WO2007113606A1

WO2007113606A1 - Heat sensor bottle and method of using the same

Info

Publication number: WO2007113606A1
Application number: PCT/IB2006/000781
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jackie Simpson
Original assignee: Jackie Simpson
Priority date: 2006-04-04
Filing date: 2006-04-04
Publication date: 2007-10-11

Abstract

A food storage and delivery apparatus (100) and method of use are disclosed. In one form, a storage and delivery apparatus includes a cylindrical storage container (101) including a height (103) , a diameter (102) , and a volume. The storage container includes a substantially transparent heat conductive material. The apparatus also includes a reusable dispenser (111) coupled to the storage container and a strip of heat sensitive material (195) affixed to the side of the storage container. The strip is operable to display various colors in response to a temperature of the contents stored within the storage container.

Description

HEAT SENSOR BOTTLE AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

Field of the Disclosure

[0001] The present invention generally relates to storage containers, and more particularly, to a food storage and delivery apparatus for use by a human infant.

Background

[0002] Child rearing is a time intensive undertaking. The increase of single parent households and households in which both parents work has only increased these time demands. Infants in particular require large time commitments due to their constant care, attention, and feeding needs. Infants must be fed often, and once an infant starts bottle feeding, the caretaker must often warm formula for feeding. Constantly monitoring the heating of the bottle contents to the correct temperature requires a lot of time, but without constant monitoring, the bottle's contents may reach an unsafe temperature, putting the infant at risk of discomfort or harm. What is needed is a way to accurately monitor the temperature of the liquid contents at a glance, with a way to tell whether the contents are too cold, too hot, or in the correct temperature range prior to administering to an infant or child.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein:

[0004] FIGURE 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a food storage and delivery apparatus for a human infant in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; and

[0005] FIGURE 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a food storage and delivery apparatus for a human infant according to another aspect of the invention.

DESCRIPTION

[0006] A food storage and delivery apparatus with a device for detecting and displaying the temperature of its contents and method of use are provided. In one form, a food storage and delivery apparatus includes a reusable dispenser threaded at one end to attach to a cylindrical storage container. When attached to the cylindrical storage container, the reusable dispenser forms a leak resistant seal, containing liquid contents within the food storage and delivery apparatus. The apparatus further includes a heat sensitive strip of material affixed to an outside wall of the container and sized to be visible to observers of the apparatus from within approximately twenty (20) feet. When the apparatus is heated and the temperature of the liquid contents within the container are increased, the heat sensitive strip will change color based on the temperature of the contents. The reusable dispenser may be removed from the container and both may be washed in a normal household dishwasher.

[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, a food storage and delivery apparatus for use by a human infant is disclosed. The apparatus includes a heat conductive cylindrical storage container including a height and a diameter, a reusable dispenser coupled to the top of the storage container to provide storage and delivery of fluid contents, and a strip of heat conducting material attached to a vertical side of the container capable of changing colors in response to a temperature of the container's contents. In one form, the strip will be transparent when the temperature of the contents are below the desired range, a second color such as red when the temperature is above the desired range, and a third color such as orange when the temperature is within the desired range.

[0008] According to a further aspect of the invention, a food storage and delivery apparatus for use by a human infant is disclosed. The apparatus includes a heat conductive cylindrical storage container comprising a permanently sealed termination and a threaded circular open termination. The apparatus further includes a reusable dispenser coupled to the open termination consisting of a solid threaded outer ring that affixes the dispenser to the open threaded end of the storage container. The reusable dispenser further includes a flexible extension terminating in an aperture that remains sealed unless suction is applied to the outer portion of the aperture. The storage container is transparent, allowing observation of the contents from outside the container without removing the dispenser. The apparatus further includes a damage resistant material, allowing it to be dropped from heights under fifteen (15) feet - without breaking or cracking.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, a food storage and delivery apparatus for use by a human infant includes a heat conductive cylindrical storage container including a height and a diameter. The apparatus further includes a reusable dispenser coupled to a top portion of the container. The apparatus further includes a height of no more than eight (8) inches, a diameter of no more than three (3) inches, and a volume of no more than ten (10) fluid ounces. The apparatus further includes a heat sensitive material positioned along a portion of the height of the container. The heat sensitive material will displays at least two (2) colors in response to at least two (2) temperatures.

[0010] Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a food storage and delivery apparatus for use by a human infant according to one embodiment of the invention. Food storage and delivery apparatus 100 includes heat conductive cylindrical storage container 101. Container 101 includes diameter 102 and height 103. Additionally, diameter 102 of container 101 may be provided in various diameters and in one embodiment is three (3) inches. Further, height 103 of container 101 may be provided in various heights, and in one embodiment is eight (8) inches. Other dimensions may also be provided.

