US20150230688A1

US20150230688A1 - Universal baby bottle brush holder

Info

Publication number: US20150230688A1
Application number: US14/624,317
Authority: US
Inventors: Andrea Vitale
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-02-18
Filing date: 2015-02-17
Publication date: 2015-08-20

Abstract

A storage receptacle that holds a cylindrical brush utilized to clean baby bottles, comprising a cylindrically shaped receptacle having a hingedly attached top and a bottom comprising vented openings, wherein the hingedly attached top further comprises a U shaped opening to accommodate the handle of an inverted bottle brush. The receptacle can be mounted to a surface by suction cups.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/941,425 filed Feb. 18, 2014, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Universal Baby Brush Holder,” which is incorporated herein by reference as though the same were set forth in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of kitchen accessories, and more specifically to the field of cleaning and drying organizers, and even more specifically to the field of holding baby bottle brushes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for cleaning and drying organizers. Among these are:
US Patent 2004/0099617 to Elie Elias and Hyung-Rok Kim describes an organizer for holding dishes, pots, pans, flatware, and other kitchenware or utensils situated over the sink. The organizer comprises a frame which is situated over the sink and onto which dish racks, shelves, hooks, drawers and bins that hold the aforementioned kitchenware are either permanently or temporarily attached. The over the sink design frees up the kitchen counter space and allows direct liquid drainage into kitchen sink for drying wet utensils.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,530,502 to Mylene Neal describes a dishwashing caddy constructed with internal volumes for holding soap liquid and lotion as well as compartments for storing cleaning brushes and the like. The top surface is strongly slanted forward and the bottom internal partition is also slanted forward to dispense water through weep holes. Pump action dispensing of the liquids is accomplished. Suction cups mount the unit to a wall or hold it in place while on the sink or other support.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,238,106 to Melody R. Nguyen and Tung D. Nguyen describes an organizer consisting of two main parts, a base and a lid. The base is sectioned into compartments by a divider. One compartment is used for storing sponges, and the other is used for storing sponges or cleaning tools with handles or combination of both. The slots on the sides of the base accommodate those tools with handles. Drainage holes on the bottom of the base allow liquid to drain out. There are also suction cups on the outside of the bottom of the base to keep it in place. The lid of the organizer, when opened, serves as a reservoir to hold washing solution. When closed, the lid hides the unsightly cleaning tools.
U.S. Pat. D585170 to Scott A. Henderson, Ellen D. Diamant and Michael E. Diamant describes an ornamental design for a combined drying rack and bottle brush. The drying rack contains a base plate and drying receptacles.
None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage receptacle that holds cylindrical brushes.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a storage receptacle that holds cylindrical brushes utilized to clean baby bottles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustrative prototypical diagonal back view showing an inserted baby bottle brush and suction cups for adherence to a counter top, sink ledge, backsplash or wall.

