U.S. patent application number 10/949423 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-30 for dishwasher basket infant feeding accessory holders.
Invention is credited to Steven B. Dunn, Mark Hatherill, Kevin Johnson.
Application Number | 20060065666 10/949423 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36097862 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060065666 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dunn; Steven B. ; et
al. |
March 30, 2006 |
Dishwasher basket infant feeding accessory holders
Abstract
A dishwasher basket for use with baby bottle nipples includes a
specially designed rack that maintains baby bottle nipples in an
upright position during the washing and drying. The base of the
nipple is also prevented from resting upon the surface of the rack.
Straw and valve holders are also provided that can be attached to
the dishwasher basket. The dishwasher basket is able to be opened
using only one hand.
Inventors: |
Dunn; Steven B.; (Beverly
Hills, CA) ; Johnson; Kevin; (Los Angeles, CA)
; Hatherill; Mark; (Manhattan Beach, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBLE YOSHIDA & DUNLEAVY, LLC;Eight Penn Center, Suite 1350
1628 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Philadelphia
PA
19103
US
|
Family ID: |
36097862 |
Appl. No.: |
10/949423 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/676 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 15/505
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/676 |
International
Class: |
B65D 6/08 20060101
B65D006/08 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for positioning a baby bottle nipple of the type
that includes a nursing end, a mounting flange and an annular
undercut area between said nursing end and said mounting flange,
comprising: a dishwasher mounting fixture; and nipple mounting
means on said dishwasher mounting fixture for securely holding a
baby bottle nipple by engaging the baby bottle nipple at the
annular undercut area.
2. An apparatus for positioning a baby bottle nipple according to
claim 1, wherein said dishwasher mounting fixture is constructed
and arranged to be dishwasher safe.
3. An apparatus for positioning a baby bottle nipple according to
claim 1, wherein said dishwasher mounting fixture is constructed
and arranged to be positioned within a dishwasher.
4. An apparatus for positioning a baby bottle nipple according to
claim 3, wherein said dishwasher mounting fixture comprises a
dishwasher basket for holding small articles within a
dishwasher.
5. An apparatus for positioning a baby bottle nipple according to
claim 1, wherein said nipple mounting means is constructed and
arranged to hold the baby bottle nipple in a substantially upright
position.
6. An apparatus for positioning a baby bottle nipple according to
claim 1, wherein said nipple mounting means comprises structure
defining a hole in said fixture that is sized for receiving a baby
bottle nipple and engaging said annular undercut area at edges
thereof.
7. An apparatus for positioning a baby bottle nipple according to
claim 6, wherein said hole has a minimum diameter that is within a
range of about 0.5 inches to about 2.0 inches.
8. An apparatus for positioning a baby bottle nipple according to
claim 7, wherein said hole has a minimum diameter that is within a
range of about 0.7 inches to about 1.75 inches.
9. An apparatus for positioning a baby bottle nipple according to
claim 6, further comprising at least one radially inwardly
extending protrusion extending into said hole.
10. An apparatus for positioning a baby bottle nipple according to
claim 10, wherein there are a plurality of said protrusions.
11. A method of cleaning a baby bottle nipple of the type that
includes a nursing end, a mounting flange and an annular undercut
area between said nursing end and said mounting flange, comprising
steps of: securely mounting a baby bottle nipple in a nipple
mounting fixture by engaging the baby bottle nipple at the annular
undercut area with nipple mounting structure that is provided on
said nipple mounting fixture; and using a dishwasher to clean said
baby bottle nipple while said baby bottle nipple remains mounted in
said nipple mounting fixture.
12. A method of cleaning a baby bottle nipple according to claim
11, further comprising a step of placing said nipple mounting
fixture within a dishwasher.
13. A method of cleaning a baby bottle nipple according to claim
11, wherein said step of securely mounting said baby bottle nipple
is performed so that the baby bottle nipple is oriented
substantially in an upright position.
14. A method of cleaning a baby bottle nipple according to claim
11, wherein said fixture comprises a dishwasher basket for holding
small articles within a dishwasher.
15. A method of cleaning a baby bottle nipple according to claim
11, wherein said nipple mounting structure defines a hole in said
fixture that is sized for receiving a baby bottle nipple and
engaging said annular undercut area at edges thereof.
16. A method of cleaning a baby bottle nipple according to claim
15, wherein said hole has a minimum diameter that is within a range
of about 0.5 inches to about 2.0 inches.
17. A method of cleaning a baby bottle nipple according to claim
16, wherein said hole has a minimum diameter that is within a range
of about 0.7 inches to about 1.75 inches.
18. A method of cleaning a baby bottle nipple according to claim
16, wherein said step of securely engaging said baby bottle nipple
further comprises engaging the baby bottle nipple with at least one
radially inwardly extending protrusion that extends into said
hole.
19. An apparatus for securely holding small articles for cleansing
in a dishwasher, comprising: nipple holding means for securely
holding a baby bottle nipple; and straw mounting means for securely
holding a drinking straw.
20. An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said nipple holding
means is constructed and arranged to engage the baby bottle nipple
at an annular undercut area of the baby bottle nipple.
21. An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said straw mounting
means comprises frictional engagement means for frictionally
engaging an outer surface of a drinking straw.
22. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said straw mounting
means comprises structure defining a restricted passage for
receiving a drinking straw, and wherein said frictional engagement
means is constructed and arranged to engage a drinking straw at a
location that is proximate to said restricted passage.
23. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said frictional
engagement means comprises a first surface for frictionally
engaging a first portion of an outer surface of a drinking straw
and a second surface, spaced across said restricted passage from
said first surface, for frictionally engaging a second portion of
the outer surface of the drinking straw, whereby the drinking straw
will be held in place by said first and second surfaces.
24. An apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising valve
mounting means for securely holding a valve from a non-spill drink
cup.
25. An apparatus for positioning a valve from a non-spill drinking
cup for cleaning in a dishwasher, comprising: a fixture; and valve
mounting means on said fixture for securely holding a valve from a
non-spill drinking cup.
26. An apparatus for positioning a valve from a non-spill drinking
cup according to claim 25, wherein said fixture is constructed and
arranged to be dishwasher safe.
27. An apparatus for positioning a valve from a non-spill drinking
cup according to claim 26, wherein said fixture is constructed and
arranged to be positioned within a dishwasher.
28. An apparatus for positioning a valve from a non-spill drinking
cup according to claim 25, wherein said fixture comprises a
dishwasher basket for holding small articles within a
dishwasher.
29. An apparatus for positioning a valve from a non-spill drinking
cup according to claim 25, wherein said valve mounting means is
constructed and arranged to hold the valve in a substantially
upright position.
30. An apparatus for positioning a valve from a non-spill drinking
cup according to claim 25, further comprising straw mounting means
for securely holding a drinking straw.
31. An apparatus for positioning a valve from a non-spill drinking
cup according to claim 25, further comprising nipple holding means
for securely holding a baby bottle nipple.
32. An apparatus for positioning a valve from a non-spill drinking
cup according to claim 25, wherein said valve mounting means
comprises a hole that is within a range of about 0.1 inches to
about 0.5 inches.
33. An apparatus for positioning a valve from a non-spill drinking
cup according to claim 25, wherein said valve mounting means
comprises a hole that is within a range of about 0.2 inches to
about 0.4 inches.
34. A method of cleaning a valve from a non-spill drinking cup,
comprising steps of: securely mounting a valve from a non-spill
drinking cup to a valve mounting fixture; and using a dishwasher to
clean said valve while said valve remains mounted in said valve
mounting fixture.
35. A method of cleaning a valve from a non-spill drinking cup
according to claim 34, further comprising a step of placing said
valve mounting fixture within a dishwasher.
36. A method of cleaning a valve from a non-spill drinking cup
according to claim 34, wherein said valve mounting fixture
comprises a dishwasher basket for holding small articles within a
dishwasher.
37. A method of cleaning a valve from a non-spill drinking cup
according to claim 34, wherein said valve mounting means comprises
a hole that is within a range of about 0.1 inches to about 0.5
inches.
