U.S. patent application number 10/379309 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-09 for baby bottle regulation and dispensing system.
Invention is credited to Kiel, Thomas J., Pagovich, Gil, Pagovich, Odelya, Pagovich, Shimon, Pagovich, Talia.
Application Number | 20040173634 10/379309 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32926652 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040173634 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pagovich, Talia ; et
al. |
September 9, 2004 |
Baby bottle regulation and dispensing system
Abstract
The invention relates to a formula regulation and dispensing
system for baby bottles, which allows a controlled volume of
formula to be administered through a baby bottle for feeding. This
controlled amount of formula allows the user to monitor and
regulate the consumption of liquid by an infant between required
burpings. Using the invention, the user will know the proper time
to burp the baby, thus reducing the occurrence of reflux and other
conditions resulting from excess stomach gases.
Inventors: |
Pagovich, Talia; (New York,
NY) ; Pagovich, Gil; (New York, NY) ;
Pagovich, Odelya; (New York, NY) ; Pagovich,
Shimon; (New York, NY) ; Kiel, Thomas J.;
(Bernardsville, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KENYON & KENYON
ONE BROADWAY
NEW YORK
NY
10004
US
|
Family ID: |
32926652 |
Appl. No.: |
10/379309 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/158 ;
222/454 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J 9/00 20130101; G01F
11/262 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/158 ;
222/454 |
International
Class: |
B67D 005/38 |
Claims
We claim the following:
1. A regulation and dispensing system for administering a
controlled volume of liquid to a baby when attached to a baby
bottle containing such liquid and a nipple, comprising: a measuring
unit having a top, a bottom, a first wall, a second wall, an angled
baffle attached to said first wall and extending part of the way
toward said second wall, a measuring chamber positioned between the
top of the measuring unit and the angled baffle, and a consumption
chamber positioned between the bottom of the measuring unit and the
angled baffle, wherein said top of the measuring unit is releasably
attachable to a baby bottle and said bottom of said measuring unit
is releasably attachable to a nipple, and wherein said measuring
chamber is calibrated for determining the amount of liquid held
therein; and a regulator seal capable of being positioned between
the top of the baby bottle and the measuring chamber, wherein said
regulator seal has a least one vent positioned on the regulator
seal to permit flow of liquid from the baby bottle into the
measuring chamber when the measuring unit is attached to an
inverted baby bottle and prevent flow of liquid from the baby
bottle to the measuring chamber when the baby bottle and attached
measuring unit are held at an angle for feeding the baby.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said measuring unit is configured
as a cylinder having two diameters, the top of said measuring unit
having a greater diameter than the diameter of the bottom of said
measuring unit
3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a clamping ring,
wherein said clamping ring is capable of releasably attaching the
nipple to the bottom of said measuring unit.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein said baffle is angled at
approximately 45 degrees as compared to the longitudinal axis of
the measuring unit.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein said measuring unit is
manufactured from translucent material.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a regulation and
dispensing system for use in connection with baby feeding bottles,
as well as methods of using that system to feed a baby more
efficiently. More specifically, the present invention is directed
to a device that allows the measuring and feeding of a controlled
volume of formula to a baby through a baby bottle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] New parents often are initially overwhelmed with both the
joy and responsibility brought into their lives through the birth
of a newborn baby. A primary concern for parents and caretakers is
proper nourishment for their infant, since a majority of the baby's
waking moments are devoted to feeding. Feedings can be exhausting
when trying to effectively balance the variables that contribute to
this process. Knowing how to hold the baby correctly and the proper
time to burp the baby are critical factors that can reduce the
occurrence of reflux, while minimizing spitting up. For example,
often times it is recommended with newborn babies that they be
burped each time they consume two ounces of formula. Precisely
determining when that desired amount of formula has been consumed
by a baby can be difficult, however, particularly while holding the
baby in feeding position. Thus, babies often times are burped
either too often or too little, neither of which is good for a
baby. Alternatively, the feeding process must be frequently broken
up to try to gauge how much of the formula has been taken from the
bottle.
