Infant Feeding Assembly

Abstract

An infant feeding assembly including a feeding bottle and a sealed cup holding a single serve of infant formula to be mixed with water. The bottle includes a cup holder, a teat, a mounting ring, a water fill opening and a closure device. The cup holder is adapted to hold the cup, in an opened condition. The teat has a dome shaped base and a spout. The mounting ring releasably mounts the teat onto the cup holder. The water fill opening, through which a mixing cavity of the feeding bottle can be filled with water while the opened cup is held by the cup holder and the teat is mounted on the cup holder, is provided in the cup holder and/or in the mounting ring and/or in the teat. The cup and the teat at least partially define the mixing cavity.

Claims

1. A feeding assembly comprising: a feeding bottle comprising: a cup holder; a teat configured to mimic a breast; a mounting ring configured to releasable mount the teat onto the cup holder; and a water fill opening through which water can be received in a mixing cavity of the feeding bottle.

2. The feeding assembly of claim 1 further comprising a cup having a sealable cavity holding infant formula to be mixed with water; wherein the feeding bottle further comprises a closure device; wherein the cup holder is adapted to hold the cup in an opened condition; wherein the teat has a dome shaped base and a spout on the base; wherein the water fill opening is configured so the mixing cavity of the feeding bottle can be filled with water while the opened cup is held by the cup holder and the teat is mounted on the cup holder; wherein the cup and the teat at least partially define the mixing cavity; and wherein the closure device is configured to seal the water fill opening to allow for mixing, in the mixing cavity at least partially defined by the teat and the cup, the infant formula with the water, by shaking the feeding bottle.

3. The feeding assembly according to claim 2, wherein the cup comprises: a cup section that defines a cavity holding the infant formula; a dispensing opening that provides an entrance to the cavity; and a flange that extends along the dispensing opening.

4. The feeding assembly according to claim 2, wherein the base of the teat is provided with a flange extending in an outward direction; and wherein the mounting ring is provided with a flange for engaging the flange of the teat and clamping the flange of the teat onto the cup holder, in an assembled state of the feeding bottle.

5. The feeding assembly according to claim 2, wherein the cup holder has a rounded bottom section, such that the feeding bottle has a substantially spherical shaped bottom end that fits a palm of a hand.

6. The feeding assembly according to claim 2, wherein the water fill opening is provided in the side of the feeding bottle such that a central axis of the water fill opening extends at an angle to a plane defined by the sealing surface of the flange of the cup when the cup is held in the cup holder.

7. The feeding assembly according to claim 2, wherein the spout of the teat is placed off center on the base of the teat, such that a central axis of the water fill opening and a central axis of the spout enclose an angle smaller than 90 degrees.

8. The feeding assembly according to claim 2 further comprising: a beaker; and a fastening device; wherein the beaker is for filling the feeding bottle with water via the water fill opening, which beaker is provided with a spout for cooperating with the water fill opening of the feeding bottle; wherein the beaker is securable on the feeding bottle in a storage position; wherein the beaker covers the teat when mounted in the storage position; and wherein the fastening device releasable secures the beaker in the storage position.

9. The feeding assembly according to claim 2, wherein the cup is shallow bowl, and the cavity has a width that is at least two times the depth of the cavity.

10. The feeding assembly according to claim 2, wherein the cavity of the cup is dimensioned to hold a single serving of infant formula to be mixed with water.

11. The feeding assembly according to claim 2, wherein the cup comprises: a cup section that defines the cavity holding the infant formula; a dispensing opening that provides an entrance to the cavity; and a flange that extends along the dispensing opening, the flange of the cup having a bottom side that provides a planar and annular shaped support surface and a topside that provides a planar and annular shaped sealing surface.

12. The feeding assembly according to claim 2, wherein the seal of the cup is a tear of seal which is attached to the sealing surface of the flange of the cup, wherein the seal is configured to be at least partially torn away from the cup to open up the cavity of the cup to make the infant formula available to be mixed with water.

13. A sealed infant formula cup comprising: a cup section that defines a cavity; a dispensing opening that provides an entrance to the cavity; and a flange that extends along the dispensing opening; wherein the flange of the cup has a bottom side that provides a planar and annular shaped support surface and a topside that provides a planar and annular shaped sealing surface; wherein the cavity has a depth extending in a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the sealing surface of the flange of the cup, and a diameter extending in a plane parallel to a plane defined by the sealing surface of the flange of the cup; wherein the width of the cavity is larger than its depth; wherein the cavity of the cup is at least partially filled with infant formula, and a seal has been attached to the sealing surface of the flange of the cup such that the seal seals off the dispensing opening; and the sealed infant formula cup thus providing a disposable single use package holding an amount of infant formula for providing an infant with a single serving of infant formula when mixed with water.

14. A method for preparing a feeding bottle for feeding an infant comprising: providing a sealed cup holding a single serving of infant formula; providing a feeding bottle comprising a cup holder for holding the cup, a teat, a mounting ring for mounting the teat onto the cup holder, and a plug for sealing a water fill opening; placing the cup in the cup holder and removing the seal of the cup; mounting the teat onto the holder using the mounting ring; filling the feeding bottle via the water fill opening and closing the water fill opening after the feeding bottle has been filled with the correct volume of water; and mixing the infant formula, with the water filled into the feeding bottle, by shaking the closed feeding bottle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0135] The accompanying Figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects described below.

[0136] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a feeding assembly according to the invention, the feeding assembly comprising a sealed cup, a feeding bottle comprising a teat, a mounting ring and a cup holder, and a beaker for filling the feeding bottle, and;

[0137] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the feeding assembly of FIG. 1, with the cup positioned in the cup holder and with the seal of the cup in the process of being removed;

[0138] FIG. 3 shows the feeding assembly of FIG. 1, with the feeding bottle in its assembled state holding the unsealed cup, and with the beaker coupled with a water fill opening of the feeding bottle;

[0139] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a feeding bottle of the feeding assembly of FIG. 1;

[0140] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the feeding bottle of FIG. 1 being used for feeding an infant;

[0141] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the feeding assembly of FIG. 1 in combination with a beaker;

[0142] FIGS. 7a-d show a side view in cross section of the feeding bottle of FIG. 4 in its assembled state, with the cup in subsequent working positions;

[0143] FIG. 8 shows a side view of the feeding bottle of FIG. 4 in its assembled state, with the beaker mounted on the feeding bottle;

[0144] FIG. 9 shows a side view in cross section of the feeding bottle and beaker of FIG. 8;

[0145] FIG. 10 shows a side view of the feeding assembly of FIG. 1 and an alternative feeding assembly,

[0146] FIG. 11 shows a highly schematic cross sectional side view of a first alternative feeding bottle for use in a feeding assembly according to the invention;

[0147] FIG. 12 shows a highly schematic cross sectional side view of a second alternative feeding bottle for use in a feeding assembly according to the invention;

[0148] FIG. 13 shows an exploded view in cross section of an alternative embodiment of a feeding assembly according to the invention;

[0149] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the exploded view of FIG. 13; and

[0150] FIG. 15 shows a side view of the feeding assembly of FIG. 13 in a first resting position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0151] Although preferred exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that other exemplary embodiments are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the disclosure is limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other exemplary embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, in describing the preferred exemplary embodiments, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity.

[0152] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0153] Also, in describing the preferred exemplary embodiments, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

[0154] Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another exemplary embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value.

[0155] Using “comprising” or “including” or like terms means that at least the named compound, element, particle, or method step is present in the composition or article or method, but does not exclude the presence of other compounds, materials, particles, method steps, even if the other such compounds, material, particles, method steps have the same function as what is named.

[0156] Mention of one or more method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Similarly, it is also to be understood that the mention of one or more components in a device or system does not preclude the presence of additional components or intervening components between those components expressly identified.

[0157] FIGS. 1-3 show a perspective view of a feeding assembly 1 according to the invention. The feeding assembly 1 comprises a feeding bottle 2 and a sealed cup 3. The cup 3 has a cavity 4 holding a single serve of infant formula 8 to be mixed with water. The particular feeding assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3 furthermore comprises an optional beaker 6 for filling the feeding bottle 2 with water.

[0158] In the particular embodiment shown, the single serve flexible cup 3 comprises a seal 7 for contamination free holding the infant formula 8 prior to mixing the infant formula with water.

[0159] According to the invention, the feeding bottle 2 is adapted to be used with the cup 3. During use, the cup 3 is held in an opened state, i.e. with its seal 7 removed or broken, in the feeding bottle 2, such that the single serve of infant formula 8 held by the cup can be mixed with water in the feeding bottle.

[0160] The feeding bottle 2 comprises a cup holder 9, a teat 10, and a mounting ring 11.

[0161] The cup holder 9 is adapted to hold the cup 3 in its opened condition. FIG. 2 shows the cup 3 positioned in the cup holder 9 and with the seal 7 of the cup in the process of being removed.

[0162] The teat 10 has a dome shaped base 12 and a spout or nipple 13 on that base. The teat 10 mimics a breast. In FIGS. 1-3 the teat 10 is received in the mounting ring 11. In FIGS. 2 and 3 the mounting ring 11 releasable mounts the teat 10 onto the cup holder 9 and clamps the cup 3 in the cup holder 9 at the same time.

[0163] According to the invention, the feeding bottle 2 is provided with a water fill opening 14, which water fill opening is provided in the cup holder and/or in the mounting ring and/or in the base of the teat, through which fill opening the feeding bottle can be filled with water while the opened cup is held by the cup holder and the teat is mounted on the cup holder. In the particular embodiment shown, the water fill opening 14 is provided in the mounting ring 11 and the base 12 of the teat 10. This will be explained in more detail further on.

[0164] The feeding bottle 2 is furthermore provided with a closure device 15 adapted to seal the water fill opening. In the particular embodiment shown, the closure device 15 is provided in the form of a plug, which plug is shown inserted in the water fill opening 14 in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0165] FIG. 3 shows the feeding bottle 2 with the closing device 15 removed from the water fill opening 14, and the beaker 6 engaging the water fill opening to fill the feeding bottle, more in particular a mixing cavity 16 of the feeding bottle, with water to be mixed with the single serve of infant formula 8. FIGS. 7 and 9 show a cross section of the feeding bottle 2 according to the invention, in which the mixing cavity 16 is shown.

[0166] According to the invention, the mixing cavity 16 is at least partially defined by the teat and the cup. In the particular embodiment shown, the teat 10, when mounted on the cup holder 9, directly engages the cup 3, and the mixing cavity 16 is thus in full defined by the teat and the cup.

[0167] Once the mixing cavity 16 has been filled with the correct volume of water, the beaker 6 is removed from the water fill opening 14 which is subsequently closed with the plug 15. The single serve of infant formula 8 can subsequently be mixed with the water by shaking the feeding bottle 2. After which the feeding bottle is ready for feeding an infant.

[0168] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a feeding bottle 2 of the feeding assembly 1 of FIG. 1 in its assembled state, i.e. holding the opened cup 3. FIG. 5 shows a side view of the feeding bottle 2 of FIG. 4 being used for feeding an infant.

[0169] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the feeding assembly 1 of FIG. 1 in combination with the beaker 6, and thus shows more details the different components of the infant feeding assembly. In the exploded view the cup 3 is depicted with its seal 7 removed and without the single serve of infant formula 8 to be mixed with water,

[0170] The cup 3 of the particular embodiment shown has a cup section 17 that defines the cavity 4 for holding the infant formula. The cup 3 has a dispensing opening 18 that provides an entrance to the cavity 4 and has a flange 19 that extends along the dispensing opening. The flange 19 of the cup having a bottom side that provides an annular shaped support surface 20 and a topside that provides a planar and annular shaped sealing surface 21. When the cup is sealed, the seal 7 is attached to sealing surface 21 of the flange 19 of the cup such that the seal seals off the dispensing opening. Thus, the infant formula in the cavity is shielded from the environment and from contamination.

[0171] The seal 7 is a tear of seal which is attached to the sealing surface of the flange of the cup, and is configured to be at least partially torn away from the cup to open up the cavity of the cup to make the infant formula available to be mixed with water. In the embodiment shown, the seal 7 is provided with a lip section which provides a grip surface for a user to engage the seal and thus facilitate tearing the seal from the cup holder. In an alternative embodiment, the seal can be provided with multiple grip surfaces or with a single grip surface extending along the entire periphery of the cup. Alternative configurations for enabling a seal to be removed from a cup known from the prior art may also be implemented with a seal of a cup according to the invention.

[0172] The cup holder 9 of the feeding bottle 2 is adapted to hold the cup 3 in its opened condition, i.e. with its seal removed or broken. The cup holder has a cavity 22 for receiving the cup section 17 of the cup 3, a receiving opening 23 that provides an entrance to the cavity 22 of the cup holder, and a rim 24 that extends along the receiving opening 23. The rim 24 of the cup holder 9 provides an annular support surface 25 for supporting the flange 19 of the cup 3 when the cup is received in the cavity 22 of the cup holder.

[0173] The teat 10 of the feeding bottle 2 has the dome shaped base 12 and a nipple 13 on that base. With its spherical shaped base 12, which is large compared to the size of the nipple 13, the teat 10 mimics a breast, which effect is enhanced by the nipple being placed off center, i.e. not on the top of the base 12. In the particular embodiment shown, the base 12 is provided with a flange 26, the flange of the teat having a top side that provides a planar and annular shaped support surface 27 and a bottom side that provides a planar and annular shaped sealing surface 28 that engages the sealing surface 21 of the cup 3 when the opened cup is held by the cup holder and the teat 10 is mounted on the cup holder by way of the mounting ring 11, i.e. in the assembled state of the feeding bottle 2.

[0174] The mounting ring 11 of the feeding bottle 2 is adapted to releasable mount the teat 10 onto the cup holder 9. The mounting ring 11 has a planar and annular shaped clamping surface 29 that engages the support surface 27 of the teat 10, such that, when the opened cup 3 is held by the cup holder 9, the flange 26 of the teat 10 is located on the flange 19 of the cup 3, and both the flange 26 of the teat 10 and the flange 19 of the cup 3 are located between the rim 24 of the cup holder 9 and the clamping surface 29 of the mounting ring 11.

[0175] The mounting ring 11 is provided with a releasable coupling device for coupling the mounting ring with the cup holder 9 such that the mounting ring clamps the flange 26 of the teat 10 onto the flange 19 of the cup 3 to provide a seal. In the particular embodiment shown, the mounting ring 11 is provided with a releasable coupling device in the form of screw thread 30 that is provided on the inside of the mounting ring for cooperating with screw thread 31 provided on the outside surface of the cup holder 9.

[0176] According to the invention, the feeding bottle 2 is provided with a water fill opening 14, which water fill opening in the particular embodiment shown is provided in the mounting ring 11 and in the base 12 of the teat 10. Through the water fill opening 14 the feeding bottle 2 can be filled with water while the opened cup 3 is received in the cup holder 9 and the teat 10 is mounted on the cup holder 9. In the embodiment shown, the teat 10 is furthermore configured such that a section of the teat forms a liner 32 along the inside surface of the water fill opening provided in the mounting ring. Thus, the pliant material the teat is made of is used to provide a sealable opening, without the need of providing additional sealing elements such as sealing rings that need to be mounted in the water fill opening during manufacturing and/or assembly of the feeding bottle and/or its components.

[0177] The closure device 15 adapted to seal the water fill opening 14 comprises a plug configured for cooperating with the pliant liner of the water fill opening. By inserting the plug 15 into the water fill opening 14 the water fill opening is closed, which allows for mixing the infant formula with the water filled into the feeding bottle by shaking the closed feeding bottle.

[0178] In use, the feeding bottle shown can be disassembled into its separate components to facilitate sterilizing the components in ways known in the prior art.

[0179] Preparing a feeding bottle for feeding an infant using the feeding assembly according to the invention involves the following steps:

[0180] providing the sealed cup 3, the cup holding a single serve of infant formula 8;

[0181] providing the feeding bottle 2, the feeding bottle comprising the cup holder 9 for holding the cup 3, the teat 10, the mounting ring 11 for mounting the teat onto the cup holder, and the plug 15 for sealing the water fill opening 14, which water fill opening is provided in the mounting ring and in the teat;

[0182] removing the seal 7 of the cup 3 and placing the cup in the cup holder 9;

[0183] mounting the teat 10 onto the cup holder 9 using the mounting ring 11, using the teat 10 to clamp the cup 3 in the cup holder, the sealing surface 28 flange 26 of the teat 10 directly engaging the sealing surface 21 of the flange 19 of the cup 3 such that the teat and the cup together define a mixing cavity for holding the infant formula and the water for mixing with the infant formula;

[0184] filling the feeding bottle 2 via the water fill opening 14 and closing the water fill opening with the closing device 15 after the feeding bottle has been filled with the correct volume of water; and

[0185] mixing the single serve of infant formula 8, with the water filled into the feeding bottle, by shaking the closed feeding bottle.

[0186] After the feeding bottle has thus been prepared, it can be held with the cup holder in the palm of the hand, the fingers extending along the cup holder, the mounting ring for providing grip. Thus, the feeding bottle enables mimicking a teat during the feeding process not only in shape but also in feeding experience for the infant, as is clear from FIG. 5.

[0187] It is noted that the functional surfaces, i.e. the clamping surfaces, support surfaces, sealing surfaces, etc., of the cup holder, the teat and the mounting ring can also be achieved with embodiments that differ from those shown in FIG. 5. Embodiments that differ from the ones shown but are provided with similar functional surfaces for the same purpose as disclosed are considered to fall within the scope of the claims of the invention.

[0188] It is submitted that the mounting ring, the teat and the cup holder shown are exemplary embodiments of a components of a feeding bottle of a feeding assembly according to the invention only. Different embodiments are also possible within the scope of the invention, for example, the mounting ring and/or the cup holder may comprise multiple components which are combined to form the mounting ring and cup holder for the feeding bottle in its assembled condition. For example, the mounting ring may comprise two ring elements which are to be screwed together or clamped together using click finger, to form the mounting ring and secure the teat in the clamping ring by clamping a section of the teat between them.

[0189] Preferably, the cup holder, the mounting ring and the teat are each single integral components that need to only need to be combined with each other to form the feeding bottle. Thus, the assembly process can be kept efficient.

[0190] In an embodiment, the teat and the mounting ring may be combined into a single component during the manufacturing process, for example by two component injection molding.

[0191] The mounting ring, the cup holder, and the teat are preferably made using the injection molding technique, for example by injection molding a PP material. The teat is preferably made of a pliant material which is easy to sterilize, for example a silicone material.

[0192] In an embodiment, for example the teat is provided with base and nipple made out of a silicone material and for example a flange along the bottom area of the base made out of another, less pliable material, which flange for example provided with screw thread, for securing the teat in the mounting ring, wherein the base and flange are merged into a single integral component during the fabrication process, for example by way of two component injection molding.

[0193] FIGS. 7a-d show a side view in cross section of the feeding bottle 2 of FIG. 4 in its assembled state, with the cup 3 in subsequent working positions, i.e. in subsequent positions during the feeding process. In the FIGS., the infant formula and water are not depicted.

[0194] In the particular embodiment shown, the feeding assembly 1 has a cup 3 with a cup section 17 that has a flexibility that enables, when the opened cup 3 is mounted in the feeding bottle 2, the cup section 17 to collapse inwards, i.e. to billow towards the dispensing opening 18 of the cup, and to billow through the dispensing opening up and into the teat 10. This transformation of the cup during the feeding process balances out an underpressure created inside the feeding bottle caused by an infant drinking from the feeding bottle.

[0195] When the full cup section can billow through the dispensing opening of the cup, the cup section is moved from the bottom side of the flange of the cup to the sealing side of the flange of the cup, the cup section turning inside out during this process. Thus, the inside surface of the cup section faces outwards when the cup section is fully collapsed, i.e. in its fully billowed condition inside the teat. Thus, the flexibility of such a cup is optimally used for preventing underpressure, or vacuum, in the mixing cavity during the feeding process.

[0196] Furthermore, in the particular embodiment shown, the cup is not only configured such that the full cup section can billow through the dispensing opening of the cup, in addition, the cup section 17 of the cup 3 is also dimensioned such that the cup section in its fully billowed condition lies along the inner surface of the teat 10. This condition is shown in FIGS. 7c and 7d. FIG. 7a shows the cup in its original condition, and FIG. 7b shows the cup in an intermediate position, while billowing through the dispensing opening 18 of the cup 3.

[0197] When the cup is in its fully billowed condition, shown in FIGS. 7c and 7d, there is only a little space left between the teat 10 and the cup 3. Thus, the mixing cavity 16 is essentially cancelled out by the billowed cup 17 section. It is noted that in the embodiment shown the feeding bottle 2 is furthermore configured such that the teat 10 and cup together define the mixing cavity 16, i.e. in the assembled state of the feeding bottle the teat engages the flange section of the cup. Therefore, as is clearly shown in the FIGS., to achieve the above mentioned effect, the inner volume of the teat is substantially similar to the volume of the cup section of the cup.

[0198] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the teat is provided with a flexibility that enables the teat to collapse during the feeding process to counterbalance a vacuum in the mixing cavity. The flexibility of the teat and the flexibility of the cup are such that during the feeding process the cup collapses first, which is shown in FIGS. 7b and 7c, and the teat only collapses after the cup is in its fully collapsed position, which is shown in FIG. 7d. Therefore the teat does only to a small extend collapses during the feeding process, and, in the embodiment shown, the teat only collapses at the end of the feeding process, when the last of the instant formula mixed with water is sucked out of the mixing chamber. Thus, the teat maintains its breast like shape during the feeding process, while its flexibility is utilized at the end of the feeding process to enable the feeding bottle to be emptied without a significant underpressure is the mixing cavity.

[0199] In the embodiment shown, the flange of the cup 3 is provided with a rim 5. The rim 5 is provided at the outer end of the flange 19 of the cup and extends at an angle with the flange 19, in particular with the support surface 20 of the flange of the cup, in the downward direction, i.e. towards the bottom of the cup. When the cup 3 is positioned in the cup holder 9, the flange 19 of the cup rests on the support surface of the cup holder 25 and the rim 5 is located beyond the support surface, such that it falls over the rim of the cup holder and thus hooks behind it. See FIGS. 6 and 7a-d.

[0200] The rim provides the flange of the cup with additional rigidity, which is beneficial when the user tears of the seal to open the cup. Furthermore, in the particular embodiment shown, the rim is used to further secure the cup in its position in the cup holder. Thus, the cup holder can be used to provide the cup with additional support to facilitate removing the seal from the cup.

[0201] For example, with the embodiment shown the sealed cup can be placed in the cup holder first, after which the seal is torn from the cup holder, see FIGS. 1 and 2. It is noted that in the embodiment shown, the rim is exposed when the cup is located in the cup holder, providing a grip surface that can be engaged by the user when holding the cup holder, to further secure the cup in its position in the cup holder while tearing off the seal. In a further embodiment, the size of the rim can be extended to provide a larger grip surface to be engaged by the user when holding the cup.

[0202] In an alternative embodiment, the cup holder is provided with a recess located in or adjacent the support surface of the cup holder for receiving the rim of the cup to thus secure the cup in its position in the cup holder.

[0203] Preferably the rim of the cup extends at a substantially right angle with the support surface of the cup, i.e. with the flange of the cup, to optimally secure the cup, in particular the flange of the cup, against movement in a direction parallel to its support surface, for example when the seal is torn form the cup or when the cup is transformed during the feeding process. For example, in an embodiment, the cup holder is provided with a support surface for supporting the flange of the cup, in which support surface a recess is provided for receiving the rim provided on the flange of the cup. Thus, when the cup is positioned in the cup holder.

[0204] In another alternative embodiment, the cup holder is provided with additional securing means, for example a securing ring, clamps or click fingers, for securing the sealed cup in the cup holder, and thus provide a support for the cup to facilitate tearing off the seal by the user.

[0205] In the particular embodiment shown, the cup section 17 of the cup 3 is provided with a convex shaped central bottom section 33, of which the apex 34 is directed towards the dispensing opening 18 of the cup, to further facilitate the billowing of the cup during feeding. It has been found that providing the cup, more in particular the cup section of the cup, with a convex shaped central bottom section propagates billowing of through the dispensing opening. In the particular embodiment shown, the convex shaped central bottom section is curved, such that there is a smooth transition between the convex shaped central bottom section and the surrounding cup section of the cup. The curved shape enables a gradual and smooth transformation of the cup. This is in particular the case since the cup section, in a plane parallel to support surface, has a circular shaped cross section, more in particular when the convex shaped central bottom section has a circular cross section.

[0206] In an alternative embodiment, the form of the convex shaped bottom section may differ, for example be more conical in shape, or more triangular, e.g. have a pyramid shape, or have a cylindrical shape, etc. Also, the convex shaped central bottom section may be provided with additional recesses e.g. have a corrugated surface.

[0207] In the particular embodiment shown, the cup holder 9 is provided with a bottom section 35. The bottom section 35 of the cup holder 9 shields the cup 3, more in particular the cup section 17 of the cup, when the feeding bottle 2 is in its assembled state.

[0208] In the embodiment shown, the bottom section 35 of the cup holder 9 is spherical shaped along its periphery such that it enhances the fit of the feeding bottle 2 in the palm of the hand, see for example FIG. 5. Furthermore, at its center the bottom section 35 has a raised bottom section 36, such that the feeding bottle 2 can stand on a flat support surface, such as a tabletop, see for example FIG. 4. By providing the cup holder 9 with such a bottom section the cup 3, in particular the cup section of the cup 17, is shielded during use of the feeding bottle.

[0209] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the raised central section 36 of the bottom part 35 of the cup holder 9 is configured to support the central part of the convex shaped central bottom section 33 of the cup 3 received in the cup holder, see FIG. 7a. By thus supporting the bottom of the cup 3, the cup holder 9 prevents the convex shaped bottom section 33 from billowing outward, i.e. away from the dispensing opening 18 of the cup 3. This is especially beneficial when the cup is highly flexible, and for example after removal of the seal has the tendency to bulge outward when the feeding bottle is filled with water and/or during the mixing process, especially when the mixing is achieved by shaking the feeding bottle. Furthermore, substantial transformation of the cup during the filling process may complicate filling the mixing cavity with the correct amount of water. This is especially the case when the teat is provided with markings to indicate the volume of water present in the mixing cavity.

[0210] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the raised central bottom section 36 of the cup holder 9 has a convex shape, configured to substantially fit the convex shaped bottom section 33 of the cup 3 received in the cup holder. Thus, providing the cup with optimal support which allows for using a highly flexible cup with the feeding bottle, which cup is provided with a convex shaped bottom section that propagates billowing of the cup through the dispensing opening of the cup during the feeding process. Such a cup may for example, after removal of the seal, have the tendency to bulge outward when the feeding bottle is filled with water and/or during the mixing process, especially when the mixing is achieved by shaking the feeding bottle. It is noted that the convex shaped bottom section is extra prone to bulging outward, for example during the mixing process.

[0211] In the embodiment shown, the bottom section 35 of the cup holder 3, in particular the raised bottom section 36, of the cup holder is provided with a central openings to allow outside air to flow into the cup holder during the inwards collapse, i.e. and thus enable the cup to billow towards and through the dispensing opening of the cup. It is noted that by providing the opening at the center of a convex shaped bottom section, the chance of the opening accidentally being covered by a hand during the feeding process, which may obstruct the billowing of the cup during the feeding process, is nil. In an alternative embodiment, the opening and/or additional openings can be provided in the walls and/or the bottom section of the cup holder to thus minimize the chance of the opening(s) being covered during the feeding process. Also, the openings can be larger than the one shown, in a further embodiment, the walls of the cup holder can be provided with a mesh structure, which in addition may also enhance a user holding the cup holder with additional grip. Alternative embodiments are also possible within the scope of the invention.

[0212] FIG. 8 shows a side view of the feeding bottle of FIG. 4 in its assembled state, with the beaker mounted on the feeding bottle, and FIG. 9 shows a side view in cross section of the feeding bottle and beaker.

[0213] The feeding assembly shown is provided with a beaker 6, which beaker is configured for filling the feeding bottle 2 with water via the water fill opening 14, see FIG. 3. Therefore, the beaker 6 is provided with a spout 37 for cooperating with the water fill opening 14 of the feeding bottle 2. The spout is shaped such that it substantially fits the water fill opening. The resilient liner 32 of the water fill opening provides for a leak free coupling of spout and water fill opening. Thus, the beaker can be used for filling the feeding bottle, when in its assembled stated, holding the opened cup, with the volume of water to be mixed with the single serve instant formula held in the cup.

[0214] In an alternative embodiment, the water fill opening and/or the spout of the beaker is/are provided with an alternative sealing device, for example a rubber sealing ring mounted on the outside of the spout or in the inside of the water fill opening, to provide a water tight coupling between the beaker and the feeding bottle, more in particular the mixing cavity of the feeding bottle.

[0215] In the particular embodiment shown, the beaker 6 is provided with a spout 37 that has the shape of closed conduit, the conduit extending between an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The outlet opening of the conduit is provided at the top of the beaker, providing the beaker with a configuration roughly similar to a teapot or watering can. Thus, the beaker is configured for being tilted over an angle, for example over an angle of about eighty degrees, when filling the feeding bottle, see FIG. 3. This allows for filling the feeding bottle while it is held in a position with the water fill opening facing upwards and is especially beneficial when the spout of the beaker is configured to be coupled with the water fill opening.

[0216] In the embodiment shown, the beaker is adapted to be secured on the feeding bottle in a storage position. Furthermore, the beaker is dimensioned such that it covers the teat when the beaker is mounted on the feeding bottle in its storage position, which is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. A fastening device is provided, in the particular embodiment shown in the form of click fingers on the outside of the mounting ring that cooperate with a ring shaped rim on the inside of the beaker, to releasable secure the beaker on the feeding bottle in its storage position. It is noted that alternative fasting devices, such as screw thread, can also be used.

[0217] FIG. 10 shows a side view of the feeding assembly 2 of FIG. 1 and an alternative feeding assembly 2′. Similar components of the feeding bottles have been provided with the same reference signs. The alternative feeding assembly differs in the size of the components, in particular of the cup holder 9′. Thus, the alternative feeding assembly can be used with larger cups, holding larger quantities of infant formula, and has a mixing cavity that can be filled with a larger volume of water. For example, one feeding assembly is configured for use with cups holding 35 or 100 ml infant formula, and the other for uses with cups for holding 165 or 200 ml infant powder. In such a feeding assembly, each feeding bottle can be used with one size cup, which cup is configured to be filled with the small amount or the full amount of infant formula. Alternatively, both feeding bottles can each be combined with a cup having a small sized cup section for holding the small amount of infant formula and with a cup having a large sized cup section for holding the large amount of infant formula. The cup sections may differ in size by providing the cup sections with a central raised bottom section, for example a conical or spherical shaped raised central bottom sections, as explained here above, which raised bottom sections differ in size. Thus, each feeding bottle can be used with cups that differ in the size of the cavity holding the infant formula, while the overall dimensions of the cup, i.e. the size flange, and the height and width of the cup sections are the same.

[0218] It is noted that in a further alternative embodiment, for example only one or two components of the feeding bottle differ in size. For example, by providing two types of cup holders, one small sized and one large sized, a feeding assembly can be adapted to be used with larger or smaller sized cups by changing the cup holders. When the cup holders differing in height only and not in cross section, they can both be used with the same mounting ring and teat. Thus, only one extra component needs to be provided to provide different sized feeding assemblies.

[0219] In an embodiment of a feeding assembly according to the invention the cup is a flexible cup, configured to billow towards and optionally through the dispensing opening of the cup during the feeding process, and the teat is provided with a valve configured to allow air into the mixing chamber during the feeding process. Providing such a valve is for example advantageous when the feeding assembly is used with a cup that is dimensioned such that when it is in its fully billowed state, it walls are not closely adjacent the inside surface of the teat. Thus, the cup does not cancel the full mixing cavity when in its fully billowed state. When the last volume of infant formula mixed with water is drunk from the teat, the valve allows air to enter the mixing cavity to replace the infant formula mixed with water.

[0220] From the foregoing, it will be clear to the skilled person, that within the framework of the invention as set forth in the claims also many variations other than the examples described above are conceivable. For example, FIGS. 11 and 12 each show a highly schematic exploded view in cross section of two alternative feeding bottles for use in a feeding assembly according to the invention.

[0221] The feeding bottle 40 shown in FIG. 11 comprises a teat 41, a mounting ring 42, a cup holder 43, a cup 44, a sealing device 45 for sealing a water fill opening 46, and a sealing ring 47. In this embodiment, the teat 41 is secured in the mounting ring 42, for example by injection moulding the mounting ring around a bottom rim of the teat, such that the teat and the mounting ring form a single component. The mounting ring 42 is provided with screw thread 48 on its inside, for mounting the mounting ring, and thus the teat, onto the cup holder 43, which is provided with screw thread on its outside surface. In the embodiment shown, the water fill opening 46 is provided in the mounting ring 42. A plug shaped sealing device 45 is secured in the water fill opening to seal it. Both the plug shaped sealing device 45 and the water fill opening 46 are provided with screw thread (not shown) for securing the plug in the water fill opening. Furthermore, a sealing device in the form of a sealing ring 47 is provided, which in the assembled state is clamped between the cup 44, more in particular the flange 49 of the cup, and the mounting ring 42 to provide a leak free sealing between mounting ring and cup. In this embodiment the mixing chamber is thus defined by the teat, the cup and the mounting ring.

[0222] The cup 44 holds infant formula 50, and is held in the cup holder 43, and is in the assembled state fixed in this position by the mounting ring 42 clamping the sealing ring 47 onto the cup holder and the flange of the cup. In the particular embodiment shown, the cup 44 is provided with a raised central bottom section, more in particular a convex, substantially conical shaped central bottom section, to propagate billowing of the cup into the teat during the feeding process. It is noted that the components are not drawn to scale, and that the cup is dimensioned such that, when fully billowed through the dispensing opening of the cup, the walls of the cup are located closely adjacent the inside surface of the mounting ring and the teat, such that the cup in its billowed state cancels the mixing cavity and allows for an infant to drink the mixed infant formula from the feeding bottle without creating a vacuum in the mixing cavity.

[0223] The feeding bottle 60 shown in FIG. 12 comprises a teat 61, a mounting ring 62, a cup holder 63, a cup 64, a sealing device 65 for sealing a water fill opening 66, and a clamping ring 67. In this embodiment, the clamping ring 67 is provided for securing the cup 64 in the cup holder 63 prior to mounting the teat 61 on the cup holder 63 using the mounting ring 62. Thus, the cup 64 can be secured in the cup holder to facilitate tearing the seal from the cup, which is especially beneficial when the cup is a highly flexible cup with low structural rigidity.

[0224] The teat 61 is shaped such that it fits in the mounting ring 62, providing the water fill opening 66 with a resilient liner for providing a leak free sealing of the water fill opening. When the teat has been fit in the mounting ring, both can be handled as if they are a single component. The teat can however be removed from the mounting, for example to facilitate sterilization of the mounting ring and teat. It is noted that the water fill opening allows for filling the feeding bottle with water while the teat is mounted on the cup holder, i.e. when the feeding bottle is in its assembled state.

[0225] In the embodiment shown, the mounting ring is provided with inside screw thread 68 for mounting the mounting 62 ring on the clamping ring 67, the latter being mounted on the cup holder 63 with inside screw thread 68. In this embodiment, the clamping ring 67 thus forms an intermediate for mounting the mounting ring on the cup holder, and as such can be considered part of the cup holder. It is noted that this embodiment, in the assembled state of the feeding bottle, the teat is clamped on the cup holder and the flange of the cup held in the cup holder. Thus, the mixing chamber is defined by the teat and the cup.

[0226] The cup 64 holds infant formula 70, and is held in the cup holder 63, and is in the assembled state fixed in this position by the clamping ring 67. In the particular embodiment shown, the cup 64 is provided with a corrugated bottom section to propagate billowing of the cup into the teat during the feeding process. It is noted that the components are not drawn to scale, and that the cup is dimensioned such that, when fully billowed through the dispensing opening of the cup, the walls of the cup are located closely adjacent the inside surface of the mounting ring and the teat, such that the cup in its billowed state cancels the mixing cavity and allows for an infant to drink the mixed infant formula from the feeding bottle without creating a vacuum in the mixing cavity.

[0227] FIG. 13 shows an exploded view in cross section of an alternative embodiment of a feeding assembly 101 according to the invention and FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the exploded view of FIG. 13. In the embodiment shown, the feeding assembly 101 comprises a feeding bottle 102, a cup 103 and a protective cover 106. The cup 103 is depicted with its seal removed.

[0228] The protective cover 106 is configured to seal the openings in the spout when mounted on the feeding bottle, which is clear from the exploded view shown in FIG. 13, to thus prevent leakage from the spout.

[0229] The cup holder 109 of the feeding bottle 101 is provided with a foot section 151, which foot section is configured such that when the cup holder is placed on a substantially horizontal support surface in a first and in a second position.

[0230] To achieve this, the cup holder 109 is provided with a first flattened bottom surface 152 that positions the cup holder in a first position, and as second flattened bottom surface 153 that positions the cup holder in a second position. FIG. 15 shows the feeding bottle in a first position, with the water fill opening 114 facing upwards.

[0231] In the particular embodiment shown, the cup holder 109 and the mounting ring 111 are provided with a double screw thread. Furthermore, the water fill opening 114 is placed off center in the teat 110, i.e. is not above the center of the filling opening of the cup 103 held in the cup holder 109 (see FIG. 13). Thus, the teat 110 can be mounted on the cup holder 109 in two positions, one of which is shown in FIG. 15. In the alternative position, the water fill opening is positioned on the opposite side of the feeding bottle, i.e. mirrored in a plane of symmetry, the plane of symmetry comprising a central axis defined by the screw threads.

[0232] The two flattened bottom surfaces 152,153 of the foot section 151 extend at an angle relative to each other and relative to the plane of symmetry, and thus provide the feeding bottle with two filing positions. Thus, the bottle can always be poisoned with the water fill opening facing upwards.

[0233] The cup 103, shown in cross section in FIG. 13, has a cup section 117 that defines a cavity 122 for holding the infant formula 108, a dispensing opening 118 that provides an entrance to the cavity, and a flange 119 that extends along the dispensing opening. The flange 119 of the cup has a bottom side that provides a support surface 120 and a topside that provides a sealing surface 121, for attaching a foil type seal to the cup to seal the cavity 122, the cavity holding the single serve of infant formula.

[0234] In the particular embodiment shown, the cup section 117 of the cup 103 is provided with a convex shaped central bottom section 133 to further facilitate the billowing of the cup during feeding according to the invention. The apex 134 of the raised central bottom section 133 is directed towards the dispensing opening 118 of the cup 103, to further facilitate the billowing of the cup during feeding. Thus, during the feeding process, the bottom of the cup will billow through the dispensing opening, essentially flipping the cup, more in particular the cup section of the cup, inside out. In the embodiment shown, the apex or top 134 of the raised central bottom section of the cup is located in the upper half of the cup section. Thus, the height of the raised central bottom section is at least half the depth of the cup.

[0235] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13-16, the teat 110 and the mounting ring 111 may be combined into a single component during the manufacturing process, for example by two component injection molding. It is noted that the more flexible material the teat 110 is made off, runs along the less flexible material of the mounting ring 111, which requires rigidity to provide effective screw thread, to form a sealing surface at the bottom side of the mounting ring, see FIG. 13. Thus, the flexible material is used to engage the top of the flange 19 of the cup and provide a leak tight seal.