FIG. 2 is a prototypical close up view of an opened flap located on the top of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a prototypical diagonal back view showing air vents located across the bottom of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For most parents of babies or toddlers, a baby bottle is a must have item. Baby bottles provide nourishing milk to an infant and help to soothe and comfort a baby especially in times of colic and fussiness. A baby bottle also is used by many nursing mothers as a means of feeding their child when traveling or when in public. From the time of birth when a bottle provides the sole means of nourishment until the toddler years when a bottle is offered as a nutritional accompaniment to solid foods or as a nighttime snack, a bottle of warm milk is essential for a healthy and happy child. Following use of a baby bottle, most conscientious parents and caregivers recognize the importance of cleaning the bottle to eradicate milk or juice residue. A standard baby bottle brush is an invaluable commodity to anyone who bottle feeds their child. Comprised of an elongated handle with its distal end containing a sturdy cylindrical brush head with radiating bristles, baby bottle brushes are designed to easily sweep the interior walls of the bottle as well as reach any residue that is lingering in the bottom. These brushes provide a simple way in which to thoroughly and easily clean baby bottles, ensuring a sanitary and sterile bottle is presented to the child at each feeding. Perhaps the only drawback associated with baby bottle brushes has to do with storing these brushes following use. Because of their size and shape, bottle brushes are difficult to properly and safely store. Stored along with other scouring brushes, a bottle brush is exposed to germs and bacteria lingering on these scrubbing tools. If tucked into a utensil drawer or other storage receptacle when moist, bacteria and mold may grow on the brush, compromising the integrity of this ubiquitous cleaning tool.
The present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Universal Baby Bottle Brush Holder, is a storage receptacle that holds cylindrical brushes utilized to clean baby bottles. The present invention provides parents of infant and toddler children and other child care providers with a simple and sanitary means of storing these devices between uses. Please refer to the Figures. A sleek and attractive storage receptacle 10, the Universal Baby Brush Holder is manufactured of rust resistant stainless steel material. Other suitable materials, such as BPA-free plastic is also suitable. A cylindrically shaped receptacle 10, the Universal Baby Bottle Brush Holder measures approximately five inches in height by three inches in diameter. Its base is solid stainless steel, or other suitable material, and its top 16 opens upward for easy insertion of an inverted bottle brush. The bottom 18 of the Universal Baby Bottle Brush Holder comprises vented openings 20 that allow air to circulate around the baby bottle brush 12. These openings 20 facilitate the baby bottle brush's drying process while also preventing mold and bacteria from growing on the brush. Hingedly attached to the upper edge of the device, the top 16 of the present invention is a plastic flap covering with a U shaped opening 22 designed to accommodate the handle of the inverted bottle brush stored within the Universal Baby Bottle Brush Holder 10. This covering 16 protects the integrity of the brush 12, preventing dust or other airborne contaminants from settling on the brush head when stored. Two heavy duty suction cup fasteners 24 are included for use with the Universal Baby Bottle Brush Holder. These suction cups 24 adhere to the side of the present invention and secure it to a backsplash or wall and mount the receptacle in a vertical orientation.
Application and use of the Universal Baby. Bottle Brush Holder is very simple and straight forward. A user selects a designated area in their sink to place the present invention. The user may mount the Universal Baby Bottle Brush Holder 10 to the sink wall, backsplash or wall behind or near the sink. After selecting a designated area, the user secures the suction cup fasteners 24 to the side of the Universal Baby Bottle Brush Holder 10, places it against the designated sink wall and presses it down firmly, adhering the suction cups 24 to the surface. Easily installed, the Universal Baby Bottle Brush Holder is ready for immediate use. After cleaning a baby bottle with a bottle brush 12, the user washes the brush and places the inverted bottle brush 12 directly into the open Universal Baby Bottle Brush Holder 10. The user pulls the flap cover 16 over the top of the brush so the handle of the brush emerges through the cover's slotted opening 22 and the Universal Baby Bottle Brush Holder 10 is securely closed. Stored inside the Universal Baby Bottle Brush Holder, the bristles of the bottle brush quickly dry as air circulates around the brush through the vented openings. The bottle brush 12 is left within the Universal Baby Bottle Brush Holder and is easily removed and replaced as needed to clean baby bottles.
A practical alternative to storing a bottle brush or other kitchen scouring brushes, the Universal Baby Bottle Brush Holder protects the brush head from cross contamination that may result from being exposed to these commonly utilized kitchen accessories. The Universal Baby Bottle Brush Holder is BPA free, sparing the child from exposure to this harmful chemical agent. Highly effective for use in any household where infant and toddler children are present, the Universal Baby Bottle Brush Holder also is well suited for use in day care centers and other child care establishments. Sleek in design and practical in function, the Universal Baby Bottle Brush Holder compliments virtually any kitchen decor while providing reliable and sanitary storage for bottle brushes. Durably constructed, the Universal Baby Bottle Brush Holder will withstand years of continued use.
Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A storage receptacle that holds a cylindrical brush utilized to clean baby bottles, comprising: a cylindrically shaped receptacle having a hingedly attached top and a bottom comprising vented openings, wherein the hingedly attached top further comprises a U shaped opening to accommodate the handle of an inverted bottle brush.

2. The storage receptacle of claim 1, further comprising one or more suction cup fasteners to attach the receptacle to a surface.

3. The storage receptacle of claim 1, wherein the receptacle measures approximately five inches in height by three inches in diameter.

4. The storage receptacle of claim 2, wherein the receptacle measures approximately five inches in height by three inches in diameter.

5. The storage receptacle of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is manufactured of stainless steel, BPA-free plastic, or a combination of stainless steel and BPA-free plastic.

6. The storage receptacle of claim 2, wherein the receptacle is manufactured of stainless steel, BPA-free plastic, or a combination of stainless steel and BPA-free plastic.

7. The storage receptacle of claim 2, wherein the suction cups are mounted to the side of the receptacle to mount the receptacle in a vertical orientation.

8. The storage receptacle of claim 2, comprising two suction cups.