GB2377919A - Food dispenser and feeding spoon and heater therefore - Google Patents
Food dispenser and feeding spoon and heater therefore Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2377919A GB2377919A GB0117935A GB0117935A GB2377919A GB 2377919 A GB2377919 A GB 2377919A GB 0117935 A GB0117935 A GB 0117935A GB 0117935 A GB0117935 A GB 0117935A GB 2377919 A GB2377919 A GB 2377919A
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- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- container
- food
- spoon
- dispenser
- opening
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 107
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 238000005303 weighing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 238000010792 warming Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000000454 talc Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 229910052623 talc Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 12
- 101150106671 COMT gene Proteins 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 235000008452 baby food Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 230000001954 sterilising effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000010409 thin film Substances 0.000 description 2
- WVQBLGZPHOPPFO-LBPRGKRZSA-N (S)-metolachlor Chemical compound CCC1=CC=CC(C)=C1N([C@@H](C)COC)C(=O)CCl WVQBLGZPHOPPFO-LBPRGKRZSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 101100379067 Caenorhabditis elegans anc-1 gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 244000068645 Carya illinoensis Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000009025 Carya illinoensis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241000234435 Lilium Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001233242 Lontra Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000219823 Medicago Species 0.000 description 1
- 229920005439 Perspex® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 244000297179 Syringa vulgaris Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000004338 Syringa vulgaris Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000269722 Thea sinensis Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 206010003246 arthritis Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 235000013409 condiments Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012611 container material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000021185 dessert Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 210000003811 finger Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 229920002457 flexible plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000009998 heat setting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000021184 main course Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000012054 meals Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010899 nucleation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000016709 nutrition Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013021 overheating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000005022 packaging material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002861 polymer material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004926 polymethyl methacrylate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004659 sterilization and disinfection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000012976 tarts Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
- A61J7/0015—Devices specially adapted for taking medicines
- A61J7/0023—Spoons
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
- A61J7/0015—Devices specially adapted for taking medicines
- A61J7/0053—Syringes, pipettes or oral dispensers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
- B65D77/22—Details
- B65D77/24—Inserts or accessories added or incorporated during filling of containers
- B65D77/245—Utensils for removing the contents from the package, e.g. spoons, forks, spatulas
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J2200/00—General characteristics or adaptations
- A61J2200/40—Heating or cooling means; Combinations thereof
- A61J2200/42—Heating means
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
- Table Equipment (AREA)
Abstract
A combined food dispenser and feeding spoon comprises: a collapsible food container (16) having an opening (20) for dispensing food; a substantially rigid spoon (12) having at least a bowl portion (22); and, a connection means for attachably/detachably connecting the spoon to the container. Food is dispensed through the opening of the container onto the concave surface of the bowl portion by application of pressure to the walls of the container. The container may comprise a substantially rigid neck portion (18) at least partially surrounding the opening a non-return valve for the food or a plunger means for discharging the food and may be refillable. A heater device for warming food in the container may comprise a means for weighing the contents of the food container in a heating chamber, and a processor for determining a heating cycle suitable for heating the food to a pre-determined temperature in accordance with the weight of the food in the container. The heater can be powered by a rechargeable battery and an in-car adapter.
Description
23779 1 9
FOOD DISPENSER AND FEEDING SPOON
AND HEATER THEREFOR
This invention relates to a food dispenser and feeding spoon combination, and in 5 particular concerns a food dispenser and feeding spoon for baby food which enables controlled quantities of food to be dispensed on the spoon for feeding in a single handed operation.
Food containers are manufactured in many shapes and sizes using many different 0 types of packaging materials such as glass, plastic, metals and metal foils depending on the foodstuff to be stored and the intended shelf life for the foodstuff in the container. Pureed and mashed baby food is usually packaged in glass containers such as jars 5 with removable screw top lids which enable the contents to be warmed by heating the filled containers in hot water to warm the food to the required temperature for feeding.
It is often difficult to ensure that the food is heated to the correct temperature and underheating or overheating can occur and since the food is contained in a separate container the food must be removed before feeding. This requires the mother or 2 0 person feeding the baby to use one hand to hold the container and the other hand to spoon the food from the container for feeding.
US-A-4,830,222 describes a combination spoon and food container which addresses a number of problems associated with glass jar containers for baby food and in
particular the requirement for a "third hand" to help keep the baby from knocking the spoon away from its mouth during the feeding process. In this document the combination spoors and food container comprises a rigid spoon eletnent having a bowl portion and an eloTIgatc handle which has a curved cross-section. l he SPOOR iS 5 manufactured using mouLled plastics such as PVC and the food container coTnpnscs a thin tilts I'VC envelope which is joinecl to the handle portion of the spoon try heat Ot adltesivc. I cod is placed ilk tile envck' c prior to sealing ofthe envelope at an Open end thcTcoi. The way in which the food is packaged is coTllpatablc to that usecl t: package condin e tts in PVC cnvelopcs. In the spoon and Tood contai - cT co lbi atio ies r-iL cci it, l,-... s:).... c.;i <i c <, t.;c so;;.;;. - -id<-.s.-; h.t...i.! longitudinal timidity to the scaled crTvclopc..N teal- strict is ptovidcc1 at talc end oi the cr velopc ad) accr t to talc hot\ 1 of the spoors so that the ci ntcr ts of the cnvclopc À aft be nod into talc howl C,nce the tea: stt-i: ho heck:evcred lay the iF 1icatio ol ha - cl pressure. particul - rly h: the feeilc r- tt- ur b. to the thin filly envelope.
1r) There arc a Hunter of disadvantages. ssociatcd with the spoon and load coritaincT combination described in US-A-4,83()..2:?. In particular, t.herc is always the possibility that the tear strip will not sever comE'lctcly as required, for instance the envelope niay he severed along a line which results in the food contents of the 2 0 envelope being dispensed over tile no of the spoon bowl or handle resulting in mess and waste of the baby food. In addition, the tear strip may present difficulties to the elderly, for instance grandparents, or the disabled and those suffering with arthritis or similar conditions, and this may exacerbate the problems associated Wittl incorrect severing of the envelope. These problems are well known to people who have had to
contend with opening PVC envelopes used for condiments in the catering industry The container and spoon combination described in IJS-A-4,830,222 is manufactured to be disposable since the food containing envelope is bonded directly to the moulded spoon and the whole entity is discarded after use. This is particularly wasteful since 5 the moulded spoon constitutes the greater part of the spoon and container combination. The non-resealable design of the envelope underlies the disposable nature of the spoon and food container which requires the spoon and food container to be discarded even when only part of the contents have been dispensed. A partially used container could of course be placed in a rigid air tight container for later use but 0 this would not prevent the contents of the envelope being dispensed by movement of the envelope against the air tight container or by pressure being applied to the envelope through a resealable bag like container in which the spoon and food container had been sealed within.
5 According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a food dispenser and feeding spoon combination comprising: a collapsible food container having an opening; a substantially rigid spoon having at least a bowl portion; and, a connection means for attachably/detachably connecting the spoon to the said 2 o container, whereby food is dispensed through the said opening onto the concave surface of the bowl portion by application of pressure to the said container.
By connecting the spoon to a container in this way it is possible to reduce waste since the spoon may be detached from the container and reused after the contents of the
food container have been dispensed. The two-part device enables a single detachable spoon to be used for different food types stored in separate flood containers. This may be particularly advantageous when feeding is to take place away frown the home when storage space for the dispenser and feeding spoon combination is limited, that is to say 5 in circumstances where the responsible adult must carry an appropriate supply of f'oo 1 in a number of collapsible containers for Seeding the baby over an extcrided period of time, for exan t le when travelling o;- visiting f'ricnds or relatives. 'I'his aspect of'thc invention readily enai lcs the spoon to be dctache(l I'rorn the took contair ct- for cic inirl, after use or between dispcnsi l, dif'f'crcnt food types from dif'fercnt cont.iincls hi also crable tie.- used ci. iainc-r.s to bc l rartcnc(1 f IT dispt,s l U; otl c;'.:i,C.4tl:. i- i-.C.
Ire y referT e(l crnt din ents. Ills said container lurttrcr comprises Hi. . bst3n i 11y rigid neck Rotation al Icast p3t-ti l11; sul-lo lrldill, the s,li(l opcllill. Hanoi talc fetid collnccli medics tittachably/(letaclldL]ly concocts the Spoon to tl c neck ol'lllc said corltai;l; r.
1, The rigid contair cr neck readily penllits the saloon to be connected to the contairtot-
ancl detacl cd therefrom after rise. 'I nc rigid neck portion also enables the contents of the container to bc dispensed in a more c. nLr. 'llcd rnarlrler through the opcnirly which it surrounds in a direction determined by the geometry ol'thc opening md rigid neck porti on.
Preferably, the spoon further c, mpriscs a handle portion which lies substantially along the length of the container on at least one side or around at least part of the periphery of the container. The handle readily enables the feeding spoon to be held in a way that enables the contents of the container to be dispensed by the application
of hand pressure to the container. In such an embodiment the handle may support the container with the respect to the bowl of the spoon such that the food dispenser and spoon combination is substantially rigid along its length with the food being dispensed by the application of hand pressure to the side of the collapsible container 5 opposite the side that lies adjacent to the handle portion of the spoon.
In preferred embodiments the handle comprises an annular part which surrounds the neck portion of the container for improved rigidity of the combination and greater stiffness in the region of the connection means.
Preferably, the said resilient connection means comprises a resilient collar, integral with the spoon, which extends at least partially around the container neck to connect the spoon to the container. The collar may define or form part of an annulus for connection to the neck of the container. In embodiments where the collar is formed 5 as a part annulus, arcuate arms provided on both sides of the collar enable a resilient connection to be made with the container by flexure of the arms to accommodate the neck of the container. In embodiments where the collar is defined by a full annulus, a resilient connection may be formed by engagement of the collar with a flexible and resilient part of the container in the region of the neck or opening. In both these 2 0 embodiments the collar defines part of a "snap-fit" connection between the spoon and the container.
In preferred embodiments, the container comprises a flexible envelope and the resilient connection means comprises a resilient skirt depending on one side of the
said envelope for resilient engagement with a lip on the periphery of the said handle portion. In this way it is possible to readily connect the flexible envelope to the handle portion of the spoon by stretching the envelope material forming the resilient skirt over the lip on the handle. In this way the food container can he constructed 5 entirely using thin liln-, flexible plastics material to form a bag-like container without rigid cotlucctiot1 components for example a rigid neck portion fir the lilac. Iffy fortllirlp the c 'ntainet as a flexible bag-like envelope the containers can be readily; stored and transported prior to filling and readily disposed of alter use.
u ire Rim c' iy<,clir ur t Olin is I,, FJ<!,i. o;,,tJii, ti<,i,,.:,-,..,;; ;i i.
Gc ntaitlcr cngaycn cr- l Pecans Jot- r-gi l the c 'nlcnts of the container out of talc said container opcnin tints, the said brawl lit this way it is possible TC) dispcr sc bloc Gontct-rts ot the c< nl, incr ire a cont -ollcd menace arid avoid waste clue to i - complclc emptying f- tl c container in usc In preferre l emhodirTlcrits the said container cnga cment means comprises a slide NN hicl1 is movable 1OT1g the length of the container towards the said opening The slide can be moved along the Icngtl1 of the container to cause the contents to IRONY towards the OpCtlitlg for dispensing OT1 to tl c bowl.
2() I'refcrably, the said container engagetnent means Comprises a pair of pivotal members pivotally connected with respect to the spoon and positioned on respective sides of the eon' ainer for engaging the container on opllositc sides thereof. In this embodiment the contents of the container can be dispensed by a pump action on the
container by movement of the pivotal members against the container on opposite sides thereof. In preferred embodiments, the said container comprises a flexible tube.
5 constructing the container as a flexible tube the contents of the container may be readily dispensed when the tube is held in the user's hand by application of finger and/or thumb pressure to the tube depending on the orientation of the handle with respect to the tube and the bowl of the spoon.
0 In other preferred embodiments, the said container comprises a bag-like flexible envelope. By manufacturing the container as a bag-like flexible envelope it is possible to reduce production costs, transport costs, storage costs and disposal costs.
The bag-like envelope readily enables printed matter to be provided on the surface of the container such as instructions of use, nutritional information and/or indicia for 5 marketing and advertising purposes.
Preferably the said container comprises at least two separate container elements. By separating the container into two or more container elements it is possible to fill the elements with different types of food, for example a first element could be filled with 20 a main course food and a second element may contain a dessert food. The two elements may be sized to contain one half portion each to avoid waste if a half portion proves to be sufficient when feeding.
In preferred embodiments, the container comprises a resealable lid. This further
prevents waste and less that they be caused as a result of a part empty container.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a food dispenser and feeding spoon combination comprising: a collapsible food container having an owning and a substantially rigid neck 5 portion at least partially surrounding the said opening; and, a substantially rigid slalom having a bow] portion connected to the neck of the corlLaincr. whereby food is dispensed tnr< 'ugh talc said opcnirl onto the concave surtax c of talc bowl portion by applic.ition of:ressurc to the said container A.t,, ii,- - t.,.,, nt,,cr.isl,.:: -,f.. c ii, iiii,i; i,i i it:,i i ' d. t< v 3 Hi l-; ' iccdin< - Option con bination corllprising: <! II i.:it lc icon cor t i < i- r ix;ir. 1 opcr ir:= droll 1 [IOl]- -T] \. IlV: ( 1 a substantiall.v rigid spoon havin r hoes I portion ci nnccted lo the Container whereby land is dispensecl Lhrc u l the non- return valve anc1 the opcnh.r.:nR'tI c r-S concave surtacc ol the bowl portion by application of l ressurc to the said container The non-retun valve readily cnal.:les food to be sgi ee/cd foul of the. food container hi a controlled manner by the application of hand prcssur-c and can prcvcnt air entering the container when only partly full following part of the contents of the container 2 0 being dispensed This readily enables the contents of the container to be re-sealed in an air tight manner when only part of the food is used during feeding so that the rc-
sealed contents remain fresh and sterile within the sealed container for later feeding.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a food dispenser and
feeding spoon combination comprising: a refillable food container having a food dispensing opening; a substantially rigid spoon having a bowl portion positioned with respect to the said container for receiving food dispensed from the container through the said 5 opening; and, a plunger means for urging food from the container onto the concave surface of the said bowl portion.
The rep liable food container of the above mentioned aspect of the invention readily l o enables food to be prepared at home for the baby or infant.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a heater device for warming food in a food container; the said device comprising at least one heating chamber having a heater element for heating food in a food container positioned 15 therein, a weighing means for weighing the contents of the said food container in the heating chamber, and a processor means for determining a heating cycle suitable for heating the food in the said container to a pre-determined temperature in accordance with the weight of the food in the said container.
2 0 The heater device readily enables the correct amount of heat to be transferred to a food container according to the weight of the foodstuff within the container and or the type of foodstuff so that the food is heated to an appropriate temperature to prevent discomfort and/or burns if the food is overheated.
Prcfcrably the heater further comprises a battery means for powering the heater elements. In this way the heater crevice can be portable and used in environments away from the mains power supply.
5 In preferred crnbodi nents? the battery is recharycable and the device further comTlriscs an in-car adaptor for recharging the batters for operati gT? the device front cl iclc s 1 2 volt OWC I- sty.
Various crr bodiment.s Elf talc present invention will now he nook} irticulsi1 u Ci SG t eii it.< phi of: c: l l,ic evil, icfL c, c it, r, CiCCGill jItiitViii'T? I;;;;''''! I 'iN. i','.
I i - Ur-L I is,i pet-sllect!vc v icy of a food cTistletls?ei Still fcedir -, s}lo; coml iri tior siCCOT dint ill art cn t odinJent ol tI?IL PtCSent jrIVCntiO11: t Arc 2 is pcr-sllectivL view of Or fooL1 dispenser ir cl fcedin r spoor combination ccot ding to anothet cmb< diil- cnt of the prcscr t invention.
I inure:] is a perspective view of a fed dispenser tired feedin<.T spoors eombiriatior1 according to a further cmh >ditnerlt of the present invention; t ig,urc 4 is a perspective view of the dispcnscr and spoon combination shown in Figure 3 inse te l in a heater- device according to another embodiment ol thc present invention; and, 2 0 Figure 5 is a perspective view of a further heater crevice capable of receiving a plurality of the food dispenser and feeding spoon combination devices of Figure 3 for heating the contents of the food containers.
Figures 6 to 10 arc schematic perspective views showing various food container and feeding spoon combinations.
Referring to Figure 1, a food dispenser and feeding spoon combination 10 comprises a substantially rigid spoon 12 and a tubular food container 14. The container 14 comprises a main cylindrical body section 16 manufactured from a thin film flexible 5 plastics material such as PVC and a rigid neck portion 18 which includes an opening 20 at one end of the container 14 for dispensing the contents of the container on to the upwardly facing concave surface of a bowl portion 22 of the spoon 12. The bowl portion 22 is integrally formed with a handle portion 24 which extends along the length of the container from the region of the opening 20 to the opposite end thereof.
0 The handle defines part of a cylinder, the shape in size of which corresponds to the external dimensions ofthe container 16 such that the container is in close contact with and supported by the handle along its length. The handle tapers from its end adjacent the bowl portion 22 to its opposite end at the end of the container 14. A collar portion 26 is integrally formed with the handle and bowl portion. The collar 26 completely 5 surrounds the neck 18 of the container and a resilient connection means (not shown) is provided between the collar and container neck for providing a resilient snap fit connection between the collar 26 and the neck 18. The connection means takes the form of an upstanding annular member on the radially inner surface of the collar 26 which engages a corresponding annular groove in the neck portion 18 to provide a 20 snap-fit connection when the spoon 12 and container 14 are moved towards one another in axial alignment. Resilient snap-fit connections of the above mentioned type are well known to those skilled in the art.
The container further comprises a non-return valve (not shown) in the neck of the
container in the region of the opening 20 to prevent air entering the container once a removable foil or plastics seal (not shown) scaling the opening; 20 is removed. Non return-valves suitable for use in food and or drink containers arc well known to those skilled in the art and may take the forn1 of a valve which only opens on the application 5 of pressure on one side of the valve, for example due to pressure being applied to the collapsible container.
1 use the container and spoor arc connected and the rcrnovaLlc seal sealir the.
Opening 2() is rcn o cii so that pureed or mashed food in the Container 14 car! tic u is,er scci to tile Cocci 2? beio!c eel- fly: Disc a1'l iiC Lio! Eli ilUgCf t)li'-SUTt' it) Ll] -
uncle?-side (to the botton- ol the drawin ' irl l igurc 1) of the container 14.
1!l Ll?U' c! It i dillicr t of l;i"LIlG 1. tlic cc ilt.liLlcI- J -l fl1 v tic' fii.ilO<.;cI5lc L'r rC Isc t lc -
desired bitt it is PencralJ: prclLrrcL1 that tc-usabic container- is const?-ucted to foes a substantially rigid container!S will he micro particul. rl: descrit cd with rcfcicHcL to Figurc 2.
In Figure 2 the container- 14 con prises a generally rectangular container made of a substantially rigid transparent plastics n- ateria] such as perspex or the like and 2 0 comprises a plunger element 3() also of a substantially rigid plastics material which is movable within the interior of the rectangular container I (S to provide a ram action for dispensing food from the container through the opening 20 on to the spoon bowl 22. In this embodiment the spoon bowl is integrally formed with a neck or collar portion 26 which similarly forms a snap-fit connection with the neck of the
rectangular container 16. The container 16 is provided with a plurality of parallel protrusions 32 on the inside surface thereof which extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the plunger 30 so that the peripheral surface of the ram of the plunger engages the protrusions at predetermined positions along its length 5 of movement. This enables predetermined quantities of food to be dispensed from the container 16 onto the spoon 22 by an indexed movement of the plunger 30 between the protrusion positions 32.
In the embodiment of Figure 3, the spoon comprises a part annular collar 26 which 0 defines a pair of arcuate resilient arms 28 for engagement with the rigid neck portion 18 of the tubular container 16. The arcuate arms 28 are similarly provided with an upstanding annular protrusion 34 on the radially inner surface thereof which engages an annular groove 36 in the neck portion 18 of the container 14. In the embodiment of Figure 3 the spoon may be provided with an axially extending handle portion 24 15 for supporting the tubular container. In embodiments where the container has a sufficiently rigid casing or reinforcing spine member, such that it is able to support its own weight and that of the food contents, the handle portion 24 may be dispensed with to provide a shorter spoon component 12, for example as shown in the upstanding dispenser and spoon combination to the right of the drawing in Figure 3.
2 0 In other embodiments the reinforcing spine member can be formed integrally with the container lid so that when the lid is removed the spine is also removed and the container is supported along its length by the elongate handle and retained at its end furthest from the opening 20 by engagement with a resilient clip (not shown) on the handle.
In one embodiment, a base portion 36 of the container can comprise electrical contacts which form part of a circuit including a heater elk ment (not shown) provided on the interior surface of or in the container for heating the contents of the container 5 in use. A suitable heater for a single food ciispenser and feeding spoon combination is shown in ignore 4.
1 Fit ur-c a thermostatically controlled hcatet canister 4() is t tovided with act internal chcamUcr 42 icier tcCciving the ciisper scr Mid spouts combinations ol i Lure 3.
A I-i c cl- -, bc - is <J - C Hi.- <it hiirid i<, C. t,-,c bless;,i. i.i is it; c',!-; l,; li;; pr \iclcd with clcctrica1 co tact.s (not sh 'un) for supplying power to the he ate! clement c-' J the c ntai cr- 16 Ire otter cJ bociin ents the contai crs arc;\anncd tart heater clients it! talc ways of the chc rnbcr 42. 11 c heater charnbct- is turthc! provided with a weighing Oilcans (not shown) at the talc of the through hare so that 15 the contents oFthe container can ire weighed before heating. A signal or.lata re]atir g to the weighed contents is processecl by a microprocessor (not shown) ineorporateci within a heater Gont?-o] (not shown) so that the correct amount of heat energy recluired to liCat the food contained in the container can be detemlined so that the food sill always be heated to substantially the correct temperature by the heater 40 In an 2 0 alternative embodiment the heater element may be provided in the c hamper walls of the ehamDer 42 to simplify the construction of the container l and the weighing means may be replaced by a sensing means for sensing the quantity of food in the container, for example an optical sensor for sensing the level of food in a partially empty container. In other embodiments the user may input a heat setting according
to the type and quantity of food to be heated in the same way that an appropriate program is selected on a microwave oven depending on the food to be heated. The heater may also have a defrost program and/or sterilization program if desired.
5 As shown in Figure 4, the container 16 may be inserted in the heater 40 with or without the spoon connected to the container and may be inserted with a re-sealable lid 44 connected to the neck of the container 16 instead of the spoon. The heater can be further provided with a separate sterilization unit for sterilising the spoon or spoons before use.
In the embodiment of Figure 5, the heater 40 comprises a plurality of chambers 42 for heating and/or storing a complete meal set for a day or more for feeding a baby or infant over an extended period of time.
5 The heaters of Figures 4 and 5 may be provided with a battery power source for portable use and may also be provided with a rechargeable battery and battery recharger, for example, an in-car recharger adapter for recharging the batteries of the heater using a vehicle's 12 volt electrical power supply. In the embodiments of Figures l to 5 the spoon or container material may comprise a polymer material which 2 0 changes colour when the correct temperature of the food is reached in the container being heated in the heater chamber.
Further embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 6 to l 0. Referring to Figure 6 the container is formed as a bag-like structure from a
flat sheet of thin plastics material such as P C that has been sealed along its edges and provided with an elastic skirt member SO which extends around the periphery of the container on an underside thereof for engagement with a lip 52 formed around the periphery of a correspondingly shaped handle portion of the spoon 12. In this 5 crmbodiment the container is formed entirely of flexible thin film plastics material with the opening being provided by a removable (peclahlc) seal CT4 at the cud of the container in the region ot the spoon bowl portion 22.
Relcrring to l inure 7. in this cn bokiin cnt the container is also Cornier as a l-TaV-IikC TiUCiklik iii kilt:it)] Hi 1 1)kJUIL]] \NitlL lit iNi ciikjr rilo.il tc irlscr SO;i. Acid.ii c 1 kit the L)ag which dctincs I ire insert 56 defines the neck of the ciTnlilincr arid the k'I:ci i l r:(). rc- sc, i< Lll scrk \ the) 5'> is |1rOViLlCk] k)ll ti]C o lciiiri<T 2() for- sculling lurid [k-.WL]lill 'a tt]C Ck rItCIltN kit tilL tIllll ctl i)T tIl]CiiSpell.SCil ik k d. AS its disc cr k di l- e - L ifs f i, gurc 5. tt e bag shown in Figure 7 may ci n prisc a thin 1 lrr Thai plilstics material -, or other p]yiner optionally coaled \;ith metal lily for found prG Cr-;ation. As sh >vr in l'igure 7, the bag-like container is connected to the spoon by the cc nrlection in the l'orn- ot'arcuate resilieril anns 2X which engage the neck 'the container Lit enable the cormbhled dispenser and spoon lit be handled in an easy and efficient rnanrler.
2 0 With reference to Figure the handle portion 24 of the spoon may be provided with an axially moveable slide cam element 6() which can be moved in the user's hand iT1 the direction of the opening 20 to urge the contents of the container to flow through the opening 20. The slide cam element 60 is provided by an annular ring type member which is slidably mounted on the axially extended handle 24 provided on the
side of the container.
In the embodiment of Figure 9 the handle portion 24 comprises a pair of pivotal handle members 62 which are pivotally connected with respect to one another at the collar of the spoon so that movement of the members together causes the contents of 5 the container to flow through the opening 20 onto the bowl portion 22.
In the embodiment of Figure 10 the container 14 comprises a pair of separate tubular container elements 64 either integrally formed or bonded to each other by heat or adhesive or other means to form a single unit. Each separate container element 64 is 10 provided with a rigid neck portion 18 receiving either a re-sealable screw cap or a detachable spoon 12 comprising the bowl 22 and the collar portion 26 only.
Although the invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings it is to be understood that the invention is not limited 15 to these precise embodiments and that changes and modifications may be effected without the exercise and further inventive skill and effort.
Claims (1)
1 A food dispenser and feeding spoon combination comprising: a collapsible food container having an opening; 5 a substantially rigid spoon having at least a bowl portion; and, a conucction mean" for attacl ably/detact ably connecting ttlC spoon to the said container whereby food is clispcnsed tl rough the said opening Onto the concave surface of the bowl portion by application al pressure to the said container.
