterally receive and removably secure the spout to the holder when the spout is pushed transversely into the opening, and the body having an interior area configured to receive at least a portion of the pouch. Other systems, methods, and components are also provided.”

US Published Patent Application no. 20060011497 appears to disclose “a contemporary beverage dispenser, especially suited as a baby bottle, comprising a solid connector that has an upper portion and a lower portion and a plastic bag connected to the lower portion. The uniqueness of the combination of the connector and bag is that the connector is designed to fit on the lip of a conventional baby bottle with the bag in the bottle or is used without a bottle. When used without a bottle, a compression ring is used to connect a head, such as a nipple, to the beverage dispenser of the present invention.”

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a system for storing a fluid including: a soft sided vessel having an open end and a closed end; and a support forming at least one side of the vessel.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the support includes a rigid circumferential member.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the rigid circumferential member defines an aperture and the aperture is sealed by a sheet of flexible material.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system further includes a cross member dividing the aperture into a plurality of subapertures.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the support forms a base on the closed end of the vessel.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system further includes a spout and wherein the opening end is connected to the spout to form an opening of the vessel.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system further includes a frame configured to support the vessel in a standing condition.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system further includes: a frame configured to support the vessel in a standing condition; and a spout and wherein the open end is connected to the spout to form an opening of the vessel.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the spout connects reversibly to an upper portion of the frame.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the spout connects to the frame by pushing upwards against an interference element.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the spout connects to the frame by pushing upwards and twisting.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the spout includes lateral protrusion which connects to the frame. According to some embodiments of the invention, the support is connected to a lower portion of the vessel and the vessel is stretched open between the support and the spout.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the support is connected to a lower portion of the vessel and the vessel is stretched open between the support and the spout.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system further includes: a baby nipple configured to attach to the spout.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system further includes: a breast pump configured to attach to the spout.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system further includes: a heating device including a heating element and/or wherein the support is comprised to fit to the heating element.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the support is configured to hold a portion of a soft wall of the vessel in contact with the heating element.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the support includes a fitting for providing heat transport from the fluid to a temperature sensor.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the fitting includes an indentation in the support.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the fitting includes an aperture in the support.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system further includes a controller configured to estimate a temperature of the fluid based on an output of the temperature sensor and a rate of change thereof.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system further includes a controller configured to estimate a heat capacity of the fluid based on a rate of change of temperature of the fluid and to estimate a latent heat in a heat source and reduce the heat source when adding the latent heat to the fluid will bring the fluid to a desired temperature.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a method for storing a fluid including: providing a soft sided vessel having an open end and a closed end and attaching a support to forming at least one side of the vessel. According to some embodiments of the invention, the attaching includes forming a rigid side of the vessel.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the attaching includes forming an aperture and further including: sealing the aperture by a sheet of flexible material.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes dividing the aperture into a plurality of subapertures with at least on cross member.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the attaching is to the closed end of the vessel.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes connecting a spout to the open end of the vessel to form an opening of the vessel.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes: supporting the vessel in a standing condition with a frame.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes: connecting the open end to a spout to form an opening of the vessel.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes attaching the spout reversibly to an upper portion of the frame.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the connecting the spout to the frame includes pushing the spout upwards against an interference element.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the connecting the spout to the frame includes pushing upwards and twisting.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the spout includes lateral protrusion and the connecting includes connecting the lateral protrusion to the frame.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes connecting the support to a lower portion of the from and stretching the vessel between the support and the spout.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes: attaching a baby nipple to the spout.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes: attaching a breast pump to the spout.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes: heating the fluid by reversibly fitting the support to a heating element. According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes the support holding a portion of a soft wall of the vessel in contact with the heating element.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes providing a pathway from heat transport between a temperature sensor and the fluid via a fitting in the support.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the fitting includes an indentation in the support further including inserting a portion of the sensor into the indention.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes estimating a temperature of the fluid based on an output of the temperature sensor and a rate of change thereof.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes estimating a heat capacity of the fluid based on a rate of change of temperature of the fluid; estimating a latent heat in a heat source and reducing the heat source when adding the latent heat to the fluid will bring the fluid to a desired temperature.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a method for storing a fluid including: providing vessel having an open end and a closed end and heating the fluid by reversibly fitting the closed end to a heating element providing a pathway from heat transport between a temperature sensor and the fluid via a fitting in the a wall of the vessel.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the fitting includes an indentation in the wall further including inserting a portion of the sensor into the indention.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a system for storing a fluid including: a vessel having an open end and a closed end; and a heating device including a heating element and/or wherein the closed end is comprised to fit to the heating element and a temperature sensor protruding away from the heating element; a fitting for providing heat transport from the fluid to the temperature sensor.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the fitting includes an indentation in a wall of the vessel.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a method of collecting breast milk for feeding to an infant including: providing a vessel with spout, the vessel having a spout formed integrally with it; connecting the spout to a breast pump; operating the breast pump to express breast milk into the vessel with spout, so that the vessel with spout collects the expressed breast milk; connecting a nipple to the spout, so that expressed breast milk flows from the vessel with spout to the nipple; and inserting the vessel with spout into a frame, the frame having a top and a body, wherein the top of the frame has an opening configured to vertically receive and removably hook the spout to the frame when the spout is pushed upward into the opening and hooked into position via a vertical snapping attachment, and the body is configured to receive at least a portion of the vessel with the spout.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a method of collecting breast milk for feeding to an infant including: providing a vessel with spout, the vessel having a spout formed integrally with it; connecting the spout to a breast pump; operating the breast pump to express breast milk into the vessel with spout, so that the vessel with spout collects the expressed breast milk; connecting a nipple to the spout, so that expressed breast milk flows from the vessel with spout to the nipple; and inserting the vessel with spout into a frame, the frame having a top and a body, wherein the top of the frame has an opening configured to vertically receive and removably hook the spout to the frame when the spout is rotated and hooked into position via a ledge, and the body is configured to receive at least a portion of the vessel with the spout.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a system for feeding to an infant, the system including: a soft vessel with spout, the soft vessel having a spout formed integrally with it; a nipple connectable to the spout and configured for a baby to suck milk from the vessel; and a frame having a top opening configured to vertically receive and removably hook the spout to the frame when the spout is pushed upward into the opening and hooked into position via a vertical snapping attachment.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a system for feeding to an infant, the system including: a soft vessel with spout, the soft vessel having a spout formed integrally with it; a nipple connectable to the spout and configured for a baby to suck milk from the vessel; and a frame having a top opening configured to vertically receive and removably hook the spout to the frame when the spout is pushed upward into the opening and hooked into position via a twisting movement.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

