EP0176568A1 - Self-opening nipple construction and nursing container - Google Patents

Abstract

A nipple mount (34) for attachment to sealed baby bottles (30), having an access mechanism for accessing the contents of the container by manipulating the nipple assembly. In one embodiment, the access mechanism (48) is disposed within a flexible nipple (40) and is movable to pierce the wall of the container (38) after clamping or lateral compression of the nipple ( 40). Other embodiments allow access to the contents of the container by rotation or axial compression of the nipple assembly (34). Protective covers (80) for the nipple mounts cooperate to allow the special manual handling necessary to access contents without direct human contact with the surface of the nipple. Also described are the particular features of a flexible container (102) to which the nipple mounts can be attached.

Description

SELF-OPENING NIPPLE CONSTRUCTION AND

NURSING CONTAINER

The present invention relates, in general, to infant nursing containers and nipple assemblies associated therewith. More particularly, the present invention relates to sealed infant containers and nipple assemblies operable to provide access to the contents thereof.

Nursing containers for feeding liquids, such as water or nutritional formula, to an infant, have heretofore been known in a wide variety of shapes and configurations. Perhaps the best known infant nurser comprises a glass or plastic container which is closed by a nipple and threaded ring assembly.

While these, nursers are best known for in- home applications, where they are prepared as needed, they have also been provided in a disposable pre- filled and pre-sterilized form, with nipple already attached. As depicted in U.S Patent Nos. 3,586,196, and 3,838,784 to Barton et al., such containers typi¬ cally include a glass container, sealed at the top with a weakened aluminum cap. A pre-attached nipple assembly including a rigid plastic threaded ring and a typical rubber or elastomeric nipple is then threadedly attached to the glass container, in a par¬ tially screwed-down position. The ring has a rigid depending projection for breaking through the alumin¬ um cap upon further rotation of the ring. Although widely used, this general type of rigid nursing con¬ tainer has several drawbacks arising from the -need' to allow displacement air to enter the container as the liquid is dispensed. The nipple construction which allows displacement air to enter the container will sometimes malfunction, either leaking the container contents from the periphery of the nipple or pre¬ venting dispensing of the contents. In addition, the presence of large amounts of displacement air in the container increases the risk of infant ingestion of air. More recently, as shown for example in

U.S. Patent Nos. 3,871,542 to Hammer and 3,790,017 to Fitzpatrick et al., nursing containers have been known comprising a generally cylindrical reusable holder, in which a replaceable, flexible liner may be secured by stretching the open liner over the end of the holder. Liquid is then poured into the liner, and..an elastomeric nipple secured over the open end holding the liner in place. The collapsible liner has the advantage of not requiring displacement air for emptying of the contents and thus presenting less opportunity for an infant to ingest air from the con¬ tainer when it was empty of liquid, or when it is in a position where liquid is not at the nipple site. While having certain advantages over the rigid bottle nursers, the replaceable liner nϋrsers, because they are not sterile, must be provided substantially on an as-needed basis and entail a series of cumbersome preparation steps which are not well suited to hospital, clinic or other institutional uses. Thus it is the general object of the pres¬ ent invention to provide an improved nipple assembly and nursing container which does not suffer from the shortcomings described above. It is a further object of the present in¬ vention to provide a self-opening nipple assembly particularly suitable for use with flexible plastic containers. It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a self-opening nipple assembly which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a nipple-assembly particularly suited for large volume packaging.

These objects are achieved in accordance with the present invention in a disposable infant nurser of the type having a flexible wall portion operable to collapse upon withdrawal of liquid there- from, whereby replacement air is not required for dispensing liquid to an infant. In accordance with the present invention, the container may be provided in a pre-filled, pre-sterilized form with a self- opening nipple assembly attached to the container wall to directly access the contents as needed. The nipple assembly of the present invention generally includes a hollow flexible dispensing nipple and accesssing means associated with said nipple and axially movable to penetrate the container wall por- tion to permit a dispensing of the liquid through the nipple.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the means for accessing the container contents is disposed at least in part within the flexible nipple, and is axially movable upon compression of the. nipple to engage and rupture the container- wall to provide access to the contents. Compression of the nipple may be achieved either directly, or indirectly by compressing a cover disposed over the nipple, thereby permitting access to the container contents without - _-

requiring human contact with the surface of the nip¬ ple. Depending on the particular construction- of the accessing means, the flexible nipple may have a tapered side wall cooperative with the accessing means, so that lateral compression of the flexible nipple will result in axial movement of the accessing means to the accessing position. Alternatively, the accessing means may be disposed within the flexible nipple portion, so that axial compression of the flexible nipple portion results in axial movement of the accessing means. In these embodiments, the covers for the flexible nipple are also preferably compressible in the direction which will result in movement of the accessing means so that the contents may be accessed without requiring human contact with the surface of the nipple.

In accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the nipple assembly com¬ prises a rigid mounting base with an upstanding hollow cylindrical portion or guide tube adapted for attachment to the container. The accessing means comprises a rigid hollow puncture member disposed for axial movement within the guide tube between a retracted position and an extended position to access the contents of the container. A flexible nipple is carried by the accessing means and communicates with the hollow puncture member, so that.the contents may be dispensed to an infant through the nipple. In this embodiment, the accessing means may also include an annular sleeve around the puncturing member, which engages the upstanding guide tube to retain the punc¬ turing member in either the retracted or extended position. This may be achieved either by means^* ro¬ viding a detent between the accessing means and the upstanding guide tube, or the sleeve may be threaded- ly secured to the upstanding guide tube so that the puncturing member is moved to the accessing position by rotating the sleeve. In the latter arrangement, a freely rotatable cover is preferably disposed over the nipple. An interference fit between the cover and the sleeve, such as engaging spline, permit the sleeve to be rotated by rotating the outer cover, thereby again permitting the contents of the con- tainer to be accessed without requiring tactile con¬ tact with the dispensing nipple. These and various other features and objects of the present invention are set forth fully in the following detailed des¬ cription of the attached drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a nursing container and nipple assem¬ bly embodying the present invention.

Figure 2 is a partial sectional view of the container and nipple assembly of Figure 1, depicting accessing of the container contents by lateral com¬ pression of the nipple.

Figure 3 is a partial sectional view of a container and nipple assembly embodying the present invention, employing an alternative accessing means for accessing the contents of the container.

Figure 4 is an elevational view of the accessing means of the type employed in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a top view of the accessing means of Figure 4 taken along line 5-5 of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a bottom view of the accessing means of Figure 4, taken along line €-6 of Figure 4.

Figure 7 is a view of the container and nipple assembly of Figure 6, depicting lateral_^com- pression of the nipple to cause axial movement"of the accessing means to open the container for dispensing of the contents through the nipple.

Figure 8 is a partial sectional view of a nipple assembly and container embodying the present invention and employing alternative accessing means and nipple construction.

Figure 9 is an elevational view of the accessing means employed in the nipple assembly of Figure 8. Figure 10. is a top view of the accessing means of Figure 9, taken along line 10-10 of Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a bottom view of the accessing means of Figure 9 taken along line 11-11 of Figure 9. Figure 12 is a partial sectional view of the nipple assembly and container of Figure 8, depic¬ ting lateral compression of the nipple which causes axial movement of the accessing means to open the container. Figure 13 is a perspective view, partially in section, of a nipple assembly and container embod¬ ying the present invention, and including a protec¬ tive cover over the nipple.

Figure 14 is a partial sectional view of the nipple assembly and container of Figure 13, with cover removed and depicting lateral compression of the nipple to force the accessing means in an axial direction to access the container contents.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the accessing means employed in Figures 13 and 14.

Figure 16 is a perspective view, partially broken away of an alternative embodiment of a nipple assembly and container embodying the present inven¬ tion, and including a cover over the nipple assembly. Figure 17 is a perspective view, of the container and nipple assembly of Figure 16, depicting the nipple assembly with the accessing means is an extended position, penetrating the container to pro- vide access to the contents thereof.

Figure 18 is a partial sectional view of a nipple assembly and container embodying the present invention and employing a foam nipple.

Figure 19 is a partial sectional view of the nipple assembly and container of Figure 18, depicting the nipple assembly with the accessing means in an extended position to provide access to the contents of the container.

Figure 20 is a perspective view of a con- taiher and closure embodying yet a further an alter¬ native construction of the present invention.

Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view of the component parts of the container and nipple assembly of Figure 20. Figure 22 is a sectional view of the assembled container and nipple assembly of Figure 21 embodying the present invention.

Figure 23 is a partial sectional view of the container and nipple assembly of Figure 22 with the accessing means in the extended position, wherein the contents of the container are accessed for dis¬ pensing through the nipple.

Figure 24 shows an alternative embodiment of the nipple assembly and container of Figure 22, employing a foam nipple and a modified cover con¬ struction.

The following summary of the drawings_, is intended to acquaint the reader with various aspects of the present invention which will make the subse- quent more detailed description easier to read and understand.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the present invention is generally embodied in an infant nurser 30 having a container portion 32 and nipple assembly 34 attached to the container. In accordance with the present invention, the container 32 is defined by a flexible wall 36 which is progressively collapsible as the contents of the container are emptied through the nipple assembly. The nipple assembly 34 is seal- ingly attached to the container adjacent a penetrable portion 38 of the container wall. The nipple assem¬ bly 34 itself includes a nipple 40 having a base por¬ tion 42 attached to the container, and an upstanding flexible nipple 44 terminating in a dispensing aper¬ ture 46. In accordance with the present invention, accessing means, depicted as a spherical member 48 in Figures 1 and 2, is disposed within the hollow flexi¬ ble nipple 40 and movable axially upon compression of the nipple to penetrate the frangible container wall 38, as shown in Figure 2, and permit dispensing of the container contents through the nipple.

