Food container assembly

Abstract

A food container assembly comprising a container component, a mechanically securable snap-fit lid with an aperture dividing it into flap portions that can seal around an inserted object, and to allow a child's hand through to extract food from the container component while preventing accidental spillage.

Description

FOOD CONTAINER ASSEMBLYFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a food container assembly that is, in one example, a combination of a baby’s snack bowl with a fully removable lid.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Traditional baby feeding bowls play an important role in infant care and feeding, yet they often fall short of fully addressing the practical challenges encountered during mealtime. Generally, conventional solutions do not enhance the feeding experience for parents and children.

[0003] When a young family dine out, parents often put their baby’s food or milk directly in the bottle. A common problem arises when feeding bottles are partially immersed in hot water within a feeding bowl or similar vessel for warming. The bottles lack stability and do not sit securely within the bowl. This instability can lead to hot water spilling, creating a risk of burns. Additionally, there's a concern with portion control, as traditional bowls fail to regulate the amount of food accessible to the baby during self-feeding, leading to either overfeeding or underfeeding.

[0004] Babies often spill food during mealtime, creating mess and food wastage and contributing to a stressful experience for both the baby and the caregiver.

[0005] Uncontrolled food dispensing can present a choking hazard, highlighting a deficiency in traditional food bowls. Self-feeding is an essential developmental milestone for babies, offering them the opportunity to explore textures, tastes, and develop motor skills. It empowers them to control their food intake, which iscrucial for cultivating healthy eating habits. However, the effectiveness and safety of self-feeding are greatly diminished when the food bowls do not support a safe and positive experience.

[0006] The durability and design of traditional feeding bowls also leave much to be desired. Many products on the market are made with multiple parts, complicating their use and maintenance. These components often fail to engage reliably with each other, compromising the bowl's functionality and longevity. Additionally, complex designs hinder thorough cleaning, undermining hygiene. Non-dishwasher-safe materials further exacerbate this issue and can make cleaning time-consuming and inconvenient, as do porous materials that harbor bacteria and are challenging to sanitise.

[0007] Rigid materials, while potentially offering more stability, carry their own set of drawbacks. If a bowl made from such materials is dropped from a height, it's likely to crack, chip or break, posing safety risks and necessitating frequent replacements. Furthermore, bowls with hinged or permanently attached lids restrict accessibility and versatility, requiring lids to be opened or removed by a caregiver for the child to access the food, which can be cumbersome and detract from the convenience of use.

[0008] Traditional baby feeding bowls fail to adequately address modern caregiving's multifaceted needs. These products often compromise on one or more of: safety, convenience, hygiene, and durability. The proposed invention aims to bridge this gap by offering a design that is mindful of the practicalities of feeding time, thereby enhancing the mealtime experience for parents and their babies.

[0009] It is, accordingly, an object of the present invention to address the foregoing need for a safe, convenient, hygienic, and durable food container assembly that is a baby’s snack bowl with a lid.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In one aspect, the invention provides a food container assembly, comprising: a container component to contain food items or liquid; a lid component mechanically securable via a snap-fit, and configured to attach and detach completely from the container component by elastic deformation of its peripheral edge interacting with an upper edge of the container component; and a centrally located aperture in the lid component that divides the lid component into at least three flap portions that deform in response to the insertion of an object through the aperture, and a leak-proof seal is formed between the flap portions and the inserted object arising from the elastic deformation of the flap portions which are urged against and conform to the contours of the inserted object; wherein the aperture is sized and shaped to prevent food items from accidentally spilling out of the container component while permitting a child’s hand to be inserted through the lid component to remove the food items.

[0011] The assembly may further comprise a suction element located at a base of container component to enable the container component to be semi-permanently attached to a surface through suction force.

[0012] The aperture may be in the form of an X shape that divides the lid component into four triangular shaped flap portions.

[0013] The container component and lid component may be made from silicone.

[0014] The object may be a feeding bottle having a quadrilateral structure or is sqround-shaped, each circumferential side having rounded corners.

[0015] When the lid component is secured to the container component the physical dimensions may be approximately: 107.65mm length X 107.6mm width.57.15mm height and 165 grams weight.

[0016] The aperture may have a broader central region, and a gradually tapering width of each arm of the aperture towards the distal end of each arm.

[0017] The lid component and container component may be made by silicone compression moulding or silicone injection moulding.

[0018] The silicone has a Shore A hardness of SHA30 to SHA70, preferably SHA50.

[0019] The total surface area of the aperture may be less than 5% of the total surface area of the lid component.

