Indicator system for a milk container and milk storage device using the indicator system

Abstract

An indicator system for a milk container is provided, comprising a time display element with a time scale for indicating the freshness of the milk. In one aspect, there are first and second indicator elements for indicating first and second selected portions of the time scale to indicate when the milk container was filled and when the milk reaches a freshness threshold, i.e. a particular storage time. In another aspect, there are first and second time scales on respective portions of the time display element, e.g. for refrigerator storage and for freezer storage, and an indicator element. A selected one of the first and second portions is in use, and the indicator element indicates the selected portion of the first or second time scale that is in use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to milk storage devices, in particular baby bottles for storing expressed milk or formula. In particular, the present invention relates to an indicator system for use with a milk container, which together form the milk storage device. Background Art

[0002] Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for a limited time, such as four days. Breast milk can also be frozen and stored in the freezer, for example, for up to six months.

[0003] Containers of stored (human) breast milk are often intended to be identified by the time of day or even the time of day when the milk was expressed, which may indicate the first, second and third expression sessions, or the first, second and third feeding of the day etc.

[0004] Some common labeling methods include labels hand-formed from masking tape, manufactured adhesive label material, or a piece of paper secured to the side of the container with rubber bands.

[0005] The problem with masking tape and sticky labels is that they must be rewritten or removed to reuse the container, the rubber band breaks, or the attached note is lost. Therefore, a more durable method is needed.

[0006] For example, it is known to provide bottles with electronic identification and then track storage and associated expiry dates elsewhere. This is a complex system (e.g. using software) and does not allow for easy identification of which milk has expired based on a simple and quick inspection of the bottles.

[0007] It has been proposed to include markings on the bottle or in the cap of the bottle. For example, US 6 805 072 discloses a feeding bottle having a rotatable ring to indicate when milk is being expressed.

[0008] Including an integrated timer indicator in the bottle in this way overcomes some of the problems associated with earlier solutions, but the increased complexity and cost of the bottle make it unattractive. It also doesn't work with existing bottles. Furthermore, milk in the refrigerator and milk in the freezer require different timer indicators. The user must also calculate when the milk will expire from the indicated time.

[0009] Therefore, there remains a need for an improved freshness indicator for stored milk. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0011] According to an example of the present invention, there is provided an indicator system for a milk container, comprising:

[0012] A time display element, adapted to be assembled onto the milk container, comprising:

[0013] a first time scale for indicating a first freshness of the milk on a first portion of the time display element, for indicating the freshness of the milk to be stored under a first condition; and

[0014] a second time scale for indicating a second freshness of the milk on a second portion of the time display element, for indicating the freshness of the milk to be stored under a second condition; and

[0015] indicator element,

[0016] Therein, the time display element is adapted to be configured to cause only a selected one of the first and second parts to be in use, and to cause the indicator element to indicate the selected part of the first or second time scale that is in use.

[0017] The first and second conditions may relate to different storage temperatures (e.g., cooling and freezing). Alternatively, the different conditions may relate to different regulatory environments (e.g., allowing refrigerated storage for a certain time or allowing frozen storage for a certain time) or different recommendations (e.g., recommended storage times may differ in different countries).

[0018] Each time scale comprises a sequence of time points having a rate suitable for the particular intended use of the indicator system (i.e. use according to the first condition or use according to the second condition). Only one of these time scales is used at any one time, and the time scale used is the time scale having the portion indicated by the indicator element.

[0019] The time display element can be mounted on the milk container and thus can be in the form of a simple time indicator that clips onto the milk container. It can be mounted on the milk container in a desired positional relationship so that the indicator element (e.g., of the milk container) indicates (e.g., points to) an appropriate selected portion of the time scale in use. This selected portion can indicate the month, week, day, or time. By having two (or more) time scales, different time measurements can be used, such as those suitable for the type of milk or storage conditions.

[0020] In use means that the particular scale is primarily visible outwardly. A time scale in use is a time scale that is associated with an indicator and that is designed so that the time scale to which the indicator refers is immediately obvious to the user.

[0021] The indicator element is for example a part of the milk container, for example formed by the lid of the milk container. It can be on a cap or other cover (for example a stopper) of the milk container. Thus, the indicator system can be realized by the milk container cap.

[0022] The time display element is for example used to be detachably mounted on a milk container. Thus, the user can have a set of time display elements that they can apply to any bottle currently in use. If they do not store milk, they can choose not to use the time display element.

[0023] The first and second parts of the time display element are for example positioned at different sides or faces of the time display element.Therefore, the direction that the time display element is assembled to on the milk container determines which side or which side to use.

[0024] The first time scale is used, for example, to indicate the freshness of milk to be stored in a refrigerator, while the second time scale is used to indicate the freshness of milk to be stored in a freezer. Thus, by choosing which scale to use, a single time display element can be mounted on a milk container for a refrigerator or a milk container for a freezer.

[0025] The first time scale may be, for example, a day and / or a time scale within a day (for short-term storage in a refrigerator), while the second time scale may be a month and / or a week (for long-term storage in a freezer).

[0026] Indicator elements include, for example:

[0027] pointer; or

[0028] One or more openings in the cover, wherein the remainder of the cover conceals the remainder of the time scale in use.

[0029] The time display element can take various forms. Examples are:

[0030] a cylinder having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the cylinder can be inverted to interchange the inner and outer surfaces;

[0031] an annular triangular cross-section ring having two interior surfaces and one exterior surface, wherein the ring can be inverted to select which face is the exterior surface;

[0032] a flat slider having an upper surface and a lower surface; and

[0033] A slider with a triangular cross-section having an outer surface and two inner surfaces.

[0034] For all of these examples, there are two or more parts, such as faces or sides, and one of these parts may be selected as the part in use.

[0035] In a particularly preferred example, the time display element comprises an annular disc, wherein the annular disc and the milk container are rotatable relative to each other. The disc for example has two sides, and when the disc is mounted on the milk container, one of these sides faces outwards.

[0036] Each time scale comprises, for example, a cyclic sequence of time points, wherein the total time period represented by each time scale is longer than the corresponding maximum storage time. Thus, if a first time point indicates when the milk container was filled (i.e., when the milk was expressed), the time scale is also long enough to indicate a second time point at the maximum storage time.

[0037] The indicator system may comprise a ratchet mechanism for allowing the position of the time display element to be adjusted in only one direction. Like this, the chance that the time display element indicates that the milk is fresher than it actually is can be significantly reduced.

[0038] The present invention also provides a milk storage device, comprising:

[0039] milk containers; and

[0040] An indicator system as defined above.

[0041] Optionally, the milk container in the above milk storage device comprises said indicator element for indicating a portion of the first or second time scale being used.

[0042] Therefore, the time display element is mounted on the milk container so that the indicator element indicates the time representing when the milk container is filled, ie when the milk is prepared. The indicator element of the milk container can for example be part of a cap of the milk container or a stopper of the milk container.

[0043] The milk container may comprise a second indicator element for indicating a second selected portion of the first or second time scale in use, to indicate when the milk has reached a freshness threshold. This may be the maximum permissible storage time, or the time when the milk has retained a certain, e.g. maximum, freshness (even though it may be consumed after some time).

[0044] Thus, by selecting the position of the time display element and the milk container relative to each other to record the time at which the milk container is filled, there is automatically an indication of the expiry time.

[0045] The angular or linear displacement between the first and second indicator elements preferably corresponds to the longest or longest optimal storage time recommended in a refrigerator when interpreted using the first time scale, and corresponds to the longest or longest optimal storage time recommended in a freezer when interpreted using the second time scale.

[0046] The maximum storage time is the time after which the milk should not be consumed. The maximum optimal storage time is the time after which the milk is no longer optimally fresh but can still be consumed for a while longer.

[0047] Thus, the same type of milk container can be used for refrigerator storage or freezer storage, and the single design of the time display element enables immediate recognition of the filling time and the expiration time by selecting which part of the time display element to use.

[0048] The milk container may include:

[0049] a bottle body having a filling opening;

[0050] a plug for sealing the fill opening; and

[0051] a cap for fitting over the fill opening and holding the plug in place, the cap having a central opening through which the plug extends,

[0052] The time display element is adapted to be mounted above the portion of the stopper extending through the central opening.

[0053] This is a bottle that can be used for both storage and feeding by replacing the stopper with a teat. The time display element is simply assembled above the stopper, and the user can select a suitable angle orientation to match the time of preparing milk.

[0054] A set of one or more teats may then be provided for use with the cap.

[0055] In another set of examples, the milk container may include:

[0056] a bottle body having a filling opening;

[0057] a cap for fitting over the fill opening; and

[0058] a plug for fitting into the cap,

[0059] The time display element is used to be assembled above the stopper.

[0060] In this case, the stopper is mounted above the cap. It can be the same stopper design as in feeding bottles, but in this configuration it only serves as an indicator. A time display element can, for example, serve as a fitting to connect the stopper to the cap and also provide the aforementioned timing information.

[0061] The time display element can be selected relative to the position of the stopper, wherein the stopper is fixed in place (that is, after the feeding bottle is fully assembled, the time display element is assembled to the stopper). Alternatively, the time display element can be fixed on the cap in position, and the position of the stopper is selected.

[0062] The stopper may have one or more indicator elements as described above.

[0063] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] For a better understanding of the present invention, and in order to show more clearly how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0065] Figure 1 A first example of a milk storage device is shown in an exploded view;

[0066] Figure 2 A slightly different design of milk storage device is shown, but with the same components;

[0067] Figure 3 Another example of a milk storage device is shown;

[0068] Figure 4 Shown through Figure 1 a cross section of the top portion of;

[0069] Figure 5 Shown through Figure 2 a cross section of the top portion of;

[0070] Figure 6 Shown through Figure 3 a cross section of the top portion of;

[0071] Figure 7 A cross section of the plug is shown;

[0072] Figure 8 A plug is shown protruding through the middle of the time display element;

[0073] Figure 9 A possible design for one side of the time display element is shown;

[0074] Figure 10 Shown with Figure 9 Possible designs for the other side of the same time display element;

[0075] Figure 11 Shown in assembled state Figures 1 to 3 images of three bottle types;

[0076] Figure 12 A linear slider is shown;

[0077] Figure 13 A cylinder having an inner surface and an outer surface is shown;

[0078] Figure 14 A ring having a triangular cross-section is shown;

[0079] Figure 15A slider having a triangular cross-section with an upper surface and two lower surfaces is shown; and

[0080] Figure 16 A linear slider with two regions on one face is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are merely schematic and not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to indicate the same or similar components.

[0083] The present invention provides an indicator system for a milk container, including a time display element with a time scale for indicating the freshness of the milk. In one aspect, first and second indicator elements are provided, each indicating a first and second selected portion of the time scale to indicate when the milk container is filled and when the milk has reached a freshness threshold, i.e., has been stored for a specified period of time. In another aspect, first and second time scales, for example, for refrigerator storage and freezer storage, are provided on corresponding portions of the time display element, along with an indicator element. A selected portion of the first and second portions is in use, and the indicator element indicates which selected portion of the first or second time scale is in use.

[0084] Figure 1 A first example of a milk storage device 10 is shown in an exploded view. The milk storage device 10 comprises a milk container, in this example a milk bottle 20 for a baby or young child, and a time display element 30 for detachably attaching to the milk bottle 20. Therefore, the terms "milk container" and "milk bottle" are used to denote all components that together form a conventional milk container or milk bottle, in particular a baby feeding bottle or a milk bottle for storing baby milk. The term "milk storage device" is used to denote the combination of a milk container or milk bottle and a time display element. The time display element is used, for example, to indicate a time to be made, such as the filling time when the milk container is filled (usually the same as the time when the milk is expressed or made), as well as another time such as an expiration time or the end of a maximum freshness time.

[0085] The feeding bottle 20 includes a body 22 having a filling opening 24 (ie, a top opening).

[0086] A plug 26 is used to seal the top opening 24. A cap 28 is provided for fitting over the top opening 24 and clamping the plug 26 in place against the top opening 24. The cap has a central opening 30 through which the plug protrudes.

[0087] The reason for the opening 30 in the cap 28 is so that the bottle can be used for storage (with the stopper 26) or for feeding. During feeding, the nipple is placed through the opening 30 and the stopper is not used. The nipple is clamped against the opening 24 by the cap 28. The nipple has an air refill valve so that the air is replaced when the baby drinks from the bottle.

[0088] The present invention is based on the addition of the time display element 40 .

[0089] The time display element 40 is adapted to be detachably mounted on the feeding bottle 20 .

[0090] In the example described below, the time display element has at least one time scale with a timeline. By using an indicator element to indicate a selected portion of the time scale, i.e., a specific time point along the timeline, the time for preparing milk (i.e., the time for filling the milk container) can be easily visually indicated to the user. In some equivalent examples, the timeline can be on the bottle body or the cap, so that the time display element implements the indicator element.

[0091] The indicator element in the example shown is a part of the feeding bottle. It can be one or more marks on the cap 28, or it can be one or more marks on the stopper 26.

[0092] The time display element 40 is attached to the bottle when it is stored in the refrigerator or freezer and is in the form of a simple time indicator that is clipped onto the bottle. It is attached in a user-selected position so that the indicator element (of the bottle) identifies an appropriately selected portion of the time scale. The selected portion may identify the month, week, day, or time.

[0093] There are various possible designs of the time display element. A preferred example will be described in detail before outlining other options.

[0094] like Figure 1 As shown, in this preferred example, the time display element 40 comprises an annular disc. The annular disc and the feeding bottle can rotate relative to each other, as shown by arrow 42. In the example shown, the disc 40 is clamped on the top of the stopper 26 that extends through the opening 30.

[0095] A time scale comprises a cyclic sequence of time points, thereby defining a continuous time sequence without jumps. The total time period represented by a time scale is longer than the corresponding maximum storage time.

[0096] For example, if the time scale is for milk to be stored in a refrigerator, the desired maximum time period may be 4 days. The time scale represents, for example, a duration of 1 week.

[0097] If the time scale is for milk to be stored in a freezer, the desired maximum period of time may be 6 months. The time scale represents, for example, a duration of 1 year.

[0098] At any point in time, there is a suitable time point on the scale to represent that point in time. For example, the time scale could be all the hours of a day, all the days of a week, all the days or weeks of a month, or all the months of a year.

[0099] Thus, while the first point in time indicates when the milk container is filled, the time scale is also long enough to indicate the second point in time at the longest storage time.

[0100] Figure 2 Shows a slightly different bottle design, but with the same components. Figure 1 The same reference numerals are used in the drawings. Although in a different shape, the same time display element 40 can be used as long as it can be clipped onto the stopper 26 (it can be with the Figure 1 the same or different stoppers).

[0101] Figure 3 Another example of a feeding bottle is shown. This design also has a body 22 with a top opening 24. However, the cap 28 is a more traditional cap without an opening. Therefore, no stopper is required.

[0102] However, the cap 28 has a groove 50 for accommodating the stopper 26 (even if it is not required for this use of the bottle). Therefore, the different bottles shown are part of a modular group. In this example, the stopper is assembled into the cap. The time display element 40 is again used to be installed above the stopper 26, and it keeps the stopper in the appropriate position in the groove. In particular, the time display element 40 is connected to the inner surface of the cap 28 at its outer edge, and the time display element is connected to the outer surface of the stopper 26 at its inner edge. Therefore, the time display element connects the stopper to the cap.

[0103] Figure 1 and 2 Shown is a time display element 40 which is rotatable relative to the stopper 26 and the rest of the bottle to provide time setting. It can slide around the stopper but has some friction to maintain a selected position.

[0104] on the contrary, Figure 3Shown is a time display element 40 that is fixed on the cap 28, and the stopper can rotate relative to the cap and the time display element (and relative to the rest of the bottle), as shown in arrow 52. Therefore, the frictional engagement between the outer edge of the time display element and the cap is stronger than the frictional engagement between the inner edge of the time display element and the stopper. Alternatively, the stopper can be more securely fixed on the time display element, so that the time display element and the stopper rotate relative to the cap as a unit.

[0105] Figure 4 Shown through Figure 1 , and additionally shows a protective cover 60.

[0106] Figure 5 Shown through Figure 2 , and additionally shows a protective cover 60.

[0107] It can be seen that in the two designs the cap 28 engages with different parts of the stopper 26. The stoppers are designed to suit different bottle designs.

[0108] Figure 6 Shown through Figure 3 Cross-section of the top part.

[0109] It can be seen that with Figure 4 and 5 Compared to the design of FIG, the time display element 40 engages with a different part of the stopper 26.

[0110] Figure 7 The stopper is shown in cross section. It has a handle 70 for Figure 3 The position of the plug can be adjusted by rotating the plug as shown by the arrow 52 (of course, it can also be applied to Figure 1 and 2 The handle also serves as an indicator element. For example, the end of the handle can serve as a pointer that points to a specific position on the time scale.

[0111] The plug has a set of interfaces 72, 73, 74, 75 so that it can be used with different cap designs (e.g., as described above with reference to Figures 4 to 6 described above).

[0112] Figure 8 The stopper 26 is shown protruding through the central opening of the time display element 40 , and it is shown how one end of the handle 70 serves as a pointer 80 .

[0113] Only one time scale has been described in detail above. However, the disc described has two sides, and according to one aspect, has a first time scale on one side and a second time scale on the other side. When the disc is mounted on a milk bottle, one side faces outward (in this example, upward). By having two (or indeed more) time scales, different time measurements can be used, such as those appropriate for the type of milk or storage conditions.

[0114] Thus, in one example, a first time scale is used to indicate a first freshness of the milk on a first side of the time display element 40 , while a second time scale is used to indicate a second freshness of the milk on a second side of the time display element 40 .

[0115] More generally, there may be first and second portions of a time display element with first and second time scales. These portions may be different sides, or they may be different areas of a single side. By setting one area to be hidden from view, only one time scale is in use.

[0116] The first time scale can be used to indicate the freshness of milk to be stored in the refrigerator, while the second time scale can be used to indicate the freshness of milk to be stored in the freezer. Thus, by selecting which scale is visible, and therefore in use, a single time display element can be mounted on a bottle in the refrigerator or a bottle in the freezer.

[0117] Figure 9 A possible design of one side of the time display element 40 is shown, and Figure 10 Shown is a possible design of the other side of the same time display element 40. As shown, the time display element surrounds the stopper.

[0118] Figure 9 A time scale 44 is shown, which counts from 1 to 12, representing the months of the year. A pointer 80 of the handle 70 points to "1", indicating that the milk was prepared and frozen in January. The other end of the handle defines a second pointer 82, which will be discussed further below.

[0119] Figure 10 A time scale 43 is shown, counting from 1 to 7, indicating the days of the week. Handle 80 of handle 70 points to "1," indicating that the milk was prepared and placed in the refrigerator on Monday. Of course, words could be used instead of numbers. More detailed time divisions are also possible. For example, the day number could indicate noon, the leading dot could indicate early morning, and the trailing dot could indicate afternoon or evening.

[0120] The above detailed description explains how a pointer (or more generally any indicator element) can be used to indicate when a milk container is filled for storage.

[0121] There may be a second indicator element for indicating a second selected portion of the time scale (or the time scale in use if there is more than one time scale) to indicate when the milk has been stored for a maximum period of time. Thus, by selecting the relative position of the time display element to record the time when the milk container is filled, there is automatically an indication of the expiry time.

[0122] The opposite end of the handle 70 may serve as a second indicator element 82 .

[0123] Therefore, in Figure 9 In the United States, the expiration date of milk is expressed as "6", which means June. Figure 10 In the , the expiration date of milk is indicated as "4", which means Thursday.

[0124] Like this, the angular displacement between the first and second indicator elements 80, 82 (when using the rotating time display element) corresponds to the maximum storage time of recommendation.When the time display element has two or more scales, this displacement is the maximum storage time when using any scale interpretation.Therefore, when using one time scale interpretation, the displacement corresponds to the maximum storage time recommended in the refrigerator, and when using another time scale interpretation, the displacement corresponds to the maximum storage time recommended in the freezer.

[0125] Thus, the same type of baby bottle can be used for refrigerator storage or freezer storage, and the single design of the time display element 40 enables both the fill time and the expiration time to be immediately discernible by selecting which side of the time display element to use.

[0126] In this example, the first and second indicator elements are fixed relative to each other because the stopper is simply a solid object. Therefore, they have a certain spacing which, when aligned with the time scale, corresponds to a specific duration, which is the maximum storage duration.

[0127] The first and second indicator elements may alternatively have adjustable positions relative to each other. This could, for example, allow the user to set their preferences (i.e. how long they plan to store milk), or could be adjusted based on their refrigerator or freezer temperature.

[0128] The example above shows a simple pointer pointing to a point in time along the time scale. A second indicator element (for the longest storage time) can instead point to a time range on the time scale. In this way, it can indicate different freshness levels for different times within the time range. For example, there can be color coding for different freshness levels (green for good, amber for medium, red for bad), so that by looking at the current time (e.g., day, date, week or month), a visual indication of freshness can be easily obtained (using a traffic light symbol in this example).

[0129] Different indicator elements can also be used for different time frames. For example, the duration of freshness can be significantly different for refrigeration (e.g., 2 days) and freezing (e.g., 6 months). Different indicator elements can be used to indicate the time period representing the duration of freshness.

[0130] Above-mentioned example is based on the different time scales for refrigerator storage or freezer storage.For different milk types (for example, fresh milk or formula milk, although formula milk is not stored usually), can have time scale separately (or even have time display device separately altogether).

[0131] Figure 11 Shown in assembled state Figures 1 to 3 of images of three bottle types.

[0132] The stopper can be identical in all three bottle types. Thus, a modular set of bottles can be constructed, each comprising a body 22 with a filling opening 24 and a stopper. In one bottle type, the stopper seals the filling opening, and a cap 28 is provided that fits over the filling opening and clamps the stopper in place. The cap has a central opening, through which the stopper then extends. In another bottle type, the cap 28 fits over the filling opening, while the stopper 26 fits within the cap. In both bottle types, a time display element 40 fits over the stopper.

[0133] The above examples are based on a time scale that forms a ring of time points around a toroidal disk. There are other examples.

[0134] Figure 12 A linear slider is shown. It can be positioned within a slot in a bottle cap (e.g., a stopper or cap) and can slide along the slot. Thus, there can be a first time scale on one side 120 and a second time scale on the opposite side 122. The linear slider can be wrapped around the cap or around the bottle neck, for example.

[0135] Figure 13 A cylinder is shown having an inner surface 130 and an outer surface 132, each bearing time markings. The cylinder is flexible so that it can be inverted to interchange the inner and outer surfaces. It can be mounted around a stopper or in a receiving opening of a cap or around a bottle itself.

[0136] Figure 14 A ring with a triangular cross-section is shown. It has an outer surface 140 and two inner surfaces 142, 144. The ring can be inverted to select which side is the outer surface 140. This allows for three time scales. It can fit into a triangular channel around a stopper or cap.

[0137] Figure 15 A triangular cross-section slide is shown having an upper surface 150 and two lower surfaces 152, 154. It can be fitted into a triangular channel with a selected one of these faces facing outwards in use.

[0138] For all of these examples, there are two or more faces or sides, and one of these faces may be selected as the one in use, eg the outwardly visible one (or the most dominant outwardly visible one).

[0139] Figure 16 An example is shown in which two time scales 160a, 160b are provided on the same side. When mounted on a milk container, depending on how the time display element is mounted, only one time scale is used. The other time scale can be covered, for example, by features of the milk container. If both sides are used, there are four possible time scales.

[0140] In the example above, the time scale in use is fully visible, and the indicator element points to a portion of the time scale. In another example, the indicator element can cover the time scale and have openings (e.g., a fill time opening and an expiration opening) that reveal selected portions of the time scale. Thus, one or more openings serve as one or more indicator elements.

[0141] In some of the examples above, different time scales related to different freshness metrics were used. Different sides or faces can use the same time scale (i.e., related to the same time period), but can identify milk from the left or right breast, or from one woman or another. Different time scales can be identified by different markings or colors.

[0142] The time display element can be designed to fit into existing systems for storing baby milk. These systems typically include a number of different cups. Some of these cups can be specifically shaped for storage and can have simple lids (e.g., Figure 3 ), while other cups, such as baby bottles (e.g. Figure 1 and 2 ) can have a spiral ring and a separate plug that is inserted instead of the drinking nipple. In addition, storage containers and bottles can have varying diameters. Milk bags can also be used to store milk.

[0143] The method of the present invention can be applied to different storage solutions. For example, the ring design can be mounted on a cylinder using the inner edge (hole), or can be mounted in a cylindrical groove using the outer edge.

[0144] The primary example above has one or more time scales on a rotatable disc. Where there is only one time scale, the disc may instead have one or more indicator elements, and the time scale may then form part of the cap or stopper (i.e., part of the milk bottle). Thus, a first indicator element aligns with the time scale on the bottle to indicate the current time (e.g., day or month), while a second indicator element indicates the end time at which the milk will remain fresh.

[0145] A ratchet mechanism between the rotating part and its counterpart can be used to fix a given position. If the ratchet mechanism can be rotated preferentially in one direction, this can be used to prevent accidental rotation of the indicator, which could result in an incorrect freshness indication (because it is rotated to an earlier filling time). The individual notches of the ratchet wheel can, for example, correspond to a preferred time period on each scale, such as an hourly, daily, or weekly / fortnightly notch.

[0146] The time display element may have a rough or otherwise structured surface or edge to inhibit relative movement with the component to which it is supposed to be fixed.It may have grooves or grips on its surface.

[0147] The time scale or scales may be readily identified by a machine reading device, so that the information may be read, for example, by a camera, and stored, analyzed, or otherwise used in a computerized system.

[0148] Additional information can be encoded in different scales. For example, the movable part can indicate the side of the breast being used (left or right, by having a different shape, color or symbol).

[0149] The main bottle body can be plastic or glass.

[0150] Variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0151] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0152] If the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or the specification, it should be noted that the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to".

[0153] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An indicator system for a milk container, comprising: A time display element (40) configured to be assembled on the milk container (20) comprises: a first time scale (43) indicating a first freshness of the milk on the first portion of the time display element when the milk is stored under a first condition; and a second time scale (44) indicating a second freshness of the milk on a second portion of the time display element when the milk is stored under a second, different condition; and an indicator element (80), The time display element (40) is adapted to be configured to have only a selected one of the first and second parts in use, and to have the indicator element (80) indicate the selected part of the first or second time scale in use.

2. The indicator system according to claim 1, wherein: The indicator element is part of the milk container.

3. The indicator system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The time display element is adapted to be detachably mounted on the milk container.

4. The indicator system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first portion and the second portion of the time display element are located on different sides or faces of the time display element.

5. The indicator system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first time scale (43) is used to indicate the freshness of milk to be stored in a refrigerator, and the second time scale (44) is used to indicate the freshness of milk to be stored in a freezer.

6. The indicator system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The indicator element comprises: pointer; or One or more openings in the cover, wherein the remainder of the cover conceals the remainder of the first time scale or the second time scale in use.

7. The indicator system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The time display element includes one of the following: a cylinder having an inner surface (132) and an outer surface (130), wherein the cylinder can be inverted to interchange the inner and outer surfaces; an annular triangular cross-section ring having two inner surfaces (142, 144) and an outer surface (140), wherein the ring can be inverted to select which face is the outer surface; a flat slider having an upper surface (120) and a lower surface (122); a triangular cross-section slide having an outer surface (150) and two inner surfaces (152, 154); and An annular disc, wherein the annular disc and the milk container are rotatable relative to each other.

8. The indicator system according to claim 7, wherein: The time display element comprises an annular disc, and wherein both the first time scale and the second time scale comprise a circular sequence of time points, wherein the total time period represented by the first time scale is longer than the corresponding longest storage time, and the total time period represented by the second time scale is longer than the corresponding longest storage time.

9. The indicator system according to claim 1, wherein: The indicator element is formed by the lid of the milk container.

10. A milk storage device comprising: milk container (20); as well as An indicator system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The milk storage device according to claim 10, wherein: The milk container comprises the indicator element (80) for indicating a portion of the first time scale (43) or the second time scale (44) in use, and / or wherein, The milk container comprises a second indicator element (82) for indicating a selected second portion of the first time scale (43) or the second time scale (44) in use to indicate when the milk has reached a freshness threshold.

12. The milk storage device according to claim 11, characterized in that The angular displacement or linear displacement between the indicator element (80) and the second indicator element (82) corresponds to the longest or longest optimal storage time recommended in a refrigerator when interpreted using the first time scale, and corresponds to the longest or longest optimal storage time recommended in a freezer when interpreted using the second time scale.

13. The milk storage device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The milk container comprises: a bottle body (22) having a filling opening (24); a plug (26) for sealing the filling opening; and a cap (28) for fitting over the filling opening and clamping the plug in place, the cap having a central opening through which the plug extends, The time display element (40) is used to be assembled on the portion of the stopper that protrudes through the central opening.

14. The milk storage device according to claim 13, further comprising: A set of one or more teats for use with the cap.

15. The milk storage device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The milk container comprises: a bottle body (22) having a filling opening (24); a cap (28) for fitting over the filling opening; and a plug (26) for fitting into the cap, The time display element (40) is used to be assembled above the stopper.

16. The milk storage device according to claim 13, wherein: The stopper has the indicator element (80) and a second indicator element (82).

17. The milk storage device according to claim 15, wherein: The stopper has the indicator element (80) and a second indicator element (82).

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