Baby bottle holding apparatus

Abstract

A baby bottle holder is presented including at least one protruding side. The baby bottle holder also includes a top portion attached to a center portion, where the center portion has at least one viewing portion. A lower portion includes a through hole, and a base portion is removably attached to the lower portion. The baby bottle holder is adapted to hold a baby bottle.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field

This invention relates to baby bottle holders, and more particularly to incentive and entertaining baby bottle holding apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

Baby bottles can come in different shapes and sizes. Some baby bottles may take on non-traditional shapes for entertainment value. These entertaining shaped baby bottles, however, can be hard to clean due to the non-traditional shape (i.e., bends/curves, etc.). These non-traditional shaped bottles have a higher cost as compared with a typical baby bottle (e.g., eight (8) Oz. bottles).

SUMMARY

A baby bottle holder is presented including at lest one protruding side, a top portion attached to a center portion. The center portion has at least one viewing portion. A lower portion includes a through hole. A base portion is removably attached to the lower portion. The baby bottle holder is adapted to hold a baby bottle. One embodiment is presented where the bottle holder is shaped like a horn instrument, such as a clarinet, a bugle, a saxophone, etc. Another embodiment is presented where the baby bottle holder is shaped like a rocket ship.

Yet another embodiment is presented of a baby bottle holder system. The baby bottle holder system includes a baby bottle that is removably inserted to a baby bottle holder. The baby bottle includes a bottle portion, a cap portion including a nipple, and a cap lid. The baby bottle holder includes at least one protruding side, a top portion attached to a center portion, the center portion having at least one viewing portion. The system also including a lower portion including a through hole and a base portion removably attached to the lower portion. The baby bottle holder is adapted to hold the baby bottle. The baby bottle engages the top portion of the baby bottle holder to prevent the baby bottle from exiting the baby bottle holder. One embodiment is presented where the bottle holder is shaped like a horn instrument, such as a clarinet, a bugle, a saxophone, etc. Another embodiment is presented where the baby bottle holder is shaped like a rocket ship.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the invention. The various appearances “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” or “some embodiments,” are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments. If the specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

FIG. 1A illustrates a a holding portion of an embodiment.

FIG. 1B illustrates a base portion of an embodiment.

FIG. 2A illustrates a baby bottle without a nipple and nipple cover.

FIG. 2B illustrates a nipple and nipple cover for the bottle illustrated in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment holding a baby bottle.

FIG. 4A illustrates side view perspective of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4B illustrates side view perspective of a baby bottle.

FIG. 4C illustrates side view perspective of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 5A illustrates side view of another embodiment.

FIG. 5B illustrates rear view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C illustrates bottom view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5D illustrates front view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of yet another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention generally relates to a baby bottle holder apparatus. Referring to the figures, exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described. The exemplary embodiments are provided to illustrate the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1A illustrates a holding portion of an embodiment of a baby bottle holder. Holding portion 100 includes at least a first protruding side 120, top portion 135 coupled to center portion 131 (center portion 131 having at least one viewing portion 130), lower portion 125 including a through hole. FIG. 1B illustrates base portion 150, which is removably coupled to lower portion 125. Base portion 150 includes a plurality protruding stems 155 that are adapted to press a baby bottle against top portion 135, to provide a snug fit (i.e., stems 155 are semi-rigid and bend toward the outside diameter of base 150 when pressed against a baby bottle). In one embodiment base bottom portion 160 is hollowed. In another embodiment, base bottom portion 160 is solid. In yet another embodiment, base bottom portion 160 can have rattle material within a solid cover for entertainment (e.g., beads, dried beans, bells, etc). In another embodiment, base portion 150 is threaded and can be screwed onto holding portion 100 at lower portion 125. In yet another embodiment, base portion 150 is removably coupled to holding portion 100 at lower portion 125 by a press fitting. In one embodiment there are four (4) protruding stems 155. It should be noted, however, in other embodiments other numbers of protruding stems 155 are possible, e.g. five (5), six (6), etc.

In one embodiment, a second protruding side 107 is coupled to holding portion 100. In this embodiment first protruding side 120 and second protruding side 107 are shaped like parts to a musical horn instrument, such as a bugle, clarinet, saxophone, etc. In one embodiment, first protruding side 120 includes pipe portions 110. In one embodiment pipe portions 110 are made of semi-rigid material, such as non-brittle rubber, soft plastic, foam rubber, etc. In another embodiment, pipe portions 110 are made of material adapted to be used for teething, such as soft rubber. In one embodiment, second protruding side 107 includes key portions 105. In one embodiment key portions 105 are made of rubber. In another embodiment, key portions 105 are made of material adapted to be used for teething, such as soft rubber. In yet another embodiment, key portions 105 are interconnected to simulate keys of a musical horn instrument.

FIG. 2A illustrates baby bottle 200 without a nipple, nipple holder and cover. FIG. 2B illustrates nipple 210, nipple holder 205 and nipple cover 209. Baby bottle 200, nipple 210, nipple holder 205 and nipple cover 205 are each adapted to fit together to form a complete baby bottle. The complete baby bottle is a typical eight (8) Oz. baby bottle. It should be noted that typical eight (8) Oz. baby bottles can come in different shape or form, although fairly similar in structure.

FIG. 3 illustrates complete baby bottle holder 300 with a complete baby bottle disposed within baby bottle holder 300. In one embodiment the elements of holding portion 100 and base portion 150 are made of semi-rigid material, such as non-brittle plastic, rubber, nylon, etc. Viewing portion(s) 130 allow the baby bottle 200 to be viewed when the complete bottle is disposed within baby bottle holder 300. Viewing portion(s) 130 allow liquid contained in the baby bottle to be viewed. In one embodiment top portion 135 has a conical shape where a top portion of baby bottle 200 is pressed against the interior of top portion 135. The conical shape allows for a snug fit of baby bottle 200 to prevent nipple 210 from movement in and out or side to side from within baby bottle holder 300.

In one embodiment baby bottle holder 300 includes a sound chip, a power source for the sound chip, a speaker, one or more switches and a sound controller. In this embodiment, baby bottle holder 300 emits pre-recorded sound stored on the sound chip when a switch allows power from the power source (e.g., a battery) to flow to the sound chip. The sound controller allows for sound selection. In one embodiment, the sound controller and the sound chip have a recording device and a microphone for recording sound. In this embodiment, a person's voice or melody, etc. can be stored on a memory in the sound chip. In one embodiment, the sound chip emits sound through the speaker when a musical key 105 is depressed or moved.

In another embodiment, a gravity switch in base portion 150 allows the sound chip to emit sound through the speaker when baby bottle holder 300 is tilted. In another embodiment, an on/off switch and volume control are used to control when the sound chip is activated and the volume of emitted sound. It should be noted that the above-mentioned sound electronic components known to those skilled in the art are used. In one embodiment, the sound chip, power source, speaker, and sound controller are located in base portion 150. It should be noted that placement of the sound chip and other components can be placed in other components of baby bottle holder 300.

In one embodiment, baby bottle holder 300 includes a power source, a light source and a switch to enable the light source(s) to emit light. In one embodiment, the light source(s) are light emitting diodes (LEDs). In one embodiment, the light source(s) are placed in pipe portions 110. It should be noted that the light source(s) can be placed in other portions of baby bottle holder 300, such as base portion 150. The power source is a standard type of battery suitable for powering a light source, such as an LED.

In one embodiment, a light controller is included to control the light source(s). In this embodiment, preprogrammed control (i.e., duration, on/off, selected light sources, etc.) is stored in a memory coupled to the light controller. In one embodiment, the light controller is activated by one on/off switch. In another embodiment, light controller is activated by a gravity switch located in base portion 150. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of light switches are placed on baby bottle holder 300 at locations, such as pipe portions 110, key portions 105, etc. It should be noted that the above-mentioned light electronic components are known to those skilled in the art.

In another embodiment, the above-mentioned lighting and sound producing components are combined. In this embodiment, both light and sound are produced from baby bottle holder 300 either simultaneously, or one at a time.

FIG. 4A illustrates a side view perspective of holding portion 100. FIG. 4B illustrates a side perspective view of baby bottle 400. Baby bottle 400 is a typical eight (8) Oz. plastic or rubber baby bottle. Baby bottle 400 is placed through a through hole in lower portion 125 of holding portion 100. FIG. 4C illustrates a side view perspective of base portion 150. Similar to the complete baby bottle (i.e., bottle 200, nipple 210, nipple holder 205 and nipple cover 209) bottle 400 is similarly disposed and held in place in holding portion 100 and base portion 150.

FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment including baby bottle holder system 500. This embodiment includes baby bottle 540 that is removably coupled to holding portion 505. Baby bottle 540 includes a bottle portion, a cap portion including a nipple, and a cap lid. Baby bottle 540 is similar to baby bottle 200 and 400 (FIGS. 2A, 2B and 4B). Baby bottle holder 505 includes at least one protruding side 521 coupled to holding portion 505, top portion 515 coupled to center portion 522. In one embodiment center portion 522 has at least one viewing portion 530. In another embodiment, center portion has at least two or more viewing portions 530. Holding portion 505 includes lower portion 541 including a through hole. Base portion 540 is removably coupled to lower portion 541 similarly to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3.

Baby bottle holder system 500 is adapted to hold baby bottle 540, and baby bottle 540 engages top portion 515 of baby bottle holder 505 to prevent baby bottle 540 from exiting baby bottle holder 505. In one embodiment baby bottle holder system 500 has top portion 515 having a conical shape. Baby bottle holder system 500 has base portion 540 including a plurality of protruding stems (similar to protruding stems 155 illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 4C). The protruding stems are adapted to press baby bottle 540 against top portion 515 to provide a snug fit against top portion 515.

In one embodiment baby bottle holder system 500 includes base portion 540 having a horn shape to prevent tipping baby bottle holder 500 when base portion 540 is placed in contact with a level surface (i.e., standing position) and also for entertainment purposes.

In one embodiment baby bottle holder system 500, protruding side 521 includes interconnected keys 520 and associated connectors. In another embodiment baby bottle holder system 500 includes another protruding side (not illustrated) with a plurality of keys (i.e., 2, 4, 7, etc.) each molded with teething material, such as soft rubber, etc. In these embodiments, the protruding sides are shaped like parts to a musical horn instrument, such as a bugle, clarinet, saxophone, etc.

FIG. 5B illustrates a rear perspective view of baby bottle holder system 500. FIG. 5C illustrates a bottom view of baby bottle holder system 500 viewed through base portion 540. In one embodiment, bottom portion 550 is solid. In yet another embodiment, bottom portion 550 is horn shaped and hollowed to a portion of base portion 540 from the bottom (e.g., one inch, two inches, etc.). FIG. 5D illustrates a front view perspective of baby bottle holder system 500.

In one embodiment baby bottle holder system 500 includes a sound chip, a power source for the sound chip, a speaker, one or more switches and a sound controller. In this embodiment, baby bottle holder system 500 emits pre-recorded sound stored on the sound chip when a switch allows power from the power source (e.g., a battery) to flow to the sound chip. The sound controller allows for sound selection. In one embodiment, the sound controller and the sound chip have a recording device and a microphone for recording sound. In this embodiment, a person's voice or melody, etc. can be stored on a memory in the sound chip. In one embodiment, the sound chip emits sound through the speaker when a musical key 520 is depressed or moved.

In another embodiment, a gravity switch in base portion 540 allows the sound chip to emit sound through the speaker when baby bottle holder system 500 is tilted. In another embodiment, an on/off switch and volume control are used to control when the sound chip is activated and the volume of emitted sound. It should be noted that the above-mentioned sound electronic components known to those skilled in the art are used. In one embodiment, the sound chip, power source, speaker, and sound controller are located in base portion 540. It should be noted that placement of the sound chip and other components can be placed in other components of baby bottle holder system 500.

In one embodiment, baby bottle holder system 500 includes a power source, a light source and one or more switches to enable the light source(s) to emit light. In one embodiment, the light source(s) are LEDs. In one embodiment, the light source(s) are placed in base portion 540. It should be noted that the light source(s) can be placed in other portions of baby bottle holder system 500, such as keys 520. The power source is a standard type of battery suitable for powering a light source(s), such as an LED(s).

In one embodiment, a light controller is included to control the light source(s). In this embodiment, preprogrammed control (i.e., duration, on/off, selected light sources, sequences, etc.) is stored in a memory coupled to the light controller. In one embodiment, the light controller is activated by one on/off switch. In another embodiment, light controller is activated by a gravity switch located in base portion 540. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of light switches are placed on baby bottle holder system 500 at various locations, such as top portion 515, key portions 520, etc. It should be noted that the above-mentioned light electronic components are standard and known to those skilled in the art.

In another embodiment, the above-mentioned lighting and sound producing components are combined. In this embodiment, both light and sound are produced from baby bottle holder system 500 either simultaneously, or one at a time.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of baby bottle holder 600 that is shaped like a saxophone instrument. Baby bottle holder 600 includes key portions 635, pipe portions 636, base portion 610, lower portion 620, center portion 630 and cap portion 640. In this embodiment, a baby bottle is adapted to be disposed within baby bottle holder 600. Baby bottle holder 600 is made of similar material as the above-mentioned embodiments. Also, baby bottle holder 600 includes similar features as baby bottle holder 300 and baby bottle holder system 500.

In one embodiment, a baby bottle holder is in the shape of a rocket ship (not shown). This embodiment is similar in function as to the above-mentioned embodiments albeit the shape.

With the above-described embodiments, it is seen that typical eight (8) Oz. baby bottles can be used by babies/children in an entertaining, safe and clean way. When a child/baby is finished with the contents of a bottle, the bottle can be removed and the baby bottle holder is ready for insertion of another standard baby bottle. Since the baby bottle holder embodiments are shaped like musical horn instruments, a baby/child will be entertained and occupied with the bottle and bottle holder and may be more inclined to hold the bottle holder, and more inclined to be fed as well. The various colors and shapes of the embodiments have a pleasing and entertaining affect on infants/children. Also, the sleeves are formed allowing easy gripping/holding by infants and children. The material used in making the above-mentioned embodiments are sturdy and dishwasher safe.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A baby bottle holder comprising:

at least one protruding side, the at least one protruding side having portions molded with teething material,

a top portion coupled to a center portion, said center portion having at least one viewing portion,

a lower portion including a through hole,

a base portion removably coupled to said lower portion,

wherein said baby bottle holder adapted to hold a baby bottle.

2. The baby bottle holder of claim 1, said top portion having a conical shape.

3. The baby bottle holder of claim 2, said base portion having a plurality of protruding stems, said protruding stems adapted to press the baby bottle against said top portion to provide a snug fit against said top portion.

4. The baby bottle holder of claim 1, said base portion having a horn shape to prevent tipping of said baby bottle holder.

5. The baby bottle holder of claim 1, said at least one protruding side having a plurality of interconnected keys.

6. The baby bottle holder of claim 1, further including another protruding side having a plurality of keys each molded with teething material.

7. The baby bottle holder of claim 1, further including a sound chip coupled to a power source and a speaker, at least one switch is coupled to the power source a sound controller, wherein the sound chip, the power source, and the speaker are disposed within the base portion.

8. The baby bottle holder of claim 1, wherein said baby bottle holder is shaped like one of a clarinet, a bugle a saxophone, and a rocket ship.

9. The baby bottle holder of claim 1, further including a power source coupled to a light source and at least one switch, the at least one switch to enable said light source to light, wherein the power source is disposed within the base portion and the light source is coupled to one of the center portion, the lower portion and the base portion.

10. The baby bottle holder of claim 9 further including a light source controller coupled to the light source.

11. The baby bottle holder of claim 7, further including a power source coupled to a light source and at least one switch, the at least one switch to enable said light source to light, wherein the power source is disposed within the base portion and the light source is coupled to one of the center portion, the lower portion and the base portion.

12. The baby bottle holder of claim 11 further including a light source controller coupled to the light source.

13. A baby bottle holder system comprising:

a baby bottle removably coupled to a baby bottle holder, said baby bottle including a bottle portion, a cap portion including a nipple, and a cap lid, said baby bottle holder comprising:

at least one protruding side, the at least one protruding side having portions molded with teething material,

a top portion coupled to a center portion, said center portion having at least one viewing portion,

a lower portion including a through hole,

a base portion removably coupled to said lower portion,

wherein said baby bottle holder adapted to hold the baby bottle, and said baby bottle engages the top portion of the baby bottle holder to prevent said baby bottle from exiting said baby bottle holder.

14. The baby bottle holder system of claim 13, said top portion having a conical shape.

15. The baby bottle holder system of claim 14, said base portion having a plurality of protruding stems, said protruding stems adapted to press the baby bottle against said top portion to provide a snug fit against said top portion.

16. The baby bottle holder system of claim 13, said base portion having a horn shape to prevent tipping of said baby bottle holder.

17. The baby bottle holder system of claim 13, said at least one protruding side having a plurality of interconnected keys.

18. The baby bottle holder system of claim 13, further including another protruding side having a plurality of keys each molded with teething material.

19. The baby bottle holder system of claim 13, further including a sound chip coupled to a power source and a speaker,

a sound controller coupled to the sound chip, and

at least one switch to enable said sound chip to emit sound through said speaker, wherein the sound chip, the power source, and the speaker are disposed within the base portion.

20. The baby bottle holder system of claim 13, wherein said baby bottle holder is shaped like one of a clarinet, a bugle, a saxophone and a rocket ship.

21. The baby bottle holder of claim 13, further including a power source coupled to a light source and at least one switch, the at least one switch to enable said light source to light, wherein the power source is disposed within the base portion and the light source is coupled to one of the center portion, the lower portion and the base portion.

22. The baby bottle holder of claim 21, further including a light source controller coupled to the light source.

23. The baby bottle holder of claim 19, further including a power source coupled to a light source and at least one switch, the at least one switch to enable said light source to light, wherein the power source is disposed within the base portion and the light source is coupled to one of the center portion, the lower portion and the base portion.

24. The baby bottle holder of claim 23, further including a light source controller coupled to the light source.

25. A baby bottle holder comprising:

at least one protruding side,

a top portion coupled to a center portion, said center portion having at least one viewing portion,

a lower portion including a through hole,

a base portion removably coupled to said lower portion, said base portion having a plurality of protruding stems, said protruding stems adapted to press a baby bottle against said top portion to provide a snug fit against said top portion.

26. A baby bottle holder comprising:

at least one protruding side,

another protruding side having a plurality of keys each molded with teething material,

a top portion coupled to a center portion, said center portion having at least one viewing portion,

a lower portion including a through hole,

a base portion removably coupled to said lower portion,

wherein said baby bottle holder adapted to hold a baby bottle.

27. A baby bottle holder system comprising:

a baby bottle removably coupled to a baby bottle holder, said baby bottle including a bottle portion, a cap portion including a nipple, and a cap lid, said baby bottle holder comprising:

at least one protruding side,

another protruding side having a plurality of keys each molded with teething material,

a top portion coupled to a center portion, said center portion having at least one viewing portion,

a lower portion including a through hole,

a base portion removably coupled to said lower portion,

wherein said baby bottle holder adapted to hold the baby bottle, and said baby bottle engages the top portion of the baby bottle holder to prevent said baby bottle from exiting said baby bottle holder.

28. A baby bottle holder system comprising:

a baby bottle removably coupled to a baby bottle holder, said baby bottle including a bottle portion, a cap portion including a nipple, and a cap lid, said baby bottle holder comprising:

at least one protruding side,

a top portion coupled to a center portion, said center portion having at least one viewing portion,

a lower portion including a through hole,

a base portion removably coupled to said lower portion, the base portion having a plurality of protruding stems, said protruding stems adapted to press the baby bottle against said top portion to provide a snug fit against said top portion,

wherein the baby bottle engages the top portion of the baby bottle holder to prevent the baby bottle from exiting the baby bottle holder.