Apparatus and method for milk preparation from milk powder

Abstract

Formula milk preparation apparatus 10 comprises a support structure 12 , and first and second containers 14 and 16 supported by the support structure 12 . The first container 14 is adapted to hold a liquid, and the second container 16 is adapted to hold powdered formula milk. Means ( 24 ) for regulating the temperature of the contents of the first container 14 is provided, as is means ( 26,32 ) for dispensing an amount of content of the first and second containers 14 and 16 . Means ( 56 ) for mixing together the contents dispensed from the first and second containers, and means for cooling the contents dispensed from the first and second containers to a temperature suitable for consumption are also provided. A method of using the apparatus is also provided.

1 . Formula milk preparation apparatus comprising: 
 a support structure;    first and second containers supported by the support structure, the first container being adapted to hold a liquid, and the second container being adapted to hold powdered formula milk;    means for regulating the temperature of the contents of the first container;    means for dispensing an amount of content of the first and second containers; and    means for mixing together the contents dispensed from the first and second containers.    
   
   
       2 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a third container supportable by the support structure, the dispensing means dispensing into the third container.  
   
   
       3 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the third container is demountably held by the support structure.  
   
   
       4 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the third container is a feeding bottle.  
   
   
       5 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the support structure includes externally protruding spring-loaded jaws for holding the third container.  
   
   
       6 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the third container includes a hingable removable cap which can close the third container.  
   
   
       7 . (canceled)  
   
   
       8 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 6 , further comprising a closure mechanism which can move the cap to close the third container.  
   
   
       9 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the third container receives content dispensed by the first and second containers, and discharges into a fourth container.  
   
   
       10 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the fourth container is a feeding bottle.  
   
   
       11 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the mixing means is in the form of a reciprocating crank mechanism by which, in use, the third container is moved.  
   
   
       12 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising means for cooling the contents dispensed from the first and second containers to a temperature suitable for consumption.  
   
   
       13 . (canceled)  
   
   
       14 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the cooling means is distinct and independent of the mixing means.  
   
   
       15 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 12 , further comprising a controller which, based on a user input, controls at least one of the first-container temperature regulating means, the dispensing means, the mixing means, and the cooling means.  
   
   
       16 . A method of preparing formula milk using formula milk preparation apparatus, comprising the steps of: 
 a. inserting liquid into a first container of the preparation apparatus;    b. inserting powered formula milk into a second container of the preparation apparatus;    c. temperature regulating means of the preparation apparatus controlling the temperature of the liquid in the first container based on a predetermined temperature;    d. dispensing an amount of liquid in the first container and powdered milk in the second container into a third container; and    e. mixing means of the preparation apparatus mixing the said liquid and powdered milk together.    
   
   
       17 . A method as claimed in  claim 16 , further comprising a step (f) of cooling the mixture of liquid and powered milk using cooling means of the preparation apparatus, so that the said mixture is brought to a temperature suitable for consumption.  
   
   
       18 . A method as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the performance of steps (d) and (e) or steps (d) to (f) is delayed from the completion of steps (a) to (c).  
   
   
       19 . A method as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein steps (d) to (f) are performed automatically following a single user input.  
   
   
       20 . A method as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein the amount of liquid and powdered milk dispensed in step (d) is based on the single user input or another user input.  
   
   
       21 . A method as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the duration of steps (e) and/or (f) is/are based on the single user input or the other user input.  
   
   
       22 . Formula milk prepared using apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 .  
   
   
       23 . (canceled)  
   
   
       24 . Formula milk prepared using method as claimed in  claim 16.