FORMULA DISPENSING APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to baby accessories and more particularly to a baby feeding apparatus. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a formula dispensing apparatus.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Aside from being fed mother's milk in order to provide a baby with the nutrients that they require, babies are often fed a mixture called "formula". Formula is commonly supplied as a powdered substance that is often mixed with water to create a liquid solution that the baby can ingest to receive the nutrients.

Where possible, the formula mixture is generally made and consumed as needed because it is typically recommended that a premixed formula be consumed within one hour of creation because it may spoil if it is not consumed within that timeframe. Thus, while it would be advantageous to create the formula mixture before the baby is hungry so that it is ready as soon as the baby needs it, this is not an ideal practice. Further, premixed formula often spoils prior to consumption, wasting the formula and in the process increasing costs.

There have been products developed which allow the formula and water to be separately stored ready for mixing and consumption. However, these products can often be cumbersome to use and messy as a result of spillage occurring during the mixing process. This is also problematic because accurate dispensing of the formula is essential for ultimate nutrition.

There have been closure devices developed for drinking containers which are designed to be installed in a top opening of the drinking container. Some of these closure devices incorporate a means for holding a powderised substance and releasing the substance into a liquid within the drinking container upon operation of the closure device. The closure devices comprise a film or the like which separates the powderised substance from the liquid and is punctured upon operation of the closure device to release the substance into the liquid. Hence, these devices are designed for single use only.

Another problem with some of the prior art devices is that they are not suitable for use in bottles for feeding infants which require a teat attachment to be connected to the top opening of the bottle. Also, when the powderised substance and liquid are mixed there is often residual substance left in the receiving chamber which has not been fully dissolved in the liquid. This residual substance can clog the closure mechanism through which the mixed drink must be consumed, making it difficult to drink from the container. Furthermore, the means of operation is positioned on the exterior of the prior art closure devices which increases the likelihood of accidental operation of the closure device.

In this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising" or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a formula dispensing apparatus or mechanism that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide a formula dispensing apparatus, that addresses or at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide a formula dispensing apparatus for infants which allows a predetermined amount of liquid and powder to be kept separately within a single apparatus, allowing for easy mixture of the two upon a user performing a simple operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally, embodiments of the present invention relate to a formula dispensing apparatus and mechanism.

According to a first aspect, although not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention resides in a formula dispensing apparatus comprising:

a body portion having.a top end to receive a teat attachment releasably coupled thereto and a bottom end to receive a formula dispensing mechanism releasably coupled thereto;

wherein the formula dispensing mechanism comprises a housing for receiving a plunger having a storage compartment for storing a formula, the plunger moveable within the housing between a closed position and an open position to release the stored formula into the body portion of the apparatus.

Preferably, the housing has an internal threaded connection at an upper end to be coupled to a complimentary threaded connection provided on the bottom end of the body portion.

Preferably, the storage compartment is slidably received within the housing of the formula dispensing mechanism.

Preferably, the storage compartment of the formula dispensing mechanism is vertically displaced by pressing the plunger in an upward or downward direction.

Preferably, in the closed position the plunger is retracted within the housing of the formula dispensing mechanism.

Preferably, in the open position the plunger is plunged through an aperture at an upper end of the housing and into a cavity of the body portion of the apparatus.

Preferably, the plunger has at least one aperture provided at a top end which is exposed in the open position to release the stored formula into the body portion of the apparatus.

Preferably, the formula dispensing mechanism comprises an end cap detachably coupled to a bottom of the plunger of the formula dispensing mechanism.

Preferably, the end cap comprises at least one recess. Preferably, the plunger comprises a threaded portion at a bottom end which is adapted to be coupled to a complimentary threaded portion of the end cap.

Preferably, the housing comprises at least one recess to facilitate access to the plunger.

Preferably, the upper end of the plunger comprises at least one o-ring seal positioned adjacent to the at least one aperture to ensure a tight seal is provided when the plunger is in the closed position to prevent unwanted leakage of the stored formula.

Suitably, an o-ring seal is located above and below the at least one aperture on the plunger.

Preferably, the teat attachment has a lid secured thereover which is coupled to a base of the teat attachment.

Preferably, the plunger comprises an upper elongate portion and a lower portion which form the storage compartment.

Preferably, the housing comprises a hollow cylinder for accommodating the upper elongate portion of the plunger.

According to a second aspect, although again not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention resides in a formula dispensing mechanism for a drinking container, the mechanism comprising:

a housing removably attachable to a bottom end of the drinking container for receiving a plunger having a storage compartment for storing a formula; wherein the plunger is moveable within the housing between a closed position and an open position to release the stored formula into an interior of the drinking container.

Further features and/or forms of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein:

FIG 1 shows a front perspective view of a formula dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG 2 shows an exploded view of a bottom end of the formula dispensing apparatus of FIG 1 ;

FIG 3 shows a front perspective view of the formula dispensing mechanism of FIG 1 in a closed position; and

FIG 4 shows a front perspective, view of a formula dispensing apparatus with the formula dispensing mechanism in an open position.

Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to a formula dispenser which allows a predetermined amount of liquid and powder to be kept separately within a single apparatus, allowing for easy mixture of the two upon a user performing a simple operation. It should be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be modified to provide an apparatus suitable for feeding infants of different ages. It will be appreciated that variations may need to be made as required.

Referring to FIG 1 , the formula dispensing apparatus 100 is provided in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The apparatus 100 is in the form of a bottle comprising a formula dispensing mechanism 300. The apparatus 100 is made of a food grade plastic material such as polycarbonate plastic. However, it is envisaged that the apparatus 00 and/or its components can be made of any other suitable material which is easy to clean, dishwasher-safe and suitable for sterilisation.

FIG 1 illustrates an embodiment of the formula dispensing apparatus 100 having an integrated formula dispensing mechanism 300. The formula dispensing apparatus 100 comprises a body portion 200 which is coupled via a screw thread connection to the formula dispensing mechanism 300. The body portion 200 has a top end 210 for receiving a teat attachment 400 and a bottom end 220 for receiving the formula dispensing mechanism 300. The teat teat attachment 400 has a lid 410 secured thereover which is coupled to a base 420 of the teat attachment 400. In an alternative embodiment, the lid 410 can be coupled to the top end 210 of the body portion 200 of the apparatus 100. The teat attachment 400 comprises a teat 430 for dispensing a mixed formula from the body portion 200 of the apparatus 100. It is envisaged that the teat 430 can be made of a rubber or polymeric material or the like.

The apparatus 100 is ergonomically designed to enable easier handling and provide a more comfortable grip for a user and/or baby. The body portion 200 receives and stores a liquid, such as water or any other suitable liquid for mixing with a milk formula. The body portion 200 comprises a measurement indicator 230 to enable a user measure the amount of liquid to be added to the body portion 200 and measure the amount of mixed formula to be dispensed from the formula dispenser 100.

Referring now to FIG 2, the bottom end 220 of the body portion 200 has a threaded flange 240 which engages with an internal threaded portion of the formula dispensing mechanism 300, which enables the formula dispensing mechanism 300 to be coupled to the body portion 200. The formula dispensing mechanism 300 of the apparatus 100 is adapted to store and dispense a formula into the body portion 200 of the apparatus 100. The formula is a powderised milk based formula suitable for feeding an infant. However, it is acknowledged that liquid formulae could also be used.

As illustrated FIG 2, the formula dispensing mechanism 300 comprises a housing 320 which houses a plunger 301. The plunger 301 of the formula the formula dispensing mechanism 300 comprises an upper elongate portion 311a and a lower portion 311b which form a storage compartment 31 1 for storing the formula powder. The diameter of the upper elongate portion 31 1a is smaller than the diameter of the lower portion 311b. Storage compartment 31 1 comprises an aperture 310 at one end to receive a formula powder therethrough. An end cap 312 is detachably coupled to a bottom of the storage compartment 31 1 of the plunger 301 to seal the aperture 310 and to securely store the formula powder within the storage container 311. An internal threaded portion 314 is provided along an inner wall 315 of the plunger 301 to receive and engage with a complimentary threaded portion 316 provided on the end cap 312 to secure the plunger 301 and end cap 312 together via a screw connection. In an alternative embodiment, it is envisaged that any other suitable coupling mechanism can also be utilized such as a friction fit. The end cap 312 also comprises at least one recess 318 which assists a user to grip and rotate the end cap 312 to open or close the end cap 312. As illustrated in FIG 2, the end cap 312 comprises a central substantially circular recess which is bordered by two semi-circular recesses. The at least one recess 318 can also be used to assist a user to push the plunger in an upward direction and/or pull the plunger in a downward direction.

The housing 320 of the formula dispensing mechanism 300 comprises at least one recess 317 provided along a bottom edge of the housing 320. The least at one recess 317 facilitates access to the plunger 301 to easily move the plunger 301. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of recesses 317 is provided on opposite sides of the housing 320. The housing 320 comprises an internal hollow cylinder 321. The upper elongate portion 311a of the plunger 301 is slidably received within the cylinder 321 of the housing 320 of the formula dispensing mechanism 300 such that the plunger 301 is movable axially relative to the cylinder 321 of the housing 320 of the formula dispensing mechanism 300.

As illustrated in FIG 2, at least one aperture 313 is provided toward an upper end 302 of the plunger 301 for releasing the contents of the storage compartment 311 from the plunger. It is envisaged that the number, size and shape of the aperture(s) 313 can be varied in alternative embodiments of the invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG 2, four apertures 313 of substantially equal size and shape are provided in the upper end 302 of the plunger 301. In FIG 4, plunger 301 comprises a larger number of apertures 313 smaller in size than those in FIG 2.

