WO1999030669A1

WO1999030669A1 - Feeding bottle and concentrated food container therefor

Info

Publication number: WO1999030669A1
Application number: PCT/IL1998/000603
Authority: WO
Inventors: Igal Sharon; Michael Inbar
Original assignee: M.L.I.S. Projects Ltd.
Priority date: 1997-12-16
Filing date: 1998-12-14
Publication date: 1999-06-24
Also published as: IL122616A0; AU1504199A

Abstract

A container for holding a feeding formula concentrate, having an opening which is fitted with a closure and which is adapted for engagement with an opening of a feeding bottle. The closure being either opened spontaneously as a consequence of the engagement or manually after engagement, thereby allowing mixing of the formula with water contained in the feeding bottle.

Description

FEEDING BOTTLE AND CONCENTRATED FOOD CONTAINER THEREFOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally in the field of feeding bottles, particularly such used in feeding babies of infants.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Feeding bottles for babies or infants come in various shapes and designs. A common feature of all available feeding bottles is that they have a single opening, which is fitted with a feeding nipple, is used for filling for bottle with water or a feeding formula, as well as for dispensing (through the nipple). A baby's nutritional formula is usually prepared by mixing water with a concentrated food preparation. The concentrated food preparation, usually in the form of a water miscible powder, is typically provided in bulk containers and the user has to measure the amount of the formula, by measuring a cup or spoon, by scale, etc., and then add the measured amount into the feeding bottle. Very often the formula measurement is inaccurate and as a result, the liquid formula preparation eventually prepared is either too diluted, in which case the baby or infant will be under nourished, or too concentrated, which may give rise to digestion problems, e.g. to diarrhea. U.S. Patent No. 5,000,314 discloses a unit dose package which is usable with a bottle to reconstruct the contents of the package. The package is formed with a plastic fitment which defines a mouth opening for the package. The plastic fitment is bonded to a wall of the package and has a channel which receives the neck of the feeding bottle, with a flexible foil membrane removably sealing the plastic attachment and covered by a protective cap. Prior to use the protective cap and foil membrane are to be removed to facilitate connecting the package to the bottle.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a novel container, typically disposable, containing a concentrated feeding formula, and adapted for fitting onto an opening of a feeding bottle to allow emptying the formula content into the bottle and mixing its content with water contained in the container, for the preparation of the liquid feeding formula.

It is an object in accordance with an embodiment of the invention to provide a bottle particularly designed for cooperation with such a container.

The present invention provides a container for holding a feeding formula concentrate, having an opening which is fitted with a closure and which is adapted for engagement with an opening of a feeding bottle; the closure being either opened spontaneously as a consequence of said engagement or manually after engagement, thereby allowing mixing of the formula with water contained in the feeding bottle.

The container of the invention is typically disposable and made for a single use. The amount of feeding formula concentrate it contains is preferably dosed so that after mixing with an amount of water, it will yield a required formula of an optimal concentration of the nutritional substances. As will be appreciated, the concentrate inside the container is typically sterile. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the container is fitted onto the dispensing opening of the feeding bottle. In accordance with this embodiment, the dispensing assembly which comprises the formula is removed, water is filled into the bottle, as needed, the opening of the container is then engaged with a dispensing opening of the bottle to allow mixing of the formula with water. The closure of the container is opened, either spontaneously, as a consequence during or as a result of engagement, or manually. Then the two components are mixed to yield homogenous liquid formula. The container may be removed (prior or after mixing) to allow the dispensing assembly to be placed again on the dispensing opening. Alternatively, by some embodiments of the invention, the container serves as an extension of the bottle and the dispensing assembly is eventually filled on an opening on top thereof.

In accordance with another embodiment, the bottle comprises a second opening, typically at its bottom wall, and the container is then engaged with this opening. A bottle with such an opening is novel per se and constitutes an aspect of the invention. Such a bottle has removable cover for closing said opening when not engaged with the container.

Bottles of the invention may be disposable, designed for a single use, or may be bottles for multiple uses. Feeding bottles, whether those of the invention or others, may be packaged together with one or more containers, optionally with instructions for use, e.g. instructions regarding the amount of water to be added, the age of the babies to which it is intended, etc.

The engagement between the container and the bottle, is typically screw-type engagement. There are a variety of possible closures for use in said container. By one example, the closure consists of a tearable, fluid- impermeable film, which during engagement, is spontaneously torn or ruptured by the action of a tearing or piercing member integral with the bottle's opening (which may, for example, be a sharp upward projection). A bottle with such a tearing or piercing member designed for tearing or rupturing of the container's membrane is also novel and thus an aspect of the invention. By another example, the film is torn by a piercing member, disposed within the container, and manually displaceable from a rest to a piercing position by the user. By another example, the film is torn by a piercing member, disposed within the container, and manually displaceable from a rest to a piercing position by the user. Such a piercing member may be fixed to a deformable, typically flexible, wall portion, and upon deformation, the piercing member is moved to pierce the film. By a further example, the closure comprises a displaceable sealing member, which is manually displaceable between a closed position and an open position. The displacement may be achieved by a rod extending between the sealing member to an opposite deformed wall, and by deformation of the wall, the sealing member may be displaced to its open position. Preferably, the sealing member is adapted, e.g. by a snapping arrangement, to remain in its open position. In accordance with a specific implementation of the first embodiment, the container has one opening, adapted for engagement with the opening of the feeding bottle, and another opening at the opposite end, adapted for engagement with a bottle feeding assembly. In this case, the opposed opening typically comprises a removable seal. The invention will now be illustrated in a non limiting manner in some specific embodiments as shown in the annexed drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of a bottle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, together with a perspective view of a container adapted for engagement with this bottle.

Fig. 2 shows the bottle of Fig. 1 engaged with the container in two different states: in a sealed state (Fig. 2A); and in an open state in which the contents of the container and the bottle can be fixed (Fig. 2B). Fig. 3A and 3B are longitudinal cross-sections through the container in the states corresponding to Figs. 2A and 2B, respectively.

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal cross-section through a container in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 shows the several steps in employment of the container of Fig. 4 with a bottle (shown in a longitudinal cross-sectional view): at an initial state of engagement where the closing film of the container begins to rupture (Fig. 5A); at a state whereby the closure film is totally erupted (Fig. 5B); and at a state where the outer opening of the container is fitted with a feeding nipple (Fig. 5C). Fig. 6 is a longitudinal cross-section through a container in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7 shows several steps in employment of a container of the embodiment of Fig. 6 (shown in a longitudinal cross-sectional view): initial state of engagement where the closure film begins to rupture (Fig. 7A); a state where the film has been totally ruptured (Fig. 7B); and a state where the container has been removed and replaced by a feeding nipple (Fig. 7C).

Fig. 8 shows a longitudinal cross-section through a container in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 9 shows various steps in employment of a container of the embodiment shown in Fig. 8: initial state of the engagement (Fig. 9A); rupturing of the closure membrane (Fig. 9B); and replacing the container with a feeding nipple (Fig. 9C).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT Fig. 1 shows a baby's feeding bottle, generally designated 20, having an opening at its top fitted with a dispensing assembly 22 comprising a nipple 24 and a retaining ring 26, as known er se. The novelty in the bottle resides in having an opening 28 at its bottom fitted with a removable closure member 30 having a screw-thread 32 for engagement with the corresponding screw-thread 34 of bottom opening 28. In order to ensure a tight seal between member 30 and the bottle, a sealing member, e.g. a O-ring, may be fitted on to member 30, as is generally known per se.

Once member 30 is fitted at opening 28, the bottle may be used similarly as a conventional bottle for dispensing liquids contained therein to infants or babies. Member 30 may however be removed and container 40, containing a formula concentrate, typically in the form of a powder (see below) may then be fitted at the opening. Member 30 may also be connected or attached to a band or string, connected or attached at its other end to the bottle such that even if opened, it remains associated with the holder and thus not accidentally lost. Container 40, the structure and function of which can particularly be seen in Figs. 2 and 3, has a body 42 fitted at its top end with a screw-thread 44 adapted for screw engagement with screw-thread 34 of opening 28. At its top end it has an opening 46 fitted with a displaceable closure member 48 having engagement legs 50, with a recess 52 for snap-type engagement with annular bulge 54 of opening 46 (see Fig. 3B). Closure member 48 is integrally formed or has attached thereto a stem 56, which downwardly extends and engages at its bottom end 58 with a receptacle 60 of a deflectable bottom wall 62. Bottom wall 62 has a skirt 64 which is clampingly fitted between the bottom portion 66 of body 42, and between the upper edge of a protection skirt member 68, which is in turn screw-fitted at 70 with body 42.

In the state shown in Figs. 2A and 3A, the sealing member 48 containing concentrated formula, e.g. in the form of powder 72, is sealingly seated in a matching seat of opening 46. When the center of the bottom wall 62 is outwardly depressed in a direction of arrow 74 (Figs. 2B and 3B), the engagement member 48 is upwardly deflected until recess 52 of leg 50 engages with the bulge 54 (see Fig. 3B). In this state, the powder 72 contained in container 40 and liquid 78 a priori added (typically after engagement of the container 40) into the bottle, can be mixed with one another, as represented by the two headed arrows 80, to form homogenous liquid feeding formula 82. As will be appreciated, the space captured within container 40 is then added to the total internal space of bottle 20.

