Priority Documents

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2019903074 titled “A BOTTLE SANITISER AND COMPONENTS THEREFOR” as filed on 22 August 2019, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Background of the Invention

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a sanitisation apparatus for sanitising bottles and in particular baby bottles and components therefor.

Description of the Prior Art

[0003] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[0004] It is difficult to sanitise and/or sterilise drinking bottles and their components. This is because pathogenic micro-organisms are difficult to fully kill or inactivate.

[0005] The effectiveness of germicidal methods is measured by a SAL (Sterility Assurance Level) method and a LOG (Logarithmic) reduction method. SAL measures the probability of a single item in a batch being non-sterile after being subjected to a sterilisation process. The likelihood of surviving organisms after sterilisation is, on the SAL scale:

10-1 1:10 10 2 1:100 10-3 = 1:1,000 10-4 = 1:10,000 10-5 = 1:100,000 10-6 = 1:1,000,000

[0006] The LOG method shows the amount or percentage of live microbes eliminated after sterilisation. The scale goes:

1 log = 90%

2 log = 99%

3 log = 99.9% - Kills bacteria

4 log = 99.99% - Kills viruses

5 log = 99.999%

6 log = 99.9999%

[0007] A known method of inactivating pathogens is boiling water. According to the World Health Organisation, boiling water for 1 -minute results in a 51og reduction in pathogens in that water.

[0008] Boiling water is difficult to manage, particularly when out and about.

[0009] Sanitising bottles are known, which utilise an ultra-violet light generator. Germicidal frequencies of UV light are in the UV-C range, which is 200 to 280nm. These frequencies can be generated using UVC LED microchips.

[0010] UV-C light has good germicidal capabilities but has limitations in that any area which is not exposed to light does not receive any germicidal treatment.

[0011] Baby bottles are known to have many nooks and crannies and various components in which water may pool, even after being sanitised.

[0012] The present inventor seeks to provide an improved sanitising baby bottle and components which facilitate the sanitisation of water contained therein.

[0013] It is against this background, and the problems and difficulties associated therewith, that the present invention has been developed. Summary of the Present Invention

[0014] In one broad form, an aspect of the present invention seeks to provide a sanitisation apparatus, including: a) a bottle having a hollow body and an opening at a top end thereof, the bottle further including a neck region for receiving a teat mounting collar thereon; b) a teat mounting collar substantially transparent to Ultraviolet-C (UVC) radiation; c) a teat configured to mount on the teat mounting collar; and, d) a bottle cap configured to substantially cover the teat and teat mounting collar, the cap having a disinfecting assembly including a UVC light emitting diode (LED) arrangement operable to emit UVC radiation so as to promote sanitisation of one or more of: i) at least part of the bottle; ii) the teat; iii) the teat mounting collar; and, iv) any liquid contained in the bottle.

[0015] In one embodiment, the UVC radiation travels at least one of: a) through the teat; b) through the teat mounting collar; and, c) into the bottle.

[0016] In one embodiment, in use, the neck region of the bottle is sanitised.

[0017] In one embodiment, the bottle cap has a skirt extending past the teat mounting collar.

[0018] In one embodiment, the bottle is made from a material which is substantially opaque to UVC radiation so that the UVC radiation is inhibited from passing through the bottle during sanitisation.

[0019] In one embodiment, the UVC LED arrangement is powered by a battery housed in the bottle cap.

[0020] In one embodiment, the battery is recharged by at least one of: a) induction; and, b) via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port.

[0021] In one embodiment, the bottle cap includes a power button or switch to activate a disinfecting cycle.

[0022] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a kill switch operable to automatically deactivate the disinfecting assembly.

[0023] In one embodiment, the kill switch is operable to deactivate the disinfecting assembly in response to the bottle cap being removed during a disinfecting cycle.

[0024] In one embodiment, the teat mounting collar includes a receiving fastener for fastening the collar onto the bottle.

[0025] In one embodiment, the receiving fastener of the teat mounting collar is located internally with the collar.

[0026] In one embodiment, the receiving fastener is one of: a) a threaded fitting; b) a bayonet fitting; c) a quick release fitting; and, d) a push fitting.

[0027] In one embodiment, the teat mounting collar is made from one of: a) Polyethylene; b) Silicone; and, c) Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0028] In one embodiment, the teat mounting collar includes a teat receiver.

[0029] In one embodiment, the teat mounting collar includes a teat receiver in an upper portion thereof. [0030] In one embodiment, the teat receiver is in the form of a shoulder or channel or flange for receiving a cooperating teat mounting channel or flange in the teat.