Alternative accessing means and associated nipple constructions are depicted in Figures 3-15. . In Figure 3, accessing means is a generally hollow cylindrical member 50, with a lower cutting edge 52 disposed to penetrate the penetrable wall portion 38 upon lateral compression of the flexible nipple por¬ tion. The flexible nipple 54 associated with that nipple assembly has a generally tapered side wall 56 which cooperates in lateral compression of the nipple to force axial movement of the hollow cylindrical member 50. In the embodiments depicted in Figures 8-12, the accessing means comprises a spherical mem¬ ber 58 with a lower cutting edge 60 and an upstanding stabilizing member 62 tightly engaged by the side wall of the flexible nipple 64. The nipple 64 has an internal annular tapered side wall 66 disposed to engage the spherical portion 58 upon compression, and an annular bellows portion 68 disposed outwardly of the spherical member which cooperate in lateral com- pression of the nipple to force the spherical member through the penetrable container wall, as depicted in Figure 12. A center passageway 70 through the cylin¬ drical member and stabilizing member provides commun¬ ication between the container contents and the dis- pensing end of the nipple.

In Figures 13-15, the accessing means is an elongated hollow spike 72 having a generally spheri¬ cal upper end portion 74 normally located, when in the retracted position, within a spherical end por- tion 76 of the flexible nipple 78, whereby a squeez¬ ing of the end of the nipple will force the spike downwardly, through the penetrable portion 38 of the container wall.

In any of the four described embodiments, a cover 80 (Figure 13) may be provided to enclose and protect the nipple. When employed in connection with the above described embodiments, which utilize later¬ al compression for axial movement of the accessing means, the cover 80 is preferably substantially rigid in the axial direction, to resist crushing during shipment or stacking, but compressible laterally, to permit manual opening of the container without.direct human contact with the surface of the nipple. " Further alternative embodiments of the present invention are depicted in Figures 16-19. In those nipple assembly structures, the nipple assembly has a separate base flange 82 with an upstanding hol- low cylindrical member or guide tube 84, and the accessing means for opening the container includes an elongated hollow puncture member 88 positioned for axial movement within the hollow cylindrical member 84 between a retracted position, as shown in Figure 16, and an extended position, as shown in Figure 17, for breaching the penetrable portion 38 of the con¬ tainer wall to access the container contents.

In the embodiments depicted in Figure 16 and 17, a dispensing nipple 88 is carried on an outer sleeve 90 of said accessing means for dispensing the contents when the container is breached, and a cover 92 may be provided which has an annular fold 94 that permits axial compression of the cover to force the accessing means to the accessing position (Figure 17) without human contact with the surface of the nipple 88.

A similar structure is depicted in Figures 18-19, but therein the nipple 96 is secured to the puncturing member by a locking ring 98. The nipple 96 of Figures 18 and 19 is preferably made of an elastomeric foam, and has different densities in dif¬ ferent portions of the nipple. For example, in the dispensing end 100 of the nipple, the foam is suffi¬ cient porous to permit the passage of liquid there- through. The lower edge portion of the nipple, how¬ ever, which is captured by the locking ring 98, is sufficiently dense to prevent liquid passage there¬ through. Still further alternative embodiments of the present invention are depicted in Figures 20-24. In the embodiments depicted in Figures 20-24, the nursing container has a generally flexible side wall 102 which is sealed together at one end and bonded to a threaded fitment 104 at the other end. The fitment has a center passageway 106 normally closed by dia¬ phragm 108. The accessing means comprises a gener¬ ally hollow puncturing member 110 disposed for axial movement within the passageway 106 between a retrac¬ ted position shown in Figure 22 and an extended posi¬ tion, shown in Figure 23, piercing a diaphragm 108 to permit dispensing of the container contents through nipple 112 or 234 carried on the opposite end of the puncturing member. For axial movement of the puncturing member, the accessing means includes an annular sleeve 114 which is internally threaded to engage the threaded fitment such that rotation of the sleeve results in axial movement of the -puncturing member 110.

A cover 116 may also be used in association with this embodiment of the present invention for protecting the nipple 112 until the contents of a container are to be dispensed. The cover 116 depic- ted in Figure 20-23, has a generally cylindrical side wall 118 closed at the top, and including a plurality of inwardly directed gripping fingers 120 at the bot¬ tom for holding said cover to the fitment in a freely rotating manner. Interengaging spline 122 between the sleeve 114 and side wall 118 prevent relative rotation of the cover with respect to the sleeve, so that rotation of the cover also causes rotation of the sleeve and axial movement of the puncturing mem¬ ber to the accessing position shown in Figure 23. Thus, as in the earlier embodiments, the contents of the container may be accessed without tactile contact with the nipple itself. In each of the embodiments depicted in Figures 22 and 24, means may be provided internally of the cover for capturing the dispensing end of the nipple in a sealed compartment within said cover. The top portion of the cover is also prefer^**-- ably flat, so that the container may be stood on end, as depicted in Figure 20, for shipping and/or stor- age.

Turning now to a more detailed description of the preferred and alternative embodiments depicted in the attached drawings. Figure 1 depicts the in¬ fant nurser 30, of the present invention, in its entirety. The container portion 32 is shown, for purposes of illustration, as having a flexible cylindrical side wall 36, a flat bottom wall 124 and a flat penetrable top wall 38 sealingly secured to the cylindrical side wall. The particular shape, however, of the container may be readily varied. For example, the container may be in the form of a plas¬ tic pouch or other suitable configuration, wherein the flexible walls of the container will collapse as fluid is dispensed therefrom. As noted earlier, this has the advantage of permitting dispensing of the contents without the necessity of displacement air entering the container, which results in less risk of air ingestion by the infant. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the container wall 36 and penetrable portion 38 are also shown as comprising a single plastic layer. While a single layer of poly- ethelene, polypropylene, or other material may .be suitable in some applications, in other applications, where oxygen or ultraviolet ray transmission through the container wall is a concern, the container may be of multiple layer plastic construction, in which one of the layers comprises an oxygen barrier such as Saran plastic or a barrier to ultraviolet light, without departing from the present invention.

The nipple 40 of the assembly depicted in Figures 1 and 2 is preferably made of resilient elas- tomeric plastic such as Kraton G thermoplastic elastomer or other plastic material suitable for thermal bonding to the container wall. Other materials may also be used if the nipple is secured to container by other available techniques, such as adhesive or solvent bonding. The nipple itself is generally hollow, and has internal and external surface configurations cooperative with the spherical member 48 to retain it normally in a retracted position, as depicted in Figure 1, and for moving it to an extended position, as depicted in Figure 2, for accessing the container contents. More particularly, the nipple has a generally flat radial base flange 42 which is sealed to the penetrable wall portion 38 of the container 32 by heat seal (sonic welding or the like), solvent seal or adhesive. Internally, the spherical member 48 is retained in the recessed position between a lower internal annular shoulder 126 and an upper internal annular shoulder 128.

Upon lateral compression or squeezing of the flexible nipple, the downwardly facing annular shoulder 128 forces the spherical member 48 downward- ly, past the lower shoulder 126, which temporarily spreads apart to permit passage of the spherical mem¬ ber, and through the penetrable wall portion 38. of the container. The flexure of the nipple in forcing the spherical member downwardly is accomodated, in -1 it-

part, by an annular, U-shaped bellows portion- 130 in the nipple wall. The bellows portion is located sub¬ stantially radially outwardly of the spherical member, and helps accomodate temporary enlargement of the shoulder 126 to permit passage of the spherical member 48. After breaching the frangible portion 38 of the container, the nipple is released and resumes its normal shape.

The spherical member 48 is preferably made of a rigid plastic, although it may be constructed of other sufficiently strong materials. To assure that the spherical member 48 does not block the nipple after the container is breached, it preferably has a specific gravity of less than 1.0, so that it will float to the surface of the liquid in the container when the container is inverted to feed an infant.

To protect and enclose the nipple 40, the nurser 30 also preferably has a rigid plastic cover 132 which encloses the nipple. To retain the cover over the nipple, the cover preferably has a radially inwardly directed bottom flange 134 for snap engage¬ ment beneath an external annular rib 136 on the nip¬ ple.

An alternative nipple assembly construction is depicted in Figures 3-7. As shown in Figure 3, the generally one piece nipple 54 is sealingly secur¬ ed to the top of the container 32. The penetrable wall of the container 38 in Figure 3 is depicted for illustrative purposes as having more than one layer, for example one layer may be an oxygen barrier, such as Saran plastic or other material. As with the nip¬ ple depicted in Figures 1 and 2, the nipple 54_όf - Figure 3 has a generally flat radially extending base flange 138, for sealed attachment to the container. The generally tapered side wall 54 extends upwardly from the flange and terminates in a dispensing aper¬ ture 140. The nipple is generally hollow, and made of preferably soft flexible elastomeric material as described above.

For accessing the contents of the container 32, the hollow cylindrical accessing member 50 is carried within the nipple. The accessing member is normally retained in a retracted position, as depic¬ ted in Figure 3, by tight fitting engagement between the upper end of the accessing member and the inter¬ nal side wall surface of the nipple. As shown more clearly in Figures 4-6, the hollow cylindrical acces- sing member 50 is preferably made of rigid plastic construction. Diametrical reinforcing ribs 142 at the upper end of the container reinforce the acces¬ sing member against deformation when the nipple is squeezed to access the container contents. The lower end of the accessing member is preferably tapered to define the cutting edge 52 for penetrating the pene¬ trable portion 38 of the container.

As shown in Figure 7, lateral compression of the side wall 56 of the nipple 54 forces the accessing member 50 downwardly, through the pene¬ trable portion 38 of the container. To prevent inad¬ vertent retraction of the accessing member, the nip¬ ple has an internal annular rib 144 which defines a passageway in the nipple, through which the accessing member must pass as it moves to the accessing posi¬ tion. The natural flexibility of the nipple permits temporary enlargement for passage of the cutting end of the accessing member through the passageway^*and past the rib. Abutt ent between the rib and the thickened enlarged end portion 140 of the accessing member prevents inadvertant retraction of the accessing member into the retracted position. Because the accessing member is hollow, the contents of the container can flow through the accessing member and to the dispensing end of the nipple.