38. A method of cleaning a valve from a non-spill drinking cup
according to claim 34, wherein said valve mounting means comprises
hole that is within a range of about 0.2 inches to about 0.4
inches.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to the field of dishwasher racks,
baskets and accessories. In particular the invention relates to
nipple holders, straw holders, and non-spill cup valve holders for
use with dishwashers.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Technology
[0004] A wide variety of accessories are used in the feeding of
infants and children. Three of the products currently used to feed
children and infants are baby bottles, straw cups, and non-spill
cups. These products typically have parts that are small and
difficult to wash properly in current dishwashing machines. Baby
bottles have nipples, and cups can have straws and/or valves.
Nipples, straws and valves tend to be small and awkwardly shaped.
This makes it difficult to effectively clean nipples, straws and
valves in current dishwashers.
[0005] In order to clean nipples, straws and valves effectively it
is necessary that the interiors be struck with the water from the
cleaning jets of the dishwasher. Current dishwashers typically have
products placed randomly in a basket or in some other dishwasher
accessory. Some dishwasher baskets provide methods for retaining a
baby bottle nipple within the dishwasher basket. Some examples of
dishwasher baskets for nipples are provided below.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,498,594 to Elder discloses having a
dishwasher basket for nipples and baby bottles. The disclosed
dishwasher basket has storage compartments for different sized
nipples. Nipples are held by nipple positioners which extend
upwards from the base of the basket into the interior of the
nipple. The usage of the nipple positioners prevents the water jets
from the dishwashers from adequately cleaning the interior of the
nipples.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,512,489 to Green et al. discloses a
dishwasher basket for holding nipples. Protuberances 24 are spaced
equally and engage the top portion of a nipple. The basket is then
positioned within the dishwasher so that the base of the nipple is
resting on the surface of the dishwasher basket lid. Having the
base of a nipple resting on the surface of the lid prevents the
base of the nipple from being properly dried. This can encourage
the growth of mildew and bacteria.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,748,993 to Llewellyn discloses having a rack
for holding nipples in a dishwasher. The rack can accommodate
different sized nipples, however this is accomplished by having
smaller nipples simply be forced upwards during washing. See Col.
3, lines 57-68. Although the nipples are positioned upright, the
bases of the nipples rest upon the rack, therefore preventing the
bases of the nipples from drying properly. This can encourage the
growth of mildew and bacteria.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,200 to Zambano et al. discloses a
dishwasher basket for baby bottle parts. The teats of nipples 60
are placed between parallel wire assemblies 50 shown when wire
assemblies 48 are swung down. Aligning the nipples in this
dishwasher basket appears to be difficult since the nipples are
first placed in the top container portion of the basket and then
the lid that restrains the nipples during the dishwashing process
must align with the nipples during the closing of the lid.
Furthermore the base of the nipples are still resting upon a rack
portion and therefore preventing the base of the nipple from
adequately drying.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,392 to Constantino discloses a
dishwasher basket for nipples. Nipples are placed upright on prongs
7. The placement of the nipples on prongs prevents the interior of
the nipple from being properly cleaned.
[0011] U.S. Published patent application Ser. No. 2003/0205258 A1
to McConnell et al. discloses having a dishwasher basket for use
with baby products. The nipples are not oriented so as to point
upwards, but instead rest at an angle on rims 23. The position of
the nipples prevents the interior from being properly cleaned,
additionally the base of the nipples rest on central ridge 22,
thereby preventing the base of the nipples from drying
properly.
[0012] Although there are some dishwasher baskets out there that
contemplate the problem of washing baby bottle nipples, none
effectively provide a way to produce a thoroughly cleaned nipple.
Furthermore, no dishwasher basket truly permits straws for
children's cups or non-spill cup valves to be effectively cleaned.
Simply placing the straw or valve in a silverware holder does not
permit the entire interior of the straw or valve to be cleaned.
Also, a silverware basket is usually placed in the lower rack of a
dishwasher, while it may be at times desirable to use the upper
rack of a dishwasher, where there is typically less heat.
[0013] A need therefore exists for providing a dishwasher basket
that has effective means for enabling baby bottle nipples, cup
straws and non-spill cup valves to be effectively and thoroughly
cleaned while in a dishwasher.