Implementation of the method and/or system of embodiments of the invention can involve performing or completing selected tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of embodiments of the method and/or system of the invention, several selected tasks could be implemented by hardware, by software or by firmware or by a combination thereof using an operating system. For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more tasks according to exemplary embodiments of method and/or system as described herein are performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes a volatile memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or a non-volatile storage, for example, a magnetic hard-disk and/or removable media, for storing instructions and/or data. Optionally, a network connection is provided as well. A display and/or a user input device such as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a heating device in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of a heating device in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of elements of a heating device in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross section view of a heating device in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a heating device and a vessel support in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 6A is a schematic outer side view of vessel support 204 in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention; FIG. 6B is a schematic inner side view of vessel support 204 in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. FIG. 7A is a schematic view of a frame configured for connection to a spout via an upward movement in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 7A is a schematic view of a frame configured for connection to a spout via an upward movement in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 7B is a schematic cut away view of a frame configured for connection to a spout via an upward movement in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 7C is a schematic view of a spout configured for connection to a frame via an upward movement in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 8A is a schematic view of a frame configured for connection to a spout via an upward movement in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 8B is a schematic cut away view of a frame configured for connection to a spout via an upward movement in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 8C is a schematic view of a spout configured for connection to a frame via an upward movement in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 9A is a schematic view of a frame configured for connection to a spout via a twisting movement in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 9B is a schematic cut away view of a frame configured for connection to a spout via a twisting movement in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 9C is a schematic close up cut away view of a frame configured for connection to a spout via a twisting movement in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 9D is a schematic view of a spout configured for connection to a frame via a twisting movement in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustration of a temperature-controlled heating device in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention; FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustration of a container and base in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustration of a method of heating a soft walled vessel in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 13 method of feeding a baby in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention; and

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustration of a method of heating a soft walled vessel in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a system for heating fluids in soft containers and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a container and warmer for milk.

Overview

An aspect of some embodiments of the current invention relates to a support for a vessel having at least one soft side. In some embodiments, the support optionally holds a soft portion of the vessel to form and/or to fit a surface of a predetermined shape. For example, the support may hold a portion of the vessel taut and/or flat. Optionally, the support is permanently attached to the vessel. In some embodiments, the vessel includes an opening and/or the support holds a portion of the vessel opposite the opening.

In some embodiments a system includes a heater having a surface fitting the portion of the vessel held by the support. For example, the heater may include a flat heating surface and/or the support may hold a portion of the wall of the vessel flat and/or taut to make good contact with the heating surface. In some embodiments the support may be in the form of a ring that is inserted into the vessel and/or attached thereto. Optionally the support includes a cross member. Alternatively or additionally, the support may hold a section of the soft wall of the vessel with slack and/or the heating surface may include a protrusion such that when the vessel is placed on the protrusion the, the protrusion stretches the slack section and make contact with it. For example, the support may be ring shaped and/or the heating surface may be domed. In some embodiments, the vessel includes a soft bag and/or the system includes a spout attached to the opening of the bag and/or a frame to hold the bag. Optionally, the spout is configured to hold the bag to the frame. For example, the spout may snap to the frame with an upward movement and/or with a twisting movement.

An aspect of some embodiments of the current invention relates to a controlled heating device and/or a vessel for use therewith. In some embodiments, optionally the heating device includes a heating element and/or a temperature sensor. Optionally, the temperature sensor is located at a distance from the heating element. For example, the temperature sensor may be beside the heating element and/or project upward above the heating element. Optionally, a matched vessel for the heating device includes a heat transport surface configured to facilitate heat transport from the heating element to the contents of the vessel. For example, the heat transport surface may have thin walls and/or be shaped and sized to make good contact with the heating element and/or be made of a highly heat conductive material. Additionally or alternatively, the vessel includes a temperature measurement feature. For example, a surface and/or an indentation and/or a cavity configured to facilitate thermal contact between the temperature sensor and the contents of the vessel. For example, the geometry of the vessel may match a geometry of the heating device such that when the heat transport surface is coupled to the heating element, the temperature measurement feature is coupled to the temperature sensor. Optionally, the heating device includes a logic system that accounts for differences between the temperature measured by the probe and/or the temperature of the contents of the container and/or accounts for latent heat in the vessel and/or the heating element such that the final temperature of the contents of the vessel reaches a desired temperature. For example, the logic system may estimate the heat capacity of the contents of the vessel based on the rate of heating and/or the logic system may reduce and/or turn off a source of heat before the contents of the vessel reach a desired temperature such that when the latent heat of the heating element and/or vessel are absorbed by the contents of the vessel the contents of the vessel will reach a desired temperature.

Specific Embodiments Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a heating device in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, a vessel 102 with includes a soft wall 116. Optionally, heating the contents of the vessel is facilitated by a support 104 that holds the soft wall 116 in thermal contact with the heating element 106. For example, the soft wall may include a sheet of flexible material (for example a thin plastic film). For example, the support may hold a soft wall 116 at a base of the vessel taut and/or flat against a flat heating element 106. For example, the support 104 may have the shape of a ring (optionally the ring may be circular or non-circular and/or may be complete and/or may have breaks) that fits into the vessel and/or is attached to the soft wall 116 of the vessel and/or holds the portion of the soft wall 116 inside the ring taut and/or flat. For example, the vessel 102 may include a bag. Optionally the bag is reversibly supported by a frame 110 and/or includes a rigid spout 108, for example supporting a nipple 112 for feeding a baby. Optionally, the support 104 is attached to a base of the vessel 102 opposite the spout thereof. For example, the support may include a rigid circumferential member defining an aperture, flexible wall 116 may sealingly cover the aperture.

In some embodiments, the soft wall 116 may be made of PET, VMPET, OPP, matt OPP, CPP, VMCPP, PE, AF, PA, BOPP, FDPE, RCPP, AF. For example, the thickness of the wall 116 may range between 5 to 30 microns and/or between 30 to 100 microns and/or between 100 microns to 200 microns and/or between 100 to 1000 microns.

In some embodiments the support 104 is made of relatively rigid plastic. Optionally, the support 104 includes cross members. For example, the cross members may be closely spaced for example unsupported portions may have a short dimension ranging between 1 to 2 cm and/or 2 to 4 cm and/or between 0.2 to 1 cm and/or between 4 to 6 cm and/or between 6 to 8 cm and/or between 8 to 16 cm. For example, the support may preserve the desired shape of the wall 116 when a cavity of the vessel is filled with fluid and frozen. For example, the support 104 may have the form of a ring and/or the cross members may be attached to inward facing walls of the ring. Optionally, the cross members form the aperture of the ring into a plurality of smaller apertures. For example, the cross members and/or the ring may for a scaffolding and/or various portions of the walls of vessel may be held between various portions of the scaffolding. Optionally, the scaffolding may be flat (e.g. all of the elements of the scaffolding and/or the resulting geometry of the wall of the vessel may fit in a plane). Alternatively or additionally, the scaffolding may have a three-dimensional geometry.

In some embodiments, the support includes an indentation and/or an auxiliary aperture. For example, the indentation may face the outside of the vessel 102. For example, the flexible wall may be sealing attached to an outer surface of the support covering the outer opening of the main aperture and/or a flexible sheet (e.g. a portion of the flexible wall) may sealingly cover an inner surface of the support and/or seal an inner opening of the auxiliary aperture. For example, the indentation and/or auxiliary aperture may facilitate positioning a temperature sensor in good thermal contact with the contents of the vessel 102 and less affected by the heating element 106 (for example far therefrom and/or insulated therefrom).

In some embodiments, the vessel includes an opening that is connected to a spout 108. Optionally, the spout may be on side of the vessel opposite the soft wall 116 and/or support 104. For example, the vessel 102 may include a soft plastic bag and/or pouch. The support 104 may be inserted into the bag and/or attached to the bottom of the bag opposite the opening thereof and/or the spout may be attached to the opening of the bag. Alternatively or additionally, the vessel 102 may be configured for storing and/or dispensing blood and/or Saline and/or IV feeding formula and/or drugs and/or wax and/or drink and/or food etc.

In some embodiments, the spout 108 may be configured to make the vessel 102 resealable. For example, there may be cap 114 that attaches to the spout. Additionally or alternatively, the spout may be configured for connection to a breast pump for expressing milk and/or to a nipple 112 for feeding a baby, these connections may include intermediary adapters. Optionally, the vessel 102 and/or the support 104 and/or the spout 108 are made of heat proof materials. For example, one or more of the above components may be able to withstand temperatures up to 60 degree centigrade (for example while heating up the contents of the vessel 102). For example, one or more of the above components may be able to withstand temperatures up to 100 degree centigrade (for example while sterilizing the vessel). Optionally the vessel 102 is configured for freezing and/or defrosting.

In some embodiments, the vessel 102 and/or support 104 are configured for heating on a heating element 106. Optionally the support may be configured to hold the soft wall 116 in a geometry for efficient heat transfer from the heating element 106. For example, the heating element 106 may include a heated upward facing surface and/or the support 104 may hold the soft wall 116 in a geometry where the soft wall 116 has a large surface of contact with the heating element 106. Optionally, the heating element 106 is associated with a temperature probe which fits in an auxiliary opening of the support 104 to measure the temperature of the contents of the vessel 102. In some embodiments, the heating element 106 is part of a heating device that optionally includes a logic circuit that estimates a real temperature of the contents of the vessel 102 based on a history of temperatures measured by the temperature probe. Alternatively or additionally, the logic circuit is programmed to achieve a desired end temperature of the contents of the vessel 102. For example, the logic circuit may control heating of the heating element 106 to achieve a desired temperature of the contents of the vessel 102. For example, the logic element may account for latent heat, mixing of the contents in the vessel 102. The heating device may include a safety element that prevents activation of the heating element 106 unless it is coupled to the support 104.

FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of a heating device in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, a vessel 202 includes a soft sided pouch or bag. For example, the pouch may be made of a sheet of flexible plastic folded over and/or sealed on the sides. Optionally, a spout 208 is sealed over the opening of the pouch. Optionally, a support 204 is attached to a soft wall 216 of the pouch. For example, the soft wall 216 may be located opposite the opening of the pouch. Optionally, the support 204 and/or soft wall 216 form a bottom surface of the vessel 202. In some embodiments, support 204 includes a member (for example the perimeter of the support 204) that defines an edge of the bottom the vessel 202 (for example a ring) and/or cross members 220. Optionally, the support 204 may form a hollow and/or a space and/or an aperture. For example, a portion of the wall 216 of the vessel may be drawn taut over the space to form a rigid section and/or base of the vessel 202.

In some embodiments the system includes a heating device. For example, the heating device 230 may include a heated surface (e.g. heating element 306) shaped to have a large contact area with a portion of soft wall 216 that is held by support 204. For example, support 204 may hold a portion of wall 216 taut and/or flat such that the portion of the wall 216 sits on and/or makes close contact with a flat heated surface. The external perimeter of the vessel 202 optionally takes the shape of the support 204 which is optionally shaped to fit element 306. For example, the perimeter of support 204 may have the same shape as the perimeter of element 306 (e.g. circular) or about the same shape. For example, the perimeter of support 204 may have the same size as the perimeter of element 306 or about the same size.

In some embodiments, cross members 220 may help keep wall 216 taut and/or properly shaped over the contact surface with the heating device 230. For example, the aperture of the edge of support 204 may be divided into smaller sub apertures by cross members 220. Optionally, cross members inhibit the formation of bulges in wall 216, for example when vessel 202 is frozen with its contents.

In some embodiments, support 204 may include an auxiliary aperture and/or indentation 218. For example, a temperature probe may protrude from heating device 230 into indentation 218. The space inside indention 218 may provide improved heat transfer between the probe and the contents of vessel 202.

Optionally a frame 210 connects to and/or supports spout 208 and/or support 204, for example for holding up vessel 202 as a free-standing container for fluid. For example, spout 208 and/or support 204 may slide into and/or be held by friction and/or interference in an indentation in a portion of frame 210.

In some embodiments, a system may be configured for expressing, storing and/or heating breast milk and/or feeding a baby. For example, the spout may include an external screw thread configured for attachment to a breast pump or to an intermediary adapter. For example, a nipple 212 for feeding a baby may attach to spout 208 either directly or with an intermediary adapter and/or nipple ring. A cover 214 may attach to spout 208 and/or frame 210 for convenient storage.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of elements of a heating device in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, a support 304 is optionally configured to link to heating device 230. For example, a temperature probe 328 of heating device 230 may fit to an indentation and/or auxiliary aperture of support 304. For example, support holds the bottom surface of the vessel flat and/or enhances contact of the wall of the vessel to a flat heating plate (e.g. element 306). For example, a heated element 306 and/or an indentation in the heating device 230 may fit to support 304. Optionally, support 304 is fit into and/or gives shaped to a base of a Soft sided vessel (for example vessel 202 of FIG. 2). In some embodiments, a spout 208 serves as a mouth to the vessel. Optionally, spout 208 is connected to a frame 210 which holds spout 208 up giving shape to the vessel. In some embodiments, support 304 includes features for connecting to the soft walls of a vessel. For example, support 304 may include one or more comers 326, for example to seal to a seam on the vessel. For example, a vessel may be formed by folding over a plastic sheet and sealing the sides to form opposing seams. The comers 326 may be formed on opposite sides of support 304 to engage the seams. For example, each comer 326 may form an angle between 60 to 90 degrees and/or between 39 to 60 degrees and/or between 15 to 30 degrees and/or between 90 to 120 degrees and/or between 120 to 150 degrees. In some embodiments, support 304 may include grooves 332. For example, grooves 332 may enhance bonding between the soft wall (e.g. wall 216) and support 304. Additionally or alternatively, grooves 332 may enhance linking between support 304 heating device 230.

In some embodiments, support 304 may include an open ring. Alternatively or additionally, support 304 may include cross members, for example similar to cross members 220 of support 204.

In some embodiments, a heating device 230 may include a user interface. For example, the user interface may include an input interface. For example, the input interface may include a dial 322 and/or a keyboard and/or another control for setting desired temperature. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface may include an output device, for example a view screen 324. Alternatively or additionally, a single device (such as a touch screen) may serve as an input/output device. Alternatively or additionally, the heating device 230 may include a remote communication system (Bluetooth, WIFI etc.) and/or may be controlled by a remote device (e.g. a personal computing device such as a smart phone and/or a personal computer). FIG. 4 is a schematic cross section view of a heating device in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, a vessel 402 includes side walls 416’ and/or a base wall 416. Optionally, walls 416’ may be stiff and/or soft. Optionally base wall 416 may be stiff and/or soft. For example, base wall 416 may be made of a soft thin sheet of material, for example due to its thinness, it may allow efficient heat transport. Optionally, a support 404 holds the base wall 416 taught and/or in close contact with a heating element 406. Optionally, heat is efficiently transported from heating element 406 through wall 416 into the contents of the vessel 402.

In some embodiments, a temperature probe 428 extends from the heating device 430 into a recess and/or aperture 418 in support 404. For example, probe 428 may extend away from heating element 406 and/or the recess/aperture 418 may be surrounded on more than one side (for example 5 sides) by a liquid content of the vessel 402. Optionally, this may make transfer of heat between the probe 428 and the contents of the vessel more efficient that heat transfer between the probe 428 and the heating element 406 and/or an external atmosphere. For example, this may increase the representativeness of the readings of temperature probe 428 for measuring the temperature of the contents of vessel 402. In some embodiments aperture 418 may include an indentation into support 404 and/or have thin walls allowing heat transfer between the probe 428 and the contents of the vessel 402. Alternatively or additionally, aperture 418 may pass through the support. Optionally, one end of the aperture may have a covering 419, for example, a thin sheet material (for example the same material as the base wall 416) will cover the top of the aperture 418. For example, the temperature probe 428 may be protected from contact with the contents of vessel 402 and/or may remain in good heat communication with the contents of vessel 402. Optionally vessel 402 includes an opening opposite base wall 416. In some embodiments, a spout 408 will be attached to the opening.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a heating device 320 and a vessel support 304 in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 6A is a schematic outer side view of vessel support 204 in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. FIG. 6B is a schematic inner side view of vessel support 204 in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. For example, the outer side of the support may be directed downward when attached to a heating device and/or may be attached to an inner surface of a soft wall of a vessel. In some embodiments, the support 204 may include an aperture and/or subapertures 617 optionally covered by the walls of the vessel. In some embodiments support 204 includes an attachment surface 624. For example, attachment surface 624 may include a large surface area for attaching to a soft wall of a vessel. Optionally, surface 624 is shaped to fit a heating element (for example flat and/or round to fit heating element 306). Optionally, indentation 218 in the attachment surface 624 is position to align to a temperature probe on a heating device and/or a hole is punched into the wall of the vessel where it covers indentation 218 such that the temperature probe fits into the indentation 218. Optionally the indentation 218 exposes the probe to the temperature of the contents of the vessel (for example at least one wall of the indentation may be thin (for example having a thickness of between 5 to 30 microns and/or between 30 to 1000 microns especially at or near the inner end thereof and/or, in use, the indentation may protrude into the inner space of the vessel and/or inner tip of the indentation may be surrounded on 1, 2, 3, 4 and/or 5 sides by the contents of the vessel). Optionally, the indentation is insulated from the temperature of the heating element (for example the inner end of the indentation may be much further from the outer surface 624 of the support 204 that is exposed to the heating element than from the inner surface 619 of the support 204 that is exposed to the contents of the vessel). Optionally, the indentation 218 is sealed from the contents of the vessel. For example, the indentation may not pass completely through the support 104. For example, the inner side 619 of indentation 218 may be sealed. Optionally the support 204 includes a ledge 636.

In some embodiments, the cross members 220 and/or the ring may form a scaffolding and/or various portions of the walls of vessel may be held between various portions of the scaffolding. Optionally, the scaffolding may be flat (e.g. all of the elements of the scaffolding and/or the resulting geometry of the wall of the vessel may fit in a plane). Alternatively or additionally, the scaffolding may have a three- dimensional geometry.

FIG. 7A is a schematic view of a frame configured for reversible connection to a spout via an upward movement in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, a frame 710 may have a semi open form and/or a semi open tubular form. Optionally, the frame 710 may be configured to support a soft sided vessel (for example vessel 202 and/or similar to vessel 202). Optionally, an opening of the vessel may be supported by the frame to stand up the vessel on a surface similar to a hard-sided vessel. For example, a spout 708 may be attached to an opening of the vessel and/or the spout 708 may fit to and/or be supported by frame 710, for example, by a top 751 of the frame 710. In some embodiments, spout 708 will include a threaded opening 750. For example, threaded opening 750 may be configured for connection to accessories for example including a breast pump, a nipple, an adapters for a nipple, an adapter for a pump and/or a cover. Optionally, frame 710 may offer a contra-torque to facilitate screwing an accessory to threaded opening 750. For example, frame 710 may include slits 740 that support tabs (e.g. tabs 746 of FIG. 7C) of spout 708 and/or inhibit rotation of spout 708 with respect to frame 710.

In some embodiments, an end of the open tube of frame 710 opposite the end that connects to spout 708 may fit to a support 204. For example, support 204 may be attached to an end of frame 710 opposite spout 708. For example, the vessel may hang inside of frame 710 between opposing ends thereof and/or between spout 708 and support 704. Optionally, support 204 and/or ledge 636 and/or a bottom surface of the vessel is support on a flange 738 on the body of frame 710. For example, the external surface of support 204 and/or a soft wall of the vessel and/or a bottom surface of the vessel may be flush with and/or extend out beyond an edge of frame 710. For example, the bottom of the vessel extends out of the frame 710 and/or rest on a heating element while attached to frame 710. For example, the assembled vessel and/or frame 710 may be placed on a heating device for heating the contents of the vessel.

FIG. 7B is a schematic cut away view of a frame configured for reversible connection to a spout via an upward movement in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. FIG. 7C is a schematic view of a spout configured for reversible connection to a frame via an upward movement in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, a spout 708 is reversibly attachable to a frame 710. For example, there may be matching interference elements holding to the spout 708 to the frame 710. For example, frame 710 includes a hook 742 that matches a ledge 748 on spout 708. For example, when spout 708 is pushed against the inside surface (e.g. upward and/or along the axis of the frame 710) of the hooks 742, frame 710 flexes and/or hooks 742 flexes and/or allows ledge 748 to move into a space between hooks 742 and an inner surface 752 of the top 751 of the frame 710, at which point hooks 742 snap back and hook spout 708 to the frame. Alternatively or additionally, hooks may protrude from an exterior surface of the frame, and/or the spout may be pushed against the outer surface (e.g. downward) for attaching to the frame 710. Optionally, when spout 708 is hooked to frame 710, tabs 746 on spout lock into slots 740 in frame 710 inhibiting relative rotation between spout 708 and frame 710. For example, inhibiting rotation between the frame 710 and the spout 708 may facilitate screwing a cap and/or pump and/or nipple and/or pump adapter and/or nipple adapter onto and/or off the vessel. For example, a user may hold the frame 710 as a counter torque as he screws a cap onto and/or off the spout 708. Optionally, there may one or more guides 744 to direct the spout to the correct position and/or orientation for reversible connection. For example, guide 744 and/or hooks 742 may include a wedge-shaped portion that directs tabs 746 to a position for connecting to the frame 710 and/or the wedge may assist moving an interference element out of the way to allow insertion of tabs 746. Alternatively, or additionally, tab 746 may include a wedge.

In some embodiments, the interference elements 742 and/or the ledge 748 are configured to hook spout 708 to frame 710. Alternatively or additionally, interference elements 742 and/or the ledge 748 may be configured for easy release. For example, the combination of ledge 748, elements 742, tabs 746 and slits 740 may hold the spout to the frame strongly enough to facilitate screwing an accessory onto opening 750. Optionally, screwing the accessory to the opening 750 may lock the spout 708 to the frame 710. For example, top of the frame 710 may locked between the accessory and the ledge 748 locking the spout 708 to the frame 710 until the accessory is removed. For example, there may be a wedge shape on the top surface of interference element 742 and/or a wedge shape on the bottom of ledge 748. For example, when spout 708 is hooked to frame 710, pushing spout 708 downward may cause the wedge to push element 742 out of the way and facilitate separating spout 708 from frame 710.1

In some embodiments, spout 708 may include features for attaching to a soft sided vessel, for example, grooves 732 and/or comers 726. For example, grooves 732 and/or comers 726 of spout 708 may facilitate attachment to the vessel similarly to grooves 332 and/or comers 326 of support 304. FIG. 8A is a schematic view of a frame configured for reversible connection to a spout via an upward movement in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the current invention. FIG. 8B is a schematic cut away view of a frame configured for reversible connection to a spout via an upward movement in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the current invention. For example, the upward movement may push an opening 750 of the spout 808 through an aperture 853 in the top 851 of the frame. Optionally, the body of the frame 810 may include a track 845 and/or guide that facilitates proper orientation of the vessel support 204 and/or spout 808 as it is inserted into the frame 810. Optionally, aperture 853 has a closed perimeter in the top 851 of the frame. FIG. 8C is a schematic view of a spout configured for reversible connection to a frame via an upward movement in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, top 851 of the frame includes a slit 840 and/or a pair of vertically oriented interference elements 842 on and inner surface 852 thereof. A spout 808 optionally includes lateral protrusions 846 that fit between the interference elements 842 such that when the opening 750 of the spout is inserted through the top aperture 853 of the frame 810, protrusions 846 are hooked between the interference elements 842 and held in place. Optionally, each interference element 842 is elastically deformable to move out of the way and allow the protrusions 846 of the spout to fit between the elements 842. Alternatively or additionally, there may be one elastic interference element facing a resistance element and/or a guide such that when the protrusion 846 is pushed upwardly along the guide, the element moves out of the way and allows the protrusions of the spout to fit between the elements and the guide and/or then snaps back to hold the protrusion and/or retrain the spout. In some embodiments the spout 808 may include a ledge 848.

In some embodiments, a spout may include a feature that prevents the spout from rotating with respect to the frame. For example, spout 808 further includes vertical tabs 846’ that fit into slits 840 in the top 851 of frame 810 preventing rotation of spout 808 with respect to frame 810 when protrusion 846 is hooked into interference elements 842.

In some embodiments, protrusion 846 may include a wedge to open interference elements 842 to facilitate connection of spout 808 to frame 810. Alternatively or additionally, element 842 may include a wedge-shaped portion that directs spout 808 and/or protrusion 846 to a position for connecting to the frame 810 and/or the wedge may assist moving an interference element out of the way to allow insertion of protrusions 846.