As will also be appreciated, the manner of engagement of the container as shown herein, is but an example; other types of engagements are also possible, for example: shaping the engagement portion of the container such that it can be snugly received by or seated in the opening of the bottle; a snap-type engagement; etc. As can further be appreciated, if desired, after mixing the bottle can be inverted, the container removed, and replaced by member 30. A container 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 4. Container 100 has the general shape of a cylinder, with its bottom opening 102 sealed by a fluid-tight tearable membrane 104. The bottom portion, below membrane 104, is internally threaded, and thus adapted for screw coupling with the external screw thread on the neck of a feeding bottle. The top end of the container is sealed by a peelable fluid-tight membrane 106 having a tag portion 108 to assist in its removal. The upper portion of container 100 also has an external screw-thread 110 identical to that of the feeding bottle. Container 100 contains a powdered feeding formula concentrate 112. Bottle 120, which as conventional, has a neck portion 122 with an external screw-thread 124, has further a membrane piercing notch 126. In use, the bottle is first filled with a liquid 128 and then the container 100 is screw-threaded onto the bottle, as can be seen in Fig. 5 A, whereby membrane 104 is torn, during rotation of container 100, by notch 126. The initial stage of rupturing can be seen in Fig. 5A, and when the screw-threading progresses, the entire membrane is ruptured, as can be seen in Fig. 5B, and the power 112 initially contained in container 100 drops into the bottle 120 and mixes with the liquid 128.

After thorough mixing, tag 108 is pulled to peel and remove membrane 106 and then a nipple assembly 130 may be fitted on the external screw-thread 110 and the mixed feeding formula 132 can then be dispensed out through feeding nipple assembly 130, via the space enclosed within container 100.

Alternatively, as will readily be appreciated, container 100 may be removed and the nipple assembly can then be placed directly on to the neck portion 122.

A container 140 in accordance with another embodiment is seen in Fig. 6. The bottom end components of this container are identical to those of the embodiment of Fig. 4 and have accordingly been given like reference numerals with a prime indication. Similarly, the bottle 120 on which the container is fitted, which is seen in Fig. 7, is identical to the bottle shown in Fig. 5. The manner of engagement of this container with the bottle, and emptying of its content so as to mix with the liquid contained in the bottle, shown in Figs. 7 A and 7B, are essentially the same as those shown in Figs. 5A and 5B, respectively. The major difference between container 100 of Fig. 4 and container 140 of Fig. 6 is that container 140 has a firm end wall 142 and thus for feeding, the container has to be removed and be replaced by a nipple assembly 130 (Fig. 7C).

A container 150 in accordance with another embodiment can be seen in Fig. 8. The container has a cylindrical body 152 has an opening 153 sealed by a pierceable membrane 154. The container further has a piercing rod 155 having a pointed tip 156 and is secured at its other end to deflectable wall 158.

Bottle 160 has features identical to those of a standard feeding bottle. As can be seen in Fig. 9A, container 150 is fitted on to the bottle's neck portion 162, by a screw-type engagement, and after engagement, shown in Fig. 9A, wall 158 is downwardly deflected in a direction of arrow 164, whereby piercing rod 155 is displaced with its tip 156 piercing membrane 154 whereby the powdered formula concentrate 162 can fall into bottle 160 for mixing with liquid 164 to yield a liquid formula 166, container 150 is then removed and replaced by a feeding nipple assembly 130 (Fig. 9C).

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A container 40 for holding a feeding formula concentrate 72, having an opening 46 which is fitted with a closure 48 and which is adapted for engagement with an opening 28 of a feeding bottle 20, the closure 48 being either opened spontaneously as a consequence of said engagement or manually after engagement, thereby allowing mixing of the formula 72 with water 78 contained in the feeding bottle 20.

2. A container 100 according to Claim 1 adapted for fitting onto the dispensing opening 122 of the feeding bottle 120.

3. A container 40 according to Claim 1, wherein the bottle 20 with which said container 40 is engaged comprises a second opening 28, having a removable closure 30, and the container 40 is engaged with said bottle 20 at said second opening 28.

4. A container 100 according to Claim 1, having an opening 102, which is engaged with an opening of the bottle, is fitted with a tearable film 104.

5. A container 100 according to Claim 4, wherein the film 104 is ruptured during the process of engagement of the container 100 onto the bottle 120.

6. A container 150 according to Claim 4, wherein the closure membrane 154 is manually pierced after engagement.

7. A container 150 according to Claim 6, comprising a manually operable piercing member 155 for piercing said membrane 154.

8. A container 150 according to any one of claims 1-3, comprising a closure member 154 sealingly fitted into the opening 153 of the container, and is manually displaceable after engagement of the container with the bottle 160, to allow mixing of the contents of the container and that of the bottle.

9. A container 100 according to any one of claims 1-8, for engagement with a dispensing opening of the bottle 120, and having a second opening 110 at its end opposite the engagement opening, adapted for engagement with a feeding nipple assembly 130.

10. A container according to any one of claims 1-9, containing a feeding formula concentrate in an amount dosed so as to yield, after mixing with an amount of water, liquid feeding formula with an optimal concentration of nutritional substances.

11. A baby's feeding bottle 20, having an opening 28, other than its dispensing opening, fitted with a removable closure member 30.

12. A baby's feeding bottle 120 having an opening 122 fitted with a tearing or piercing member 126 for tearing or piercing membrane 104 of a container 100 of Claim 5 and engaged with the bottle of said opening.