[0031] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a base onto which the bottle engages, the base including at least one of: a) a heating assembly for heating the bottle and its contents; and, b) a further disinfecting assembly including a UVC LED arrangement operable to emit UVC radiation into the bottle through a bottom region thereof.

[0032] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a vibration plate disposed inside the bottle, the vibration plate operable to agitate any liquid contained in the bottle so as to promote exposure to UVC radiation during sanitisation.

[0033] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a vibration plate disposed in the base, the vibration plate operable to vibrate the bottle and agitate any liquid contained in the bottle so as to promote exposure to UVC radiation during sanitisation.

[0034] In another broad form, an aspect of the present invention seeks to provide a sanitisation apparatus, including: a) a bottle including a hollow body and an opening at a top end thereof, the opening including a neck region for receiving a teat mounting collar thereon; b) a teat mounting collar substantially transparent to UVC radiation; c) a teat configured to mount on the teat mounting collar; d) a bottle cap engageable with the top of the bottle and configured to substantially cover the teat and teat mounting collar; e) a base for receiving a bottom portion of the bottle, the base having a disinfecting assembly including a UVC LED arrangement operable to emit UVC radiation so as to promote sanitisation of one or more of: i) at least part of the bottle; ii) the teat; iii) the teat mounting collar; and, iv) any liquid contained in the bottle. [0035] In one embodiment, the base further includes a heating assembly for heating the bottle and its contents.

[0036] In one embodiment, the bottom portion of the bottle includes a recess to receive the heating assembly and/or UVC LED arrangement.

[0037] In one embodiment, the heating assembly may include a heating probe which is configured to cooperate with the recess in the bottle.

[0038] In one embodiment, the bottle cap includes a power switch operable to activate a disinfecting cycle.

[0039] In one embodiment, activation signals are transmitted from the bottle cap to the disinfecting assembly in the base via a wireless communication protocol.

[0040] In another broad form, an aspect of the present invention seeks to provide a sanitisation apparatus, including: a) a container having a hollow body and an opening at a top end thereof for receiving a baby bottle therein; and, b) a lid engageable with the container so that the baby bottle is enclosed when the lid is engaged, the lid having a disinfecting assembly including a UVC LED arrangement operable to emit UVC radiation when activated so as to disinfect the baby bottle; wherein, the baby bottle is provided with a teat mounting collar substantially transparent to UVC radiation that is engageable with the neck of the baby bottle to improve sanitisation of the neck area of the bottle.

[0041] In one embodiment, the container is made from metal and its interior surface is highly polished to promote internal reflection of UVC radiation inside of the container.

[0042] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a base cap that is engageable with a base of the container, the base cap configured to house a bottle teat and having a base disinfecting assembly including a UVC LED arrangement operable to emit UVC radiation when activated so as to disinfect the bottle teat. [0043] In one embodiment, the bottle is provided with a sealing cap to cover its opening when the teat is removed, the sealing cap being substantially transparent to UVC radiation so that the UVC LED arrangement in the lid is able to disinfect the bottle and its contents.

[0044] In yet a further broad form, an aspect of the present invention seeks to provide a sanitisation apparatus, including: a) a casing comprising a first casing element pivotally joined to a second casing element, the casing being selectively closable and openable via a releasable fastener and configured to house an at least a partially assembled baby bottle in use; and, b) a disinfecting assembly including a plurality of UVC LED arrays spaced around an internal periphery of the first and second casing elements and operable to emit UVC radiation when activated so as to disinfect the at least partially assembled baby bottle when enclosed within the casing; wherein, the baby bottle is provided with a teat mounting collar substantially transparent to UVC radiation that is engageable with the neck of the baby bottle to improve sanitisation of the neck area of the bottle.

[0045] In one embodiment, the releasable fastener is a zipper.

[0046] In one embodiment, the casing is substantially cylindrical when closed.

[0047] In one embodiment, the casing is partitioned into a first body section for receiving the bottle and a second body section for receiving a teat of the bottle to allow the bottle and teat to be separately sanitised.

[0048] In one embodiment, the bottle is provided with a sealing cap to cover its opening when the teat is removed, the sealing cap being substantially transparent to UVC radiation.

[0049] In one embodiment, the apparatus is portable.

[0050] Broadly, the present technology provides a baby bottle head assembly which is substantially transparent to UVC-light. [0051] Broadly, the present technology provides a baby bottle collar for retaining a silicone teat, the baby bottle collar being substantially transparent to UVC light.

[0052] Broadly, the present technology provides a baby bottle component through which UVC light may pass in order to sanitise adjacent parts.

[0053] Broadly, the present technology provides a UVC-light actuated baby bottle sanitiser assembly which facilitates disinfecting of a neck region of the baby bottle when the bottle is disposed in substantially an assembled position.