Another embodiment of the nipple assembly and container of this invention is presented in Figures 8-12. In Figure 8, as in the other embodi¬ ments, the nipple assembly includes the flexible nip- pie 64 which has a generally flat radially extending flange 148 which is bonded to the container wall 38. The nipple includes a generally tapered outer side wall portion 150 which terminates in the dis¬ pensing aperture 152. As noted earlier, the accessing member employed in the nipple assembly of Figure 8, has a generally spherical portion 58 captured between an upwardly facing annular shoulder 158 and the down¬ wardly facing internal shoulder 66 of the nipple when in the retracted position depicted in Figure 8. The accessing member also has an upstanding generally cylindrical portion 62, in tight fitting engagement with a hollow cylindrical internal wall 154 of the nipple, adding stability to the hollow spherical por- tion and assuring that its lower cutting edge 60 is directed downwardly toward the penetrable portion 38 of the container. As best shown in Figures 9 and 11, the undersurface of the cylindrical member defines 4 radial extending cutting edges 60. The accessing member is moved to the extended position by lateral compression of the side walls of the nipple. The in¬ ternal downwardly facing shoulder 66 contacts the spherical surface and forces the accessing member downwardly past the temporarily enlarged lower shoul- der 158, and through the penetrable portion 38 of the container wall, as depicted in Figure 12. The hollow center passageway 70 in the accessing member of Fig¬ ure 8 permits liquid flow from the container to the dispensing end of the nipple after opening.

Yet a further embodiment of a nipple assem¬ bly having an accessing element which is movable upon lateral compression of the nipple is depicted in Fig¬ ures 13-15. Figures 13 and 14 show a nipple assembly employing the spike 72 as the accessing element dis¬ posed within nipple 78. The nipple assembly of Figures 13 and 14 is also somewhat different from the previous nipple assemblies in that the penetrable portion 38 is bonded solely to the underside of radial flange 160 of the nipple. A portion of the flange 160 extending beyond the frangible wall 38 is bonded to the container. This construction has the advantage of an outwardly extending shoulder 162 permitting the nipple assembly to be provided as a sealed integral unit for attachment to a suitable container. In this embodiment, the penetrable layer of plastic or other suitable material sealed to the underside of the bottom flange 160 is depicted as a multiple layer laminate, which may comprise a plastic oxygen barrier layer as well as layers of other plastics particularly suited for this application.

The upstanding flexible portion of the nip¬ ple 78 generally includes a tapered side wall portion 164 and a generally cylindrical portion 166 which terminates in the spherical dispensing end portion 76.

The dispensing spike 72 for accessing_, the container contents is shown in perspective in Figure 15. The spike that generally comprises an elongated shaft which terminates at its upper end in the gener¬ ally bulbous spherical portion 74 at its lower end in a puncturing point 168, for penetrating the pene¬ trable plastic portion 38. The spike has a generally central passageway 170 extending the length thereof, between the spherical portion and peripherally located access ports 172 at the puncturing point. In the retracted position, as depicted in Figure 13, the spike is generally contained within the flexible por- tion of the nipple, with the spherical portion 74 within the spherical dispensing end 76 of the nipple, and with the puncturing point located above the pene¬ trable plastic layer 38. Upon compression of the spherical end portion of the nipple, the spike is forced downwardly, through the penetrable layer, to access the contents of the container. Discrete barbs 174 located on the spike shaft intermediate the punc¬ turing end and the bulbous portion prevents inadver¬ tent retraction of the spike from the dispensing position depicted in Figure 14. When the spike 72 is forced to the liquid accessing position, the barbs catch beneath the penetrable portion and retains the spike in the liquid accessing position.

To preserve the sterility or cleanliness of the nipple assembly until use, the cover 80 (Figure 13) may be sealed over the flexible nipple portion. As depicted in Figure 13, the cover 80 is preferably of a semirigid plastic construction, with a generally flat radial base portion 176 bonded to the upper sύr- face of nipple flange 160. The manner in which the cover is bonded to the flange may be selected from such as thermal bonding, solvent bonding, adhesive or the like. The cover has a generally tapered side ^* wall 178 which conforms to the tapered side wall por- tion 164 of the nipple, and a generally axially extending portion 180 which encloses the dispensing end of the nipple. A pull tab 182 is located along the lower periphery of the cover to permit manual removal of the cover from the nipple flange to access the nipple.

The particular construction of the cover depicted in Figure 13 also serves to permit manual movement of the accessing member 72 to the accessing position, without requiring contact with the surface of the nipple itself. For that purpose, the gener¬ ally axially extending portion of the cover has a generally fluted shape, which is best seen in Figure 13. The fluted shape is made up of a plurality of a generally concave or furrowed portions 184 alterna¬ ting with vertically extending raised rib portions 186 therebetween. This side wall construction pro¬ vides an essentially rigid structure -in the vertical direction, while permitting lateral compression of the cover and the nipple assembly within, to- force the accessing member 72 to the accessing position. In other words, the cover construction is compres¬ sible laterally to allow squeezing of the dispensing end of the nipple through the cover to force the accessing member 72 downwardly. The resistance to bending in the vertical direction permits stacking of the containers atop one another without fear of inad¬ vertantly causing the accessing member to penetrate the sealed container. Figures 16 and 17 depict an embodiment of the present invention which accesses container con¬ tents by vertical compression of the nipple assembly, instead of lateral compression as in the embodiment above. The nipple assembly of Figures 16 and 17 is secured to the container wall as in any of the suitable manners described above. Hollow guide tube or cylindrical member 84 upstanding from the center of the base portion, slidably receives the hollow puncturing member 86 which is employed to access the container contents. The puncture member 86 is preferably in the form of a hollow spike with a puncturing point 188 at the lower end and connected at its upper end, via top wall 190, to the annular sleeve or side wall 90. The sleeve is radially spaced from the spike, to slidably receive the guide tube 84 therebetween.