[0003] Use of the present invention to measure and regulate the
amount of formula fed to the baby advantageously ensures correct
feeding methods, resulting in proper nourishment and minimizing
related complications for the baby. The present invention was
designed for parents and caretakers who bottle feed or supplement
with formula using a baby bottle. Of course, the device of the
present invention also could be used by a caretaker to feed
previously obtained breast milk to a baby, when the mother is
away.
[0004] In the past, others have created devices and systems for
regulating the feeding of formula to a baby, but none of these
devices or systems comprises the unique combination of structural
features of the present invention, which result in its advantages
over those prior art devices and systems when used to feed a
baby.
[0005] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,501 to Lyons describes a
bottle assembly having a check valve arrangement, which allows
equalizing air to enter the bottle during the pauses in the baby's
sucking on the nipple. This reference does not disclose a metered
dispensing device, however, instead focusing on the use of disc
valves that control flow from the bottle to the nipple. Thus,
Lyons's device could not be used in the manner of the present
invention to administer a specific amount to formula to a baby.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 2,208,862 to Stringfellow describes a liquid
measuring and dispensing device of the type often used in
connection with dispensing alcoholic beverages, which would not be
useful for the purpose of regulating the feeding a baby in the
manner of the present invention. The device of Stringfellow
comprises a measuring dispensing container which includes a trapped
portion 12 with a vent tube 11 flowing from the trap into the
bottle. Liquid pours from the bottle through the opening 3 into the
measuring dispensing chamber and fills until the liquid reaches a
height to fill the trap and thereby close the vent line. The
difference in the size of the exit spout 6 and the entrance area 10
to the measuring chamber provides for the buildup of the liquid in
the container to fill the trap 12.
[0007] Each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,054,254, 6,113,257 and 6,089,389 to
Inbar and Sharon describe bottles having two or more compartments
that are separate, for example, by means of a floating valve
arrangement that is in contact with the neck of the bottle. These
patents teach that a purpose of that compartmentalizing using such
valve means is to permit mixing of the contents of the two
containers at an appropriate time to prepare the formula for
administration to a baby. There is no teaching or suggestion in
these patents, however, of the dispensing and regulation device of
the instant invention, having the advantages inherent therein.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,561 to Drobish describes a metering
device for dispensing uniform volumes of liquid from a container,
which metering device works by employing a series of concentric
tubes and an air vent to limit the flow of liquid into a collecting
chamber within the container. More specifically, liquid enters an
accumulating chamber 20 through an inlet opening 27 and rises in
the chamber until it covers vent hold 28. Once vent hold 28 is
covered, liquid will stop flowing because of the vacuum created in
the bottle due to lack of air. The bottle is then turned upright,
allowing the liquid to enter into communication with the outlet 17
and further allowing air to go back into the bottle through the
small air tube 23. The metering chamber 20 is partially segregated
from the collecting chamber 21 by a transverse baffle 25, which
projects horizontally from the lower end of the vertical wall 18
intermediate the metering chamber 20 and collecting chamber 21.
Again, the device of Drobish is not suitable for use in dispensing
formula to a baby in the manner accomplished through the instant
invention.
[0009] None of the foregoing references, taken either singularly or
in combination, describes or suggests the present invention
comprising a container having an angled baffle that defines a
measuring chamber and a consumption chamber, which together enable
the user to determine the amount of liquid placed each time in the
measuring chamber and transfer that measured liquid from the
measuring chamber to the consumption chamber (for feeding to the
baby).
[0010] Moreover, in light of the limitations of the devices and
systems described in the above patents and the overall state of the
prior art in this field, a need exists for a formula dispensing and
regulation system that permits a parent or caretaker to
consistently measure and feed a specific volume of formula to a
baby, thereby ensuring that the parent or caretaker can effectively
regulate the consumption of formula (or other liquid) by the baby
(or infant) between, e.g., required burpings, thereby properly
nourishing the baby and minimizing any complications it might
experience. That need and other objects are fully met by the
present invention and its methods of use described herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the regulation
and dispensing device comprises a container (also referred to as a
measuring unit) having two chambers, a first accumulation (or
measuring) chamber that is translucent and calibrated and a second
consumption chamber, which chambers are at least partially defined
by an angled baffle extending part of the way across the container.