[0054] Advantageously the arrangement of embodiments of the technology facilitates UVC light access to neck areas of a baby bottle assembly when the bottle assembly is disposed in at least a partially assembled position.

[0055] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a substantially transparent baby bottle teat mounting collar.

[0056] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a bottle sanitiser which is configured to disinfect neck fastener areas of the bottle, when the bottle is in a substantially assembled position, the bottle sanitiser including: a bottle including a hollow body and an opening at a top end thereof, the opening including a fastener for receiving a teat mounting collar thereon; a teat mounting collar substantially transparent to UVC radiation; a teat configured to mount on the teat mounting collar; a disinfecting assembly including a UVC LED arrangement, disposed so that the UVC radiation extends into the bottle and the bottle neck fasteners, the UVC LED arrangement being disposed in a bottle cap, the bottle cap having a skirt extending past the teat mounting collar.

[0057] In one embodiment the teat mounting collar includes a receiving fastener for fastening the collar onto a baby bottle.

[0058] In one embodiment the teat mounting collar includes an internal receiving fastener for cooperating with an external receiving fastener for mounting the collar onto the baby bottle. [0059] In one embodiment the internal receiving fastener is a bayonet fitting.

[0060] In one embodiment the internal receiving fastener is a quick release fitting.

[0061] In one embodiment the internal receiving fastener is a threaded fitting.

[0062] In one embodiment the internal receiving fastener is a push fitting.

[0063] In one embodiment the teat mounting collar is constructed from polyethylene.

[0064] In one embodiment the teat mounting collar is constructed from PTFE.

[0065] In one embodiment the teat mounting collar is constructed from silicone.

[0066] In one embodiment the teat is constructed from silicone.

[0067] In one embodiment the teat mounting collar includes a teat receiver.

[0068] In one embodiment the teat mounting collar includes a teat receiver in an upper portion.

[0069] In one embodiment the teat receiver is in the form of a shoulder or channel or flange for receiving a cooperating teat mounting channel or flange in the teat.

[0070] In one embodiment there is provided a disinfecting assembly for disinfecting the baby bottle assembly.

[0071] In one embodiment the disinfecting assembly includes a housing for receiving disinfecting components therein.

[0072] In one embodiment the housing is in the form of a bottle cap which includes a bottle fastener at an opening end for cooperating with a structure on a head end of the bottle assembly.

[0073] In one embodiment the disinfecting assembly includes a UVC WD LED microchip by Klaran which is configured to emit UVC light. In one embodiment the microchip is manufactured by Klaran, model number WD.DS or HCHP DS. [0074] In one embodiment the microchip is disposed in the cap to direct UVC light out the opening end so that it travels out into the collar fastening, the bottle neck fastening and also into the bottle contents to disinfect them.

[0075] In one embodiment there is provided a power source in the bottle cap to power the UVC-emitting microchip.

[0076] In one embodiment the power source is a chemical battery.

[0077] In one embodiment there is provided an actuation switch on the top of the bottle cap housing.

[0078] In one embodiment there is provided a base disinfecting assembly, for disinfecting a base region of the fluid in the bottle.

[0079] In one embodiment there is provided a bottle which has a main hollow body and an opening at a top for receiving and releasing fluid from the main hollow body, and a fastening element at the opening.

[0080] In one embodiment the main hollow body is generally cylindrical.

[0081] In one embodiment the fastening element is threaded.

[0082] In one embodiment the bottle includes a base locator for locating the base disinfecting assembly.

[0083] In one embodiment the bottle is configured to locate on a disinfecting dock.

[0084] In one embodiment the base disinfecting assembly includes a housing for receiving disinfecting components therein.

[0085] In one embodiment the housing is in the form of a bottle cap which includes a bottle fastener at an opening end for cooperating with a structure on a head end of the bottle assembly.

[0086] In one embodiment the base disinfecting assembly includes a UVC WD LED microchip by Klaran which is configured to emit UVC light. In one embodiment the microchip is manufactured by Klaran, model number WD.DS or HCHP DS.

[0087] In one embodiment the microchip is disposed in the cap to direct UVC light out the opening end so that it travels out into the collar fastening, the bottle neck fastening and also into the bottle contents to disinfect them.

[0088] In one embodiment there is provided a power source in the bottle cap to power the UVC-emitting microchip.

[0089] In one embodiment the power source is a chemical battery.

[0090] In one embodiment the disinfecting assemblies are rechargeable by induction or via USB port.

[0091] In one embodiment the bottle is formed from glass, or some other material which is substantially opaque to UVC energy (200 to 280 nm wavelength) so that the UVC is inhibited from emitting from the bottle during sanitisation. There are some plastics which are opaque to UVC energy including PET, TPU, PMMA (3% transmission).