In some embodiments, the interference elements 842 and/or the protrusion 846 are configured to lock spout 808 to frame 810. Alternatively or additionally, interference elements 842 and/or the extension 846 may be configured for easy release. For example, the combination of extension 846, elements 842, tabs 846’ and slits 840 may hold the spout to the frame strongly enough to facilitate screwing an accessory onto opening 750. Optionally, screwing the accessory to the opening 750 may lock the spout 808 to the frame 810 locking the spout 808 to the frame 810 until the accessory is removed. For example, there may be a wedge shape on the top surface of interference element 842 and/or a wedge shape on the bottom of ledge 748. For example, when spout 808 is hooked to frame 810, pushing spout 808 downward may cause the wedge to push element 842 out of the way and facilitate separating spout 808 from frame 810.

FIG. 9A is a schematic view of a frame configured for reversible alternatively, connection to a spout via a twisting movement in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. FIG. 9B is a schematic cut away view of a frame configured for connection to a spout via a twisting movement in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. FIG. 9C is a schematic close up cut away view of a frame configured for connection to a spout via a twisting movement in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. FIG. 9D is a schematic view of a spout configured for connection to a frame via an upward motion and a twisting movement in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. For example, spout 908 may be pushed longitudinally into frame 910 until opening 750 protrudes through aperture 953 in top 951 of the frame 910. Optionally, spout 908 includes lateral protrusions 946. For example, when spout is pushed longitudinally upward into frame 910, protrusions 946 may be guided to contact interference element 942. Optionally, as the spout 908 is pushed upward element 942 allows protrusions 946 to reach a lower surface 952 of the top 951 of the frame and/or be rotated slight until protrusions 946 and/or rest on an undercut shelf 943 of interference element 942. For example, screwing an accessory onto opening 750 may rotate spout 808 in a direction that causes it to hook onto element 942. The spout is optionally removed from the frame by twisting in the opposite direction (for example when unscrewing an accessory from opening 750 may release the spout 908) and/or pulling downward. For example, guide 944 and/or element 942 may include a wedge-shaped portion that directs protrusions 946 to a position for connecting to the frame 910 and/or the wedge may assist moving an interference element out of the way to allow insertion of protrusions 946. Alternatively or additionally, protrusions 946 may include a wedge. Alternatively or additionally, the space between element 942 and guide 944 may be large enough for protrusions 946 to fit through without straining any of the structures.

In some embodiments, the interference elements 942 and/or the guide 944 are configured to lock spout 908 to frame 910. Alternatively or additionally, interference elements 942 and/or the guide 944 may be configured for easy release. For example, the combination of guide 944, elements 942 and/or tabs 946 may hold the spout to the frame strongly enough to facilitate screwing an accessory onto opening 750. Optionally, screwing the accessory to the opening 750 may lock the spout 908 to the frame 910.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustration of a temperature-controlled heating device in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, a vessel 1002 is filled a substance to be heated (e.g. mothers’ milk and/or infant formula and/or baby food) is reversibly placed onto a heating element 1006. Optionally, the vessel 1002 includes a fitting 1018 for a sensor 1028. For example, the sensor 1028 may include temperature sensor (e.g. a thermocouple). Optionally, the fitting includes an aperture through which the sensor 1028 fits to be in better sensing contact with the contents 1071 of the vessel 1002. For example, fitting 1018 may include a space that physically protected from the contents 1071 of the vessel 1002 and/or is in better heat communication with the contents 1071 of the vessel than with the heating element 1006 and/or fitting 1018 may include a space that physically protected from the contents 1071 of the vessel 1002 and/or is in better heat communication with the contents 1071 of the vessel than with an external atmosphere. For example, fitting 1018 may include an indentation into a wall of the vessel 1002. Optionally, at least a part of sensor 1028 is operationally connected to fitting 1018. For example, sensor 1028 may fit and/or protrude into a space of fitting 1018. Alternatively or additionally, fitting 1018 may include highly heat conductive element and/or sensor 1028 may contact and/or be in good heat communication with the conductive element. For example, sensor may be permanently and/or reversibly connected to a controller 1029. Alternatively or additionally, a sensor 1028 may include a weight sensor.

In some embodiments, controller 1029 controls heating element 1006. For example, controller 1029 may be configured and/or programmed to estimate properties of the contents of vessel 1002 (for example its volume, mass, heat capacity), to estimate a real temperature of the contents 1071 of the vessel 1002 and/or to compute a final temperature of heating of the contents 1071 of the vessel 1002 and/or to control the heating element 1006 to bring the contents 1071 of the vessel 1002 and/or output to a user an estimated temperature of the contents of the contents 1071 of vessel 1002 and/or receive instructions from a user. In some embodiments, functions of the controller 1029 may be programmed using AI. For example, the AI routine may implicitly account for some and/or all of the above factors. For example, the AI routine may be trained to predict the true temperature of the contents of the vessel 1002 and/or the final temperature based on time-based output of the sensor 1028.

