U.S. patent number RE43,635 [Application Number 09/902,904] was granted by the patent office on 2012-09-11 for bottle rack.
Invention is credited to Steven B. Dunn, Grace C. Petterson, legal representative, Tor H. Petterson.
United States Patent |
RE43,635 |
Dunn , et al. |
September 11, 2012 |
Bottle rack
Abstract
An apparatus for drying and storing an article, such as a baby
bottle, after washing and rinsing includes a tray having a bottom
face that is adapted to be supported by an underlying surface such
as a counter-top, and an upper face. A plurality of pegs extend out
from the upper face, and each peg is sized and arranged so as to be
able to support an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing
and rinsing. Each peg is mounted to the tray in such a manner as to
be movable between a first storage position, wherein the entire peg
is positioned relatively close to the upper face for storage and
packaging, and a second, operative position. This permits the
apparatus to be conveniently folded for packaging and storage
purposes. Another aspect of the apparatus involves disk holding
structure, connected to the upper face of the tray, for holding
baby bottle disks in a location that is isolated from areas of the
tray in which liquid may collect. This permits baby bottle disks to
be dried and stored in a safe manner at a location that is
convenient to a location at which baby bottles are being dried.
Inventors: |
Dunn; Steven B. (Beverly Hills,
CA), Petterson; Tor H. (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA),
Petterson, legal representative; Grace C. (San Pedro, CA) |
Family
ID: |
22351990 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/902,904 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
09113868 |
Jul 10, 1998 |
6038784 |
Mar 21, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
34/104; 211/74;
211/41.6; 248/102; 34/107 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F26B
25/18 (20130101); A47L 19/04 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F26B
25/18 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;34/437,440,104,105,106,107
;211/41.3,41.5,41.6,74,71.01,181.1,70.7,85.18,85.25,41.4
;248/102 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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685919 |
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Nov 1995 |
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CH |
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403.288 |
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Oct 1909 |
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FR |
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403288 |
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Oct 1909 |
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FR |
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12089 |
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1915 |
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GB |
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160098 |
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May 1920 |
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GB |
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174267 |
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Nov 1920 |
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GB |
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160098 |
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Mar 1921 |
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GB |
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2260483 |
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Apr 1993 |
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GB |
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Other References
Product Literature of Safety 1st entitled "Bottle & Nipple
Drying Rack," 1996. cited by other .
Product Literature of Mommy's Helper, Inc. entitled "Drain 'N Dry
Bottle Drying Rack," 1996. cited by other.
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Primary Examiner: Gravini; Stephen M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Evora, Esq.; Robert Z. Knoble,
Esq.; John L.
Claims
What is claimed is:
.[.1. An apparatus for storing an article, comprising: a tray
having a bottom face that is adapted to be supported by an
underlying surface such as a counter-top, and an upper face; and a
plurality of pegs extending outwardly from said upper face, each of
said pegs being sized and arranged so as to be able to support an
article, and wherein each of said pegs are permanently mounted to
said tray in such a manner as to be movable between a first storage
position, wherein said entire peg is positioned adjacent to said
upper face for storage and packaging of said apparatus, and a
second, operative position, wherein said peg is positioned so as to
extend outwardly from said upper surface, so as to enable said peg
to support an article, wherein said apparatus can conveniently be
folded for packaging and storage purposes..].
.[.2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pegs are
mounted to said tray in such a manner that no standing water may
collect at a point where a peg is mounted, thereby minimizing
potential for mold and bacterial growth..].
.[.3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pegs are
mounted to said tray in such a manner as to be movable only about a
single axis of rotation..].
.[.4. An apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising means
for imparting lateral stability to said pegs, further deterring any
motion other than about said single axis of rotation..].
.[.5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said means for
imparting lateral stability to said pegs comprises at least one
axle joining adjacent pegs together for common, ganged movement
about a common axis of rotation..].
.[.6. An apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising
location means for locking said axle in a rotational position that
corresponds to said second operative position..].
.[.7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said location
means comprises means, connected to said axle, for frictional
engaging said upper surface of said tray..].
.[.8. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a
collection reservoir defined in said tray for collecting any liquid
that might run out of articles during drying..].
9. .[.An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising.].
.Iadd.An apparatus for storing an article, comprising: a tray
having a bottom face that is adapted to be supported by an
underlying surface, and an upper face; and a plurality of pegs
extending outwardly from said upper face, each of said pegs being
sized and arranged so as to be able to support an article,.Iaddend.
disk holding means, connected to said upper face of said tray, for
holding baby bottle disks in a location that is isolated from areas
of said tray in which liquid may collect.Iadd.; and wherein each of
said pegs are permanently mounted to said tray in such a manner as
to be movable between a first storage position, wherein said entire
peg is positioned adjacent to said upper face for storage and
packaging of said apparatus, and a second, operative position,
wherein said peg is positioned so as to extend outwardly from said
upper surface, so as to enable said peg to support an article,
wherein said apparatus can conveniently be folded for packaging and
storage purposes.Iaddend..
10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said disk holding
means comprises an upstanding boss member that is raised from said
upper face of said tray, and a plurality of disk-receiving slots
defined in said boss member.
.[.11. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of ring support members that are constructed and arranged
to support a ring portion of a baby bottle..].
.[.12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said ring
support members include a stop member for supporting a ring member
above and out of contact from said upper face of said tray..].
.[.13. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said nipple
support members are mounted to said tray in such a manner as to be
movable between a first storage position, wherein said entire
nipple support member is positioned adjacent to said upper face for
storage and packaging of said apparatus, and a second, operative
position, wherein said nipple support member is positioned at a
large angle with respect to said upper face..].
.[.14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said nipple
support members are mounted to said tray in such a manner as to be
movable only about a single axis of rotation..].
.[.15. An apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising means
for imparting lateral stability to said nipple support members,
further deterring any motion other than about said single axis of
rotation..].
.[.16. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said means for
imparting lateral stability to said nipple support members
comprises at least one axle joining adjacent nipple support members
together for common, ganged movement about a common axis of
rotation..].
.[.17. An apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising
location means for locking said axle in a rotational position that
corresponds to said second operative position..].
.[.18. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a
cutout area on a side of said apparatus for facilitating lifting of
said apparatus by a user..].
19. An apparatus for drying and storing an article, comprising: a
tray having a bottom face that is adapted to be supported by an
underlying surface .[.such as a counter-top,.]. and an upper face;
bottle support means for supporting a baby bottle; and disk holding
means, connected to said upper face of said tray, for holding baby
bottle disks in a location that is isolated from areas of said tray
in which liquid may collect, whereby baby bottle disks are and
stored in a safe manner at a location that is convenient to a
location at which baby bottles are being dried.
20. An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said disk holding
means comprises an upstanding boss member that is raised from said
upper face of said tray, and a plurality of disk-receiving slots
defined in said boss member.
.Iadd.21. An apparatus for supporting baby bottles for drying,
comprising: a tray having a bottom portion that is adapted to be
supported by an underlying surface and an upper portion; a
plurality of pegs extending outwardly from said upper portion, each
of said pegs being sized and arranged so as to be able to support a
baby bottle; mounting means for mounting said pegs to said tray so
that said pegs are movable while mounted to said tray between a
first storage position, wherein said entire peg is positioned
adjacent to said upper portion for storage and packaging of said
apparatus, and a second, operative position, wherein said peg is
positioned so as to extend outwardly from said upper portion, so as
to enable said peg to support an article, wherein said apparatus
can conveniently be folded for packaging and storage purposes;
frictional means connected to said pegs for frictionally engaging
said upper portion of said tray when said pegs are moved between
said first storage position and said second operative position; and
location means for locking said pegs in said second, operative
position, said location means comprising a cam member having a
first surface that is constructed and arranged to come into contact
with a cam stop surface that is defined in said upper portion of
said tray; and wherein said frictional means comprises a second
surface on said cam member, said second surface being constructed
and arranged to bear against an upper portion of said tray that is
on said upper portion when said peg is moved between said first
storage position and said second operative position..Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains generally to the field of infant feeding
and care. More specifically, this invention relates to an improved
apparatus for storing and drying infant nursing bottles, nipples
and rings that is more hygienic, efficient and attractive than
articles that are presently available for similar purposes, and
that is more convenient to store for consumers.