The angled baffle within the container of the invention allows the
user to place a precise, calibrated amount of liquid in the
container when the bottle and connected device are inverted, for
subsequent feeding to the baby. Also unique to the device of the
instant invention is the regulator seal, which is configured and
positioned relative to (or within) the container such that it
enables one (through, e.g., proper positioning of the baby bottle
and device by the user) to simultaneously stop the flow of liquid
to the measuring chamber and transfer the previously measured
liquid from the measuring chamber to the consumption chamber (for
feeding to the baby).
[0012] The device of this embodiment of the invention may be
configured and assembled in conjunction with a standard baby bottle
and nipple as follows. The bottom of the measuring unit is attached
to the top of the baby bottle (having its nipple first removed),
such that the regulator seal (or seal) of the device is positioned
between the baby bottle and the measuring chamber of the measuring
unit. Such attachment may be accomplished by providing the
measuring unit with threads that comport with those of the tops of
standard baby bottles, such that the measuring unit can be twisted
on to the baby bottle (in much the same manner as a nipple). The
nipple is then attached to the top of the measuring unit, which
again can be accomplished by providing the top of the measuring
unit with threads to enable the nipple to be attached through a
twist-on mechanism.
[0013] This embodiment of the invention can be used to feed a baby
a precise amount of liquid at specific times, as follows. Once
attached to a baby bottle (containing, e.g., formula) as set forth
in the above paragraph, the entire assembly (baby bottle and the
attached device of the invention) are inverted (at, e.g., a full 90
degrees) to provide a gravity flow of formula through an opening in
the regulator seal and into the calibrated measuring chamber of the
measuring unit. During such inversion, the user watches the formula
fill the measuring chamber until such time as the desired amount
(e.g., 2 ounces) has been placed in the chamber (as determined,
e.g., by comparing the liquid level to calibration marks placed on
the outside of the translucent measuring chamber). At such time,
the user alters the angle at which the assembly is titled to, e.g.,
forty-five degrees, which alteration both cuts off the flow of
liquid from the baby bottle to the measuring chamber (by ending the
contact between the regulator seal and the liquid in the bottle)
and transfers the previously measured amount of liquid from the
measuring chamber to the consumption chamber (by altering the angle
of the angled baffle inside the measuring unit relative to the
horizon). The measured liquid is then available in the consumption
chamber for feeding to the baby.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The invention is further defined by reference to the
drawings that are part of this specification. These drawings relate
to the preferred embodiment of the invention that is discussed
further in the specification of this patent application and are not
limiting in any respect with regard to the full scope of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the
invention attached to a standard baby bottle and nipple.
[0016] FIG. 2 is an isometric, exploded view of one embodiment of
the invention attached to a standard baby bottle and nipple.
[0017] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a measuring unit of one
embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a regulator seal (or seal) of
one embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 is an isometric, exploded view of a measuring unit
and regulator seal (or seal) of an embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a measuring unit of one
embodiment of the invention, showing the seal placed within the top
part of the measuring unit.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a top, isometric view of a measuring unit of one
embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a bottom, isometric view of a measuring unit of
one embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a bottom, isometric view of a measuring unit of
one embodiment of the invention, showing an angled, internal baffle
within the measuring unit.
[0024] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a seal of one embodiment of
the invention, showing vents on the seal for allowing liquid to
pass through.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a side view of one embodiment of the invention as
assembled with a standard baby bottle and nipple, with the entire
assembly inverted at an approximately 90 degree angle.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a side view of a measuring unit of one embodiment
of the invention, showing the flow of liquid from the baby bottle
into the measuring chamber through the vents in the seal, when the
entire assembly is inverted as in FIG. 11.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a side view of one embodiment of the invention as
assembled with a standard baby bottle and nipple, with the entire
assembly held at an angle of approximately 45 degrees or less.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a side view of a measuring unit of one embodiment
of the invention, showing the transfer of previously measured
liquid from the measuring chamber to the consumption chamber, along
with the prevention of further flow of liquid from the baby bottle
to the measuring chamber because the liquid in the bottle is no
longer in contact with the vents of the seal.