To dispense the contents of the container to an infant, the hollow flexible nipple 88 is car- ried by the sleeve 90. In the depicted embodiment, the nipple 88 has a generally cylindrical side wall 192 disposed over the sleeve 90, and a smaller dis¬ pensing end 194 which communicates directly with the base of the spike. The natural resilience of the nipple 88, and an inwardly directed bottom radial flange 196 holds the nipple tightly on the sleeve 90.

In the retracted position, depicted in Fig¬ ure 16, the puncturing end 188 of the spike is loca- ted within the guide tube above the penetrable wall portion. Abutment between radially outwardly extend¬ ing ribs 198 on the upstanding guide tube and radi¬ ally inwardly extending ribs 200 of the sleeve 90 provide a detent to hold the nipple assembly in the retracted position. Vertical force exerted downward¬ ly on the nipple assembly, causes the abutting rings to snap past one another, and the end of the spike 38 to be forced througth the penetrable wall portion, to access the contents of the container for dispensing through the nipple. Abutment between the radially extending rings 198 and 200 also provide a detent to prevent accidental retraction of the nipple assembly from the access position.

To preserve the sterility of the nipple assembly in Figures 16 and 17 until needed, the cover 92 may be sealed over the nipple assembly. In the depicted embodiment, the cover 92 is of semi-rigid plastic and is peelably sealed at its lower edge to the base flange 82. The cover may be heat sealed, solvent sealed, or other techniques may be used to hermetically seal the cover over the nipple assembly. In the depicted embodiment, the cover includes a generally upstanding side wall portion 202 which terminates in a flat top wall 204. An annular accordian fold or folds, generally at 94, is provided in the side wall of the cover to permit compression of the cover to access the container contents without requiring direct contact with the surface of the nipple 88. As depicted in Figure 16, which shows the nipple assembly i.n the retracted position, the accordian fold comprises a pair of annular outwardly extending wall portion 206 and 208. To access the contents of the container, the top of the cover is forced axially downwardly. To accomodate the downward movement, the accordian fold collapses into a completely folded position, as depicted in Figure 17. Although depicted as a single accordian fold, the fold may also be achieved by serveral fold lines, each having smaller wall portion 206 and 208. An alternative embodiment of the nipple assembly depicted in Figures 16 and 17 is shown in Figures 18 and 19. The nipple assembly there, as in Figure 16 and 17, includes radial base flange J32 for sealing attachment to the end of the container 32 and a hollow upstanding guide tube 84. For accessing the contents of the container, a puncturing spike 86 is positioned for axial movement within the upstanding guide tube and attached to an annular sleeve 90. The essential differences between the embodiment of Figures 18 and 19 and that of Figures

16 and 17 pertain to the construction of the dispens¬ ing nipple, and the means of attachment of the nipple to the puncturing spike 86. In the embodiments of Figures 18 and 19, the dispensing nipple 96 is of elastomeric foam construction. Preferably the nipple 96 is made of a elastomeric foam material having dif¬ ferent densities in different areas of the nipple. For example, as depicted in Figure 18, the nipple 96 has a generally cylindrical, slightly tapered side wall 210, a top wall 212 and a bottom radial flange

214. Employing a well known process, commonly refer¬ red to as differential molding, the nipple is formed such that .the dispensing end 100 of the nipple at the upper portion of the side wall and the top wall is sufficiently porous to permit passage of liquid therethrough to a suckling infant. At least the radial flange portion and the lower end of the side wall are sufficiently dense to prevent liquid trans¬ fer therethrough. Accordingly, liquid passes only through a defined, localized dispensing area of the nipple. Preferably the elastomeric material of which the nipple is made is a thermoplastc elastomer or soft plastic material which is not reactive with infant formula or water, and has sufficient strength to resist biting or chewing by an infant.

The nipple 96 of the embodiment in Figures 18 and 19 is mounted atop a short extension 216 of the puncturing spike 86. The bottom flange 214 of the nipple is captured betweenr^an annular locking ring 98 and the top wall 190 of the spike. The annu¬ lar ring 98 may be attached to the sleeve 90 in var¬ ious ways, for example, solvent bonding, heat bond¬ ing, or the like. A mechanical attachment is, how- ever, depicted in Figures 18 and 19. As shown there¬ in, the outer surface of the sleeve 90 is serrated at 218 to engage matching serrations on the internal surface of the annular ring and to lock the ring to the annular sleeve. Figure 18, depicts the nipple assembly in a retracted position, with the piercing end of the spike 188 disposed within the hollow cylindrical guide tube 84, and Figure 19 depicts the nipple assembly in the accessing position, with the spike 86 puncturing the penetrable portion 38 of the con¬ tainer wall. Of course, a cover, such as cover 92 shown in Figure 16 and 17 could also be used with the nipple assembly of Figures 18 and 19.