2. Description of the Related Technology
The importance of proper hygiene when handling and cleaning infant
feeding equipment such as baby bottles and nursing nipples cannot
be overstated. Ideally, bottles and nipples should be thoroughly
scrubbed, then sterilized by immersion in boiling water between
uses. At the very least, baby bottles and components thereof, which
typically include rings, nipples, hoods and disks, must be washed
with an effective detergent and dried in a location that is
separated from dirty water or potential contaminants prior to
storage for future use.
Drying racks for holding baby bottles, rings and nipples after
washing are commercially available. For example, such products are
sold by Safety 1.sup.st, Inc. as a "Bottle and Nipple Drying Rack,"
and by Mommy's Helper, Inc. as a "Drain 'N Dry." Both of these
products are characterized by a plastic tray that has a number of
socket recesses defined in a top face thereof. Plastic pegs are
provided that are insertable into the socket recesses. Some of the
plastic pegs are relatively long, for supporting a bottle, while
others are shorter, for supporting nipples, rings and caps. Neither
these products nor any other drying rack of which the inventors are
aware have any way of storing the disks of a baby bottle in a
sanitary location after washing.
Although products of the type described above are quite useful, the
lack of disk storage forces conscientious caregivers to separate
baby bottle components after washing and rinsing, which can be
frustrating and can result in mix-ups between disks that have been
washed and unwashed disks. In addition, the sockets that are
defined in the top faces of such products can collect water and
become points of nucleation for bacteria and mold growth.
Furthermore, assembly and disassembly of these products can be
laborious, with the need to insert multiple pegs in matching
sockets and having to figure out which peg to place in each socket.
These products are not convenient to store for a consumer, unless
they are completely disassembled. In households that have toddlers,
such racks can quickly unbeknownst to the caregiver become a
plaything, and pegs can be pulled from the sockets, creating more
work and frustration for the caregiver, possibly presenting a risk
of injury.
A need exists for a bottle rack that requires minimal or no
assembly by the user, that provides a secure and sanitary drying
location for all baby bottle components, that minimizes the
potential for mold and bacteria growth during use and is easy to
store.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a bottle
rack that requires minimal or no assembly by the user, that
provides a secure and sanitary drying location for all baby bottle
components, that minimizes the potential for mold and bacteria
growth during use and that is easy to store.
In order to achieve the above and other objects of the invention,
an apparatus for drying and storing an article, such as a baby
bottle includes a tray having a bottom face that is adapted to be
supported by an underlying surface such as a counter-top, and an
upper face; and a plurality of pegs extending outwardly from the
upper face, each of the pegs being sized and arranged so as to be
able to support an article, such as a baby bottle, and wherein each
of the pegs are permanently mounted to the tray in such a manner as
to be movable between a first storage position, wherein the entire
peg is positioned relatively close to the upper face for storage
and packaging of the apparatus, and a second, operative position,
wherein the peg is positioned at a large angle with respect to the
upper surface, so as to enable the peg to support an article such
as a baby bottle, wherein the apparatus can conveniently be folded
for packaging and storage purposes.
According to a second aspect of the invention, an apparatus for
drying and storing an article, such as a baby bottle, includes a
tray having a bottom face that is adapted to be supported by an
underlying surface such as a counter-top, and an upper face; bottle
support means for supporting a baby bottle; and disk holding
structure, connected to the upper face of the tray, for holding
baby bottle disks in a location that is isolated from areas of the
tray in which liquid may collect, whereby baby bottle disks are
dried and stored in a safe manner at a location that is convenient
to a location at which baby bottles are being dried.
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
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus that is constructed
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in an
operative position;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, shown in a
storage position;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 3-3 in FIG. 1;
and
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 in FIG.