[0020] Further aspects, advantages, and features of embodiments of the invention will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts from the following description of various embodiments. It will be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described, which are provided in order to illustrate the principles of the invention as defined in the foregoing statements and in the appended claims, and to assist skilled persons in putting these principles into practical effect.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like features, and wherein:Figure 1 is a top plan view of a lid of a food container assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the lid taken along axis A-A indicated in Fig.1.Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the lid taken along axis B-B indicated in Fig.1.Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of the lid of Fig. 1 .Figure 5 is a top perspective view of the lid of Fig. 1 .Figure 6 is a top plan view of a lid of the food container assembly.Figure 7 is a top plan view of a food bowl of the food container assembly.Figure 8 is a side plan view of the food bowl of Fig. 7.Figure 9 is a bottom plan view of the food bowl of Fig. 7.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Figs. 1 to 9 depict a food container assembly 10. The assembly 10 comprises a container component 30 to contain food items or a liquid, such as warm or hot water. The assembly 10 also comprises a lid component 20 mechanically securable via a snap-fit and is configured to attach and detach completely from the container component 30 by elastic deformation of its peripheral edge 21 interacting with an upper edge 31 of the container component 30. The assembly 10 also comprises a centrally located aperture 22 in the lid component 20 that divides the lid component 20 into at least three flap portions 23 that deform in response to the insertion of an object through the aperture 22, and a leak-proof seal is formed between the flap portions 23 and the inserted object arising from the elastic deformation of the flap portions 23 which are urged against and conform to the contours of the inserted object. The aperture 22 is sized and shaped to prevent food items from accidentally spilling out of thecontainer component 30 while permitting a child’s hand to be inserted through the lid component 20 to progressively remove discrete food items.

[0023] The assembly 10 may further comprise a suction element 32 located at a base of container component 30 to enable the container component 30 to be semi-permanently attached to a surface through suction force.

[0024] The aperture 22 may be in the form of an X shape that divides the lid component into four triangular shaped flap portions 23.

[0025] The container component 30 and lid component 20 may be made from silicone.

[0026] The object may be a feeding bottle having a quadrilateral structure or is sqround-shaped, each circumferential side having rounded corners.

[0027] When the lid component 20 is secured to the container component 30 the physical dimensions may be approximately: 107.65mm length X 107.6mm width. 57.15mm height and 165 grams weight.

[0028] The aperture 22 may have a broader central region 24, and a gradually tapering width of each arm 25 of the aperture 22 towards the distal end of each arm 25.

[0029] The lid component 20 and container component 30 may be made by silicone compression moulding or silicone injection moulding.

[0030] The silicone has a Shore A hardness of SHA30 to SHA70, preferably SHA50.

[0031] The total surface area of the aperture 22 may be less than 5% of the total surface area of the lid component 20.

[0032] In one example, the container component 30 is a child-friendly food bowl. A lid 20 with X-shaped opening 22 can hold a feeding bottle securely when it is placed in the bowl 30.

[0033] Material

[0034] The lid 20 is crafted entirely from silicone, a material that is flexible and resilient. The lid 20 has an X-shaped aperture 22, which is engineered to allow selective passage while preventing food from unintentionally falling out. The entire lid 20, including the resiliently deformable flaps 23, is moulded as a single piece, simplifying its design and enhancing its durability. The flaps 23 defined by the X-shaped aperture 22 are designed to flex open under deliberate pressure, such as when inserting a baby’s hand or a relatively more rigid object such as a feeding bottle, and then return to their original position to secure the contents when the inserted limb or object is removed. The flexibility and resilience of the silicone material contribute to the aperture's ability to withstand repeated use, folding, and unfolding without losing functionality or shape. The non-porous nature of silicone material aids in maintaining hygiene, as it does not harbour bacteria and is simple to clean and is dishwasher safe. The one-piece design of the lid 20, achieved through silicone compression moulding, minimises potential failure points, making it more durable and reliable than traditional multicomponent lids. The user interacts with the lid 20 by pressing their hand or a relatively more rigid object against the X-shaped aperture 22, causing the flaps 23 to inwardly deform and allow internal access. After the hand or object is removed, the flaps 23 resiliently return to their original position, securing the contents inside the container 30. The lid's easy-to-clean surface ensures that hygiene can be maintained, especially important in applications involving food storage or preparation.

[0035] The container 30 may also be made from silicone.

[0036] Leak-proof and controlled dispensing of food items

[0037] A leak-proof design is achieved through an interface between the feeding bottle (inserted object) and the lid 20, ensuring that hot or warm water does not escape, thus preventing potential burns or spills. The X-shaped opening 22 in the lid 20 is sized to allow food to pass through in controlled portions, which is important for preventing overfeeding or choking hazards for the baby. This X- shaped aperture 22 not only controls the flow but also the portion size, allowing babies to self-regulate their intake and explore foods at a comfortable pace.

[0038] The user, in this case, a parent or caregiver, inserts the feeding bottle through the lid 20 to rest against the base of the container 30, ensuring a snug fit to establish the leak-proof seal.

[0039] When the user is the baby, the baby can interact with the X-shaped opening 22 during self-feeding, accessing only small, manageable amounts of food at a time. The facilitates a learning experience for the baby, promoting selfregulation and reducing the risk of overeating or choking.

[0040] Safety and Usability

[0041] The X-shaped opening 22 of the lid 20 is intended to reduce mess and enhance safety during a baby's mealtime. The lid 20 is engineered to fit securely with a feeding bottle, or prevent items from accidentally escaping, thus minimising spills and potential mess. The lid's design aims to reduce mess by securely containing food and liquids, ensuring that spills are minimised even if the feeding bottle is tipped over or handled roughly. Safety is augmented through the X- shaped opening 22, which securely grips the feeding bottle, reducing the risk of the bottle being dislodged accidentally and causing spills or exposing the baby to hot water. The X-shaped opening 22 also controls the flow of food, allowing onlymanageable amounts to pass through, further reducing the risk of mess and promoting safer self-feeding practices.

[0042] Versatility and Ergonomic Design

[0043] The bowl 30 and detachable lid 20 together facilitate a versatile usage range, suitable for different food textures and consistencies. The feeding bottle to be inserted through and retained by the lid 20 has at least three sides, and the lid 20 is equipped with at least a corresponding number of slots or apertures. These elements optimised for safety and ergonomic handling, ensuring ease of use and accessibility for the baby. The detachable lid is engineered to fit securely on the bowl, allowing for the containment of various types of baby food, from liquids to semi-solids.

[0044] Each slot or aperture in the lid is designed to align with the feeding bottle's sides, thus minimising detachment or leakage when the feeding bottle is inserted through the lid 20. The size and shape of the aperture 22 are predetermined to ensure that they are large enough for a baby's hand to access the food but small enough to prevent any choking hazards or excessive spillage. Ergonomic considerations ensure that the bowl 30 and lid 20 are easy for both the caregiver and the baby to handle safely and effectively.

[0045] During mealtime, the caregiver fully removes the lid 20 from the bowl 30 for complete unobstructed access to the interior of the food bowl. Next, they place food into bowl 30 and secure the lid 20 on top of the bowl 30. The baby can then reach into the aperture 22 to access the food, allowing for an interactive and engaging feeding experience. The shape and geometry of the aperture 22 ensures that the baby can self-feed with reduced risk of spillage or choking, fostering independence while maintaining safety.

[0046] If the baby needs to drink formula or milk, the caregiver first removes the lid 20 and, preferably, clears out any leftover food from the bowl 30. After cleaning, the caregiver can put the lid 20 back on the bowl 30. Next, they request the server to fill the bowl 30 with hot water, which is commonly available at most dining venues. After the bowl 30 with hot water is returned, the caregiver can place a feeding bottle inside it to warm the bottle. After the bottle is adequately warmed, it can be given to the baby for feeding, and the water within the container 30 can be discarded.

[0047] Innovative Lid Design and Feeding Bottle Compatibility

[0048] The aperture’s shape is tailored to match the cross-sectional profile of the feeding bottle intended to be warmed up, for example, a Hegen PCTO™ Sqround-shaped feeding bottle, ensuring a leak-proof seal. The lid 20 features an X-shaped hole 22 that creates four flexible and soft flaps 23 made of silicone, a material chosen for its durability, flexibility, and safety in food-related applications.

[0049] The X-shaped hole 22 allows the feeding bottle to be inserted through the lid 20 and retained securely, ensuring a leak-proof connection that prevents spillages. The flexibility and softness of the silicone flaps 23 facilitate controlled food portioning by the baby, reducing the risk of overeating or spillage. This lid 20 enhances the assembly’s utility across various settings, making it adaptable to different feeding environments and needs. The scalability of the X-shaped hole 22 allows for customisation based on the specific application requirements, offering versatility in its use.

[0050] It should be appreciated that while particular embodiments and variations of the invention have been described herein, further modifications and alternatives will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts. In particular, the examples are offered by way of illustrating the principles of the invention, and to provide a number of specific methods and arrangements for putting those principles into effect.

[0051] Accordingly, the described embodiments should be understood as being provided by way of example, for the purpose of teaching the general features and principles of the invention, but should not be understood as limiting the scope of the invention, which is as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A food container assembly, comprising: a container component to contain food items or liquid; a lid component mechanically securable via a snap-fit, and configured to attach and detach completely from the container component by elastic deformation of its peripheral edge interacting with an upper edge of the container component; and a centrally located aperture in the lid component that divides the lid component into at least three flap portions that deform in response to the insertion of an object through the aperture, and a leak-proof seal is formed between the flap portions and the inserted object arising from the elastic deformation of the flap portions which are urged against and conform to the contours of the inserted object; wherein the aperture is sized and shaped to prevent food items from accidentally spilling out of the container component while permitting a child’s hand to be inserted through the lid component to remove the food items.

2. The assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a suction element located at a base of container component to enable the container component to be semipermanently attached to a surface through suction force.

3. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the aperture is in the form of an X shape that divides the lid component into four triangular shaped flap portions.

4. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the container component and lid component are made from silicone.

5. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the object is a feeding bottle having a quadrilateral structure or is sqround-shaped, each circumferential side having rounded corners.

6. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein when the lid component is secured to the container component the physical dimensions are approximately: 107.65mm length X 107.6mm width. 57.15mm height and 165 grams weight.

7. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the aperture has a broader central region, and a gradually tapering width of each arm of the aperture towards the distal end of each arm.

8. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the lid component and container component are made by silicone compression moulding or silicone injection moulding.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the silicone has a Shore A hardness of SHA30 to SHA70.

10. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the total surface area of the aperture is less than 5% of the total surface area of the lid component.

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