Other embodiments of the present invention wherein the accessing means is moved to an accessing position by rotation are depicted in Figures 20-24. Figure 20 depicts the nursing container generally 30' with cover 116, standing in an inverted position, which is permitted by the flat end portion of the cover. The components of the container closure and cover are better seen in Figure 21, 22 and 23. As shown therein, the container 30' is a generally thin wall plastic construction sealed at one end and attached to a rigid closure fitment 104 at the other end. The side walls 102 of the container are prefer¬ ably of flexible plastic construction, and may be one layer, as depicted in the drawings, or multiple layers or laminated to provide an oxygen barrier, ' ultraviolet light barrier, or for other purposes. -2 _-

The closure fitment 104 is of rigid plastic material and bonded, as by heat bonding, solvent bonding, or the like to the side wall 102 of the container. The closure fitment 104 includes a generally upstanding cylindrical portion, which has a threaded side wall and a hollow cylindrical passageway 106 closed at the bottom by the diaphragm 108. The means for accessing the contents of the container comprise a generally one piece accessing member which has a planar top wall 220, a depending cylindrical side wall or sleeve 114 which is internally threaded for engagement with the threaded closure fitment and a hollow puncturing spike portion 110 depending from the center of said top wall for slidable movement within the cylindrical passageway 106 of the closure fitment. A short con¬ tinuation of the spike above the top wall of the cap provides a stub 222 onto which the flexible nipple 112 is mounted. The nipple 112 is preferably of resilient elastomeric material, such as thermoplastic elastomer.and has an internal passageway 224 extending through the nipple, to provide communication between the container contents and dispensing orifice 266 in the end of the nipple.

Although the nipple may be attached to the container accessing member (spike) in various ways, in the depicted embodiment, the nipple is friction- ally secured to upstanding stubb 222, which has a serrated surface to hold the nipple in a fluid tight position thereon. The puncturing spike is movable between a retracted position, as shown in Figure 22, wherein the puncturing end of the spike is disposed within the cylindrical passageway in the closure fit¬ ment above the diaphragm 108, and an extended -posi¬ tion, as shown in Figure 23, wherein the spike ex- tends downwardly through the sealing membrane, to access the container contents.

The spike 110 is moved to the extended pos¬ ition by rotating the sleeve 114 downwardly on the fitment. This may be achieved directly by manual rotation of the sleeve itself, but in accordance with the preferred embodiment, the cover 116 may be pro¬ vided in a manner which permits manual rotation of the accessing means without direct contact there- with. As shown in Figure 22, the cover 116 includes a generally hollow cylindrical side wall portion 118 and a generally flat top wall 228. A plurality of radially inwardly directed gripping fingers 120 are formed at the lower end of the side wall, to extend into a matching groove 230 in the closure member. The fingers 120 thus hold the cover axially in place. The fingers 120 also provide a tamper indication in the event the container is opened prior to use. Significant movement of the cover 116 angularly or axially will cause one or more fingers 120 to snap-off. Thus, it will be clearly apparent when the container has been opened.

To cause rotation of the accessing spike 110, axially extending spline 122 are provided on the interior surface of the cover side wall for inter¬ locking engagement with a spline 122 on the surface of sleeve 114 of the accessing means. When the cover is secured in place, the interlocking spline prevent rotation of the cover without also causing rotation of the accessing member. Thus, the accessing member may be moved from the retracted position to the extended position by manually rotating the cover so as to cause the sleeve 114 to screw down on the. closure fitment 104 until the spike 110 punctures the sealing diaphragm 108. To provide additional protection to the dispensing end of the nipple assembly, the cover 116 includes a generally cylindrical wall portion 232 which depends from the underside of the top wall 228, and forms a chamber, within, which the dispensing end of the nipple resides when the accessing member is in the retracted position, as depicted in Figure 22. The diameter of the cylindrical wall at 232 is sized so that the generally spherical end portion of the nipple 112 tightly engages the internal surface of the chamber so as to better seal and protect the dis¬ pensing orifice 226 of the nipple. Of course, fur¬ ther means may be added to protect and seal the nip¬ ple from contamination, such as a shrink band or the like overlapping the cover and the container.

The embodiment of the present invention depicted in Figure 24 is essentially the same as that shown in Figure 22, except that the nipple 234 employed in the embodiment in Figure 24 is of foam construction,^' and includes areas of different densi¬ ties for different purposes. As was described ear¬ lier in connection with Figures 18 and 19, the foam nipple as depicted in Figure 24, has a generally cylindrical side wall portion 236, and a flexible dispensing end portion 238. The base and at least-a portion of the side walls are sufficiently dense so as not to permit liquid passage therethrough. The density of the dispensing end, however, is suffi¬ ciently porous to allow liquid to pass through the sponge to a suckling infant.

In connection with this embodiment, the cover 116 includes means defining an internal chamber for receiving the nipple in a generally sealed.rela¬ tionship within the cover to prevent inadverta-nt cbn- taminaton thereof. More particularly, the cover has a generally interior cylindrical wall portion ^"240 which is closed at the top and open at the bottom to receive the nipple. The cylindrical wall portion is sized to tightly engage and seal against the base portion of the nipple and the top wall 190 of the accessing member, when the nipple is in a retracted position, as shown in Figure 24.

