Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02412808 2002-12-16
Baby's feeding bottle insulation
This invention refers to a baby's feeding bottle insulation according to the
introductory
part of claim 1.
It is an object of the subject invention, to propose a baby's feeding bottle
insulation,
which allows to maintain the content of a baby's feeding bottle at the
required drinking
temperature over a longer period of time without heating up the content of the
battle
several times.
For solving this object a baby's feeding bottle insulation is characterized by
an external,
thermally insulating plastic jacket, which forms an interior chamber, in which
the
respective bottle is retained by press-fitting.
The invention allows to avoid to heat up the baby's feeding bottle content in
a
complicated and inconvenient manner during the feed. Furthermore, the
invention
allows to maintain the content of the bottle at a required drinking
temperature over a
longer time period, so that especially also during the night it is no longer
necessary to
heat up the content of the baby's bottle, which would be very bothering and
unpleasant.
The baby's feeding bottle insulation altogether is a substantially universally
useable
system, which can be easily cleaned.
With a first embodiment the baby's feeding bottle insulation comprises an
insulating
pot made from an external solid shell with a cushion (or a bellows element),
which is
integrated into the inner side of this shell and forms at least a closed
chamber which by
filling or inflating is in close contact around the respective bottle contour,
and
accordingly allows to position even different types of bottles within the
insulating pot.
On the other hand, the bellows element also provides a thermal insulation.
Basically,
CA 02412808 2002-12-16
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there is also the possibility to fill this element with a moderately warm
liquid. With this
embodiment the pot is preferably undivided:
Instead of the bel lows element the interior of the pot or the shel I can be
provided with
other insulation materials, for example a special insulating plastic, whereby
such
insulating materials preferably are molded onto the interior surface of the
pot or the
shell. Other techniques for fastening the insulation and also the bellows
element can be
used, for example bonding, clipping, melting etc.
Basically, there is also the possibility to use the exterior jacket itself as
an element with
at least one closed chamber for inflating or filling with a liquid, without
having an
exterior shell.
According to a further embodiment of the subject invention, the insulating pot
or the
shell forming the baby's feeding bottle insulation is divided into two parts,
which are
preferably hingedly fastened to each other. However, other connections between
the
two parts of the shell, for example by pinnirig, clipping, shifting, clamping
etc. can be
used. The casing of the insulating pot in its one-part or mufti-pan form can
be made of
plastic, for example by using fiber-reinforced plastic (also carbon fibers).
Other
materials, for example metal, can be used, too.
The outer contour of the baby's feeding bottle insulation or the shell is
preferably
rounded and is provided with at least two flattened handle surfaces for
optimum
handling. Closing the collapible insulation pot can be effected for example by
means of
interengaging form-locking closure elements, for example arresting elements.
If the jacket or the insulation pot forming the jacket is not made from
transparent
material, display windows or apertures are provided for checking the interior
of the
bottle. In addition they can be made from transparent material, for example
glass,
acrylic glass or the like.
CA 02412808 2002-12-16
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If a temperature indication is arranged at the outside of the baby's feeding
bottle
insulation this indication can have a scale, but also can be provided with
symbols, so
that the temperature of the content of the bottle can be checked and read any
time.
With a divided or hinged strucrture there is also the possibility to design
the insulating
pot, for example the outer shell of the insulating pot in such a manner, that
it is
provided with a rim, embracing for example the opening for the bottle and
forming a
bearing for the bottle's neck so that in this way the bottle is safe-guarded
against
slipping out of the closed insulation pot. Preferably the rim positioning the
bottle is
made in such a manner that it extends close to the underside of the dummy
holder ring
screwed onto the bottle so that the respective bottle is safe-guarded as well
against
slipping out (by means of the positioning rim contacting the collar of the
bottle) as also
against slipping into the insulating pot (by means of contacting the rim
against the
dummy holder ring).
With the baby's feeding bottle insulation, especially when designed as an
insulating
pot, the insulation can be formed so that the shell of the insulating pot is
made from at
least a double wall. In this case, the inner wall is designed so that it
allows to resiliently
adapt to different bottle diameters, for example by means of accordion-type
acting
foldings or by means of corrugations.