[0014] Additionally, current dishwasher baskets require two hands
to open, one hand on the main compartment of the basket and the
other hand on the lid of the basket. A parent who has their hands
full may not find it convenient to put everything down in order to
open up the dishwasher basket to grab a straw or a baby bottle
nipple. Therefore a need exists to enable a dishwasher basket to be
opened using just one hand, permitting free use of the other
hand.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Accordingly, it is an object of certain embodiments of the
invention to provide improved holders for baby bottle nipples,
straws for cups, and valves for cups.
[0016] A first aspect of the invention is an apparatus for
positioning a baby bottle nipple of the type that includes a
nursing end, a mounting flange and an annular undercut area between
the nursing end and the mounting flange. The apparatus has a
dishwasher mounting fixture and nipple mounting structure on the
fixture for securely holding a baby bottle nipple by engaging the
baby bottle nipple at the annular undercut area.
[0017] A second aspect of the invention is a method of cleaning a
baby bottle nipple of the type that includes a nursing end, a
mounting flange and an annular undercut area between the nursing
end and the mounting flange. The method has the steps of securely
mounting a baby bottle nipple in a nipple mounting fixture by
engaging the baby bottle nipple at the annular undercut area with
nipple mounting structure that is provided on the nipple mounting
fixture. The method further has the step of using a dishwasher to
clean the baby bottle nipple while the baby bottle nipple remains
mounted in the nipple mounting fixture.
[0018] A third aspect of the invention is an apparatus for securely
holding small articles for cleansing in a dishwasher having nipple
holding means for securely holding a baby bottle nipple and straw
mounting structure for securely holding a drinking straw.
[0019] A fourth aspect of the invention is an apparatus for
positioning a valve from a non-spill drinking cup for cleaning in a
dishwasher having a fixture and valve mounting structure on the
fixture for securely holding a valve from a non-spill drinking
cup.
[0020] A fifth aspect of the invention is a method of cleaning a
valve from a non-spill drinking cup, comprising steps of: securely
mounting a valve from a non-spill drinking cup to a valve mounting
fixture and using a dishwasher to clean the valve while the valve
remains mounted in the valve mounting fixture.
[0021] These and various other advantages and features of novelty
that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity
in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However,
for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and
the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the
drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying
descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a front view of a dishwasher basket.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a top down isometric view of the dishwasher basket
showing straw holders in a closed position.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a top down isometric view of a dishwasher basket
holding nipples and showing straw holders in a second opened
position holding straws.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a top down view of a nipple holding rack.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a top down view of the straw holder.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view depicting a locking
mechanism.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a top down view of an alternative embodiment of a
straw holder.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the locking system shown in
FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a side view of a first hinge of straw holder in an
open position.
[0031] FIG. 10 is a side view of a first hinge of straw holder in
the closed position.
[0032] FIG. 11 is a top down isometric view of a dishwasher basket
holding valves.
[0033] FIG. 12 is a top down isometric view of a dishwasher basket
holding valves.
[0034] FIG. 13 is a cross-section of a nipple.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0035] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views,
and referring now to FIG. 1, a fixture or dishwasher basket 10 that
is constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention
is shown.
[0036] FIG. 1 shows a front view of dishwasher basket 10 in a
closed position. Dishwasher basket 10 is designed to be placed
within a dishwasher so that smaller articles may be placed within
and throughout the dishwasher basket in order to prevent the
smaller articles from becoming lost within the dishwasher. In
alternative embodiments of the invention, the features of
dishwasher basket 10 could be constructed as integral features of a
dishwasher and not utilized as a supplemental product.
Additionally, some features of dishwasher basket 10 may be utilized
separately from dishwasher basket 10 and be constructed as separate
articles or add-ons for existing dishwashers or dishwasher baskets.
For example, nipple holders 14, 16, and 23, shown in FIGS. 1-4 and
7, may be placed on a separate rack and attached to a dishwasher,
or alternatively may be an integral feature of a dishwasher rack.
Straw holders 20, shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, may additionally be
separately attached to a dishwasher rack or constructed as an
integral feature of a dishwashing machine or dishwasher basket.
[0037] In the example shown in FIGS. 1-3, a dishwasher basket 10
having a lid 4, a container 2, and an interior rack 18 is shown.