[0011] Container 101 also includes liquid volume indicators 104 along the vertical length of container 101 to measure a liquid within (not expressly shown). Indicators 104 may be in various units of measure, one embodiment being ounces and another embodiment being milliliters. Indicators 104 include a horizontal line and a corresponding numeral. When observing container 101 while container 101 is resting on a flat surface in an upright position, a volume of a liquid may be determined by observing indicators 104 and a numeral corresponding to a vertical line most proximate to the meniscus of the liquid within container 101. Container 101 includes substantially transparent material, allowing easy viewing of the contents inside and in one embodiment includes a plastic material. [0012] Container 101 also includes a strip of heat conductive material or strip 105, positioned substantially along a vertical length or height 103 of container 101. Strip 105 changes color depending on a temperature of a liquid within container 101. Strip 105 may display various colors according to various temperatures of a liquid and in one embodiment displays a substantially transparent color when the temperature of the liquid is below ninety-four (94) degrees Fahrenheit, an orange color when the temperature is between ninety-four (94) and ninety-eight (98) degrees Fahrenheit, and a red color when the temperature is above ninety-eight (98) degrees Fahrenheit. Other temperature ranges may also be considered. Strip 105 may be made of various materials or temperature sensitive materials operable to respond to various predetermined temperature ranges of a liquid when stored within container 100.

[0013] In one embodiment, the material of strip 105 is a polymer that can be added to various materials, such as plastic, paint, or rubber. The polymer could be added to the material of storage container 100, or to a paint or dye of the material, and/or painted along a side of container 100. In another embodiment, a polymer could be provided with a material such as rubber and affixed to the side of container 100. In yet another embodiment, storage container 100 may be formed from a heat sensitive polymer and may alter or change colors based on contents.

[0014] Apparatus 100 also includes reusable dispenser 111. Dispenser 111 includes a rigid circular outer ring 107 having a threaded coupling mechanism 106 that allows dispenser 111 to be coupled to container 101. Threaded coupling mechanism 106 ensures a tight seal to keep a liquid within container 101 and may include an internal gasket for additional sealing. Outer ring 107 may include various materials and in one embodiment includes a break resistant plastic material. Dispenser 111 also includes a flange 109, originating in a circular ring inside outer ring 107 and terminating in a tip 110 with a substantially smaller circumference than inner ring 108.

[0015] During use, dispenser 111 is unscrewed to allow liquid contents to be inserted into container 101. In one embodiment the liquid contents include infant formula, in another embodiment, the liquid contents may include milk, juice, water or any other type of liquid or semi liquid material that may be dispensed using dispenser 111. Upon filling container 101 to a desired level, dispenser 111 is re-coupled to container 101, forming a tight seal that will keep the contents inside apparatus 100 until sucking or a vacuum pressure is applied to the tip 110 of dispenser 111 allowing drainage of contents within container 101.

[0016] Upon providing a liquid within container 101, apparatus 100 may be heated via a microwave, by placing apparatus 100 in a pan of water being heated by a stove, or by various other heating techniques such as using bottle warmers, etc. When the temperature of the contents within apparatus 100 is below a specific level, heat sensitive strip 105 will display or become substantially transparent. When contents within apparatus 100 are heated and the temperature increases to a desired acceptable temperature range, strip 105 displays a second color such as orange. If apparatus 100 is heated too long or to a temperature that is too hot, and the temperature of the contents rises above a specific level, strip 105 displays a third color such as red to warn the user that the contents within apparatus 100 is too high or hot to be comfortably and safely distributed to a human infant. In this manner, a user would be able to visually determine the temperature of the contents within apparatus 100 thereby saving time spent to repeatedly check the temperature of the contents within apparatus 100. Further, apparatus 100 also provides safety for infants, alerting users when the contents are too hot to be safely and comfortably consumed.

[0017] Figure 2 illustrates a side cutaway perspective of a food storage and delivery apparatus for use by a human infant according to one embodiment of the invention. Food storage and delivery apparatus 200 includes a substantially transparent material. Apparatus 200 further includes sidewall 201 and flat bottom wall 202. Sidewall 201 and bottom wall 202 include a heat conductive break or shatter resistant material such as rubber, plastic, polymer, etc. When viewing contents within apparatus 200, sidewall 203 is transparent and contents are easily viewable through the substantially transparent material of apparatus 200. Bottom wall 202 allows apparatus 200 to remain upright unattended when placed on a flat surface. Apparatus 200 further includes a heat sensitive strip 204 affixed to the side of apparatus 200. Strip 204 displays various colors in response to the temperature of the contents of apparatus 200. For example, strip 204 may be transparent or a blue color when a temperature of a liquid within apparatus 200 is less than a desired amount. When a user heats contents to a desired level, strip 204 alters its appearance to a second color such as orange, green, etc. to indicate that a desired temperature of contents has been reached. If the temperature exceeds a desired level, strip 204 may display a third color such as red to indicate that the contents within apparatus 200 are too hot to dispense. In this manner, a variety of combinations of colors may be employed to alert an individual to the temperature of contents within apparatus 200.

