Abstract:
A portable heating apparatus designed to heat infant bottles and food jars utilizes steam as the heating medium in order to provide a more thorough and effective heating environment. The apparatus is a small appliance operated by an electric power cord which plugs into a wall outlet or a motor vehicle&#39;s cigarette lighter. The apparatus has a large heating chamber accessed from a top of the apparatus and used to hold a baby bottle. A smaller heating chamber is accessed on a side of the apparatus and used to hold a small jar of baby food. The heating chambers are thermally insulated from an exterior enclosure of the apparatus to allow for safe handling. A bottom of the apparatus is used to house water which is heated via an electrical resistance heater to produce steam that is vented into the heating chambers.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to baby bottle and food warmers, and in particular, to a portable bottle and food container warming apparatus which utilizes steam heating to warm a baby bottle or baby food jar held within. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The known art includes various heating devices for baby bottles, food jars, and similar containers. These devices ordinarily include an interior vessel for containing a quantity of water and a heating mechanism for boiling the water. The container which is to be warmed is typically placed into this boiling water bath to be warmed. In certain types of devices, the heating mechanism is operative as a result of the conduction of the water and must itself be inserted into the water vessel. In certain other types of devices, the heating mechanism is an electrical heating element in contact with the water vessel which is operative without the presence of water. Still in certain other types of devices, the heating element provides steam to warm the container held within a heating chamber. 
     Various inherent problems and disadvantages exist with these known devices. In particular, none are suitable for use in a travel situation as any water within the vessel will spill if the device is tipped. Another disadvantage is that the known devices which utilize hot water baths require direct contact between the container to be heated and the water. This requires the water level of the vessel to be suitable to immerse a substantial portion of the container. This method relies on a large amount of boiling water which can be hazardous and dangerous for a user of the device. Furthermore, since water is an electrically conductive substance, the potential danger of electrical shock exists if a short circuit should occur, thus permitting electrical current to pass through the water. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor has recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for a means by which baby bottles and baby food container can be properly heated in an automated manner without the disadvantages described above. The principles of the present invention provide for a portable infant bottle and food container warmer. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present embodiments of the invention to address this need by providing a device that simple to operate and ensures the utmost in quality and consistency for the baby. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that reduces the stress and time requirements on the parent or care provider when preparing baby bottles and food. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that is safe for use and prevents the risk of injury to the user. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device that is easily transportable and can be used in various remote locations. 
     The inventor has thus realized the advantages and benefits of providing an infant bottle and food warming apparatus having various features for accomplishing at least one of the aforementioned objects. 
     A feature of the present invention is that the apparatus includes an outer enclosure having a top opening, a side opening, and a thermally insulating material disposed on an entire interior surface. A bottle heating cavity is disposed within the enclosure to receive a baby bottle. A jar heating cavity is disposed within the enclosure to receive a baby food jar. A top lid is hingedly attached to the enclosure top opening for providing access to the bottle heating cavity. A side lid is hingedly attached to the enclosure side opening for providing access to the jar heating cavity. A heating reservoir for holding a fluid is disposed within the enclosure and is in fluid communication with the bottle heating cavity and the jar heating cavity. A first steam line is fluidly connected between the heating reservoir and the bottle heating chamber. A second steam line is fluidly connected between the heating reservoir and the jar heating chamber. A fill port is disposed through a front surface of the enclosure and is in fluid communication with the heating reservoir. An electric heater is in contact with the heating reservoir for boiling the fluid to produce steam. A control mechanism is provided for controlling release of the steam to either the bottle heating cavity via the first steam line or to the jar heating cavity via the second steam line. 
     Another feature of the present invention is that the control mechanism includes a valve assembly connected to the first steam line and the second steam line for selecting a path for release of said steam. A control knob is mechanically connected to the valve assembly for manually actuating the valve assembly. 
     Another feature of the present invention is that the apparatus includes a power supply. The power supply includes a direct current power jack and a removably attachable DC power cord adapted for electrical connection to a DC power source. The power supply also includes an alternating current power jack, a step down transformer electrically connected to the alternating current power jack, and a removably attachable AC power cord adapted for electrical connection to an AC power source. A power selection switch is electrically connected to the direct current power jack and the alternating current power jack for actuating between the DC power source and the AC power source. 
     Another feature of the present invention is that the apparatus includes a DC indicator light electrically connected to the power selection switch for visually indicating a selected operative state of the apparatus when connected to the DC power source. An AC indicator light is electrically connected to the power selection switch for visually indicating a selected operative state of the apparatus when connected to the AC power source. A bottle heating cavity sensor electrically is electrically connected to a bottle temperature indicator light for actuating the bottle temperature indicator light when the bottle heating cavity has reached a preselected temperature. A jar heating cavity sensor is electrically connected to a jar temperature indicator light for actuating the jar temperature indicator light when the jar heating cavity has reached a preselected temperature. 
     Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the disclosure may be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The disclosure can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in a particular embodiment. 
     Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the infant bottle and food warmer, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the infant bottle and food warmer, taken along a line I-I of  FIG. 1 ; and, 
         FIG. 3  is an electrical schematic depicting the interconnection of the major electrical components of the infant bottle and food warmer. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  infant bottle and food warmer 
               15  enclosure 
               20  top lid 
               25  top hinge 
               30  top clasp 
               35  baby bottle heating cavity 
               40  side lid 
               45  side hinge 
               50  side clasp 
               55  baby food jar heating cavity 
               60  front surface 
               65  water fill port 
               70  mechanical control knob 
               75  operational indicator lights 
               80  AC power cord 
               85  DC power cord 
               90  AC power jack 
               95  DC power jack 
               100  baby bottle 
               105  food jar 
               110  thermal insulating material 
               115  heating reservoir 
               120  electric heater 
               125  gate valve assembly 
               130  first steam line 
               135  second steam line 
               140  first vent opening 
               145  second vent opening 
               150  power selector switch 
               155  step down transformer 
               160  AC power indicator 
               165  DC power indicator 
               170  baby bottle heating cavity sensor 
               175  baby food heating cavity sensor 
               180  baby bottle temperature indicator 
               185  baby food temperature indicator 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 3 . However, the disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only one particular configuration may be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , depicting a infant bottle and food warmer (herein described as an “apparatus”)  10 , where like reference numerals represent similar or like parts. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the apparatus  10  is a portable heating appliance designed to heat infant bottles and food utilizing heated steam as the heating medium in order to provide a more thorough and effective heating environment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  the apparatus  10  is provided with an overall exterior enclosure  15  made of heavy-duty impact resistant plastic. The apparatus  10  is also provided with a top lid  20  which is connected to the apparatus  10  by a top hinge  25  and a top clasp  30 . The top lid  20  is used to access a baby bottle heating cavity  35  (not shown in this figure). In a similar manner, the apparatus  10  is provided with a side lid  40  complete with a side hinge  45  and a side clasp  50 . The side lid  40  is used to access a baby food jar heating cavity  55  (not shown in this figure). A front surface  60  is provide with a water fill port  65  which is used to fill the apparatus  10  with ordinary tap water which serves as a heating medium when converted to steam. Also present on the front surface  60  is a mechanical control knob  70  which is used to control the amount of steam that is released to either the baby bottle heating cavity  35  or the baby food heating cavity  55 . Further detail of the mechanical control knob  70  will be provided herein below. The front surface  60  is also provided with a plurality of operational indicator lights  75 . It is envisioned that the overall size of the infant bottle and food warmer  10  is approximately ten inches (10) in. tall, six inches (6 in.) wide, and four inches (4 in.) deep. 
     The apparatus  10  is powered by either an AC power cord  80  or a DC power cord  85  which electrically connect to an AC power jack  90  (not shown in this figure) or a DC power jack  95  (not shown in this figure) located on the rear surface of the apparatus  10 . Further details on the AC power cord  80  and the DC power cord  85  will be provided herein below. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , this figure more clearly depicts the position and capabilities of the apparatus  10  with regards to the baby bottle heating cavity  35  and the baby food heating cavity  55  and their ability to heat a baby bottle  100  and a food jar  105  respectively. A layer of thermal insulating material  110  is located on the immediate backside interior of the entire enclosure  15  and serves to prevent the exterior of the in apparatus  10  from getting too hot and causing burns. It also serves to conserve heat and keep the baby bottle  100  or food bottle  105  at an elevated temperature even if the apparatus  10  should not be actively energized. 
     The water fill port  65  allows water to enter a heating reservoir  115  where it is heated to boiling by an electric heater  120 . The resultant steam travels to a gate valve assembly  125  whereupon the steam is directed to either the baby bottle heating cavity  35  or the baby food heating cavity  55 . The gate valve assembly  125  is mechanically connected to the mechanical control knob  70 . In addition to controlling the direction of the steam, the gate valve assembly  125  also controls the amount of steam that is released from the heating reservoir  115 , thereby regulating the temperature of the respective cavity. Steam travels via a first steam line  130  to the baby bottle heating cavity  35  or via a second steam line  135  to a baby food heating cavity  55  respectively. 
     Air pressure, which must be vented due to the entrance of steam, leaves the baby bottle heating cavity  35  via a first vent opening  140  and leaves the baby food heating cavity  55  via a second vent opening  145 . During use, care must be taken by the user so as to not burn themselves on any venting steam. It is envisioned that the first vent opening  140  will be incorporated as a component of the top lid  20 . Likewise, it is envisioned that the second vent opening  145  will be incorporated as a component of the side lid  40 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , power enters the apparatus  10  via the AC power jack  90  and the AC power cord  80  or via the DC power jack  95  and the DC power cord  85 , respectively. Selection of the desired operating cord is made via a power selector switch  150  located on the rear surface of the apparatus  10  near the AC power jack  90  and the DC power jack  95 . Power from the AC power jack  90  enters a step down transformer  155  which allows operation of the electric heater  120  at either an AC or DC potential of the same value. Selected operation is indicated by an AC power indicator  160  for AC power usage from the AC power cord  80  or via a DC power indicator  165  for DC power usage from the DC power cord  85 , respectively. Power is applied to baby bottle heating cavity sensor  170  and a baby food heating cavity sensor  175  which senses the temperature of the baby bottle heating cavity  35  and the baby food heating cavity  55 , respectively. Upon reaching the proper temperature, the baby bottle heating cavity sensor  170  closes and illuminates a baby bottle temperature indicator  180  or the baby food heating cavity sensor  175  closes and illuminates a baby food temperature indicator  185 . 
     It is envisioned that the apparatus  10  would be constructed in general accordance with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 . Physical arrangements of the overall exterior enclosure  15  and the thermal insulating material  110  with regards to the top lid  20  and the side lid  40  would need to be incorporated to ensure proper size to functionality ratio. The steam generating components of the heating reservoir  115 , the gate valve assembly  125 , the first steam line  130 , and the second steam line  135  would be placed inside the top hinge  25  along with the electrical components of the AC power cord  80 , the DC power cord  85 , and the electric heater  120  would be necessary. 
     It can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure and only certain particular configurations have been shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the various embodiments can be utilized by the user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training in general accordance with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 . It can be appreciated that the steps described can be performed in alternative order and as such should not be viewed as a limiting factor. Prior to use, the apparatus  10  would be connected to a suitable source of AC or DC power via the AC power cord  80  or the DC power cord  85 , respectively, and selected via the power selector switch  150 . Water would then be added to the heating reservoir  115  via the water fill port  65 . At this point in time, the apparatus  10  would be ready for utilization. 
     During operation of the apparatus  10 , the user would place either the baby bottle  100  into the baby bottle heating cavity  35  or the food jar  105  into the baby food heating cavity  55 . Selection of the desired heating cavity as well as the amount of steam to be utilized would be made by the mechanical control knob  70  which is mechanically connected to the gate valve assembly  125 . Operation of the apparatus  10  would be monitored by using the operational indicator lights  75  consisting of the AC power indicator  160 , the DC power indicator  165 , the baby bottle temperature indicator  180  and the baby food temperature indicator  185 . When the respective cavity has reached the proper temperature, the user would wait for the desired period of time to ensure proper and thorough heating of the baby bottle  100  or food jar  105 . At this time point, the baby bottle  100  or the food jar  105  could be carefully removed and consumed. Any evaporated or boiled off water would be replaced in the heating reservoir  115 , thus preparing the apparatus  10  for use again in a repeating cycle. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Various modifications and variations can be appreciated by one skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application in accordance with the invention to enable those skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with expected modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the invention.