[0092] In one embodiment the base of the bottle includes a recess to receive a heating element or UVC light source. In one embodiment the recess extends into the bottle up to about half way.

[0093] In one embodiment the recess is a cylindrical recess about half the diameter of the bottle. In one embodiment the recess is about a third of the bottle diameter. In one embodiment the recess is about twenty percent of the bottle diameter. In one embodiment the recess is about ten percent of the bottle diameter.

[0094] In one embodiment a base heating assembly may be provided.

[0095] In one embodiment the base heating assembly may include a heating probe which is configured to cooperate with the recess in the bottle. [0096] In one embodiment the base heating assembly and the base disinfecting assembly maybe combined in one unit where the UVC LEDs are disposed on the outside of the probe while the heating element may be on the inside.

[0097] In one embodiment the base heating assembly and the base disinfecting assembly may be detachable from the bottle base and separately charged on a charging dock.

[0098] In one embodiment the bottle cap skirt extends past the bottle collar when in the assembled position so that the UVC energy does not leak out into a user’s eyes.

[0099] It will be appreciated that the broad forms of the invention and their respective features can be used in conjunction, interchangeably and/or independently, and reference to separate broad forms is not intended to be limiting.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0100] Examples of embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

[0101] Figure 1 A is a schematic perspective view of a first example of a sanitisation apparatus; [0102] Figure IB is a schematic side view of the sanitisation apparatus of Figure 1A;

[0103] Figure 1C is a schematic top view of the sanitisation apparatus of Figure 1A;

[0104] Figure ID is a schematic exploded perspective view of the sanitisation apparatus of Figure 1A;

[0105] Figure IE is a schematic front view of the sanitisation apparatus of Figure 1 A;

[0106] Figure IF is a schematic sectional view through section A-A of Figure IE;

[0107] Figure 2A is a schematic perspective view of a second example of a sanitisation apparatus;

[0108] Figure 2B is a schematic exploded perspective view of the sanitisation apparatus of Figure 2A;

[0109] Figure 2C is a schematic front view of the sanitisation apparatus of Figure 2A;

[0110] Figure 2D is a schematic sectional view through section B-B of Figure 2C;

[0111] Figure 2E is a schematic exploded perspective view of a third example of a sanitisation apparatus; [0112] Figure 3 A is a schematic perspective view of a fourth example of a sanitisation apparatus;

[0113] Figure 3B is a schematic exploded perspective view of the sanitisation apparatus of Figure 3A;

[0114] Figure 3C is a schematic front view of the sanitisation apparatus of Figure 3A;

[0115] Figure 3D is a schematic sectional view through section C-C of Figure 3C;

[0116] Figure 4A is a schematic perspective view of a fifth example of a sanitisation apparatus; [0117] Figure 4B is a schematic exploded perspective view of the sanitisation apparatus of Figure 4A;

[0118] Figure 4C is a schematic front view of the sanitisation apparatus of Figure 4A;

[0119] Figure 4D is a schematic sectional view through section D-D of Figure 4C;

[0120] Figure 5 A is a schematic perspective view of a sixth example of a sanitisation apparatus in a closed configuration;

[0121] Figure 5B is a schematic perspective of the sanitisation apparatus of Figure 5A in an open configuration;

[0122] Figure 5C is a schematic front view of the sanitisation apparatus of Figure 5 A; and, [0123] Figure 5D is a schematic sectional view through section E-E of Figure 5C.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0124] Referring now to Figures 1A to IF there is shown a first example of a sanitisation apparatus 100. The sanitisation apparatus 100 is used in the sanitisation of bottles and in particular a baby bottle.

[0125] In this example, the sanitisation apparatus 100 includes a bottle 110 having a hollow body and an opening 111 at a top end thereof, the bottle 110 further including a neck region 112 for receiving a teat mounting collar 120 thereon. The apparatus 100 further includes a teat mounting collar 120 substantially transparent to UVC radiation and a teat 130 configured to mount on the teat mounting collar 120. A bottle cap 140 is configured to substantially cover the teat 130 and teat mounting collar 120, the bottle cap 140 having a disinfecting assembly including a UVC LED arrangement 164 operable to emit UVC radiation so as to promote sanitisation of one or more of: at least part of the bottle 110, the teat 130, the teat mounting collar 120, and, any liquid (e.g. water) contained in the bottle 110.

[0126] In the above arrangement, the UVC radiation travels over and through the teat 130, through the collar 120 and into the bottle 110 thereby radiating all visible surfaces. In particular, the bottle neck region 112 and fastener components of the collar 120 which engage onto the bottle neck may be effectively sanitised since all of the components of the bottle head sub-assembly are substantially transparent to UVC light. The apparatus therefore provides disinfecting of bottle contents, including water which may have pooled or been caught in crevices and crannies on or adjacent collar fasteners (e.g. threads) in the neck region 112 of the bottle 110, by UVC LED light.

[0127] The water that pools in the fastener crevices can harbour growth of pathogenic microorganisms and form biofilm, so inactivation of these can reduce infections in babies at a time when their immune systems are not well developed.

[0128] The bottle 110 is made from a material which is substantially opaque to UVC radiation so that the UVC radiation is inhibited from passing through the bottle during sanitisation. In one example, the bottle is formed from glass, or some other material which is substantially opaque to UVC energy (200 to 280 nm wavelength). There are also some plastics which are opaque to UVC energy including PET, TPU, PMMA (3% transmission).

[0129] As mentioned above, the teat mounting collar 120 is made from one a material which is substantially transparent to UVC radiation. Examples of suitable materials include polyethylene, silicone, and, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0130] The bottle cap 140 provides a housing including all of the electronics for the sanitisation apparatus 100. As shown in Figure ID, the cap 140 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 160 which mounts the UVC LED arrangement 164. Any suitable UVC LED may be used, however in one example, a UVC LED microchip manufactured by Klaran may be used such as the Klaran WD Series UVC LEDs or Klaran HC Series UVC LEDs. The PCB may include further electronics such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector 162 for recharging a battery (not shown) that powers the UVC LED microchip 164. Alternatively, the battery may be powered via induction. An actuation switch may also be provided which may be in the form of a power button or switch 150 integrated with the cap. In one example, the actuation switch is located on the top of the bottle cap housing to allow power to flow from the battery and to commence a disinfecting cycle.

[0131] In order to protect the PCB, the bottle cap 140 may also include a protective lens 170 which is depicted as a conical component in Figures ID and IF. This lens is seated above the teat 130 when the sanitisation apparatus 100 is fully assembled.

[0132] The bottle cap 140 has a skirt 142 extending past the teat mounting collar 120 as shown in Figure IF to inhibit UVC light from emerging from the neck region 112 of the bottle. As shown in Figure IF, the skirt 142 is seated on a radial flange 122 located around the base of the teat mounting collar 120. This prevents UVC light from inadvertently being emitted towards a user’s eyes, and also ensures that the UVC light is substantially contained within the apparatus 100 for purposes of sanitisation without leakage.

[0133] Typically, the apparatus will have a kill switch operable to automatically deactivate the disinfecting assembly. The kill switch is operable to deactivate the disinfecting assembly in response to the bottle cap being removed during a disinfecting cycle. In this regard, a pressure sensor may be used (e.g. incorporated into the flange 122 of the mounting collar 120) to detect when the lid is seated or otherwise engaged on the flange 122. If the lid is removed during a disinfecting cycle, the pressure signal becomes zero and the kill switch is activated. This prevents a user accidentally being exposed to UVC radiation by removing the lid during a disinfecting cycle.

[0134] The teat mounting collar 120 includes a receiving fastener for fastening the collar 120 onto the bottle 110. The receiving fastener of the teat mounting collar 120 is located internally with the collar and is typically a threaded fitting 124. However, other suitable receiving fasteners could be used such as a bayonet fitting, quick release fitting and a push fitting. In the case of a threaded fitting as shown in Figures ID and IF, the internal thread 124 of the teat mounting collar 120 is threadedly engaged onto the thread 114 located on the neck 112 of the bottle 110. [0135] The teat mounting collar 120 further includes a teat receiver disposed in an upper portion thereof. The teat receiver is typically in the form of a shoulder or channel or flange for receiving a cooperating teat mounting channel or flange in the teat 130. As shown in Figure IF, the teat mounting collar 120 includes a shoulder 126 which locates in a cooperating channel 132 of the teat 130 to thereby retain the teat in the collar.

[0136] It should also be noted that the bottle cap 140 can also be taken off and placed over a dummy, and activated, so that the dummy can be sanitised from any viruses or bacteria it may have picked up when being dropped.

[0137] In other examples, the apparatus 100 may include a base onto which the bottle engages, the base including at least one of a heating assembly for heating the bottle and its contents; and, a further disinfecting assembly including a UVC LED arrangement operable to emit UVC radiation into the bottle through a bottom region thereof.

[0138] The apparatus 100 may further include a vibration plate disposed inside the bottle, the vibration plate operable to agitate any liquid such as water contained in the bottle so as to promote exposure to UVC radiation during sanitisation.

[0139] Alternatively, the vibration plate may be disposed in the base, the vibration plate operable to vibrate the bottle and agitate any liquid contained in the bottle so as to promote exposure to UVC radiation during sanitisation.

[0140] In Figures 2A to 2D, another example of a sanitisation apparatus 200 is shown. In this example, the sanitisation apparatus 200 includes a bottle 210 having a hollow body and an opening 211 at a top end thereof, the opening including a neck region 212 for receiving a teat mounting collar 220 thereon. The apparatus 200 further includes a teat mounting collar 220 substantially transparent to UVC radiation, a teat 230 configured to mount on the teat mounting collar 220 and a bottle cap 240 configured to substantially cover the teat and teat mounting collar. Finally, the apparatus 200 further includes a base 280 for receiving a bottom portion of the bottle 210, the base 280 having a disinfecting assembly including a UVC LED arrangement 285 operable to emit UVC radiation so as to promote sanitisation of one or more of at least part of the bottle 210, the teat 230, the teat mounting collar 220, and, any liquid contained in the bottle.

[0141] In this arrangement, the base 280 provides a base disinfecting assembly for disinfecting a base region, or the entirety, of the fluid in the bottle. As such the base 280 includes a battery 282 and PCB 284 containing electronics such as the UVC LED microchip 285 and optionally USB charging connector 286. As shown in Figure 2D, the bottle 210 may include a base locator in the form of a neck region 213. The radial flange defining the neck region 213 may be configured to engage into a cooperating mounting component in the base 280 such as mounting cap 290 having a base and upstanding radial flange 292 which has a slightly larger diameter than the base locator. The mounting ring 290 may be further configured to be a protective lens for the UVC LED 285 located immediately below it when the base 280 is assembled.

[0142] Whilst typically the bottle 210 will have a closed bottom, in other examples it may be open and only sealed when assembled onto the base 280. In such an example, UVC light would pass through the base of the mounting cap/1 ens 290 and into the bottle 210 for sanitisation. Alternatively, if the bottle 210 has a closed bottom, then this may need to be substantially transparent to UVC radiation in order to properly sanitise the bottle which is typically opaque to UVC radiation.

[0143] In this example, the bottle cap 240 may either be a simple lid with no electronics or alternatively it may include a PCB 260 providing a power switch actuated by pressing power button 250 on top of the bottle in order to commence a disinfecting cycle. The actuation signal generated when the power button 250 is pressed may be transmitted wirelessly to the UVC LED microchip via a suitable wireless protocol such as Bluetooth, Zigbee etc. If the bottle cap 240 includes a PCB then a protective lens 270 may be provided in the cap between the teat 230 and PCB 260.

[0144] The teat mounting collar 220 is the same as described in the previous example, including a receiving fastener for fastening the collar 220 onto the bottle 210. The receiving fastener of the teat mounting collar 220 is located internally with the collar and is typically a threaded fitting 224 which threadedly engages onto the thread 214 around neck region 212 of the bottle 210. [0145] Furthermore, the teat mounting collar 220 further includes a teat receiver disposed in an upper portion thereof. As shown in Figure 2D, the teat mounting collar 220 includes a shoulder 226 which locates in a cooperating channel 232 of the teat 230 to thereby retain the teat in the collar.

[0146] The bottle 210 and teat mounting collar 220 in this example are made from the same materials as previously described.

[0147] In one example, the base further includes a heating assembly for heating the bottle and its contents. The bottom portion of the bottle may include a recess to receive the heating assembly and/or UVC LED arrangement. In one example, the heating assembly may include a heating probe which is configured to cooperate with the recess in the bottle.

[0148] It should also be noted that for bottles having a recessed/hollow bottom, the base could be a screw on formula dispenser that attaches to the bottle during travel. The formula dispenser may have multiple cavities to house multiple serves of formula.

[0149] In Figure 2E, there is shown an exploded view of an example similar to that shown in Figures 2A to 2D, however in this example, the base 280 includes a heating assembly 286’ instead of the UVC LED arrangement and the bottle cap 240 covering the teat and collar includes the UVC LED arrangement.

[0150] In this example, the bottle 210 is assembled in the same way to the base 280 as previously described. The base 280 includes a battery and PCB heating assembly 286’. A heat transfer plate 290’ is provided above the heating assembly 286’ in order to assist in transfer of heat to the bottle 210 so as to warm the bottle and contents therein. The heat transfer plate 290’ may be designed in a similar way to the mounting cap/lens 290 of the previous example, that is to say having a plate base and upstanding radial flange or annular ring used to locate the bottom of the bottle 210 when engaging the bottle 210 onto the base 280.

[0151] The bottle cap 240 includes a PCB to which the UVC LED microchip is mounted to emit UVC light through lens 270 towards the teat 230, collar 220 and neck region of the bottle. [0152] It will be appreciated that various features described in the above examples may be used interchangeably. For example, there could be provided UVC LED microchips in both the bottle cap covering the teat and collar and also in the base. The base could also include both a heating assembly and the UVC LED microchip electronic circuitry and components. The battery could be housed in either the cap or the base and similarly the USB charging connector/port, if provided. Either the cap or the base could include a power switch/button to activate one or both of the heating/disinfecting cycles and wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth can be used to allow signals to be transmitted and received between electronic components in the cap and base. Furthermore, heating/disinfecting cycles may be set to operate on an auto-timer which assisting in reducing bacterial overgrowth whilst the bottle is not in use.

[0153] Referring now to Figures 3A to 3D, there is shown another example of a sanitisation apparatus 300.

[0154] In this example, the sanitisation apparatus 300 includes a container 302 (e.g. a canister) having a hollow body and an opening 301 at a top end thereof for receiving a baby bottle 310 therein. A lid 306 is engageable with the container 302 so that the baby bottle 310 is enclosed when the lid is engaged, the lid including a UVC LED arrangement operable to emit UVC radiation when activated so as to disinfect the baby bottle. The baby bottle 310 is provided with a teat mounting collar 320 substantially transparent to UVC radiation that is engageable onto the neck region of the baby bottle 310 to improve sanitisation of both the collar and neck region of the bottle.

[0155] An advantage of this arrangement is that any baby bottle a user already owns can be sanitised. However, teat mounting collars that come standard with baby bottles are opaque to UVC radiation and therefore would not be suitable for use inside the container 302 as UVC light would not reach surfaces requiring sanitisation. A custom teat mounting collar is therefore provided which will be manufactured from a material that is substantially transparent to UVC radiation. A selection of custom collars will be provided with the container to suit bottles from the top manufacturers such as Mayborn, Munchkin, Pigeon, Philips Avent, etc. [0156] The container 302 and lid 306 are made from a material opaque to UVC radiation such as metal so as to prevent UVC light from escaping from the container. The interior surface of the container and lid is typically a highly polished metal surface so that the UVC light to promote internal reflection of UVC radiation inside of the container and lid thereby assisting in the bottle sterilisation and ensuring that all surfaces of the bottle are exposed to the UVC radiation.

[0157] In Figure 3D there is provided a schematic sectional view of the sanitisation apparatus 300 showing the bottle 310 inside the container 302. The lid 306 has an internal thread 307 which engages onto an external thread 304 around the neck region of the container 310. The lid 306 includes a PCB to which the UVC LED microchip 305 is mounted to emit UVC light through lens 370 towards the teat 330, collar 320 and neck region of the bottle. As the internal reflective surfaces of the container and lid assist in internally scattering the UVC light, the entire bottle and its contents are able to be completely disinfected.

[0158] In a further example, the apparatus includes a base cap that is engageable with a base of the container, the base cap configured to house a bottle teat and having a base disinfecting assembly including a UVC LED arrangement operable to emit UVC radiation when activated so as to disinfect the bottle teat. In this example, the bottle is provided with a sealing cap to cover its opening when the teat is removed in order to prevent spillage, the sealing cap being substantially transparent to UVC radiation so that the UVC LED arrangement in the lid is able to disinfect the bottle and its contents.

[0159] A further example of a sanitisation apparatus is shown in Figures 4A to 4D. In this example, the sanitisation apparatus 400 includes a container 402 having a hollow body and an opening 401 at a top end thereof for receiving a baby bottle 410 therein. The apparatus 400 further includes a base cap 450 adapted to engage with the base of the container 402 in use, the base cap 450 configured to house a bottle teat 430 and including a first UVC LED arrangement 460 operable to emit UVC radiation when activated so as to disinfect the bottle teat 430. The apparatus 400 further includes a lid 406 engageable with the container 302 so as to enclose the baby bottle 310 in a partially assembled form (without teat), the lid including a second UVC LED arrangement operable to emit UVC radiation when activated so as to disinfect the baby bottle. The baby bottle 410 is adapted to have a teat mounting collar 420 substantially transparent to UVC radiation that is engageable with the neck of the baby bottle to improve sanitisation of the collar and neck area of the bottle.

[0160] In this arrangement, the teat 430 is sanitised separately from the rest of the bottle in a compartment formed by the base cap 450. This ensures that the teat 430 is always thoroughly sanitised as this component is particularly prone to bacterial overgrowth. As the teat 430 is removed during bottle sanitisation, a bottle sealing cap 440 is placed over the opening of the baby bottle 410 so as to retain water during a sanitising cycle. The sealing cap 440 may simply push onto the top of the bottle prior to engaging the collar 220 around the neck of the bottle. The sealing cap is substantially transparent to UVC radiation so that the UVC LED arrangement in the lid is able to disinfect the bottle and its contents.

