An apparatus for drying and storing an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing includes a tray having a bottom face that is adapted to be supported by an underlying surface such as a counter-top, and an upper face. A plurality of pegs extend out from the upper face, and each peg is sized and arranged so as to be able to support an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing. Each peg is mounted to the tray in such a manner as to be movable between a first storage position, wherein the entire peg is positioned relatively close to the upper face for storage and packaging, and a second, operative position. This permits the apparatus to be conveniently folded for packaging and storage purposes. Another aspect of the apparatus involves disk holding structure, connected to the upper face of the tray, for holding baby bottle disks in a location that is isolated from areas of the tray in which liquid may collect. This permits baby bottle disks to be dried and stored in a safe manner at a location that is convenient to a location at which baby bottles are being dried.

Patent
   RE43635
Priority
Jul 10 1998
Filed
Jul 11 2001
Issued
Sep 11 2012
Expiry
Jul 10 2018
Assg.orig
Entity
unknown
6
109
EXPIRED
19. An apparatus for drying and storing an article, comprising:
a tray having a bottom face that is adapted to be supported by an underlying surface such as a counter-top, and an upper face;
bottle support means for supporting a baby bottle; and
disk holding means, connected to said upper face of said tray, for holding baby bottle disks in a location that is isolated from areas of said tray in which liquid may collect, whereby baby bottle disks are and stored in a safe manner at a location that is convenient to a location at which baby bottles are being dried.
0. 21. An apparatus for supporting baby bottles for drying, comprising:
a tray having a bottom portion that is adapted to be supported by an underlying surface and an upper portion;
a plurality of pegs extending outwardly from said upper portion, each of said pegs being sized and arranged so as to be able to support a baby bottle;
mounting means for mounting said pegs to said tray so that said pegs are movable while mounted to said tray between a first storage position, wherein said entire peg is positioned adjacent to said upper portion for storage and packaging of said apparatus, and a second, operative position, wherein said peg is positioned so as to extend outwardly from said upper portion, so as to enable said peg to support an article, wherein said apparatus can conveniently be folded for packaging and storage purposes;
frictional means connected to said pegs for frictionally engaging said upper portion of said tray when said pegs are moved between said first storage position and said second operative position; and
location means for locking said pegs in said second, operative position, said location means comprising a cam member having a first surface that is constructed and arranged to come into contact with a cam stop surface that is defined in said upper portion of said tray; and wherein said frictional means comprises a second surface on said cam member, said second surface being constructed and arranged to bear against an upper portion of said tray that is on said upper portion when said peg is moved between said first storage position and said second operative position.
0. 1. An apparatus for storing an article, comprising:
a tray having a bottom face that is adapted to be supported by an underlying surface such as a counter-top, and an upper face; and
a plurality of pegs extending outwardly from said upper face, each of said pegs being sized and arranged so as to be able to support an article, and wherein
each of said pegs are permanently mounted to said tray in such a manner as to be movable between a first storage position, wherein said entire peg is positioned adjacent to said upper face for storage and packaging of said apparatus, and a second, operative position, wherein said peg is positioned so as to extend outwardly from said upper surface, so as to enable said peg to support an article, wherein said apparatus can conveniently be folded for packaging and storage purposes.
0. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pegs are mounted to said tray in such a manner that no standing water may collect at a point where a peg is mounted, thereby minimizing potential for mold and bacterial growth.
0. 3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pegs are mounted to said tray in such a manner as to be movable only about a single axis of rotation.
0. 4. An apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising means for imparting lateral stability to said pegs, further deterring any motion other than about said single axis of rotation.
0. 5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said means for imparting lateral stability to said pegs comprises at least one axle joining adjacent pegs together for common, ganged movement about a common axis of rotation.
0. 6. An apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising location means for locking said axle in a rotational position that corresponds to said second operative position.
0. 7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said location means comprises means, connected to said axle, for frictional engaging said upper surface of said tray.
0. 8. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a collection reservoir defined in said tray for collecting any liquid that might run out of articles during drying.
9. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising An apparatus for storing an article, comprising:
a tray having a bottom face that is adapted to be supported by an underlying surface, and an upper face; and
a plurality of pegs extending outwardly from said upper face, each of said pegs being sized and arranged so as to be able to support an article,
disk holding means, connected to said upper face of said tray, for holding baby bottle disks in a location that is isolated from areas of said tray in which liquid may collect; and wherein
each of said pegs are permanently mounted to said tray in such a manner as to be movable between a first storage position, wherein said entire peg is positioned adjacent to said upper face for storage and packaging of said apparatus, and a second, operative position, wherein said peg is positioned so as to extend outwardly from said upper surface, so as to enable said peg to support an article, wherein said apparatus can conveniently be folded for packaging and storage purposes.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said disk holding means comprises an upstanding boss member that is raised from said upper face of said tray, and a plurality of disk-receiving slots defined in said boss member.
0. 11. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of ring support members that are constructed and arranged to support a ring portion of a baby bottle.
0. 12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said ring support members include a stop member for supporting a ring member above and out of contact from said upper face of said tray.
0. 13. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said nipple support members are mounted to said tray in such a manner as to be movable between a first storage position, wherein said entire nipple support member is positioned adjacent to said upper face for storage and packaging of said apparatus, and a second, operative position, wherein said nipple support member is positioned at a large angle with respect to said upper face.
0. 14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said nipple support members are mounted to said tray in such a manner as to be movable only about a single axis of rotation.
0. 15. An apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising means for imparting lateral stability to said nipple support members, further deterring any motion other than about said single axis of rotation.
0. 16. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said means for imparting lateral stability to said nipple support members comprises at least one axle joining adjacent nipple support members together for common, ganged movement about a common axis of rotation.
0. 17. An apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising location means for locking said axle in a rotational position that corresponds to said second operative position.
0. 18. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cutout area on a side of said apparatus for facilitating lifting of said apparatus by a user.
20. An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said disk holding means comprises an upstanding boss member that is raised from said upper face of said tray, and a plurality of disk-receiving slots defined in said boss member.

1. Field of the Invention

This invention pertains generally to the field of infant feeding and care. More specifically, this invention relates to an improved apparatus for storing and drying infant nursing bottles, nipples and rings that is more hygienic, efficient and attractive than articles that are presently available for similar purposes, and that is more convenient to store for consumers.

2. Description of the Related Technology

The importance of proper hygiene when handling and cleaning infant feeding equipment such as baby bottles and nursing nipples cannot be overstated. Ideally, bottles and nipples should be thoroughly scrubbed, then sterilized by immersion in boiling water between uses. At the very least, baby bottles and components thereof, which typically include rings, nipples, hoods and disks, must be washed with an effective detergent and dried in a location that is separated from dirty water or potential contaminants prior to storage for future use.

Drying racks for holding baby bottles, rings and nipples after washing are commercially available. For example, such products are sold by Safety 1st, Inc. as a “Bottle and Nipple Drying Rack,” and by Mommy's Helper, Inc. as a “Drain 'N Dry.” Both of these products are characterized by a plastic tray that has a number of socket recesses defined in a top face thereof. Plastic pegs are provided that are insertable into the socket recesses. Some of the plastic pegs are relatively long, for supporting a bottle, while others are shorter, for supporting nipples, rings and caps. Neither these products nor any other drying rack of which the inventors are aware have any way of storing the disks of a baby bottle in a sanitary location after washing.

Although products of the type described above are quite useful, the lack of disk storage forces conscientious caregivers to separate baby bottle components after washing and rinsing, which can be frustrating and can result in mix-ups between disks that have been washed and unwashed disks. In addition, the sockets that are defined in the top faces of such products can collect water and become points of nucleation for bacteria and mold growth. Furthermore, assembly and disassembly of these products can be laborious, with the need to insert multiple pegs in matching sockets and having to figure out which peg to place in each socket. These products are not convenient to store for a consumer, unless they are completely disassembled. In households that have toddlers, such racks can quickly unbeknownst to the caregiver become a plaything, and pegs can be pulled from the sockets, creating more work and frustration for the caregiver, possibly presenting a risk of injury.

A need exists for a bottle rack that requires minimal or no assembly by the user, that provides a secure and sanitary drying location for all baby bottle components, that minimizes the potential for mold and bacteria growth during use and is easy to store.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a bottle rack that requires minimal or no assembly by the user, that provides a secure and sanitary drying location for all baby bottle components, that minimizes the potential for mold and bacteria growth during use and that is easy to store.

In order to achieve the above and other objects of the invention, an apparatus for drying and storing an article, such as a baby bottle includes a tray having a bottom face that is adapted to be supported by an underlying surface such as a counter-top, and an upper face; and a plurality of pegs extending outwardly from the upper face, each of the pegs being sized and arranged so as to be able to support an article, such as a baby bottle, and wherein each of the pegs are permanently mounted to the tray in such a manner as to be movable between a first storage position, wherein the entire peg is positioned relatively close to the upper face for storage and packaging of the apparatus, and a second, operative position, wherein the peg is positioned at a large angle with respect to the upper surface, so as to enable the peg to support an article such as a baby bottle, wherein the apparatus can conveniently be folded for packaging and storage purposes.

According to a second aspect of the invention, an apparatus for drying and storing an article, such as a baby bottle, includes a tray having a bottom face that is adapted to be supported by an underlying surface such as a counter-top, and an upper face; bottle support means for supporting a baby bottle; and disk holding structure, connected to the upper face of the tray, for holding baby bottle disks in a location that is isolated from areas of the tray in which liquid may collect, whereby baby bottle disks are dried and stored in a safe manner at a location that is convenient to a location at which baby bottles are being dried.

These and various other advantages and features of novelty that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus that is constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in an operative position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, shown in a storage position;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 3-3 in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 in FIG. 1.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views, and referring in particular to FIG. 1, an apparatus 10 for drying and storing an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing includes a tray 12 having a bottom face 14 (viewable in FIG. 3) that is adapted to be supported by an underlying surface such as a countertop. Tray 12 further has an upper face 16, as may be seen in FIGS. 1-4. Tray 12 is further configured to have a number of cutout/grip areas 58 defined in sides thereof, as may best be seen in FIG. 1. The purpose of the cutout area 58 is to permit a consumer to more easily lift the apparatus 10 during use, as well as to prevent vapor lock from occurring between the apparatus 10 and a smooth underlying surface such as a countertop. In the preferred embodiment, a cutout area 58 is positioned on each side of the apparatus 10, as well as on the rear end thereof.

As is best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, apparatus 10 further includes a plurality of pegs 18 that extend outwardly from the upper face 16 of tray 12. Each of the pegs 18 is sized and arranged so as to be able to support an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing. According to one important aspect of the invention, each of the pegs 18 are permanently mounted to the tray 12 in such a manner as to be moveable between a first storage position, which is illustrated in FIG. 2, wherein the entire peg 18 is positioned relatively close to the upper face 16 for storage and packaging, and a second, operative position, illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein the pegs 18 are positioned at a large angle with respect to the upper surface 16. This mounting arrangement is made possible by a permanent mounting structure 20, which is best illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, and which will be discussed in greater detail below. The permanent mounting structure 20, as will become apparent from the description given below, is constructed in such a way that no standing water may collect at a point where a peg 18 is mounted, thereby minimizing potential for mold and bacterial growth. Permanent mounting structure 20 is further constructed so as to constrain the pegs 18 for movement about only a single axis of rotation.

As may be seen in FIG. 1, apparatus 10 further includes a number of nipple ring support members 32 that are constructed and arranged to support a nipple portion of a baby bottle after washing and rinsing. The nipple ring support members 32 are, in a manner that is substantially identical to that of the pegs 18, mounted by means of a permanent mounting structure 20 for movement between a first storage position, where the entire nipple ring support member 32 is positioned relatively close to the upper face 16 for storage and packaging purposes, and a second, operative position where the nipple ring support member 32 is positioned at a large angle with respect to the upper face 16. In other words, the mounting structure 20 for the pegs 18 is substantially identical to that of the nipple ring support members 32. The nipple ring support members 32 have stylized stops 48, which in the preferred embodiment are styled as hearts, mounted thereon for supporting rings or small bottles above the surface of tray 12. Looking again to FIG. 1, it will be seen that in the illustrated embodiment of the invention four pegs 18 are constrained for common, ganged movement in an are about a common axis of rotation that is created by a first axle 22. Similarly, a second four pegs 18 are mounted for common movement with a second axle 24. Four nipple ring support members 32 are mounted for common movement about a third axle 28, while a second four nipple ring support members 32 are mounted for common movement with a fourth axle 30. In the preferred embodiment, the axles 22, 24, 28, 30 are substantially parallel, and therefore define arcuate paths of movement for the various pegs 18 and nipple ring support members 32 that are located within substantially parallel planes. This permits the various pegs 18 and nipple ring support members 32 to move between the first and second positions, as represented by FIGS. 2 and 1, respectively, with a minimum of interference with each other.

Looking now to FIG. 3, it will be seen that each axle 22, 24, 28, 30 includes a journal 38 that extends through a mounting hole that is defined in a sidewall 36 of an upstanding dam 34 that is formed along the periphery of the upper face 16 of the tray 12. A significant vertical distance exists between the bottom of the mounting hole and the top face 16 of the tray 12, so that water cannot escape through the mounting holes onto an underlying surface during normal use of the apparatus 10. This mounting structure 20 is arranged in such a way so as to constrain the axle 22, 24, 28, 30 for movement about an axis of rotation 40, as is shown in FIG. 3.

Mounting structure 20, by ganging adjacent pegs 18 and adjacent nipple ring support members 32 together by use of a common axle, thereby imparts lateral stability to the pegs 18 and the nipple ring support members 32, further deterring any motion other than about the single axis of rotation 40. Accordingly, the pegs 18 are constrained to move in a predetermined plane of rotation 49.

As may best be seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, each axle 22, 24, 28, 30 includes at least one locating structure 26, the purpose of which is to lock the respective axle in a rotational position that corresponds to the second operative position shown in FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, first and second axles 22, 24 include two such locating structures 26, while the third and fourth axles 28, 30 which support the shorter nipple ring support members 32, are equipped with but one locating structure 26. The construction of the locating structures 26, however, is uniform throughout the four axles 22, 24, 28, 30. As may be seen in FIG. 4, locating structure 26 includes a cam member 43 having a lower surface 44 that is constructed and arranged to bear against the upper face 16 of tray 12, and a forward surface 46 that is constructed and arranged to come into contact with a rear surface 44 of a cam stop 42 that projects upwardly and is unitary with the upper face 16 of tray 12. FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 both depict the locking structure 26 in the second, operative position. The path between the first and second positions is indicated in FIG. 4 by arrow 46 47. The nipple ring support member 32 is prevented from bending backwardly in the direction away from the first storage position by contact of the forward surface 46 of cam member 43 with the rear surface 44 51 of cam stop 42.

If it is desired to move the nipple ring support member 32 from the second, operative position shown in FIG. 1 to the first storage position shown in FIG. 2, a user will push the nipple ring support member 32 in the desired direction. Initially, this movement will be deterred by the frictional contact of the lower surface 44 and the leading edge 45 of the lower surface with the upper face 16 of tray 12. Once the leading edge 45 has cleared the upper face, however, the nipple ring support member 32 will easily fold down into the position that is shown in FIG. 2.

According to another important aspect of the invention, apparatus 10 further includes a disk holding system 50 for holding baby bottle disks in a location that is isolated from areas of the tray 12 in which liquid may collect. This allows baby bottle disk disks to be dried and stored in a safe manner at a location that is convenient to a location at which baby bottles are being dried. In the preferred embodiment, disc disk holding system 50 includes an upstanding boss member 52 that projects upwardly from the upper face 16 of tray 12 and has a plurality of disc disk receiving slots 54 defined therein. Boss member 52 and slots 54 are raised with respect to an underlying reservoir 56 that is located in the forward portion of tray 12. As an added benefit, the reservoir space also acts as a finger space area for a user to get his/her fingers beneath the disc disk members for lifting them out after drying.

It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

Dunn, Steven B., Petterson, Tor H., Petterson, legal representative, Grace C.

Patent Priority Assignee Title
10716452, Feb 23 2017 MUNCHKIN, INC.; MUNCHKIN, INC Compact drying rack
11311104, May 10 2018 JEND DESIGN LLC Drying/storage rack and associated methods
8746467, Jan 19 2011 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Dishwasher
8925742, Jun 14 2012 FC Brands LLC Folding dishrack with articulating tines
9107552, Mar 15 2013 Lifetime Brands, Inc.; LIFETIME BRANDS, INC Collapsible drying rack
9119493, Jan 19 2011 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Dishwasher Basket Unit
Patent Priority Assignee Title
1697879,
1942345,
2039927,
2128192,
2197178,
2258676,
2273761,
2295736,
2328129,
2351309,
2411365,
2419040,
2441417,
2455848,
2472028,
2516088,
2539613,
2551140,
2595242,
2708350,
2724329,
2879900,
2884708,
2892733,
2936898,
3026628,
3072452,
3150996,
3193160,
3339595,
3367044,
3464566,
3587865,
3730354,
3886683,
3984940, May 08 1973 Degradable plastic
3989575, Apr 16 1975 OLIVER PRODUCTS COMPANY, A CORP OF MI Split labeling apparatus
4193588, May 09 1977 Nipple and collar retainer
4202948, Sep 26 1977 BAYER ANTWERPEN SA NV Impact-resistant thermoplastic composition based on graft copolymer
4221299, Jan 11 1979 Rubbermaid Incorporated Folding dish drainer
4238035, Sep 15 1978 Baby bottle rack
4457877, Sep 01 1980 KARL FISCHER-POCHTLER GES M B H Fluid gasification apparatus
4485929, Jun 12 1981 Laboratory drying rack system
4498594, Sep 13 1982 Nipple, ring and cap dishwasher accessory
4512489, Mar 16 1984 Jacqueline M., Green Nipple holder
4578881, Nov 20 1984 Drier for knitted garments
4708153, Dec 05 1985 Labconco Corporation Flask washer with vacuum dry
4732291, Nov 26 1986 Baby bottle nipple, collar, cap ring and pacifier dishwasher enclosure
4748993, Oct 29 1985 Rack for holding nipples in a dishwasher
4830200, May 31 1988 Lillan Vernon Corporation Dishwasher basket for baby bottle parts
4836392, Dec 23 1988 Upright baby-nipple sanitizer
4928841, May 13 1988 Scepter Manufacturing Company Limited Bottle tray
499881,
5211191, May 12 1992 Linda, Dmytryk; Carol, Zelden Dishwasher bag
5242255, Jun 22 1990 Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft Re-usable transport and packaging device
5284170, Apr 09 1992 Recyclable rinser
5287636, Jan 25 1993 Colette, Laferriere; Lise, Laferriere Tubular drying apparatus for footwear or handwear
5336330, May 05 1992 Method for cleaning an interior cavity of dishware
5406717, Jul 18 1994 Drying rack for utility gloves
5469635, Jan 27 1994 Baby bottle dryers for multiple bottles
5492237, Aug 10 1994 Expandable and retractable multiple article drying rack
5494086, Aug 08 1994 McBrady Engineering, Inc. Bottle filling machine
5507060, Nov 23 1994 Apparatus for automatically cleaning baby bottles inside and out
5555640, Jul 25 1995 Household drying center
5855219, Dec 20 1996 Bottle washing apparatus
5857473, Sep 11 1997 D&L PRODUCTS, LLC Dishwasher rack retainer
5875563, Jul 10 1997 Baby bottle organizer for drying
5884778, Dec 15 1997 Folding window rack
5903944, Jul 10 1997 Baby bottle cleaner
5913527, Mar 08 1996 Magline, Inc. Hand trucks having multiple, foldable bottle-carrying trays and methods of constructing the hand trucks
5967000, Feb 20 1998 Plug remover for a bottle
5996600, Aug 13 1998 Chemical jug rinser
6038784, Jul 10 1998 MUNCHKIN, INC Bottle rack
6073783, Oct 14 1998 Drying rack for athletic equipment
6125548, Jul 10 1998 MUNCHKIN, INC. Bottle rack
6306219, Jul 24 1996 The Procter & Gamble Company Method for stain removal on hard surfaces with detergent compositions containing bleach
6363951, Nov 04 1998 Ozonization system
6743299, Jun 17 2003 Method of cleaning infant feeding bottles
6814091, May 01 2002 PRINCE LIONHEART, INC Nipple and pacifier dishwasher basket
6907893, Apr 09 2002 Bay-B Research and Development Ltd. Appliance for treating articles, particularly nursing bottles and accessories
7165562, Apr 28 2001 Washing device for a baby bottle
7478642, Feb 18 2004 Miele & Cie. KG. Dish basket for a dish washer
7549429, Feb 25 2003 PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO , LTD Ultrasonic washing device
7591273, May 17 2005 MEDELA HOLDING AG Method and apparatus for cleaning flow control elements
7695572, May 31 2005 LG Electronics Inc Dishwasher and controlling method thereof
20030047198,
20030188769,
20030205258,
20040040586,
20040060577,
20040123885,
20050178412,
20060065295,
20060191562,
20060208172,
20060260651,
20070102025,
20070212667,
20070289212,
20090242000,
20090320889,
20100043249,
CH685919,
D342191, Apr 28 1992 Bottle keeper
FR403288,
GB12089,
GB160098,
GB174267,
GB2260483,
Executed onAssignorAssigneeConveyanceFrameReelDoc
Date Maintenance Fee Events


Date Maintenance Schedule
Sep 11 20154 years fee payment window open
Mar 11 20166 months grace period start (w surcharge)
Sep 11 2016patent expiry (for year 4)
Sep 11 20182 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4)
Sep 11 20198 years fee payment window open
Mar 11 20206 months grace period start (w surcharge)
Sep 11 2020patent expiry (for year 8)
Sep 11 20222 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8)
Sep 11 202312 years fee payment window open
Mar 11 20246 months grace period start (w surcharge)
Sep 11 2024patent expiry (for year 12)
Sep 11 20262 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12)