U.S. patent application number 15/345859 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-10 for breast milk buddy.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lisa Sewell. Invention is credited to Lisa Sewell.
Application Number | 20180127187 15/345859 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62065524 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180127187 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sewell; Lisa |
May 10, 2018 |
BREAST MILK BUDDY
Abstract
A breast milk or formula thermos is provided. The thermos
assembly includes a body; a screw lid on top with a pour spout and
a handle. The assembly allows the user to dispose the mother's milk
inside the thermos before leaving the house and fed to the baby
when desired. Furthermore, one can simply pour the milk from the
thermos without needing to heat it.
Inventors: |
Sewell; Lisa; (Indian Land,
SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sewell; Lisa |
Indian Land |
SC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62065524 |
Appl. No.: |
15/345859 |
Filed: |
November 8, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/18 20130101;
B65D 47/06 20130101; B65D 25/2805 20130101; B65D 51/245 20130101;
B65D 47/249 20130101; B65D 85/80 20130101; A47J 41/00 20130101;
B65D 43/0225 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/18 20060101
B65D081/18; B65D 43/02 20060101 B65D043/02; B65D 47/06 20060101
B65D047/06; B65D 47/24 20060101 B65D047/24; B65D 25/28 20060101
B65D025/28; B65D 85/80 20060101 B65D085/80; B65D 51/24 20060101
B65D051/24 |
Claims
1. A thermos assembly comprising: a body; a screw lid configured to
fit on top of the body; a pour spout; a lever configured to open
and close the spout; and a handle.
2. The thermos assembly of claim 1, wherein the lever is in close
proximity to the handle for actuation of the lever by one hand.
3. The thermos assembly of claim 1, wherein the lever includes a
distal end and a near end and wherein the distal end is actuated by
the near end to open a valve of the spout.
4. The thermos assembly of claim 1, wherein said assembly comprises
a desired amount of open head space on the top for collecting
milk.
5. The thermos assembly of claim 1, wherein said screw lid on the
top of the head space is configured to screw tightly over the body
of thermos to provide a tight seal.
6. The thermos assembly of claim 1, wherein said lid is configured
for easy removal and preventing leakage.
7. The thermos assembly of claim 1, wherein said lid is configured
to fit with a plurality of pitchers.
8. The thermos assembly of claim 1, wherein said lever is
configured to be pulled down to open the spout.
9. The thermos assembly of claim 1, wherein the thermos assembly
can maintain a temperature of the milk around a human body
temperature.
10. The thermos assembly of claim 1, wherein the thermos assembly
can maintain a temperature of the milk around 94 F-98.6 F
11. The thermos assembly of claim 1, wherein the lever and the
spout is disposed on the lid.
12. The thermos assembly of claim 3, wherein the distal end and a
near end are coupled by a spring.
13. The thermos assembly of claim 3, wherein a valve of the spout
is actuated by the lever externally.
14. A breast milk thermos assembly comprising a body and a screw
lid on top with a pour spout engaged with said body, wherein said
screw lid includes a plurality of decorative forms.
15. The breast milk thermos assembly of claim 14, wherein said
decorative forms include at least one of a ladybug, butterfly,
flowers, kitty, puppy, dinosaur, elephant, and fish.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to infant feeding
devices.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Without a doubt, a newborn and infant will feed at its own
schedule. This child cries until it is fed. The problem is that
often, a parent is required to go downstairs (or elsewhere) and
remove milk/formula from the cooler (e.g., refrigerator) or prepare
it from scratch, heat it, and then come upstairs, all while the
child cries. Most parents recognize that the time spent making up
the bottle is agonizing for the parent and the child.
[0003] In addition, traveling poses unique problems for the parents
and the children. While travelling it is nearly impossible to
adequately transport formula or breast milk because of cooling and
then subsequent heating needs. Similarly, in overnight lodgings,
often times the lodgings are not equipped with ovens, microwave
ovens, or refrigerators, etc. and accordingly portable devices that
can keep breast milk and formula in constant temperature are highly
appreciated.
[0004] Partial solutions exist to some of the identified problems.