[0029] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of an empty baby bottle.
[0030] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the
invention as assembled with a standard baby bottle and nipple.
[0031] FIG. 17 is an isometric, exploded view of one embodiment of
the invention as assembled with a standard baby bottle and
nipple.
[0032] FIG. 18 is a side view of one embodiment of the invention as
assembled with a standard baby bottle and nipple, with the entire
assembly held in inverted position.
[0033] FIG. 19 is a side view of a measuring unit of one embodiment
of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 20 is a side view of one embodiment of the invention as
assembled with a standard baby bottle and nipple, with the entire
assembly held at an angle of approximately 45 degrees or less
(feeding position).
[0035] FIG. 21 is a side view of a measuring unit of one embodiment
of the invention, illustrated in the feeding position.
[0036] FIG. 22 is an isometric, exploded view of one embodiment of
the invention as assembled with a standard baby bottle and nipple,
showing its disassembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] The present invention is a device that provides a measured
amount of formula to the baby when it is needed. The device may be
attached to a standard baby bottle by simply twisting the unit onto
the bottle (between the bottle and the nipple), for quick and easy
use. Once the baby has been fed a measured amount of formula using
the device, the baby may be burped. The procedure then repeats
itself, with another amount of formula measured by the device and
fed to the baby. Thus, the present invention allows the accurate
measurement of a desired volume of liquid in order to regulate the
feeding process, thereby controlling the burping frequency and
ensuring that the baby is burped following the consumption of a
regulated amount of liquid.
[0038] The regulation and dispensing system of the invention
comprises a measuring unit and regulator seal, with the regulator
seal positioned between the baby bottle and the measuring chamber
of the measuring unit. The measuring unit of the invention
comprises two chambers and is designed to be attached to a standard
baby bottle from a specific manufacturer (e.g., Avent, Evenflo,
Gerber, Playtex, Graco, Sassy, etc.). Each standard baby bottle
configuration will typically have a corresponding unique measuring
unit geometry that conforms to the diameter and thread size of the
attachment face of the associated standard baby bottle. One of
skill in the art, of course, would recognize that the measuring
unit could be manufactured to fit any baby bottle, whether
customized or mass produced. Following attachment to a baby bottle
and nipple, the measuring unit of the invention functions to
control the amount of formula that is available to the nipple of
the bottle at any time. The regulation and dispensing system is
depicted in FIG. 1, as assembled with a standard baby bottle and
nipple assembly.
A. Structure of the Regulation and Dispensing System and Baby
Bottle Assembly
[0039] In the preferred embodiment of the regulation and dispensing
system and process of the invention (which also is illustrated
through FIGS. 1-22 hereof), and with particular reference to FIGS.
1 through 14, the device comprises a measuring unit (1) and a
regulator seal (2) having two vents (9), with the measuring unit
having a top (3) and a bottom (4). The bottom of the measuring unit
is adapted to fasten over the top (5) of a standard baby bottle
(6), and the top of the measuring unit is adapted to be connected
to a standard nipple (7) on a baby bottle, using the standard
clamping ring (8) accompanying the standard baby bottle. The
measuring unit has two chambers, a measuring chamber (10) and a
consumption chamber (11), which are separated from one another by
an angled or inclined baffle (12) that extends internally at least
part of the way across the width of the measuring unit. While
separating the two chambers, the angled or inclined baffle also
permits flow of liquid between those two chambers at appropriate
times, when the measuring unit and baby bottle assembly are
properly positioned (as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14). The measuring
unit in the preferred embodiment is cylindrical in shape and has
two diameters, a larger diameter (13) at the top and a smaller
diameter (14) at the bottom. The top of the measuring unit connects
it to the baby bottle and also holds the vented regulator seal,
while the bottom of the measuring unit is adapted to fit into a
standard nipple clamping ring assembly.