The upper end 302 of the^ plunger comprises at least one o-ring seal 303 positioned adjacent to the at least one aperture 313 to ensure a tight seal is provided when the plunger is in a "closed" position to prevent unwanted release or leakage of the stored formula. In a preferred embodiment in FIG 2, an o-ring seal 303 is located above and below the at least one aperture 313.

Referring now to FIG 3, the formula dispensing mechanism 300 is illustrated with the plunger 301 in a "closed" position. In the "closed" position, the plunger 301 is concealed within the housing 320 of the formula dispensing mechanism 300. The upper end 302 and apertures 313 of the plunger 301 are plunger 301 are concealed within the cylinder 321 of the housing 320 such that the apertures 313 are not exposed and the formula is securely stored within the storage compartment 311 of the plunger 301. Housing 320 comprises an aperture 323 in an upper end 304 of the cylinder 321 , which allows the plunger 301 to be pushed upward into an "open" position as described in more detail hereinafter.

An amount of formula to provide an infant with required nutrients may be measured. The formula amount may be a specified amount provided from a physician or according to formula directions. The measured formula amount is placed into the storage compartment 311 of the formula dispensing mechanism 300 by first uncoupling the end cap 312. The end cap 312 is then coupled to the formula dispensing mechanism 300.

In use, once the formula powder has been placed in the storage compartment 311 of the formula dispensing mechanism 300, the formula dispensing mechanism 300 is coupled to the body portion 200 via the internal threaded portion 322 on the housing 320 which enables the formula . dispensing mechanism 300 to be coupled to the complimentary threaded connection 240 provided at the bottom end 220 of the body portion 200 shown in FIG 2, to secure the body portion 200 and formula dispensing mechanism 300 together via a screw connection. In an alternative embodiment, it is envisaged that any other suitable coupling mechanism can also be utilized.

Referring now to FIG 4, water 500, or another suitable liquid, is poured into the body portion 200 through an opening at the top end 210 of the body the body portion 200 of the apparatus 100 upon removal of the teat attachment 400. The teat attachment 400 can then be re-coupled to the top end 210 of the body 200.

Pressing the plunger 301 in an upward direction by pressing the end cap 312 enables the plunger 301 to move from a "closed" position where it is retracted within the hollow cylinder 321 the housing 320 to an "open" position where it is "plunged" through aperture 323 in the upper end 321 of the cylinder 321 into a cavity 230 of the body portion 200 to release the formula powder into the cavity 230 of the body portion 200 to be mixed with a liquid 500 stored therein. In the open position, the at least one aperture 313 provided on the plunger 301 is exposed to release the contents within the storage container 311 of the plunger 301 into cavity 230.

As illustrated in FIG 4, in the open position, the liquid 500 from the body portion 200 is also able to flow into the plunger 301 when the formula dispensing apparatus 100 is in an upright position and push back through the apertures 313 of the plunger 301 of the formula dispensing apparatus 300 to assist in dispersion and mixing of the formula with the liquid.

To refill the storage compartment 311 of the plunger 301 , the formula dispensing mechanism 300 is decoupled from the body portion 200 of the apparatus 100. The upper end 302 of the plunger 301 is pushed downward to return the plunger 301 to the "closed" position. The formula dispensing mechanism 300 is rinsed, refilled and ^' re-coupled to the body portion 200 of the apparatus 100. Alternatively, the storage compartment 311 is refilled by using the end cap 312 of the plunger 301 to pull the plunger 301 downward into the "closed" position. The end cap 312 is uncoupled from the plunger 301 and the storage compartment rinsed and refilled and the end cap 312 re- coupled to the plunger 301 , ready for use again.

It is envisaged that one or more additional formula dispensing mechanisms 300 can be provided such that they can be filled with formula and ready for use in the event multiple feeds may be necessary while out and about. Accordingly, the present invention provides a formula dispensing mechanism removably attachable to a bottom end of a drinking container comprising a housing for receiving a plunger having a storage compartment for storing a formula wherein the plunger is moveable within the housing via vertical displacement between a closed position and an open position to release the stored formula into an interior of the drinking container.

Hence, the apparatus 100 of the present invention thus provides a solution to the aforementioned problems of the prior art by providing a formula dispensing apparatus 100 which allows a predetermined amount of liquid and powder to be kept separately in a single device, allowing for easy mixture of the two upon a user performing a simple operation. Therefore, premixing of formula is no longer required since formula can be made at a moment's notice. As keeping premixed formula from spoiling by cooling and heating the mixture is no longer required, the apparatus allows for longer formula shelf-life than premixed formula. Furthermore, the formula dispensing mechanism can be refilled without having to disassemble the whole apparatus by using the at least one recess 318 on the end cap 312 of the plunger 301 to grip the plunger 301 and pull the plunger 301 downward to return the plunger 301 to a to return the plunger 301 to a closed position. In a closed position, the plunger 301 of the present invention does not protrude from the housing and does not require a means of operation to be located external to the housing 320. Therefore the likelihood of accidental operation of the plunger 301 is significantly reduced.

Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention.