GB2433442A

GB2433442A - Tray with Bottle Support

Info

Publication number: GB2433442A
Application number: GB0623263A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alex Smith; Peter Reed
Original assignee: Lindam Ltd
Current assignee: Lindam Ltd
Priority date: 2005-12-20
Filing date: 2006-11-21
Publication date: 2007-06-27
Also published as: GB0623263D0; GB0525804D0

Abstract

A tray (2) is provided with protrusions (12) or apertures for locating and supporting one or more bottles in a required position during sterilization. Protrusions and apertures can be in the form of protruding sleeves, skirts (12) or crescent shaped apertures. A number of apertures in the tray (2) enable circulation of steam.

Description

1 2433442 Support Means [his invention relates to support means for

supporting one or more objects in a required position in use.

Although the following description refers almost exclusively to support means in the form of a tray for supporting one or more baby feeding bottles for use in sterilising apparatus, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the support means can be used to support any suitable objects for any suitable purpose.

It is a known requirement to sterilise baby feeding bottles and feeding equipment in order to prevent infection or illness in a baby or young child caused by bacteria which has a tendency to grow in such bottles and/or equipment. Sterilisation can be undertaken via cold sterilisation using a sterilisation tablet or fluid, or via steam sterilisation wherein steam is circulated around and inside the bottles and equipment for a pre-determined period of time.

Steam sterilisers typically include a reservoir in which steam is generated in or into which steam is released. The bottles or equipment for sterilisation can simply be located in the reservoir or can be supported on a tray and the tray is located in the reservoir. If a tray is not used, the bottles or equipment may melt or become damaged, a user typically has to place their hand into the reservoir to locate the bottles or equipment and this may result in the user burning their hand. If a tray is used, the bottles or equipment are typically laid on their sides onto the tray or are upturned and the tray is located in the sterilisation reservoir. However, a problem with such conventional trays is that the bottles and/or equipment may not remain in a required position during location in/from the steam reservoir or during

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the steam sterilisation process. As such, steam may be prevented from circulating into and around the bottles and/or equipment, thereby preventing adequate sterilisation. Furthermore, the tray is typically moved through an acute angle in order to locate and remove the same in/from the steriliser and the bottles and equipment may fall from the tray during angling of the tray. As such, a user will typically have to repeat the sterilisation process for any fallen bottles and/or equipment, thereby making the process time consuming.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide support means for one or more objects which overcomes the abovernentioned problems in use.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of use of support means.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide steam sterilisation apparatus including support means.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided support means for supporting one or more objects in use, said support means including a tray portion and wherein location means are provided on said tray portion for locating said objects in a required position therewith in use.

Thus, by providing location means on the tray portion, the one or more objects are maintained in a required position and/or orientation in use.

Preferably the location means includes at least one member protruding outwardly or upwardly from an upper surface of said tray portion, said at least one protruding member of such form

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and/or dimensions to allow at least a part of an object to be located therewith in use.

Preferably the one or more objects are in the form of a bottle and preferably a baby feeding bottle. Each feeding bottle typically has at least one opening defined therein and said at least one opening is located with said location means, over or with said at least one protruding member. Other objects can be located on the tray portion in use if required.

Preferably the at least one protruding member is in the form of a sleeve or skirt and has an opening defined therein. A part or parts of the baby feeding bottle or object can be located through said opening and the walls of the sleeve or skirt can be used to support said baby feeding bottle or object in a required position in use. The opening of the sleeve or skirt is preferably provided adjacent a top thereof.

The protruding member typically has a narrowing taper towards a free end or uppermost end thereof. This helps to locate the bottle or object therewith in use.

In one embodiment a part of the baby feeding bottle or object is located over the at least one protruding member and the at least one protruding member is located through said bottle opening to support the same in use.

Preferably each protruding member and/or location means has at least a first inner protruding portion and a second outer protruding portion. The inner and outer protruding portions are typically located a pre-determined spaced distance apart. The space is typically of such dimensions to allow the side walls of a baby feeding bottle or object adjacent an opening thereof to be located therein in one embodiment. The space is also of such

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dimensions to allow steam to pass between the inner and outer protruding portions to improve the circulation of steam around the one or more objects being sterilised and/or to allow drainage of fluid therefrom.

The side walls of the inner and/or outer protruding portions typically have a narrowing taper towards a free end or uppermost end thereof. This helps to locate the bottle or object therewith in use.

The inner and/or outer protruding portions can be integrally formed with the tray, attached thereto and/or detachably attached thereto.

The first inner protruding and/or second outer protruding portion are typically in the form of a sleeve or skirt having an opening defined therein. The opening is preferably provided adjacent a top of the sleeve or skirt. An opening can be provided adjacent a base of the sleeve or skirt if required.

Preferably the inner protruding portion protrudes further from an upper surface of the tray portion compared to the outer protruding portion.

One or more apertures can be provided on or adjacent the at least one protruding member to allow steam to pass adjacent to and/or through any bottle located on or with said at least one protruding member in use. The one or more apertures can be provided on the tray portion and/or one or more of the walls defining the inner and/or outer protruding portions.

Preferably the inner protruding portion is attached to the outer protruding portion via attachment means. The attachment means can be any or any combination of suitable attachment means, such as one or more rib members, screws, nut and bolts, clips, inter-engaging members and/or the like. In one embodiment the inner and/or outer protruding portions can be integrally formed with a base of the tray portion.

Preferably the tray portion includes a base and side walls. The side walls are preferably provided adjacent a peripheral edge of said base.

In one embodiment a plurality of protrusion members are provided at spaced apart intervals on an upper surface of the base of said tray portion. Each protrusion member is typically capable of supporting a baby feeding bottle in use.

In a preferred embodiment the protrusion members are located in a substantially circular arrangement around the periphery of the tray portion.

Preferably handle means are associated with said tray portion for allowing the tray portion to be carried and/or moved in use. The handle means in one embodiment in the form of at least one elongate member protruding upwardly or outwardly from a base or side wall of the tray portion so as to allow the tray portion to be handled without a user having to contact the base of the tray portion which is typically associated with or adjacent a steam source in use, thereby removing or at least reducing the risk of a user burning their hands.

In one embodiment one or more slots are provided in the side walls of said tray portion to allow steam to pass through said tray portion in use.

Preferably the tray portion has engagement means provided on or associated therewith to allow the tray portion to be engaged in a suitable position in a steam steriliser or other article in use.

The side walls of the tray portion can protrude a greater distance from the base compared to the location means and/or can protrude a distance from the base that is less than that of the location means.

At least a part of the at least one protruding member, the inner and/or outer protruding portions are preferentially substantially circular or cylindrical in form but can be any suitable shape, size and/or design.

In one embodiment the protruding member, inner and/or outer protruding portions are substantially crescent shaped and/or have one or more concave or convex portions.

The tray portion can be any suitable size, shape and/or design as required.

The at least first inner and second outer protruding portions are typically concentrically arranged. The portions are also typically co-axially arranged.

One or more support feet can be located on a lower surface of the base of the tray portion to allow the tray portion to be raised a spaced distance above a base of a reservoir in which it is located in the steriliser and/or surface.

A substantial part of the base of the tray portion is preferably provided with apertures defined therein. Preferably a substantial part of the base between the inner and outer protruding portions is provided with one or more apertures or slots.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided sterilising apparatus including support means. The sterilising apparatus can be used for the purposes of cold and/or steam stcrilisation. The support means are preferably detachably attached to the sterilising apparatus.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using support means for supporting one or more objects in use, said support means including a tray portion and location means provided on said tray portion and said method including the steps of detachably locating one or more objects with said location means.

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided bottle support means.

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided support means for supporting one or more bottles in use, said support means including a tray portion, location means including one or more protruding members provided on said tray portion for locating a part of the bottle thereover or therewith in a required position in use and one or more apertures defined in said tray portion and/or said protruding members for the passage of fluid therethrough.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein: Figure Ia is a perspective view of support means according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure lb is a plan view from above of the support means in figure la; Figure 2a is a perspective view of support means according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2b is a plan view from above of the support means in figure 2a; Figures 3a-3b illustrate a perspective view and plan view respectively of a plurality of bottles in use with support means in one embodiment; and Figures 4a-4b illustrate a perspective view and plan view respectively of a plurality of bottle in use with support means in one embodiment.

Referring firstly to figures la-ib, there is illustrated support means in the form of a tray portion 2 for supporting up to six baby feeding bottles, although the tray portion can be adapted to fit any suitable number of bottles as required. The tray portion is for location in a sterilising reservoir of a steam steriliser (not shown) in use.

The tray portion 2 includes a base 4 and side walls 6. An elongate handle portion 8 is located substantially centrally of an upper surface 10 of base 4. The handle allows a user to carry the tray portion a spaced distance away from base 4 to avoid contact with any hot surface or steam. Gripping tongs 11 can be provided for detachable attachment to the handle to allow a user to move one or more objects to and from the tray if required.

A plurality of location means in the form of protrusion members 12 are provided on base 4 and said members protrude upwardly from upper surface 10. Each protrusion member 12 is provided a spaced distance apart and said spacing typically allows a plurality of bottles to be located with said protrusion members without obstruction from an adjacent bottle.

More particularly, each protrusion member 12 includes an inner protruding portion 14 and an outer protruding portion 16 which protrude upwardly from upper surface 10. Inner portion 14 and outer portion 16 are separated by a prc-determined space 18.

Both inner and outer portions 14, 16 are in the form of sleeves having side walls 20, 22 and a first open end 22, 24 defined by an upper edge 26, 28 respectively. The inner and outer portions are coaxial. A second open end is defined in the base of the sleeves and second open end is in communication with the first open end. in the illustrated embodiment, inner portion 14 and outer portion 16 are substantially cylindrical in form. Inner portion 14 has a smaller diameter than outer portion 16 but is taller than outer portion 16 as will be described in more detail below.

The outer portion 16 is typically intcgrally formed with base 4 and inner portion 14 is attached to outer portion via rib members 29 which arc spaced an equidistance apart in space 1 8.

In use, the tray portion 2 is located in a reservoir of a steam steriliser and steam generated in the reservoir passes up through apertures 30 provided in base 4. The apertures 30 can be any suitable size, shape and/or design and are typically located at spaced apart intervals. The steam is used to sterilise one or more objects located on upper surface 10 of tray 2. A plurality of apertures 32 are defined in the base 4 adjacent outer portion 16 and in the side walls 22 of outer portion 16.

A recess portion 34 is defined in the outer surface of side wall 6 and this recess portion typically allows correct location of the tray 2 in the steam steriliser in use. Other engagement of location means can be provided to allow engagement or correct orientation of the tray in the steriliser reservoir in use.

Referring to figures 3a-4b, a tray portion 2 is illustrated in use for supporting six baby drink bottles of different shapes 36, 38.

Each bottle 36, 38 typically includes a base 40, side walls 42 and a neck (not shown) defining an opening therein at an end opposite to base 40. Although the bottles shown are all of the same type, it will be appreciated that different shaped bottles can be used with the tray at the same time.

It is important that the bottles 36, 38 are sterilised since a baby or young child can be susceptible to infection caused by bacteria growing in the baby feeding bottles. Each bottle 36, 38 is upturned, such that the base 40 of each bottle is uppermost and the opening defined at the end of the neck of the bottle is located over either the inner or outer protruding portions 14, 16, depending on the dimensions of the opening relative to the dimensions of the protruding portions. Thus, bottles 36 have a relatively wide opening and are located over inner portion 14, such that the side walls 42 of the bottle adjacent the open end are located in space 18 between the inner and outer portions 14, 16 of the tray. The outer surface of side walls 42 engage against the inner surface of outer portion 16. Bottles 38 have a relatively narrow opening and are located through open end 22 of inner portion 14, such that the outer surface of side walls 42 of the bottle are supported by the inner surface of side walls 20 of inner portion 14. Since bottles 38 are relatively tall compared to their width relative to bottles 36, the longer protruding inner portion 14 provides greater support for such tall thin bottles than is required for bottles 36.

With the bottles 36, 38 upturned in the tray portions in the manner illustrated, steam can pass through apertures 30 provided on the base 4 and around the outer surface of side walls 42 of the bottles. Steam can pass through apertures 32 provided adjacent outer portion 16 and in the side walls 22 thereof, thereby allowing steam to pass into space 18 and through the opening of the bottles. Steam can also pass through the second open ends of inner and outer portions 14, 16 into and around the openings of the bottles. Thus, the present Invention provides adequate support for one or more baby feeding bottles on the tray whilst allowing steam to pass around each bottle without obstruction, thereby increasing the efficiency of the sterilising process. The tray can also be angled at an acute angle and the bottles will typically remain on the protruding portions without falling off, thereby increasing the ease of use of the apparatus to a user.

A similar tray 102 is shown in figures 2a and 2b, the same reference numerals are used to identify corresponding features as in figures Ia and lb. In tray 102, only four protrusion members 12 are provided compared to six in figures Ia and lb. In addition, a plurality of elongate slots 104 arc defined at spaced apart intervals in side walls 6 of tray 102. The side walls 6 of the tray have a greater height than protrusion members 12 to prevent bottles or other objects from falling from the tray.

Furthermore, both inner and outer skirt portions 14, 16 are formed integrally with base 4 of tray 102. Inner portion 14 has an open to.p and base but outer portion 16 has an open top and a base 106 with apertures 108 defined therein. Apertures 108 are in communication with apertures 32 defined in base 4 adjacent side walls 22 and in side walls 22.

Substantially crescent shaped cut Out portions 110 are defined in base 4 and these allow a bottle to be located with the same at an acute angle. Part of an opening of the bottle is located in the cut out portion and the inner concave edge 112 of the same locates in the opening of the bottle. A further aperture 114 is located adjacent the inner concave edge 112 to allow the passage of steam thcrethrough and into a bottle located with said cut Out portion 110.

Although the trays illustrated in the abovedescribed embodiments are substantially circular in form, it will be appreciated that the trays can be any suitable shape, size and/or design and can bc made from any suitable material, such as plastic, metal and/or the like. The bottles for use with the trays can be any suitable size, shape, form and/or design. The one or more bottles can be located substantially vertically of the tray portion or can be located at an acute angle thereto.

Claims

Claims: 1. Support means for supporting one or more objects in use,

said support means including a tray portion and location means provided on said tray portion for locating said objects in a required position in use.

2. Support means according to claim I wherein said location means includes at least one member protruding upwardly and/or outwardly from an upper surface of said tray portion, said at least one protruding member of such form and/or dimensions to allow at least part of an object to be located therewith in use.

3. Support means according to claim 2 wherein the at least one protruding member is in the form of a sleeve or skirt and has at least one opening defined therein.

4. Support means according to claim 3 wherein the at least one opening is defined in a top of said sleeve or skirt.

5. Support means according to claim I wherein the protruding member has a narrowing taper towards a free end or uppermost end thereof.

6. Support means according to any preceding claim wherein each protrusion member or said location means includes at least a first inner protruding portion and a second outer protruding portion, said portions located a spaced distance apart.

7. Support means according to claim 6 wherein the at least first and/or second protruding portions are in the form of a skirt or sleeve with at least one opening defined in a top thereof.

8. Support means according to claim 6 wherein the inner protruding portion protrudes further from an upper surface of the tray portion compared to the outer protruding portion.

9. Support means according to claim 6 wherein the inner and outer protruding portions are substantially co-axially arranged.

10. Support means according to claim 6 wherein one or more side walls of the objcct are located between said inner and outer protruding portions in use.

11. Support means according to claim 6 wherein the inner and outer protruding portions are joined together with attachment means.

12. Support means according to claim 11 wherein the attachment means includes any or any combination of one or more rib members, screws, nuts and bolts, clips or inter-engaging members.

13. Support means according to claim 6 wherein the inner and/or outer protruding portions are integrally formed with a base of the tray portion.

14. Support means according to claim I wherein one or more apertures are defined in the tray portion and/or location means to allow the passage of steam therethrough and/or to drain fluid therefrom.

15. Support means according to claim 1 wherein the tray portion includes a base wall and side walls provided adjacent a peripheral edge of said base wall.

16. Support means according to any preceding claim wherein a plurality of protrusion members are provided on the base wall of the tray portion, the protrusion members provided at spaced apart intervals thereon.

17. Support means according to any preceding claim wherein the protrusion members are formed around a peripheral edge of the base of the tray portion.

18. Support means according to claim 1 wherein handle means are provided on or associated with the tray portion.

19. Support means according to claim 18 wherein the handle means include at least one elongate member protruding upwardly from a base of the tray portion.

20. Support means according to claim I wherein the tray portion has engagement means provided on or associated therewith to allow engagement of the tray portion with another article in use.

21. Support means according to claim I wherein the one or more objects include a bottle with an opening defined therein, the opening being located with or over said location means in use.

22. Support means according to any preceding claim wherein at least a part of the protrusion means, inner and/or outer protruding portions are substantially cylindrical in shape.

23. Support means according to any preceding claim wherein at least a part of the protrusion means, inner and/or outer protruding portions are substantially crescent shaped or have one or more concave or convex portions.

24. Support means according to claim I wherein the tray portion has one or more support feet provided on a lower surface thereof.

25. Support means according to claim I wherein the apparatus in which the support means is provided with in use is a steriliser.

26. Support means according to claim 1 wherein a substantial part of a base of the tray portion is provided with apertures defined therein.

27. Support means according to claim 6 wherein a substantial part of the base between the inner and outer protruding portions is provided with one or more apertures or slots.

28. Support means according to claim 1 wherein the support means is a bottle support means.

29. Sterilising apparatus, said sterilising apparatus including support means according to claim 1.

30. A method of using support means for supporting one or more objects in use, said support means including a tray portion and location means provided on said tray portion and said method including the steps of detachably locating one or more objects with said location means.

31. Support means for supporting one or more bottles in use, said support means including a tray portion, location means including one or more protruding members provided on said tray portion for locating a part of the bottle thereover or therewith in a required position in use and one or more apertures defined in said tray portion and/or said protruding members for the passage of fluid there through.