Lid 4, container 2, and interior rack 18 are preferably constructed
out of polypropylene in order to be lightweight and relatively
inexpensive to fabricate. However, they may be constructed out of
more durable materials, such as nylon or stainless steel.
[0038] Interior rack 18 is connected to container 2 via hinge
members (not shown). Proximate to the location where the hinge
members used to attach interior rack 18 are connected, hinge
members used in conjunction with lid 4 are attached. When in a
closed position, lid 4 interlocks with interior rack 18 via lid
locking member 12, which is part of locking system 50. Locking
system 50 is described in more detail below. When lid 4 is
interlocked with interior rack 18, both interior rack 18 and lid 4
can move as one unit about their respective hinge members, which
pivot about a common axis. Interior rack 18 has interior rack
locking member 8 that enables interior rack 18 and lid 4 to be
secured to container 2. As is explained in greater detail below,
upon being secured to container 2, a consumer can release interior
rack 18 and lid 4 by pushing unlocking surface 6 located at the
center of container 2.
[0039] Lid 4 comprises a nipple holding rack 44 that has a first
nipple holder 14 and second nipple holder 16. A third nipple holder
23 may be additionally formed in lid 4, shown in FIG. 2. The nipple
holders hold the nipples in an upright fashion within the
dishwasher machine in order to permit the interior of the nipple to
become thoroughly cleaned. In the shown embodiment, the nipple
holders are formed as cutouts in lid 4. In alternative embodiments
nipple holders may be formed in interior rack 18, or be formed in a
separate rack placed elsewhere in dishwasher basket 10. Drainage
spaces 42 are also provided in lid 4 to permit additional drainage
from dishwasher basket 10 during dishwashing. In alternative
embodiments, additional slots, holes, or cutouts, may be provided
in the surface of lid 4 to permit additional drainage of dishwasher
basket 10.
[0040] First nipple holder 14 is sized to hold nipples used with
baby bottles by having nipple 34 placed in nipple holder 14 so that
the top portion 38 of nipple 34 extends above lid 4, and bottom
portion 40 of nipple 34 is below the surface of lid 4 and above the
top surface of interior rack 18 shown in FIG. 3. A nipple is pulled
up through first nipple holder 14 with the under cut 39, shown in
FIG. 13, contacting the sides of first nipple holder 14. This
secures nipple 34. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, a wide mouth,
or oversized nipple may be held stable in nipple holder 14 by its
top portion 38. Nipple holder 14 may have a minimum diameter of
between about 0.5 inches to about 2.0 inches, preferably a minimum
diameter of between about 0.7 inches to about 1.75 inches.
[0041] Nipple holder protrusions 22, shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4,
are arranged around the circumference of first nipple holder 14.
Nipple holder protrusions 22 assist in securing different sizes and
shapes of nipples. Undercut 39 of smaller sized nipples will be
abutted by nipple holder protrusions 22, thereby permitting them to
be maintained in an upright position without contacting interior
rack 18. As shown in FIG. 4, nipple holder protrusions 22
preferably consist of three equidistantly spaced protrusions,
however there may be as many protrusions as deemed necessary to
effectively abut a nipple. In alternative embodiments, nipple
holder protrusions 22 can be flexible so as to more easily
accommodate varying sizes of nipples. Additionally, first nipple
holder 14 is proximate to sizing space 25. Sizing space 25 permits
the extra material from oversized nipples to fit into first nipple
holder 14 while having the nipple maintain an upright position
without contacting interior rack 18 and is constructed out of
polypropylene. Sizing space 25 also functions as additional space
for drainage of dishwasher basket 10 during and after
dishwashing.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, second nipple holder 16 is sized to hold
a baby bottle nipple 34 by a nipple's top portion 38. Second nipple
holder 16 is used in the event that neither a first nipple holder
14 nor a third nipple holder 23 is available due to the number of
nipples to be washed. Second nipple holder 16 can also maintain
smaller sized nipples in an upright position and still prevent the
smaller sized nipples from resting on interior rack 18.
Additionally, a wide mouth, or oversized nipple may be held stable
in nipple holder 16.