In some embodiments, a controller 1029 receives output from sensor 1028 and/or controls the heating element 1006. For example, the controller 1029 may include a logic circuit and/or perform various functions disclosed in the description of FIG. 1 and/or functions described in FIG. 13 and/or other FIGs. described herein.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustration of a container and base in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, a vessel 1102 is configured to hold a content. For example, the vessel may include a soft walled container. Optionally, a base support 1104 adapts a portion of vessel 1102 to fit an external element. For example, support 1104 may form a wall of vessel 1102 to fit to base 1106 and/or stand on base 1106. For example, base 1106 may include a heating and/or cooling element and/or base support 1104 may shape a wall of a vessel 1102 to fit to, be supported on, make contact with, have a large surface of contact with and/or be in heat communication with base 1106. Optionally, the walls of vessel 1102 are in contact with base 1106. Optionally, the base support 1104 is in contact with base 1106. Optionally, base support 1104 is not part of the ability of vessel 1102 to hold its contents. Optionally, base support 1104 does not touch and/or is insulated from the contents of vessel 1102. Optionally, base support 1104 includes a fitting for a sensor (for example as described with respect to FIG. 10). FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustration of a method of heating a soft walled vessel in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, a wall of the vessel is held 1204 to a heating element. For example, a support may be inserted into the vessel to hold 1204 the wall in a fixed geometry that fits the heating element. Alternatively or additionally, an external support may form the wall into a fixed geometry that fits the heating element. For example, the support may form a scaffolding having a shape fitting the heating element and/or portions of the wall of the vessel may be held taut between elements of the scaffolding. For example, the support may hold a portion of the wall flat and/or the flat portion may be placed onto a flat heating element. Alternatively or additionally, parts of the wall may be held loosely over the scaffolding and/or when the vessel is placed on the heating element, a portion of the heating element may protrude into the scaffolding such that the wall is held taut over the heating element. For example, the support may include a weighted ring attached to a wall of the vessel with slack and/or the wall of the vessel may be elastic. For example, the heating element may have a dome shape that fits through the scaffolding and/or is wrapped by the wall of the vessel. Optionally, the heating element heats 1206 the wall (for example contact between the wall and/or the hot element facilitates heat transfer between the heating element and the wall of the vessel) and/or the contents of the vessel. For example, the scaffolding and wall of the vessel may for a base of the vessel and/or be supported on top of a horizontal heating element.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method of feeding a baby in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, a soft sided vessel is provided 1308 with a spout. For example, the spout may be permanently and/or reversibly attached to an opening of a bag and/or pouch (for example using adhesive and/or welding). Optionally, the spout is configured to attach to various accessories. For example, the spout may connect 1373 to a breast pump with or without an adapter and/or milk may be expressed into the vessel. For example, the breast pump may be activated to express 1374 milk through the spout into the vessel. In some embodiments, the vessel may be closed 1375 and/or sealed. For example, a cap may attach to the spout to seal the opening of the vessel. Optionally, the vessel with the milk may be stored 1376 (for example, in a sealed state in a refrigerator and/or a freezer). Optionally, a frame is supplied to hold the soft vessel. Optionally, the vessel is connected 1310 to the frame. For example, the spout may be connected 1310, for example as described in various embodiments herein. Optionally, the spout connects 1310 to the top of the frame to form a standing vessel. Additionally or alternatively, part of the wall of the vessel may be attached to a support and/or to the frame. For example, the attached wall may form a floor and/or base of the vessel. Optionally the milk may be warmed in the vessel, for example as described in various embodiments herein. In some embodiments, the vessel is attached 1302 to nipple with or without an adapter. For example, the nipple may be attached 1302 to an inner surface of the spout. Alternatively, the nipple may be attached 1302 to an outer surface of the spout. For example, the vessel may be used to feed 1377 a baby. For example, the baby may be fed 1377 using the vessel connected 1310 to the frame and/or attached 1302 to the nipple (e.g. the baby sucking the milk from the vessel through the nipple and/or the spout).

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustration of a method of heating the contents of a vessel in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. Optionally, a desired final temperature of the contents is supplied (for example, the desired temperature may input by a user and/or preset and/or fixed). In some embodiments, a heating device includes a heating element, a sensor and a logic circuit. For example, the sensor may include a temperature sensor. Optionally, the device measures 1428 a first measurement of the state of the contents. For example, the first measurement may be an initial temperature and/or the first measurement may be made after a certain time of heating 1406. Optionally the estimated current temperature of the contents is displayed 1424 to a user. When the first measurement is below a desired final temperature, the system optionally actives the heating element to heat 1406 the contents of the vessel. Optionally, as the contents are heated 1406, the device continues to monitor 1429 the temperature. Based on the rate of heating and possible previous known data about the vessel and/or contents and/or geometry of the system and/or energy input, the device estimates 1428 a relation between measured temperatures and the actual temperature of the contents. For example, the relationship between measured temperature and the real temperature may be dependent on the external temperature, the resistance to heat transfer and/or heat capacity between the temperature sensor and the contents and/or the external atmosphere and/or heating element. The relation between the measured and real temperature may be predicted based on time dependent heating data based on previously known data set of heating and/or and Artificial Intelligence AI routine. Alternatively or additionally, based on the rate of heating and possible previous known data about the vessel and/or contents and/or geometry of the system and/or energy input and/or latent energy (e.g. the heat capacity and working temperature of the heating element), the device estimates 1428 a sensor output (and/or a measured temperature and/or an estimated temperature) that will indicate that the contents has been heating enough to reach the desired temperature. Alternatively or additionally based on the rate of heating the device may also estimate the quantity of content, additionally this information may be used to adjust the heating parameters and/or communicated with the user. Optionally the system continues to heat 1406 the contents and/or monitor 1429 the temperature until the predicted final temperature is reached 1487. Additionally or alternatively, the system may update the estimated 1428 temperature reading indicating that heating has completed. When the predicted temperature is achieved, the heating element is optionally deactivated 1482. Optionally, after deactivating 1482 the heating element, the system continues to monitor 1488 the temperature and/or display 1424 the estimated true temperature to a user. When the behavior acts predictable and/or when the system appears to have reached 1486 the desired temperature, the user is alerted 1489.

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant measuring technologies, materials and/or technologies will be developed and the scope of the terms sensor etc. is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ± 10%

The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", “having” and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to".

The term “consisting of’ means “including and limited to”.

The term "consisting essentially of' means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure. As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween. When multiple ranges are listed for a single variable, a combination of the ranges is also included (for example the ranges from 1 to 2 and/or from 2 to 4 also includes the combined range from 1 to 4).

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for storing a fluid comprising: a soft sided vessel having an open end and a closed end; and a support forming at least one side of the vessel.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said support includes a rigid circumferential member.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said rigid circumferential member defines an aperture and said aperture is sealed by a sheet of flexible material.

4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a cross member dividing said aperture into a plurality of subapertures.

5. The system of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein said support forms a base on said closed end of the vessel.

6. The system of any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a spout and wherein said opening end is connected to said spout to form an opening of said vessel.

7. The system any of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a frame configured to support said vessel in a standing condition.

8. The system of any of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a frame configured to support said vessel in a standing condition; and a spout and wherein said open end is connected to said spout to form an opening of said vessel.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein said spout connects reversibly to an upper portion of said frame.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein said spout connects to said frame by pushing upwards against an interference element.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein said spout connects to said frame by pushing upwards and twisting.

12. The system of any of claims 9 to 10, wherein said spout includes lateral protrusion which connects to said frame.

13. The system of any of claims 9 to 12, wherein said support is connected to a lower portion of said vessel and said vessel is stretched open between said support and said spout.

14. The system of any of claims 6 to 13, wherein said support is connected to a lower portion of said vessel and said vessel is stretched open between said support and said spout.

15. The system of any of claims 6 to 14, further comprising: a baby nipple configured to attach to said spout.

16. The system of any of claims 6 to 15, further comprising: a breast pump configured to attach to said spout.

17. The system of any of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a heating device including a heating element and/or wherein said support is comprised to fit to said heating element.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein said support is configured to hold a portion of a soft wall of said vessel in contact with said heating element.

