Identification device for bottle

Abstract

In one embodiment, an identification device for a baby or infant bottle comprises an annular collar sized to be placed around the neck portion of the bottle and an elongated, flexible strap secured to and extending from the collar. The strap is of sufficient length to extend over the nipple of the cap and allow the free end portion of the strap to be connected to the collar. The child's name can be written directly on the strap, or alternatively, the child's name can be written on a label that can be applied to the strap.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/717,350, filed Sep. 14, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a removable identification device for a bottle, such as an infant's bottle.

BACKGROUND

[0003] With the prevalent use of daycare centers, a need has been created for a means of quickly and easily associating a bottle with a particular infant to prevent the bottle from being given to the wrong infant.

[0004] In the past, it has been common practice to write the infant's name on a piece of tape, and affixing the tape to the body of the bottle. Such practice suffers from a number of disadvantages. Infants often are able to remove the tape from the bottle. Further, the tape must be removed to properly clean the bottle, and often leaves an undesirable sticky residue. Another common practice is to write the infant's name on the bottle using a "permanent" marker. Unfortunately, even when using a permanent marker, the child's name can rub off when the bottle is cleaned or placed in a warming bath. Moreover, such markings often are written on the side of the bottle in an inconspicuous manner, and therefore can be easily overlooked by the day care provider.

SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure concerns embodiments of an identification device for an infant's bottle that can be used, for example, in a day care to assist day care providers in identifying an infant's bottle. According to one representative embodiment, the identification device comprises an annular collar sized to be placed around the neck portion of the bottle and an elongated, flexible strap secured to and extending from the collar. The strap is of sufficient length to extend over the nipple of the bottle and allow the free end portion of the strap to be connected to the collar. If the bottle has a removable cap for covering the nipple, the strap can be sized to extend over the cap when placed on the bottle. The child's name can be written directly on the strap, or alternatively, the child's name can be written on a label that can be applied to the strap.

[0006] According to another representative embodiment, a method of using an identification device for an infant's bottle is provided. The method comprises placing liquid in the bottle, placing a collar of the identification device around the neck of the bottle, installing a cap on the neck so as to retain the collar thereon, and extending a strap connected to the collar over the cap and connecting a free end of the strap to the collar. The strap can have identification indicia (e.g., a child's name) identifying the bottle as belonging to a child.

[0007] According to still another representative embodiment, an infant bottle assembly comprises a bottle having a neck portion, a removable cap, a nipple supported by the cap, and an identification device. The identification device comprises a collar adapted to be placed around the neck portion and a flexible strap having first and second end portions. The strap is of sufficient length to extend over the nipple and to allow the first and second portions to be connected to the collar at generally diametrically opposite locations on the collar. The strap can have identification indicia (e.g., a child's name) identifying the bottle as belonging to a child.

[0008] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an identification device installed on a baby bottle, according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the identification device shown removed from the bottle.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the identification device similar to FIG. 1 but shown without the bottle for clarity.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the identification device, according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" refer to one or more than one, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0014] As used herein, the term "includes" means "comprises." For example, a device that includes or comprises A and B contains A and B but may optionally contain C or other components other than A and B. A device that includes or comprises A or B may contain A or B or A and B, and optionally one or more other components such as C.

[0015] Referring to the figures, there is shown a removable, baby bottle identification device, indicated generally at 10. The identification device 10 can be adapted to be installed on and removed from a conventional baby bottle 12. The construction of the bottle 12 can be conventional and can include a removable cap, or top, 32 supporting a nipple portion 34. The cap 32 can be mountable to the neck portion 30 of the bottle, for example, by tightening the cap 32 onto mating threads (not shown) on the outside of the neck portion 30. The bottle can also include a removable cap 44 that covers the nipple 34.

[0016] The identification device 10 in the illustrated configuration comprises a body 14 having a one-piece, or unitary, construction. The body 14 in particular embodiments has an annular collar 16 and a flexible and/or elastomeric elongated strap 18 extending from the collar 16. As used herein, the terms "one-piece" or "unitary" construction refer to a construction that does not include any welds, fasteners, or other means for securing separately formed pieces of material to each other.