[0043] Third nipple holder 23, shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2,
functions in the same manner as nipple holder 14 but does not use
sizing spacer 25 to compensate for oversized nipples. In
alternative embodiments the rack portion that forms lid 4 can be
constructed entirely of third nipple holder 23 cutouts. It is also
possible to secure a wide mouth, or oversized nipple by its top
portion 38 with third nipple holder 23.
[0044] FIG. 2 shows a top down isometric view of dishwasher basket
10 showing straw holders 20 in a closed position. Straw holder 20
is preferably made of polyethylene. Straw holder 20 has two first
hinge members 28 located at the distal ends of straw holder 20.
First hinge members 28 are attached to container 2 at hinge
attachment locations 30. Stop member 36, shown in FIG. 5, is also
attached at hinge attachment location 30 and functions so as to
limit the movement of straw holder 20 during the opening and
closing of straw holder 20. The ability to move straw holder 20
from an open position to a closed position allows the dishwasher
basket to be smaller in size for easier fitting into a dishwasher
when straws are not being washed. In the event that straw holders
20 are not being used, they may be disconnected from the dishwasher
basket 10. In the shown embodiment, first hinge members 28 are
attached to the sides of container 2. Additional straw holders 20
may be attached to container 2 as needed.
[0045] In alternative embodiments straw holders 20 may be attached
elsewhere in a dishwasher to a preexisting dishwasher basket or
directly to a dishwasher rack. Additionally, other means for
connection may be used such as permanent fixtures, for example
ultrasonic welding, solvent bonding, or other non-permanent
connectors, such as clips. Alternatively, straw holders 20 may be
integrated into the basket.
[0046] Straw holders 20 are movable from a first position, shown in
FIG. 2, to a second position, shown in FIG. 3. First hinge members
28 and stop member 36 cooperate in order to limit the movement of
straw holders 20 so that movement of straw holders 20 between the
first position and the second position is limited to a
ninety-degree arc of travel. In FIG. 3, Straw holder 20 has a first
surface and a second surface that together form a restricted
passage. In FIG. 3 the first surface and second surface are the
sides of the hole. These surfaces are used in order to mount the
straw within straw holder 20. The two surfaces are preferably
spaced apart a distance that is between about 0.2 to about 0.9
inches, and more preferably are spaced apart between about 0.25 and
about 0.5 inches. In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 3,
two straw holders 20 are used in cooperation in order to hold
straws 32. In alternative embodiments, fewer or more straw holders
20 may be used in order secure straws 32 depending on the available
space located on dishwasher basket 10. Straw holders 20 secure
straws 32 in an upright position during the usage of a dishwasher
permitting the interior of straws 32 to be thoroughly cleaned.
[0047] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, straw holder 20 has four
straw holes 24. Straw hole 24 may be between about 0.2-0.9 inches,
and is preferably are spaced apart between 0.25 and 0.5 inches.
Each straw hole 24 has flexible tabs 26 extending from the inner
circumference of straw hole 24. In the embodiment shown, four
flexible tabs 26 are spaced equidistantly apart. In alternative
embodiments there may be as many flexible tabs 26 as deemed
necessary in order guide and retain straw 32. In the open, second
position, flexible tabs 26 are angled radially inwardly and
downwardly with respect to the location of lid 4. The angling of
flexible tabs 26 assist in placing straws 32 into straw holes 24.
In the embodiment shown, flexible tabs are flexible thereby
permitting the flexible tabs 26 to bend slightly while placing a
straw 32 into straw hole 24 and facilitating the placement of the
straw within straw hole 24.
[0048] FIG. 6 shows locking system 50, shown in FIG. 1, in more
detail. Locking system 50 comprises a lid locking member 12 located
on lid 4 that interlocks with interior rack locking member 8
located on interior rack 18. Both lid locking member 12 and
interior rack locking member 8 are then secured to container 2. Lid
locking member 12 has a lid lock lip 52 that can be used by a
consumer to disengage lid 4 from interior rack 18. First lid lock
engagement portion 54 located on lid locking member 12 engages
second lid locking engagement portion 56 located on interior rack
locking member 8. When first lid lock engagement portion 54 engages
second lid locking engagement portion 56, lid 4 is attached to
interior rack 18 and both lid 4 and interior rack 18 can move as a
single unit.
[0049] First lock member placement portion 58 and first lock member
engagement portion 60 are located on interior rack lock member 8.
First lock member placement portion 58 and first lock member
engagement portion 60 are then used to engage second lock member
placement portion (not shown) and second lock member engagement
portion 64, respectively. Second lock member placement portion (not
shown) and second lock member engagement portion 64 are located on
container 2. Second lock member portion is a guide member that
assists in guiding interior rack locking member 8. First lock
member placement portion 58 cooperates with second lock member
placement portion to help guide interior rack locking member 8.
First lock member engagement portion 60 engages second lock member
engagement portion 64 in order to secure interior rack locking
member 8 to container 2. When unlocking surface 6 is depressed
second lock member engagement portion 64 disengages first lock
member engagement portion 60 and interior rack 18 and lid 4 are
free to move away from container 2. Unlocking surface 6 can be
depressed using just one hand. This enables a consumer to unlock
the dishwasher basket while keeping one hand free.
[0050] FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of a nipple holding
rack. Nipple holding rack 45 has straw holes 24 and flexible tabs
26. Flexible tabs 26 are made of resilient elastomeric material and
form part of the frictional engagement structure. Straw holes 24
and flexible tabs 26 permit straws to be held by nipple holding
rack 45. This permits straws to be held in an upright position
during dishwashing and permits thorough cleaning of the interior of
straws. There can additionally be corresponding straw holes 24 and
flexible tabs 26 aligned with straw holes 24 and flexible tabs 26
provided on nipple holding rack 45 that are provided on racks
situated below nipple holding rack 45 in a dishwasher basket. When
corresponding straw holes 24 and flexible tabs 26 are provided on
racks situated below nipple holding rack 45 in a dishwasher basket,
the straws are placed with straw holes 24 so as to be secured in
two straw holes 24, similar to straws 32 held in FIG. 3. This would
permit additional stabilizing of the straws during dishwashing and
drying.
[0051] FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of straw holder.
Straw holder 21 has first hinge members 28 and stop members 36.
First hinge members 28 are attached to container 2 at hinge
attachment locations 30. Stop member 36 is also attached at a hinge
attachment location 30 and functions so as to limit the movement of
straw holder 21 during the opening and closing of straw holder 21.
In alternative embodiments, straw holder 21 may be attached
directly within the dishwasher, or may be formed as an integral
part of a dishwasher. First hinge members 28 and stop member 36
cooperate in order to limit the movement of straw holders 21 so
that straw holders 21 when moved from a first position to a second
position moves in a ninety-degree arc.
[0052] Straw holder 21 uses a resilient clip formed by first clip
member 46 and second clip member 48 to secure straws. First clip
member 46 and second clip member 48 are biased towards each other
so that a constant force is applied to the surface of a straw when
clipped. Straw holder 21 can be used in conjunction with additional
straw holders 21 in order to provide more stability for a straw
during the dishwashing process.
[0053] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of first hinge 28 of
straw holder 20 in the open, second position. First hinge 28 is
connected at attachment locations 30 on container 2. FIG. 10 shows
a cross-sectional view of first hinge 28 of straw holder 20 in the
closed, first position. As is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, hinge 28 is
constructed of an inner pin having an outer surface that has a
square cross-section, and an outer housing having a square internal
surface that rides over the outer surface as the hinge 28 moves
between the first and second positions. Accordingly, straw holder
20 is biased so as to favor placement in either the first or second
positions.
[0054] FIGS. 11 and 12 show an alternative embodiment of a
dishwasher basket. In the alternative embodiment rack 19 is
designed to hold non-spill cup valves. FIG. 11 shows rack 19
holding valves 72a, 72b and 72c. FIG. 12 shows valve 72d being held
in rack 19. Rack 19 may be used in dishwasher basket 10, shown in
FIGS. 1-3, in place of rack 18. Additionally, lid 4 shown in FIGS.
1-3 may be used with the dishwasher basket shown in FIGS. 11 and
12. Rack 19 may also be used separately.
[0055] Rack 19 is preferably constructed out of polypropylene in
order to be lightweight and relatively inexpensive to fabricate.