But they fail in most respects. Some devices include flash warmers
that heat a bottle quickly. Flash warmers, however, require removal
of the bottle from the refrigerator. This definitely means a trip
to the refrigerator by the parent and takes time. Most importantly,
though, the flash one cannot be adapted to have a bottle ready for
when the child awakes or crying.
[0005] Devices in the art discuss having a separate warming and
cooling compartments. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,435 to
Fosco, Jr. discloses a Bottle Warmer or Cooler. U.S. Pat. No.
3,658,122 to Kalyk discloses a Baby Bottle Warming Container and
Method of Attaining Thermal Equilibrium. U.S. Pat. No. Des. 257,549
to Chapman discloses a Combined Bottle Warmer and Measuring Spoon.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,163,471 to Leder discloses a Forced Convection Heat
Exchanger for Warming Articles. U.S. Pat. No. Des. 308,154 to Tow
discloses a Baby Bottle Warmer. Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,402,763 to
Peterson discloses a Device for Warming or Cooling Infant Food.
Such prior devices depict bottles and other containers which are
often used to store consumable liquids that require heating or
cooling prior to consumption. Often times, it is observed that when
someone in traveling, it can be difficult to find an adequate means
to heat or cool such a liquid. Presently, some disclosures exist to
address this problem, but few provide a simple solution.
[0006] In this respect, the thermal breast milk device according to
the present disclosure substantially departs from the conventional
concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an
apparatus developed for the purpose of maintaining a temperature of
breast milk and baby formula warm around a human body
temperature.
SUMMARY
[0007] In an example embodiment, the present disclosure provides an
improved device for keeping breast milk and baby formula warm at
and around 37.degree. C.
[0008] In an another example embodiment, the present disclosure
provides a device for keeping fresh breast milk and formula at
constant temperature.
[0009] In yet another example embodiment, the present disclosure
provides a method to for keeping the breast milk or formula in
selective sealed container.
[0010] In yet another example embodiment, the present disclosure
provides a breast milk storage thermos that reduces the risk of
spillage and contamination.
[0011] In yet another example embodiment, the present disclosure
provides a breast milk storage thermos that enables quick access of
warm breast milk or formula at the time when feeding required.
[0012] In yet another example embodiment, the present disclosure
provides a method of keeping breast milk or formula in the thermos
that is available in standard or decorative form.
[0013] In yet another example embodiment, the present disclosure
provides thermos for breast milk or formula which is economic in
fabricating and is easy to use so that it may be widely
utilized.
[0014] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the
disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0015] For a better understanding of the disclosure, its operating
advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference
should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter
in which there are illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The example embodiments of the inventive aspects will be
better understood from the following brief description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawing FIGS. 1-5
represent non-limiting, example embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 1A is a side view of the breast milk feeding and
storage device according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 1B is a top view of the upper lid with a pull tab
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure:
[0019] FIG. 1C is a top view of the upper lid with a pull tab
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure:
[0020] FIG. 1C is a top side view of the upper lid with a pull tab
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 2A is an isometric view of the breast milk feeding and
storage device according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 2B is an isometric view of the breast milk feeding and
storage device according to another embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 3A is atop view of the upper lid with a pull tab
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 3B is a side view of the breast milk feeding and
storage device according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 4A shows top view of lever and spout in the lid
according an example embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 4B shows side view of lever and spout according an
another example embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 4C shows side view of lever and spout according to yet
another example embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 4D shows side view of the lever and spout according to
yet another example embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 4D shows an isometric view of lever and spout according
to yet another example embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 5 shows lever externally coupled to the valve according
to an example embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the breast milk feeding and
storage device according to another example embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 7 shows top part of the breast milk feeding and storage
device when the lid is closed according to another example
embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a side view of the breast milk feeding and storage
device according to another example embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 9 shows top part of the breast milk feeding and storage
device when the lid is open according to another example
embodiment; and
[0035] FIG. 10 shows top part of the breast milk feeding and
storage device when the lid is open according to another example
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is
shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the
disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the disclosure, and it is to be understood that the embodiments may
be combined, or that other embodiments may be utilized and that
structural and logical changes may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
[0037] FIGS. 1-2 show an embodiment of the present breast milk
thermos comprising a body 10; a screw lid 11 on top with a pour
spout 12 and a handle 13. A lever 14 is configured to open the pour
spout. One end 15 of the lever 14 is coupled to the valve 17 of the
pour spout 12 and the other end 16 of the lever 14 is positioned
above the handle 13.