[0018J In one embodiment, strip 204 is positioned substantially along a vertical height of apparatus 200. Strip 204 may also include a width 205 of at least one (1) inch. Providing strip 204 having an increased width 205, a user may be able to view colors displayed by strip 204 from a distance of at least twenty (20) feet or more, allowing the user to determine the temperature of the contents while attending to an infant or performing other tasks.

[0019] In one embodiment, strip 204 may be made of a polymer-based paint and affixed or painted onto apparatus 200. Strip 204 may cover greater than twenty-five (25) percent of the circumference of apparatus 200 (not expressly shown), allowing for easier viewing of strip 204. In another embodiment, the heat sensitive material in strip 204 may be a polymer or other type of heat sensitive material added to apparatus 200 and responsive to changes in temperature of contents of apparatus 200. In a further embodiment, strip 204 may be provided separate to apparatus 200 and may be affixed to apparatus 200 using an adhesive. For example, strip 200 may include a rear portion having an adhesive to allow for placement along a portion of apparatus 200. Strip 200 may also be provided in various widths and heights and in one embodiment, may be provided with a dispenser (not expressly shown) to allow for coupling to existing containers already being used by an individual for dispensing liquids to an infant or child.

[0020] ^"Note that although an embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in detail herein, along with certain variants thereof, many other varied embodiments that incorporate the teachings of the invention may be easily constructed by those skilled in the art. Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. Accordingly, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A food storage and delivery apparatus for use by a human infant, the apparatus comprising: a heat conductive cylindrical storage container including a height and a diameter; a reusable dispenser coupled to a top portion of the container and operable to provide storage and delivery of fluid contents; and a heat sensitive material affixed to the cylindrical storage container.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heat sensitive material comprises a strip of material affixed to a vertical side of the cylindrical storage container.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the heat sensitive material has a width of at least one inch.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heat sensitive material comprises a paint affixed to the storage container.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the storage apparatus comprises the heat sensitive material integrated as a part an outer wall portion of the storage container.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the storage apparatus is dishwasher safe.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heat sensitive material displays a color based on the temperature of the fluid stored within the cylindrical storage container.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the heat sensitive material is operable to become transparent when the fluid stored within the storage container is below a specific temperature range.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the heat sensitive material displays a first color when the fluid stored within the cylindrical storage container is above the specific temperature range.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the heat sensitive material displays a second color when the fluid stored within the cylindrical storage container is within the specific temperature range.

11 A food storage and delivery apparatus for use by a human infant, the apparatus comprising: a heat conductive cylindrical storage container comprising a permanently sealed termination and a threaded circular open termination; a reusable dispenser coupled to the open termination of the cylindrical storage container including a solid threaded outer ring operable to be coupled to the cylindrical storage container and a flexible extension terminating in an aperture operable to seal the contents within the cylindrical storage container unless suction is applied to the aperture; and a strip of heat-sensitive material affixed to the side of the cylindrical storage container operable to display a color in response to a temperature of a liquid content when stored within the heat conductive cylindrical storage container.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the reusable dispenser includes a threaded open end and a hollow cylindrical member extending from the open end and terminating in a circular flange, the reusable dispenser operable to provide storage and delivery of the liquid contents of the cylindrical storage container.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the cylindrical storage container includes markings along the vertical length of the container, the markings operable to measure a volume of the liquid contents of the heat conductive cylindrical storage container.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the cylindrical storage container comprises a substantially transparent material operable to enable visibility of the liquid contents of the heat conductive cylindrical storage container without removing the dispenser.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the cylindrical storage container and strip of heat-sensitive material comprise machine washable materials.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the heat conductive cylindrical storage container, the dispenser, and the strip of heat-sensitive material further comprises a durable material.

18. A food storage and delivery apparatus for use by a human infant, the apparatus comprising: a heat conductive cylindrical storage container including a height and a diameter; a reusable dispenser coupled to a top portion of the container and operable to provide storage and delivery of fluid contents; and a heat sensitive material positioned along a portion of the height, the heat sensitive material operable to detect a change in temperature of a fluid stored within the heat conductive cylindrical storage container and display a color in response to a temperature of the fluid.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the heat conductive cylindrical storage container includes: the height of no more than eight (8) inches; a diameter of no more than three (3) inches; and a volume of no more than ten (10) fluid ounces.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the strip of heat sensitive material further comprises: a strip length substantially equal to the height of the apparatus; and at least two (2) colors operable to be displayed in response to at least two (2) temperatures.