19. The system of any of claims 1 to 18, wherein said support includes a fitting for providing heat transport from the fluid to a temperature sensor.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein said fitting includes an indentation in said support.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein said fitting includes an aperture in said support.

22. The system of any of claims 19 to 21, further comprising a controller configured to estimate a temperature of said fluid based on an output of said temperature sensor and a rate of change thereof.

23. The system of any of claims 19 to 22, further comprising a controller configured to estimate a heat capacity of said fluid based on a rate of change of temperature of said fluid and to estimate a latent heat in a heat source and reduce the heat source when adding said latent heat to said fluid will bring said fluid to a desired temperature.

24. A method for storing a fluid comprising: providing a soft sided vessel having an open end and a closed end and attaching a support to forming at least one side of the vessel.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein said attaching includes forming a rigid side of said vessel.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein said attaching includes forming an aperture and further comprising: sealing said aperture by a sheet of flexible material.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising dividing said aperture into a plurality of subapertures with at least on cross member.

28. The method of any of claims 24 to 27, wherein said attaching is to said closed end of the vessel.

29. The method of any of claims 24 to 28, further comprising connecting a spout to said open end of said vessel to form an opening of said vessel.

30. The method any of claims 24 to 29, further comprising: supporting said vessel in a standing condition with a frame.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising: connecting said open end to a spout to form an opening of said vessel.

32. The method of claim 31, further comprising attaching said spout reversibly to an upper portion of said frame.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein said connecting said spout to said frame includes pushing said spout upwards against an interference element.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein said connecting said spout to said frame includes pushing upwards and twisting.

35. The method of any of claims 32 to 33, wherein said spout includes lateral protrusion and said connecting includes connecting said lateral protrusion to said frame.

36. The method of any of claims 32 to 35, further comprising connecting said support to a lower portion of said from and stretching said vessel between said support and said spout.

37. The method of any of claims 29 to 36, further comprising: attaching a baby nipple to said spout.

38. The method of any of claims 29 to 37, further comprising: attaching a breast pump to said spout.

39. The method of any of claims 24 to 29, further comprising: heating said fluid by reversibly fitting said support to a heating element.

40. The method of claim 39, further comprising said support holding a portion of a soft wall of said vessel in contact with said heating element.

41. The method of any of claims 24 to 40, further comprising providing a pathway from heat transport between a temperature sensor and the fluid via a fitting in said support.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein said fitting includes an indentation in said support further comprising inserting a portion of said sensor into said indention.

43. The method of any of claims 41 to 42, further comprising estimating a temperature of said fluid based on an output of said temperature sensor and a rate of change thereof.

44. The method of any of claims 41 to 43, further comprising estimating a heat capacity of said fluid based on a rate of change of temperature of said fluid; estimating a latent heat in a heat source and reducing the heat source when adding said latent heat to said fluid will bring said fluid to a desired temperature.

45. A method for storing a fluid comprising: providing vessel having an open end and a closed end and heating said fluid by reversibly fitting said closed end to a heating element. providing a pathway from heat transport between a temperature sensor and the fluid via a fitting in said a wall of said vessel.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein said fitting includes an indentation in said wall further comprising inserting a portion of said sensor into said indention.

47. The method of any of claims 45 to 46, further comprising estimating a temperature of said fluid based on an output of said temperature sensor and a rate of change thereof.

48. The method of any of claims 45 to 47, further comprising estimating a heat capacity of said fluid based on a rate of change of temperature of said fluid; estimating a latent heat in a heat source and reducing the heat source when adding said latent heat to said fluid will bring said fluid to a desired temperature.

49. A system for storing a fluid comprising: a vessel having an open end and a closed end; and a heating device including a heating element and/or wherein said closed end is comprised to fit to said heating element and a temperature sensor protruding away from said heating element; a fitting for providing heat transport from the fluid to the temperature sensor.

50. The system of claim 49, wherein said fitting includes an indentation in a wall of said vessel.

51. The system of any of claims 49 to 50, further comprising a controller configured to estimate a temperature of said fluid based on an output of said temperature sensor and a rate of change thereof.

52. The system of any of claims 49 to 51, further comprising a controller configured to estimate a heat capacity of said fluid based on a rate of change of temperature of said fluid and to estimate a latent heat in a heat source and reduce the heat source when adding said latent heat to said fluid will bring said fluid to a desired temperature.

53. A method of collecting breast milk for feeding to an infant comprising: providing a vessel with spout, the vessel having a spout formed integrally with it; connecting the spout to a breast pump; operating the breast pump to express breast milk into the vessel with spout, so that the vessel with spout collects the expressed breast milk; connecting a nipple to the spout, so that expressed breast milk flows from the vessel with spout to the nipple; and inserting the vessel with spout into a frame, the frame having a top and a body, wherein the top of the frame has an opening configured to vertically receive and removably hook the spout to the frame when the spout is pushed upward into the opening and hooked into position via a vertical snapping attachment, and the body is configured to receive at least a portion of the vessel with the spout.

54. A method of collecting breast milk for feeding to an infant comprising: providing a vessel with spout, the vessel having a spout formed integrally with it; connecting the spout to a breast pump; operating the breast pump to express breast milk into the vessel with spout, so that the vessel with spout collects the expressed breast milk; connecting a nipple to the spout, so that expressed breast milk flows from the vessel with spout to the nipple; and inserting the vessel with spout into a frame, the frame having a top and a body, wherein the top of the frame has an opening configured to vertically receive and removably hook the spout to the frame when the spout is rotated and hooked into position via a ledge, and the body is configured to receive at least a portion of the vessel with the spout.

55. A system for feeding to an infant, the system comprising: a soft vessel with spout, the soft vessel having a spout formed integrally with it; a nipple connectable to said spout and configured for a baby to suck milk from said vessel; and a frame having a top opening configured to vertically receive and removably hook the spout to the frame when the spout is pushed upward into the opening and hooked into position via a vertical snapping attachment.

56. A system for feeding to an infant, the system comprising: a soft vessel with spout, the soft vessel having a spout formed integrally with it; a nipple connectable to said spout and configured for a baby to suck milk from said vessel; and a frame having a top opening configured to vertically receive and removably hook the spout to the frame when the spout is pushed upward into the opening and hooked into position via a twisting movement.