[0038] In an example embodiment, the lever 14 may be a spring
loaded lever such that the valve 17 of the pour spout 12 remains
closed when it is in the position shown in FIG. 2A, 2B. The lever
end 16 is pressed down to open the spout valve 17 to pour the milk
into another container.
[0039] The present breast milk thermos can be made available in
standard or decorative form which is further differentiated on the
basis of its decorative design. For example, if it is used for
girls, it is decorated with ladybug, butterfly, flowers, and kitty
and like. Similarly, in case of boys it is decorated with puppy,
dinosaur, elephant, and fish and like.
[0040] The breast milk thermos provides a top lid screw 11
configured to tightly fit with the body of thermos 10 and
configured to provide a tight seal as shown in FIGS. 2B-3B, 6, 8
and 10 which can be easily removed and cleaned and prevent
leakage.
[0041] In an example embodiment, the lid is configured to fit
universally on all pitchers.
[0042] In another example embodiment, the lever and pour spout may
be disposed on the lid.
[0043] In yet another example embodiment, the valve 17 may be
actuated by the end 16 of the lever via a spring 21 attached to the
wall of the thermos. In an example embodiment, such lever and
spring mechanism may be attached to the thermos internally without
letting the milk be in contact with the parts of the lever.
[0044] In an example embodiment, the valve 17 can be actuated
externally by the lever 16 which is coupled to the valve 17 via a
spring mechanism 32 attached to the lever 16 externally.
Accordingly, the parts used in the actuation of the vale 17 may not
be needed in contact with the liquid contained inside the thermos.
While the valve 17 can be actuated externally, the parts used in
actuation maybe covered by an external layer or cover so that the
parts of the lever mechanism still remain inside the thermos and
not exposed outside.
[0045] In a further example embodiment, the valve 17 can be
actuated by a magnetic means coupled to the end of the lever
16.
[0046] FIG. 6 shows lid 9, spout 12, lever 16, handle 13 and thread
11 of the lid 9 of the thermos according another example
embodiment. The thread 11 is configured to engage the lid 9 with
the thermos to tightly close the lid after collecting milk in the
thermos. In an example embodiment, the lever 16 is coupled to the
valve of the spout such that when a user pushes the lever 16, the
valve opens to allow the milk to come out from the spout. In an
example embodiment, the lever mechanism is coupled to the valve
externally such that the liquid inside the thermos does not contact
with the lever to avoid any kind of contamination of the milk.
[0047] Advantageously, with the help of present device, the
mother's milk is disposed in the thermos container before leaving
the house and fed to the baby when desired. Also, it provides a
convenient amount of head space which makes milk collection rapid
and convenient. Furthermore, one can simply pour the milk from the
thermos by one hand using the level mechanism and it does not
require any heating.
[0048] The appealing features of the breast milk storage thermos
are its convenient design, ease of use and practicality. This
device is a valuable accessory for many busy parents. This device
allows parents the freedom of traveling or pursuing leisure
activities with their babies with the assurance that they are able
to keep warm formula or milk when they desire since the temperature
of this accessory is maintained for several hours.
[0049] With respect to the above description, it is to be realized
that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts to include
variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of
operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and
obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships
to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the
specification are intended to be encompassed by the present
disclosure.
[0050] It is to be understood that the above description is
intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the
above-discussed embodiments may be used in combination with each
other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in
the art upon reviewing the above description.
[0051] The benefits and advantages which may be provided by the
present disclosure have been described above with regard to
specific embodiments. These benefits and advantages, and any
elements or limitations that may cause them to occur or to become
more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or
essential features of any or all of the embodiments.
[0052] While the present disclosure has been described with
reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that
the embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the
disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Many variations,
modifications, additions and improvements to the embodiments
described above are possible. It is contemplated that these
variations, modifications, additions and improvements fall within
the scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *