US20120267485A1

US20120267485A1 - Bottle caddy

Info

Publication number: US20120267485A1
Application number: US12/929,811
Authority: US
Inventors: Edward Alfred D'Angelo, III; Carey Dean Wheeler
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-04-21
Filing date: 2011-04-21
Publication date: 2012-10-25

Abstract

THE BOTTLE CADDY was conceived while watching parents struggle trying to feed their babies while caring for other siblings at the same time. The multi-tasking while caring for children(s) is a fact of life and if there are alternatives they should be explored. With that in mind, the idea to develop such a product started. During that process a variety of design concepts were evaluated and then a prototype was constructed and tested, and including conducting trade-offs to ensure that a cost-effective product that is affordable to all was considered. THE BOTTLE CADDY met these goals and is maintenance free and safe to use product. Along the way THE BOTTLE CADDY usefulness was expanded for use by disable individuals with medical conditions. THE BOTTLE CADDY is light weight which is stored in small bag and consists of three basic components: a bottle sleeve/holder; a flexible arm and a clamp.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

THE BOTTLE CADDY is a utility type device which when used is a safe hands-free way to feed a baby. It is a simple light weight device to use which can be easily stored in a baby bag and is a maintenance free device.

BACKGROUND

THE BOTTLE CADDY is a hands-free, safe way for a parent or guardian to feed their infant as well as provide a safe way for a disable individual to be able to either drink or feed themselves.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

THE BOTTLE CADDY clamps to a baby's high chair, car seat, playpen, stroller or any other apparatus (e.g. wheelchair or a bed). It has a flexible swivel arm with a sleeve on the end to hold a bottle securely in place. This allows for hands-free feeding. THE BOTTLE CADDY would be constructed of a lightweight metal and durable molded plastic. There are no sharp edges and the surfaces will be smooth and maintenance free which will allow for easy cleaning.

Solution to Problem

THE BOTTLE CADDY consists of a metal or plastic clamp with plastic or rubber coated tips. Flexible tubing ½″ in diameter and 14″ about long is attached to the handle on then clamp via a threaded fitting ½″ in length. On the other end of the tubing is another threaded fitting ½″ in length, attached to the end is a plastic sleeve approximately 2½″ long to hold the bottle. The plastic sleeve or holder is adjustable to allow for securing various bottle sizes.
As an option an accessory Velcro strap is available, if required, for additional security of the bottle. However, the plastic sleeve is designed to secure varying bottle sizes.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

There are times when a parent needs two sets of hands, one to attend to other sibling(s) or do something that just can't wait and the other to feed the baby now. This is when THE BOTTLE CADDY helps. Clamp it to the baby seat, stroller or any other baby apparatus, put the bottle in the bottle sleeve adjust it, and the parent could watch the baby feed while taking care of whatever else needs tending. Also, in cases where a disable individual with limited use of their hands can easily drink or feed themselves without the assistances of someone holding the bottle for them. Anyone could use THE BOTTLE CADDY easily; he or she would simply attach the clamp, slide the bottle in the sleeve, adjust the swivel arm so that the bottle is in the right position and baby feeds. This also can be used for persons with medical conditions or disability that prevent them from feeding themselves without the help of a caregiver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In FIG. 1, you find an example of THE BOTTLE CADDY being used as an aid in feeding a baby in a baby seat. This illustration is a typical set up using THE BOTTLE CADDY. In FIG. 2, you find an illustration of THE BOTTLE CADDY showing its three basic components and they are: the surface clamp, the swivel flexible arm and the bottle sleeve or holder. In FIG. 3, you find a detail illustration of an isometric view of the bottle sleeve or holder. In FIG. 4, you find a bottom view of the bottle sleeve. In FIG. 5 you find a side view and in FIG. 6 you find a top view of the bottle sleeve.

Claims

1: We claim that THE BOTTLE CADDY is a wonderful device to provide a safe way help to a parent during feeding time for a baby. It is a very simple device to use and contains the following components: 1) an easy grip spring-loaded surface clamp that clamps onto a, high chair or any baby apparatus (i.e., car seat, baby stroller, crib, etc.); 2) a swivel type flexible arm to adjust to any angle (e.g. up, down, left or right) so that the bottle is in the correct position for feeding; 3) a bottle sleeve or holder with a rubber grip liner to hold various bottle sizes securely. This allows the parent or caregiver to free up their hands so that they can take care of whatever else needs tending.

2: We claim that THE BOTTLE CADDY can be used with other feeding devices besides a baby bottle such as a cup or a plastic juice container as well.

3: We claim that THE BOTTLE CADDY can be used to feed disable individuals who are confined to a wheel chair or bed or a person with a medical condition that prevents them from feeding themselves without the help of others. THE BOTTLE CADDY is simply clamped into position and as an option the accessory Velcro strap can be used for additional securing of the bottle or cup.