[0040] The measuring unit in the preferred embodiment is made of
translucent material, to enable viewing of the liquid level in the
measuring chamber (which is defined by a portion of the measuring
unit located above the baffle, when the baby bottle is inverted
with the top of the measuring unit attached to the top of the
bottle). The accumulating (measuring) chamber formed by the angled
baffle is calibrated (e.g., in half-ounce increments, from one-half
ounce to two ounces, as shown in, e.g., FIG. 14), enabling the user
to allow a precise amount of liquid to flow into the measuring
chamber when the measuring unit is attached to a baby bottle. For
example, this calibration can be accomplished by providing
graduation lines (15) on the measuring chamber that show the volume
of liquid that is being held therein.
[0041] The regulator seal in the preferred embodiment contains one
or more vents (9), positioned to permit or prevent flow of liquid
from the baby bottle to the measuring unit at the appropriate
times. Specifically, the vents in the regulator seal permit flow of
liquid from the bottle into the measuring unit when the bottle and
measuring unit assembly is inverted (as depicted in FIGS. 11 and
12) and prevent such flow when that assembly is held at an angle
(approximately 45 degrees or less) suitable for feeding a baby (as
depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14). Moreover, preferably the regulator
seal and the vents therein are oriented and positioned with respect
to the baffle so that liquid pouring from the bottle into the
measuring unit will be held within the measuring chamber by the
baffle, thereby protecting against splashing of liquid over the
baffle and into the consumption chamber (which action would reduce
the precision with which the liquid is measured for feeding the
baby). For example, the vents in the regulator seal can be
positioned such that the liquid from the baby bottle flowing into
the measuring unit is directed toward a wall of the measuring unit
that is furthest away from the opening between the measuring
chamber and the consumption chamber (defined by the distance
between the baffle and another wall of the measuring unit).
[0042] Materials useful in making the invention include
polypropylene, as well as any other plastic material suitable for
holding liquids for infants. It is preferred that a flexible
plastic be employed in making the parts of the invention. In
addition, the invention could be made from glass or any other
suitable material, provided that it is dishwasher safe, corrosion
resistant and safe for the baby.
[0043] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the
invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in
any respect. One of skill in the art would recognize, for example,
that the measuring unit need not be cylindrical in shape or have
two diameters, as those features are exemplary and relate to the
preferred embodiment of the invention. Indeed, the measuring unit
could take any geometrical shape of various diameters (or a single
diameter), as long as it fulfilled its function of measuring and
regulating the amount of liquid to be fed to a baby. Further, while
the measuring unit of the preferred embodiment is entirely
translucent, it also is possible to make it only partially
translucent, so long as the user of the assembly can view the
quantity of liquid being fed to the measuring chamber.
[0044] The Figures of the instant application depict the measuring
chamber of the preferred embodiment as being capable of holding two
ounces of fluid, with calibration lines appearing in one-half ounce
increments (from 0.5 ounces through 2.0 ounces). As one of skill in
the art would recognize, however, the measuring chamber could be
made larger to enable it to hold greater quantities of liquid
(e.g., 4 ounces) and have different calibration designations
setting forth the greater quantity of liquid held.
[0045] Moreover, the foregoing description of the connection of the
bottom of the measuring unit to the nipple through a clamping ring
assembly is exemplary and relates to the preferred embodiment. The
bottom of the measuring unit alternatively could be provided with
any other suitable means of attachment to the nipple (such as
matching threads to permit the nipple to be twisted on to the
measuring unit, or a friction-based locking mechanism), so as to
eliminate the need for a clamping ring. Likewise, the top of the
measuring unit can be provided with the same or similar means for
attachment to the top of the baby bottle.
[0046] In addition, one of skill in the art would recognize that
the vented regulator seal need not be contained within the top of
the measuring unit (as in the preferred embodiment), so long as it
is positioned between the top of the baby bottle and the measuring
chamber of the measuring unit to enable it to regulate the flow of
liquid between the baby bottle and the measuring unit. For example,
one skilled in the art would recognize that the baby bottle itself
could be manufactured with a vented regulator seal removably
attached at its top, which would consequently be appropriately
positioned when the measuring unit was attached to the baby bottle.