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals
designate corresponding structure throughout the views, and
referring in particular to FIG. 1, an apparatus 10 for drying and
storing an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and
rinsing includes a tray 12 having a bottom face 14 (viewable in
FIG. 3) that is adapted to be supported by an underlying surface
such as a countertop. Tray 12 further has an upper face 16, as may
be seen in FIGS. 1-4. Tray 12 is further configured to have a
number of cutout/grip areas 58 defined in sides thereof, as may
best be seen in FIG. 1. The purpose of the cutout area 58 is to
permit a consumer to more easily lift the apparatus 10 during use,
as well as to prevent vapor lock from occurring between the
apparatus 10 and a smooth underlying surface such as a countertop.
In the preferred embodiment, a cutout area 58 is positioned on each
side of the apparatus 10, as well as on the rear end thereof.
As is best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, apparatus 10 further includes a
plurality of pegs 18 that extend outwardly from the upper face 16
of tray 12. Each of the pegs 18 is sized and arranged so as to be
able to support an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing
and rinsing. According to one important aspect of the invention,
each of the pegs 18 are permanently mounted to the tray 12 in such
a manner as to be moveable between a first storage position, which
is illustrated in FIG. 2, wherein the entire peg 18 is positioned
relatively close to the upper face 16 for storage and packaging,
and a second, operative position, illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein
the pegs 18 are positioned at a large angle with respect to the
upper surface 16. This mounting arrangement is made possible by a
permanent mounting structure 20, which is best illustrated in FIGS.
1, 3 and 4, and which will be discussed in greater detail below.
The permanent mounting structure 20, as will become apparent from
the description given below, is constructed in such a way that no
standing water may collect at a point where a peg 18 is mounted,
thereby minimizing potential for mold and bacterial growth.
Permanent mounting structure 20 is further constructed so as to
constrain the pegs 18 for movement about only a single axis of
rotation.
As may be seen in FIG. 1, apparatus 10 further includes a number of
.[.nipple.]. .Iadd.ring .Iaddend.support members 32 that are
constructed and arranged to support a nipple portion of a baby
bottle after washing and rinsing. The .[.nipple.]. .Iadd.ring
.Iaddend.support members 32 are, in a manner that is substantially
identical to that of the pegs 18, mounted by means of a permanent
mounting structure 20 for movement between a first storage
position, where the entire .[.nipple.]. .Iadd.ring .Iaddend.support
member 32 is positioned relatively close to the upper face 16 for
storage and packaging purposes, and a second, operative position
where the .[.nipple.]. .Iadd.ring .Iaddend.support member 32 is
positioned at a large angle with respect to the upper face 16. In
other words, the mounting structure 20 for the pegs 18 is
substantially identical to that of the .[.nipple.]. .Iadd.ring
.Iaddend.support members 32. The .[.nipple.]. .Iadd.ring
.Iaddend.support members 32 have stylized stops 48, which in the
preferred embodiment are styled as hearts, mounted thereon for
supporting rings or small bottles above the surface of tray 12.
Looking again to FIG. 1, it will be seen that in the illustrated
embodiment of the invention four pegs 18 are constrained for
common, ganged movement in an are about a common axis of rotation
that is created by a first axle 22. Similarly, a second four pegs
18 are mounted for common movement with a second axle 24. Four
.[.nipple.]. .Iadd.ring .Iaddend.support members 32 are mounted for
common movement about a third axle 28, while a second four
.[.nipple.]. .Iadd.ring .Iaddend.support members 32 are mounted for
common movement with a fourth axle 30. In the preferred embodiment,
the axles 22, 24, 28, 30 are substantially parallel, and therefore
define arcuate paths of movement for the various pegs 18 and
.[.nipple.]. .Iadd.ring .Iaddend.support members 32 that are
located within substantially parallel planes. This permits the
various pegs 18 and .[.nipple.]. .Iadd.ring .Iaddend.support
members 32 to move between the first and second positions, as
represented by FIGS. 2 and 1, respectively, with a minimum of
interference with each other.