[0017] The collar 16 can be sized and shaped to be placed around the neck portion 30 of the bottle 12. The device 10 can be installed on the bottle 12 by removing the cap 32 and placing the collar 16 on the neck portion 30. The cap 32 can then be reinstalled on the neck portion 30, retaining the collar 16 on the neck portion 30. The collar 16 desirably has a diameter sufficiently large to receive the neck of most standard sized bottles, but yet is smaller than the periphery of a standard sized cap 32. In particular embodiments, the collar 16 has an inner diameter of about 1.5 inches. Of course, these specific dimensions (as well as other dimensions provided in the present specification) are given to illustrate the invention and not to limit it. The dimensions provided herein can be modified as needed in different applications or situations. For example, the diameter of the collar can be increased or decreased as necessary for different bottles.

[0018] The strap 18 has a first end portion 20 secured to the collar 16 and is of sufficient length to allow the strap 18 to be extended over the nipple portion 34 (and the cap 44 covering the nipple, if used) and allow a second, free end portion 22 of the strap to be secured or connected to the collar 16 such as at a location generally opposite the first end portion 20, as depicted in FIG. 1. Although variable, the strap 18 in particular embodiments is about 7 inches in length. The first end portion 20 in the illustrated embodiment is integral with the collar 16 (the strap and the collar form a unitary body 14), although in other embodiments the strap can be completely removable from the collar.

[0019] To connect the free end portion 22 to the collar 16, the free end portion 22 can be formed with a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart apertures 24, which are adapted to be received by a prong or projection 26 (FIG. 2) extending from the collar 16 opposite the first end 20 of the strap. The prong 26 desirably includes an enlarged end portion 28 that is larger than each of the apertures 24 in at least one dimension (the width and/or length of the apertures). The end portion 28 can be, for example, spherical or bulbous as shown, square, rectangular, or combinations thereof. When the device 10 is installed on the bottle 12, the strap 18 can be extended over the nipple portion 34 (and if used, the cap 44) and secured to the collar by inserting end portion 28 of the prong 26 into one of the apertures 24. The elasticity of the strap 18 and/or end portion 28 allow for slight deformation of the apertures 24 and/or end portion 28 when inserting end portion 28 into an aperture 24. Once inserted, the end portion 28 retains the strap in the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The free end portion 22 can be easily removed from the prong 26 by applying a light tugging force on the end of the strap.

[0020] Other techniques or attachment mechanisms can be implemented to connect and disconnect the free end portion 22 of the strap from the collar 16. For example, the free end portion 22 of the strap can be adapted to extend through a slot formed in the collar 16. Other fastening devices, such as a hook-and-loop type fastener (Velcro), snaps, or adhesives also can be used.

[0021] In alternative embodiments, the body can be formed from multiple components that are separately formed and subsequently joined or connected to each other. For example, the collar 16 and the strap 18 can be separately formed (e.g., separately molded) and then joined to each other, such as by welding the components to each other or by securing the components to each other using an adhesive or a fastener. In other embodiments, the strap 18 can be configured to be completely removable from the collar 16. For instance, the first end portion 20 can be formed with a plurality of spaced apart apertures 24 that are sized to receive a prong or projection (such as prong 26) on the collar 16 opposite the prong 26. Alternatively, a fastener can be provided on the first end portion 20 of the strap to permit that end portion to be connected to and removed from the collar.

[0022] The device 10 can be made from any of various suitable materials, including, without limitation, rubber or any of various synthetic polymers, such as urethane, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or ethylene vinyl acetate, to name a few. In certain embodiments, the material for making the device 10 is selected to be dishwasher safe for ease of cleaning. The device can be manufactured using any suitable technique for forming such materials, such as molding (e.g., injection molding), extrusion, casting, or combinations of these processes.

[0023] The device 10 provides a convenient way for identifying a bottle as belonging to a particular child in a day care environment or similar situation. In this manner, identification indicia, such as the child's name, can be provided on a convenient location on the device. For example, in particular embodiments, the child's name can be written directly on the strap 18, or alternatively, the child's name can be written on a label 40 (FIG. 2) that can be applied in a slightly recessed area 36 on the strap 18. Such a label can be any commercially available label (e.g., a gummed or adhesive label) that can be temporarily or permanently applied. The label 40 desirably conforms in shape to the recessed area 36 such that when the label is applied, the peripheral edge of the label resides in close proximity to the outer ridge 38 of area 36. Ridge 38 tends to impede inadvertent removal of the label and removal by infants, although the label can be readily removed by adults. In alternative embodiments, the device 10 can be provided in different colors as a further discriminate and/or can have the child's name permanently applied to the strap during the manufacturing process, such as by printing the name on the strap or molding the child's name directly in the strap, such as shown at 42 in FIG. 4.

[0024] The bottle. 12 can be placed in a warming bath while the device 10 is installed on the bottle in the manner shown in FIG. 1. In one approach, the strap 18 is kept in the "latched" position secured to the prong 26 and is "unlatched" (removed from the prong 26) only after the day care provider identifies the child to which the bottle belongs and immediately prior to giving the bottle to the child. Implementation of this technique can provide an additional level of protection against providing a child the wrong bottle.

[0025] Additionally, the strap 18 also can function as a handle for picking up and/or carrying the bottle 12. For example, the strap 18 can be used to easily remove the bottle 12 from a warming bath.

[0026] The identification device 10 also can be adapted for use on conventional non-spill ("tippy") cups.

[0027] In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed invention may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. I therefore claim as my invention all that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims.

Claims

1. An identification device for an infant bottle having a neck portion and a removable cap supporting a nipple, comprising: an annular collar sized to be placed around the neck portion of the bottle; and an elongated, flexible strap having first and second end portions, the first end portion being secured to the collar, the second end portion being configured to be removably connected to the collar, the strap being of sufficient length to extend over the nipple and allow the second end portion to be connected to the collar at a location generally opposite the location at which the first end portion is secured to the collar, and the strap having identification indicia identifying the bottle as belonging to a child.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a projection extending from the collar, the second end portion being formed with at least one aperture sized to receive the projection such that when the strap is extended over the nipple, the second end portion can be held in place by inserting the projection through the aperture.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the projection has an enlarged end portion that is larger than the aperture.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the projection end portion is generally spherical.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one aperture comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart apertures formed in the second end portion of the strap.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the strap is formed with a recessed area between the first and second end portions adapted to receive a label having the identification indicia.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the bottle has a removable cap that covers the nipple when placed on the bottle, and the strap is of sufficient length to extend over the cap covering the nipple and allow the second end portion to be connected to the collar at a location generally opposite the location at which the first end portion is secured to the collar.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the collar and the strap comprise a one-piece construction.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the collar and the strap and integrally molded.

10. A method of using an identification device for an infant's bottle, the identification device comprising an annular collar and an elongated strap extending from the collar, the method comprising: placing liquid in the bottle; placing the collar of the identification device around the neck of the bottle; installing a cap on the neck so as to retain the collar thereon; and extending the strap over the cap and connecting a free end of the strap to the collar, the strap having identification indicia identifying the bottle as belonging to a child.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising placing a label on the strap, the label having the identification indicia comprising a child's name written thereon to identify the bottle as belonging to the child.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: identifying the child to which the bottle belongs; removing the free end of the strap from the collar; and feeding the liquid in the bottle to the child.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising: storing the bottle with the strap extending over the cap and the free end of the strap connected to the collar; removing the bottle from storage and identifying the child to which the bottle belongs; removing the free end of the strap from the collar; and feeding the liquid in the bottle to the child.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising placing the bottle in a warming bath to warm the liquid prior to feeding the child.

15. An infant bottle assembly comprising: a bottle having a neck portion; a removable cap; a nipple supported by the cap; and an identification device comprising a collar adapted to be placed around the neck portion and a flexible strap having first and second end portions, the strap being of sufficient length to extend over the nipple and the allow the first and second portions to be connected to the collar at generally diametrically opposite locations on the collar, and the strap having identification indicia identifying the bottle as belonging to a child.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the collar and the strap comprise a unitary construction with the first end portion of the strap being integral with the collar.

17. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the first and second end portions of the strap are configured to connected to and removable from the collar.

18. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the identification indicia comprises the child's name molded in the strap.

19. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the identification device further comprises means for connecting and disconnecting the second end portion from the collar.

20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein said means comprises a projection extending from the collar, and at least one aperture formed in the strap second end portion and sized to receive the projection such that when the strap is extended over the nipple, the second end portion can be held in place by inserting the projection through the aperture.