Also, one of skill in the art would recognize that the measuring
unit could be combined with the bottle (or any one or more of the
nipple, clamp or other assemblies associated with a baby bottle) to
form a monolithic structure with or without a removable seal or
baffle, in order to reduce the total number of components of the
overall system.
B. A Method of Using the Measuring Unit and Baby Bottle
Assembly
[0047] Using the device and method of the invention, a controlled
volume of formula is made available at the feeding end of the
bottle when desired. The volume of formula needed is pre-measured
and may be varied as desired by the user. The volume of formula
will also be easily accessible and available through the system
within a matter of seconds.
[0048] The preferred embodiment of the invention can be used to
feed a controlled volume of liquid to a baby as follows, with
reference made to appropriate Figures. The use of the preferred
embodiment of the invention also is illustrated and further
explained in FIGS. 11 through 22 of the instant application. In
particular, FIGS. 15 through 22 of the instant application recite
five steps for carrying out the process of assembling the device of
the invention, feeding a baby using it, and disassembling the
device for cleaning purposes.
[0049] A standard baby bottle is filled with an appropriate liquid
for consumption by a baby (as depicted in FIG. 15) and assembled
with the preferred embodiment of the regulation and dispensing
system and a standard nipple, in the manner described above (and
depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2). The entire assembly is inverted as in
FIG. 18, resulting in liquid from the baby bottle flowing through
the vents (9) in the regulator seal (2) and into the calibrated
measuring chamber (10) of the measuring unit (1), as depicted in
FIG. 12. Once a desired level of liquid enters the measuring
chamber (as determined by the user observing the level of liquid in
the measuring chamber as compared to the calibration lines), the
entire assembly is titled to an angle of approximately 45 degrees
or less (referred to as the feeding position), as depicted in FIG.
20. The angle of the feeding position also helps ensure that the
baby is propped correctly to be fed, again assuring proper
nourishment of the baby.
[0050] As a result of tilting the assembly to the feeding position,
the previously measured liquid in the measuring chamber is
transferred from the measuring chamber to the consumption chamber
(11) by traveling through a gap between the inclined (angled)
baffle (12) and the wall of the measuring unit, as depicted in FIG.
14. At the same time, remaining liquid in the bottle no longer
enters the measuring chamber because it is no longer in contact
with the vents in the regulator seal, as shown by comparing the
positions of those vents (9) in the inverted position (FIG. 12)
with a feeding position (FIG. 14) of the assembly. Once the
measured liquid has been transferred to the consumption chamber and
into communication with the nipple (7) attached to the measuring
unit, it can be fed to the baby. The baby can then be burped after
consuming a known quantity of liquid (i.e., whatever amount was
measured in the measuring chamber), thus providing better control
over the baby's nourishment.
[0051] Of course, one skilled in the art would recognize the
interrelationship between the angle of the baffle, the location of
the vents on the regulator seal, and the appropriate angle for the
feeding position, in terms of ensuring that tilting the assembly to
the feeding position both transfers the measured liquid from the
measuring chamber to the consumption chamber and prevents any
further liquid from flowing through the vents and into the
measuring chamber. For that reason, the definition of the feeding
position has being at an angle of 45 degrees or less is merely
exemplary and relates to the preferred embodiment of the invention,
but is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. For
example, as one of skill in the art would recognize, the invention
could be constructed with the angle of the baffle decreased
(relative to the latitudinal axis of the measuring unit) from that
of the preferred embodiment, which would therefore increase the
upper limit of the angle of the feeding position above 45 degrees
(while still accomplishing all of the liquid transfer and stoppage
functions of the invention).
[0052] Thus, use of the invention is simple and able to be
performed by anyone capable of feeding with a standard bottle. The
filling of liquid, mixing and shaking of formula will not be
inhibited by the system. The system is capable of being disengaged
instantly by someone not wishing to use it, since it is easy to
assemble and disassemble. Likewise, the system and its components
are easy to wash and are dishwasher safe, since there are no
characteristics that may trap formula and powder or promote the
buildup of mold or bacteria.
* * * * *