A: ': ir> i iisp c - scr cried 1cccli,, > sl,c <,r;;iri!,-,;.i:,'. > lair. :c!7 '!.'', ' ' vLer-cin talc said cc ntaincr further comprises a substantiatl: rigid neck portion al least partially surro: ding the said openings. and Ihc said conncclit n. ncar -
attachably/iletact ably ci nr ccts the servo Kit talc neck ol the said containcr 3 A food clispcnscr and iccdirlg spoon combination as claimed in (: lain-, I or C laim wherein the spoor- further- corllpr-iscs a trundle portion WtiiCtl lies substantially along the length ELI the container on at least one side or around at least part Ott the peripi cry of the container.
20 4 A l -'od dispenser and tccding spoon combination as claimed in any one of Claims i to 3 wherein the said resilient cornlecti 'n means comprises a resilient collar,
integral with the spoon, which extends at least partially around the container neck to connect the spoon to the container.
S. A food dispenser and feeding spoon combination as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the container comprises a flexible envelope and the resilient connection means comprises a resilient skirt depending on one side of the said envelope for resilient engagement with a lip on the periphery of the said handle portion.
6. A food dispenser and feeding spoon combination as claimed in any preceding Claim further comprising a container engagement means for urging the contents of the container out of the said container opening onto the said bowl.
0 7. A food dispenser and feeding spoon combination as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the said container engagement means comprises a slide which is movable along the length of the container towards the said opening.
8. A food dispenser and feeding spoon combination as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6 wherein the said container engagement means comprises a pair of pivotal members pivotally connected with respect to the spoon and positioned on respective sides of the container for engaging the container on opposite sides thereof.
9. A food dispenser and feeding spoon combination as claimed in any preceding 2 o claim wherein the said container comprises a flexible tube.
10. A food dispenser and feeding spoon combination as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9 wherein the said container comprises a bag-like flexible envelope.
I 1. A f'ood dispenser and feeding spoon combination as clai ned in any preceding claim wherein the said container comprises at Icast two separate container elements.
12. A l'ood dispenser and f'eeding spoon conTbinaticTn as clairIled ITT aTTy preceding 5 clairm fiT ther comT,rising a rc-scalable lid.
1 >. A foocT disl e lse - aTlcl iecdir, SpOC'T] ConT6inatioT1 COTIT] 3riSirTg: a collapsit lc f'ood CorltaiTTeT- ITa\ in, an opcnin aTld a suhs antiallv rigicT neck portion at Icast partially surroundin- the s iid opcnirT,<: and.
! t) Stit Nt]TTtidliy ri.,id s i \iir ': ,c'<\ I: o -,i,,,. i CGtC, ,,i, i,c-.i.,i:,i.
contair cr. whereby f'ood is dispensed throu,,h thc said opeTTirT c nlo thc concai.c NtI! icIG i: t ttic 1 1 >T-ti T t y.t lic tic,;:t l -ess: r. to tI: s ic! c 'r Lai: 14 N tood dispen c arrcl fcedin. spoon con t ination crimprisir: À., i collapsThlc. food contair cr l avin. cin OpLnirT and a (Ton-T-ctun val c. arid.
a substantially ri id SpOOtT haViTTp a ho\s l pOftiOT1 connected to thc contaiTTera wherct y food is dispensed thr - gh thc non-T-etun valve and the opeTTiTTy onto the concave sUT-i;dCC Ci-tiTC t owl portion by application of pressure to thc said contairler.
15. /i food dispenser- and fccding spoon CotTlbinalion COlllpriSirlg: a refillahle food container havi,Tb a icod dispcusing opening; a substantially rigid spoon having a bowl portion positioned with respect to thc said container for receiving food dispensed from the container through the said opening; and,
a plunger means for urging food from the container onto the concave surface of the said bowl portion.
16. A heater device for warming food in a food container; the said device 5 comprising at least one heating chamber having a heater element for heating food in a food container positioned therein, a weighing means for weighing the contents of the said food container in the heating chamber, and a processor means for determining a heating cycle suitable for heating the food in the said container to a pre-deterrnined temperature in accordance with the weight of the food in the said container.
17. A heater device as claimed in Claim 16 wherein further comprising a battery means for the said heater element(s).
18. A heater device as claimed in Claim 17 wherein said battery means is re-
1 5 chargeable.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0117935A GB2377919B (en) | 2001-07-24 | 2001-07-24 | Food dispenser and feeding spoon and heater therefor |
| PCT/GB2002/003390 WO2003010068A2 (en) | 2001-07-24 | 2002-07-24 | Food dispenser and feeding spoon and heater therefor |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0117935A GB2377919B (en) | 2001-07-24 | 2001-07-24 | Food dispenser and feeding spoon and heater therefor |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0117935D0 GB0117935D0 (en) | 2001-09-12 |
| GB2377919A true GB2377919A (en) | 2003-01-29 |
| GB2377919B GB2377919B (en) | 2005-05-04 |
Family
ID=9919022
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0117935A Expired - Fee Related GB2377919B (en) | 2001-07-24 | 2001-07-24 | Food dispenser and feeding spoon and heater therefor |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2377919B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2003010068A2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2400837A (en) * | 2003-04-14 | 2004-10-27 | Huhtamaki | Device for feeding infants |
| GB2499624A (en) * | 2012-02-22 | 2013-08-28 | Babyway Internat Ltd | Pouch support |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD968718S1 (en) * | 2020-01-03 | 2022-11-01 | Dongguan Shengwei Plastic Products Co., Ltd. | Portable water bottle with food container for pets |
| US12490713B2 (en) | 2020-06-30 | 2025-12-09 | Spectrum Brands, Inc. | Pouch for dispensing squeezable animal treat and methods |
| KR20220039518A (en) * | 2020-09-21 | 2022-03-29 | 오은영 | The stick-type food packaging with plate |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2953170A (en) * | 1958-07-29 | 1960-09-20 | Leon D Bush | Feeding spoon |
| US3116152A (en) * | 1959-01-22 | 1963-12-31 | Elmer L Smith | Baby food container and spoon combined |
| US4888188A (en) * | 1988-05-09 | 1989-12-19 | Castner Sr John F | Disposable food feeder package |
| US5038974A (en) * | 1989-08-14 | 1991-08-13 | Dacosta Harry | Combined food container and dispenser |
| EP0614659A2 (en) * | 1993-03-11 | 1994-09-14 | Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Limited | Pharmaceutical compositions in semisolid form and a device for administration thereof |
| US5462101A (en) * | 1994-07-05 | 1995-10-31 | Mouchmouchian; Silva | Baby feeding system |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB836263A (en) * | 1957-05-31 | 1960-06-01 | Antoine Francois Regis Peyron | Tubes for dispensing pastes, creams and the like |
| US3383018A (en) * | 1966-07-15 | 1968-05-14 | American Can Co | Dispensing container and overcap |
| DE1761875A1 (en) * | 1968-07-17 | 1971-09-09 | Wilfried Leitz | Container with spoon attachment |
| US3581940A (en) * | 1968-11-12 | 1971-06-01 | Alberto Culver Co | Multiple compartment dispenser container with check valves |
| US3893590A (en) * | 1974-02-01 | 1975-07-08 | Demitri Paroussiadis | Tube compressor |
| SE451665B (en) * | 1986-04-21 | 1987-10-26 | Ergonomi Design Gruppen Ab | measuring spoon |
| IT1225198B (en) * | 1988-09-28 | 1990-11-02 | Ferrari Lameplast | Plastic vial-type container with in-built dispenser |
| GB2290699A (en) * | 1994-06-30 | 1996-01-10 | Michael Peter Burney | Feeding aid |
-
2001
- 2001-07-24 GB GB0117935A patent/GB2377919B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2002
- 2002-07-24 WO PCT/GB2002/003390 patent/WO2003010068A2/en not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2953170A (en) * | 1958-07-29 | 1960-09-20 | Leon D Bush | Feeding spoon |
| US3116152A (en) * | 1959-01-22 | 1963-12-31 | Elmer L Smith | Baby food container and spoon combined |
| US4888188A (en) * | 1988-05-09 | 1989-12-19 | Castner Sr John F | Disposable food feeder package |
| US5038974A (en) * | 1989-08-14 | 1991-08-13 | Dacosta Harry | Combined food container and dispenser |
| EP0614659A2 (en) * | 1993-03-11 | 1994-09-14 | Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Limited | Pharmaceutical compositions in semisolid form and a device for administration thereof |
| US5462101A (en) * | 1994-07-05 | 1995-10-31 | Mouchmouchian; Silva | Baby feeding system |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2400837A (en) * | 2003-04-14 | 2004-10-27 | Huhtamaki | Device for feeding infants |
| GB2499624A (en) * | 2012-02-22 | 2013-08-28 | Babyway Internat Ltd | Pouch support |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2003010068A2 (en) | 2003-02-06 |
| GB2377919B (en) | 2005-05-04 |
| GB0117935D0 (en) | 2001-09-12 |
| WO2003010068A3 (en) | 2003-05-30 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20170724 |