However, it may be constructed out of more durable materials, such
as nylon or stainless steel.
[0056] Rack 19 has valve holding members 70 and valve retaining
members 68. Rack 19 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 has eight valve
holding members 70 and four valve retaining members 68. The number
of valve holding members 70 and valve retaining members 68 can vary
depending on the size and shape of rack 19.
[0057] Valve holding member 70 generally consists of a hole in rack
19 that is preferably is sized to be within a range of about 0.1
inches to about 0.5 inches, and more preferably within a range of
about 0.2 inches to about 0.4 inches. Valve holding member 70 may
additionally have protrusions similar to those used with nipple
holding member 14. Valve retaining member 68 is a raised portion
generally oval in shape that is approximately 0.1 to 0.5 inches
above the surface of rack 19, and is preferably between 0.2 and 0.4
inches above the surface of rack 19. A plastic support member
suspends valve retaining member 68 above the surface of rack 19 and
one plastic support member may support more than one valve
retaining member 68.
[0058] Valve holding members 70 and valve retaining members 68 may
work in conjunction in order to secure and mount various shaped
non-spill cup valves. Valve holding members 70 and valve retaining
members 68 maintain the valves in an upright position during the
washing of the products. Being maintained in an upright position
ensures that the valves are thoroughly cleaned.
[0059] FIGS. 11 and 12 show various types of valves that are used
in non-spill cups. The valves illustrated are not exhaustive of the
various possible configurations that a valve may take and that rack
19 may be able to hold. In FIG. 11 the base portion of a valve 72a,
which is of a design that is sold by Munchkin, Inc., is retained in
valve holding member 70 and portion of valve 72a is retained under
the oval portion of valve retaining member 68. Valve retaining
member 68 limits the movement of valve 72a by maintaining valve
72a's position during the washing process. Valve 72b comes from a
different type of non-spill cup, namely that marketed by Luv 'N
Care, and a circular portion of valve 72b is placed in valve
holding member 70, while another circular portion of valve 72b is
placed in another valve holding member 70. Valve 72c, which is a
design marketed by Gerber, is also held within valve holding member
70 and the top surface portion of valve 72c may additionally be
retained by valve retaining member 68. Valve 72d, a type marketed
by Playtex, shown in FIG. 12, is secured by valve retaining member
68. Alternatively, valve 72d may have the circular portions placed
within valve holding members 70 and also be secured by valve
retaining member 68.
[0060] Valve holding member 70 and valve retaining member 68 may be
utilized separately from the dishwasher basket and be constructed
as separate articles or add-ons for existing dishwashers or
dishwasher baskets. For example, rack 19, may be attached to a
dishwasher, or alternatively may be an integral feature of a
dishwasher rack.
[0061] FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a nipple 34 for use
with baby bottles. Nipple 34 has a top nursing portion 38 that is
used for nursing infants. Nipple 34 further has a bottom mounting
flange portion 40 that is wider in diameter than top portion 38. At
the location where top portion 38 and bottom portion 40 meet is an
undercut 39. In using dishwasher basket 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3,
nipple 34 is placed in first nipple holder 14, or third nipple
holder 23, so that top portion 38 of nipple 34 extends above lid 4,
and bottom portion 40 of nipple 34 is below the surface of lid 4
and above the top surface of interior rack 18 shown in FIG. 3.
Nipple 34 is pulled up through first nipple holder 14 with the
undercut 39, shown in FIG. 13, contacting the sides of first nipple
holder 14 and securing nipple 34. Additionally, nipple holder
protrusions 22 may engage undercut 39 in order to further secure
nipple 34 in first nipple holder 14, or third nipple holder 23.
[0062] While the structures disclosed above are described for the
preferred use of mounting baby bottle nipples, feeding straws and
valves within a dishwasher, it is equally within the invention to
use the disclosed structure to mount such articles for other
purposes, such as for a drying rack for drying the articles after
hand washing and/or rinsing.
[0063] It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous
characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been
set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of
the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is
illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in
matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the
principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the
broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are
expressed.
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