[0161] The lid 406 will typically contain electronics as previously described including a PCB to which a UVC LED microchip is mounted to emit UVC light towards the collar 320, sealing cap 440 and neck region of the bottle. The container and lid 406 are typically made from metal with highly polished internal surfaces as previously described so that it is opaque to UVC radiation thereby ensuring that all surfaces of the bottle are thoroughly disinfected when.

[0162] As previously described, the lid 406 has an internal thread 407 which engages onto an external thread 404 around the neck region of the container 410. The container 410 may threadedly engage onto the base cap 450 or may engage by a press fit arrangement as depicted in Figures 4B and 4D.

[0163] In an alternative arrangement yet again, the second UVC LED arrangement in the lid may be omitted and the container and base cap may be designed to allow UVC light emitted from the UVC LED arrangement in the base cap to enter the container and reflect throughout to thereby also disinfect the bottle and its contents.

[0164] Referring not to Figures 5A to 5D, there is shown another example of a sanitisation apparatus 500. [0165] In this example, the sanitisation apparatus 500 includes a casing 502 comprising a first casing element 504 pivotally joined to a second casing element 506, the casing 502 being selectively closable and openable via a releasable fastener 503 and configured to house an at least partially assembled baby bottle 510 in use. The apparatus 500 further includes a disinfecting assembly including a plurality of UVC LED arrays 560 spaced around an internal periphery of the first and second casing elements 504, 506 and operable to emit UVC radiation when activated so as to disinfect the at least partially assembled baby bottle 510 when enclosed within the casing 502. The baby bottle 510 is provided with a teat mounting collar 520 substantially transparent to UVC radiation that is engageable with the neck 512 of the baby bottle 510 to improve sanitisation of the neck area of the bottle.

[0166] The casing 502 may be in the form of a rigid shell or alternatively it could be a soft pouch. In the example shown, the casing 502 is a cylindrical shell providing a hollow interior for receiving the bottle 510. The casing 502 may also include hemispherical shells 507 at the top and bottom which may form housing for electronic components such as USB recharging connectors, batteries, power switches etc. The shells 507 may further provide support and structure to the casing 502 particularly where it is a soft pouch.

[0167] In order to properly sanitise the bottle, a number of UVC LEDs are spaced radially around the casing 502 to ensure that UVC light reaches all surfaces of the bottle. This is necessary as the casing/pouch is typically not reflective internally and so UVC light will not be refracted and bounced around the inside of the casing as in previous examples. In order to maximise UVC light penetration, each array typically consists of a plurality of UVC LED microchips arranged in a lengthwise direction along the inner periphery of each casing element. In alternative arrangements that arrays may be curved and disposed along a direction of curvature of each casing element. In such an example, multiple arrays would be spaced apart along the longitudinal extent of the casing element.

[0168] In the example shown, the casing elements 504, 506 are closed by a zipper 503 that runs along tracks 505 between each element. In other arrangements, other suitable releasable fasteners could be used such as velcro and other hook and loop type fasteners. [0169] In a further example, the sanitisation apparatus 500 may have a casing that is partitioned into a first body section for receiving the bottle and a second body section for receiving a teat of the bottle to allow the bottle and teat to be separately sanitised. In such an arrangement, the bottle is provided with a sealing cap to cover its opening when the teat is removed, the sealing cap being substantially transparent to UVC radiation to thereby allow UVC radiation to pass through it into the bottle during a sanitisation cycle.

[0170] The above examples provide an improved sanitisation apparatus for bottles, and in particular baby bottles. In each example, a teat mounting collar is provided which is substantially transparent to UVC radiation such that the collar and neck area of a bottle can be disinfected by UVC light when the collar is assembled. In some examples, bottles are disinfected inside canisters or other casing arrangements by UVC light. In alternative examples, the disinfecting assembly is housed in a lid or base cap which is directly engaged with the bottle being sanitised. In some instances, the teat is removed and sanitised separately to the bottle for more targeted disinfection and in such examples a bottle sealing cap substantially transparent to UVC radiation is provided to cover the opening of the bottle. Advantageously, these examples provide an improved ability to effectively sanitise bottles and in particular difficult to reach areas such as collar and neck areas where bacteria and other pathogens can harbour, and which are difficult to disinfect properly by traditional methods.

[0171] Also, it is to be appreciated that the sanitising apparatus is compact and portable which is advantageous as users can now sanitise bottles in any location in contrast to existing sanitisation devices that must be either plugged in for power or are so bulky and heavy that they are only designed to be used in a home environment.

[0172] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0173] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described.