Looking now to FIG. 3, it will be seen that each axle 22, 24, 28,
30 includes a journal 38 that extends through a mounting hole that
is defined in a sidewall 36 of an upstanding dam 34 that is formed
along the periphery of the upper face 16 of the tray 12. A
significant vertical distance exists between the bottom of the
mounting hole and the top face 16 of the tray 12, so that water
cannot escape through the mounting holes onto an underlying surface
during normal use of the apparatus 10. This mounting structure 20
is arranged in such a way so as to constrain the axle 22, 24, 28,
30 for movement about an axis of rotation 40, as is shown in FIG.
3.
Mounting structure 20, by ganging adjacent pegs 18 and adjacent
.[.nipple.]. .Iadd.ring .Iaddend.support members 32 together by use
of a common axle, thereby imparts lateral stability to the pegs 18
and the .[.nipple.]. .Iadd.ring .Iaddend.support members 32,
further deterring any motion other than about the single axis of
rotation 40. .Iadd.Accordingly, the pegs 18 are constrained to move
in a predetermined plane of rotation 49..Iaddend.
As may best be seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, each axle 22, 24, 28, 30
includes at least one locating structure 26, the purpose of which
is to lock the respective axle in a rotational position that
corresponds to the second operative position shown in FIG. 1. In
the illustrated embodiment, first and second axles 22, 24 include
two such locating structures 26, while the third and fourth axles
28, 30 which support the shorter .[.nipple.]. .Iadd.ring
.Iaddend.support members 32, are equipped with but one locating
structure 26. The construction of the locating structures 26,
however, is uniform throughout the four axles 22, 24, 28, 30. As
may be seen in FIG. 4, locating structure 26 includes a cam member
43 having a lower surface 44 that is constructed and arranged to
bear against the upper face 16 of tray 12, and a forward surface 46
that is constructed and arranged to come into contact with a rear
surface 44 of a cam stop 42 that projects upwardly and is unitary
with the upper face 16 of tray 12. FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 both depict
the locking structure 26 in the second, operative position. The
path between the first and second positions is indicated in FIG. 4
by arrow .[.46.]. .Iadd.47.Iaddend.. The .[.nipple.]. .Iadd.ring
.Iaddend.support member 32 is prevented from bending backwardly in
the direction away from the first storage position by contact of
the forward surface 46 of cam member 43 with the rear surface
.[.44.]. .Iadd.51 .Iaddend.of cam stop 42.
If it is desired to move the .[.nipple.]. .Iadd.ring
.Iaddend.support member 32 from the second, operative position
shown in FIG. 1 to the first storage position shown in FIG. 2, a
user will push the .[.nipple.]. .Iadd.ring .Iaddend.support member
32 in the desired direction. Initially, this movement will be
deterred by the .Iadd.frictional .Iaddend.contact of the lower
surface 44 and the leading edge .Iadd.45 .Iaddend.of the lower
surface with the upper face 16 of tray 12. Once the leading edge 45
has cleared the upper face, however, the .[.nipple.]. .Iadd.ring
.Iaddend.support member 32 will easily fold down into the position
that is shown in FIG. 2.
According to another important aspect of the invention, apparatus
10 further includes a disk holding system 50 for holding baby
bottle disks in a location that is isolated from areas of the tray
12 in which liquid may collect. This allows baby bottle .[.disk.].
.Iadd.disks .Iaddend.to be dried and stored in a safe manner at a
location that is convenient to a location at which baby bottles are
being dried. In the preferred embodiment, .[.disc.]. .Iadd.disk
.Iaddend.holding system 50 includes an upstanding boss member 52
that projects upwardly from the upper face 16 of tray 12 and has a
plurality of .[.disc.]. .Iadd.disk .Iaddend.receiving slots 54
defined therein. Boss member 52 and slots 54 are raised with
respect to an underlying reservoir 56 that is located in the
forward portion of tray 12. As an added benefit, the reservoir
space also acts as a finger space area for a user to get his/her
fingers beneath the .[.disc.]. .Iadd.disk .Iaddend.members for
lifting them out after drying.
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.
* * * * *