According to one aspect the invention also refers to a baby's feeding bottle
insulation or
the combination of such insulation and the respective baby's feeding bottle.
)ust as the bottle itself, also the baby's feeding bottle insulation or their
elements, for
example the outer and inner shells at least within a partial area, preferably
are
altogether transparent, with the advantage that the bottle and its content are
visible from
outside. 6y means of the transparency the filling height of the baby's feeding
bottle can
be checked. By designing the baby's feeding bottle insulation with two
foldable halves
it is possible, to make one half completely transparent, whereas the opposite
half can
be made non-transparent. The cover cap also can be used for positioning the
regular
CA 02412808 2002-12-16
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dummy, which is not used when bottlr-feeding the baby, within the cover cap
provided at the bottom of the bottle insulation in a most hygienic manner.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention a cap is provided, by
means of
which the baby's feeding bottle received within the insulation, and a dummy or
a
nipple can be covered. Also this cap is preferably transparent.
In addition, the cover cap forms an optical marker element for a baby's
feeding bottle,
in order to differentiate this bottle from other bottles.
The cap can be bell-shaped, and be adapted to the shape of the dummy, so that
in view
of the slim shape at its end the cap also can be easily gripped and hold by
the small
hands of the baby, and also can be used as a drinking beaker.
In addition there is the possibility to form the insulating body or the shells
thereof, so
that the insulating body or alternatively the shells are resiliently acting in
such a manner
that especial 1y the inner diameter of the insulating body will adapt to
different outer
diameters of bottles etc. In this case, the insulating shell is made from
elastic material,
for example from styroflex, or is made with a chamber including an air-cushion
or a
gas-cushion. By means of this structure structure it is possible to accomodate
not only
bottles of different diameters, but also bottles of different length as well
containers or
bottles with baby's food etc. within the insulation.
There is also the possibility to manufacture the baby's feeding bottle
insulation in such
a manner that it has at least partially different inner diameters in order to
allow storing
a bottle, a small glass with food etc. at the same time.
With a multi-shell structure of the baby's feeding bottle insulation there is
also the
possibility to make the inner insulating shell stationary or exchangeable.
CA 02412808 2002-12-16
In order to obtain an optimum insulation effect with a two-part structure of
the baby's
feeding bottle insulation it is useful that both portions or halves of the
insulation are
engaging in the closed condition similar to a groove and tongue joint so that
thermal
bridges caused by slots will be avoided and a hermetical seal will be
obtained.
On the baby's feeding bottle insulation and/or on the associated bottle noise
producing
sources can be provided or fastened, especially also mechanical noise sources,
as for
example sources with balls or similar elements making noise when being moved.
These
noise producing elements or bodies can be of any shape and can be positioned
at any
locations, for example, the baby's feeding bottle insulation can be provided
with at
least partly extending hollow receiving bodies for noise producing elements,
which
either are firmly connected to the baby's feeding bottle insulation or part of
said
insulation or alternatively can be fastened in a suitable manner, for example
also
removably attached, for example by clamping, screwing on, pinning on or the
like.
Furthermore, tltere is the possibility to provide similar noise sources within
all on the
covering cap. Especially, if the baby's feeding bottle insulation according to
the
invention is provided with a covering cap for receiving a dummy, this dummy
can have
a noise producing source on the dummy ring or on the dummy shield, especially
a
mechanical noise source, which, when being moved, is able to produce a noise
by
using noise making elements, for example balls or the like.
According to a further aspect the invention refers to an insulating container,
especially a
bottle, preferably in the form of a baby's feeding bottle, wherein this at
least double-
walled insulating container preferably is made of transparent material, such
as
transparent plastic (for example PET). The transparent structure as well of
the baby's
feeding bottle insulation as also of the insulating container is of vital
importance also for
correctly checking the cleaning, which means that by a transparent structure
it is
possible to find out already in an optical manner whether the cleaning step
has been
carried through carefully.
CA 02412808 2002-12-16
6
Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of subclaims. fn the
following the
invention will be described by embodiments in combination with the drawings,
which
show:
Figures 1 and 2 a first embodiment of the baby's feeding bottle insulation
according the
invention, in two different views;
Figure 2 a cross section according to line I - I of figure ~.
Figures 3 and 4 in a lateral view as well in cross-section the insulation
according to
figures 1 - 3 unfolded on hinges in the open position;
Figures 6 -10 views similar to those according to figures 1 - 5 of another
possible
embodiment;
Figures 11 -13 a.further embodiment similar to the views shown in figures 11 -
13;
Figures 17 and 18 further possible embodiments of the invention;
Figure 19 in a simplified manner and in cross section a baby's feeding bottle
according
to the invention.
Figures 1 - 5 show a baby's bottle, which is made in the usual shape and from
the usual
materials, for example glass, acrylic glass etc., and is provided with an
outer thread at
its aperture, for fastening a dummy 2 by means of a dummy holder ring 3.
For keeping the content of the bottle warm a baby's feeding bottle insulation
made as
an insulating pot 4 is provided, which insulation consists of an outer, harder
shell 5 of
suitable plastic. The shell 5 is manufactured in two parts with the two shell
portions 5'
and S", which are pivotally connected with each other by means of an attached
hinge 6
(foil hinge) around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pot 4 or
parallel to the
axis of the baby's feeding bottle 1 arranged within pot 4. The shell 5 or the
parts thereof
form bottom segments 7' or 7", which are completing the bottom 7 when the
insulating
pot 4 is closed. For closing the pot the outer side of the shell 5 opposite to
the hinge 6
is provided with a closure 10 formed by locking elements 8 and counter-
locking
elements 9.
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The shell 5 is partly drawn inwardly in a partial section 11 at the shell
portion 5', so
that a window 12 is formed, through which the content of the bottle 1 can be
seen. The
window extends through a major portion of the height of the insulating pot 4
and thus
over a major portion of the height of the bottle ~ . Outside of section 11 and
on it's
inner side and also on its bottom the shell is provided with an insulation 13,
which for
example is made of foamed plastic. The insulation 13 leaves an interior space
14,
within which the bottle 1 with the insulation pot 4 closed is retained by
press-frt, and
the shoulder 1' of the bottle extends beyond the opening 15. As can be seen
from figure
4, the shell 5 at its upper edge 16 surrounding opening ~ 5 is drawn inwardly
in such a
manner, that this edge 16 forms a support or fixation for the bottle 1 at the
shoulder 1'.
In view of the flexible structure of the insulation 13 the respective bottle 1
is hold by
press-fit within the closed insulating pot 4, so that especially also
considering the
positioning of the bottles formed by rirn 16 bottles of different sizes can be
used with
the same insulating pot 4.
Figures 6 -10 also show an insulation pot 4a, which forms the insulation, and
which
differs from insulation pot 4 substantially in that instead of shell 5 with
insulation 13 a
double shell 5a is used, which again consists of the two portions 5a' and 5a".
The
hollow space 17 between the walls of the double shell, which also extends into
the
double-walled bottom 7a, is sealed against the outside, and is filled with
heat insulating
gas, for example air as a most simple embodiment.
The insulation pot 4a is also manufactured in such a manner that the interior
wall of
shell 5a is elastic or resilient so that again the respective bottle 1 can be
held within the
closed insulation pot 4a by press-fitting. In order to obtain the required
elasticity and a
safe contact of the inner wall of shell Sa to the bottle 1, several
corrugations 18 are
provided, which extend parallel to the axis of the insulating pot ~a. With the
shown
embodiment the double-walled shell Sa is transparent, so that the content of
the bottle
also is visible with the insulating pot 4a closed.
CA 02412808 2002-12-16
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Figures 11 -13 show an embodiment, with which the outer shell 5b is made in
one
piece and has a cylindrical peripheral wall with the bottom 7b. The bottle 1
can be
inserted from the top into the open insulating pot 4b. The interior of the
shell 5b and
the bottom 7b are lined with an inflatable aircushion 19, which is used for
supporting
the respective bottle by press-fit, and also is used for insulating purposes.
The air
cushion ~ 9 forms at least a closed chamber and is made of transparent
material or
plastic. Along a generatrix of shell 5b several viewing slots or windows 21
are
provided, through which the content of the respective bottle 1 is visible. For
inflating
air-cushion 19 an inflation valve 20 is provided which extends outwardly
beyond the
outer surface of shell 5b.
Gripping surfaces 22 allow optimum handling of the baby's feeding bottle
insulation
and the bottle arranged therein.
For a further embodiment figures 14-15 show a baby's feeding bottle insulation
4c,
which differs from the insulation 4b in that the outer shell 5b with bottom 7b
is
dispensed with, that double-walled air cushions 19 also provided with a double-
walled
bottom together with the inflation valve 20 form the actual baby's feeding
bottle
insulation 4c.
The subject invention has been described above by embodiments. It is to be
understood, that a number of alternatives and variations will be possible
without
leaving the inventive idea of the subject invention.
For example , the baby's feeding bottle insulation 4 - 4c or the respective
Shell can be
provided with a temperature indicator, such as a liquid crystal thermometer,
for
example within the area of the viewing slots or windows 12 or 21.
Within figures 17 and 18 a baby's feeding bottle 1 with a bottle insulation 4d
is shown
as a further embodiment, which differs from the insulation 4 or 4a
substantially in that
in addition to the insulation 4d a bell-shaprd cover cap 23 is provided, by
means of
CA 02412808 2002-12-16
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which the upper side of the baby's feeding bottle 1 and the dummy 2 can be
covered.
As shown in figure 16, the cover cap 23 also can be pinned onto the lower side
of the
baby's feeding bottle insulation 4d adjacent the bottom of the baby's feeding
bottle, for
example in order to be able to store away the cover cap 23 when feeding the
baby.
Accordingly, the cover cap 23 also is used for covering the feeding bottle's
upper side
and the dummy 23 there, as welt for fastening further elements, for example a
dummy
etc. at the under side of the baby's feeding bottle insulation 4d. The cover
cap 23 can
be screwed on, clipped on etc. to the respective end of the bottle insulation
4d.
At least one element 24 is provided on the baby's feeding bottle 1 or on the
insulation
4d, the element allowing to generate noises when being moved, for example in
the
form of a clattering or a rattling element ortoy.
As a further embodiment of the invention figure 19 shows a baby's feeding
bottle 1 a,
which differs from bottle 1 substantially in that the baby's feeding bottle
insulation is
integrated into this baby bottle 1 a. With the shown embodiment, the baby
bottle 1 a is
basically formed of three walls 25, 26, 27, which are distant from each other
and which
form two insulating chambers between themselves, which for example are filled
with
air or an insulating gas or any insulating material. The separating walls 25 -
27
preferably are made of transparent, which means translucent material,
preferably made
from plastics, and can also be at least partly transparent and partly in
color. A suitable
material is PET material, which is used for plastic packages or bottles,
however, the
invention is not restricted to such material.
If the intermediate spaces between walls 25 - 27 are filled with heat
insulating material,
for example a suitable, transparent material, such as transparent plastic, can
be used.
The heat insulating material for example can be a foamed plastic.
Above, the invention has been described by means of various embodiments.
Numerous
alternatives and variations will be useful without leaving the scope of the
invention.
CA 02412808 2002-12-16
Thus, it is possible to make the baby's feeding bottle insulations 4 -4d
transparent,
either entirely or at least partly.
In addition, it is possible to use the bottle 1 a with the integrated heat
insulation formed
by the distant walls 25, 26, 27 and by adapting the shape of the bottle and/or
its size as
a container or bottle for storing and/or transporting liquid filling material
(for example
drinks, softdrinks, mineral water, beer, iso-drinks etc.) whereby such
container or such
bottle for this type of use has the advantage of optimum insulating
efficiency.
Bottle 1 with the various walls 25 - 27 can be made in one piece from plastic,
for
example by blowing.
Moreover, the bottle insulation 4 - 4d can be used for other purposes, for
example for
storing glass jars for baby food, for storing containers for drinks etc.
CA 02412808 2002-12-16
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List of reference numerals
1 bottle I
1' ' bottle neck
2 dummy
3 holding ring
4 -4c baby's feeding bottle insulation
S - 5b she(I
6 hinge
7 - 7b bottom
8, 9 locking elements
closure
11 recess, section
12 window
13 insulation '
I
i
14 interior space
opening of the insulating pot
16 edge of the insulating pot
17 hollow space
18 corrugations
19 air-cushion
inflation valve
21 window or viewing slot
22 gripping surface