In the embodiment of Figure 24, as well as those of Figures 22 and 23, the closed end of the cover provides a generally flat surface to permit stacking of the containers in an inverted position for packaging, storing and or the like.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of the illustrated embodiments, the scope of this invention, as defined in the appended claims, is intended to include those equiva¬ lent structures which may be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An infant nurser comprising: means defining a flexible plastic container having a penetrable wall portion; a quantity of liquid within said container; and a nipple assembly carried by said container adjacent said penetrable wall portion, said nipple assembly including: a hollow flexible dispensing nipple; and accessing means associated with said nipple, said accessing means being axially movable upon manipulation of said nipple assembly to penetrate said penetrable wall portion to permit dispensing of said liquid through said nipple.

2. An infant nurser in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said accessing means is disposed at least in part within said flexible nipple portion, said nipple assembly including a base portion carried by said container, said accessing means being movable by manual manipulation of said nipple assembly to extend beyond said base portion to access said liquid.

3. An infant nurser in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said accessing means includes means defining a rupturing surface for penetrating said penetrable wall portion. 4. An infant nurser in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said accessing means is disposed within said hollow flexible nipple and movable axially upon lateral compression of said nipple.

5. An infant nurser in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said accessing means is disposed within said hollow flexible nipple and axially movable upon axial compression of said nipple.

6. An infant nurser in accordance with Claim 4 further comprising a cover enclosing said flexible nipple, said cover being axially substantially rigid and compressible laterally.

7. An infant nurser in accordance with Claim 5 further comprising a cover enclosing said flexible nipple, said cover including at least one annular accordion fold collapsible upon compression

5 of said cover to permit compression of the nipple therewithin.

8. An infant nurser in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said accessing means is threadedly carried by said container.and axially movable upon rotation of said accessing means.

9. An infant nurser in accordance with Claim 8 further comprising a cover rotatably carried by said container and enclosing said flexible nipple, said cover cooperatively engaging said access means, i whereby rotation of said cover causes rotation .of said access means. -so-

io. A nipple assembly comprising: a base portion adapted for attachment to a sealed liquid container; a substantially hollow flexible nipple portion carried by said base portion, and having at least one dispensing aperture in the end thereof; and means for accessing the container contents, said accessing means being disposed at least in part within said nipple portion and being axially movable upon compression of said nipple portion to an accessing position whereat one end of said accessing means extends beyond said base portion for rupturing a container wall to provide access to the contents thereof.

11. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 10 wherein said accessing means is cooperative¬ ly associated with said nipple portion for axial movement upon lateral compression of said nipple portion.

12. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 10 wherein said accessing means is cooperative¬ ly associated with said nipple portion for axial movement upon axial compression of said nipple por- tion.

13. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 10 further comprising means defining a detent between said accessing means and selected of sa-id nipple portion and said base portion to retain said accessing means in said accessing position. 20. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 10 wherein said flexible nipple portion includes a generally spherically shaped dispensing end, and said accessing means comprises a generally spherical end portion disposed within said dispensing end of said nipple and movable to said accessing position upon compression of said spherical dispensing end of said nipple portion.

21. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 10 further comprising a cover enclosing said flexible nipple portion, said cover being compressible to permit compression of said nipple portion without direct tactile contact with said nipple portion.

22. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 21 wherein said cover includes an annular accordion fold to permit axial compression of said cover.

23. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 21 wherein said cover is substantially rigid axially and compressible laterally.

24. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 23 wherein said cover includes a substantially axial wall portion enclosing said nipple portion, said wall portion defining a plurality of axial ribs to provide substantial rigidity in the axial direction. 20. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 10 wherein said flexible nipple portion includes a generally spherically shaped dispensing end, and said accessing means comprises a generally spherical end portion disposed within said dispensing end of said nipple and movable to said accessing position upon compression of said spherical dispensing end of said nipple portion.

21. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 10 further comprising a cover enclosing said flexible nipple portion, said cover being compressible to permit compression of said^' nipple portion without direct tactile contact with said nipple portion.

22. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 21 wherein said cover includes an annular accordion fold to permit axial compression of said cover.

23. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 21 wherein said cover is substantially rigid axially and compressible laterally.

24. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 23 wherein said cover includes a substantially axial wall portion enclosing said nipple portion, said wall portion defining a plurality of axial ribs to provide substantial rigidity in the axial direction. 25. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 23 wherein said wall comprises a plurality of axially extending scallop portions to provide substantial axial rigidity.

26. A nipple assembly comprising: a base portion adapted for attachment to a sealed liquid container; a hollow flexible nipple portion carried by said base portion and terminating in a dispensing end; and means disposed within said flexible nipple portion for accessing the contents of a container; said accessing means comprising a generally spherically shaped member disposed within said flexible nipple portion intermediate said dispensing end of said nipple portion and said base portion, said member being movable upon lateral compression of said flexible nipple portion to extend beyond said base portion for rupturing the wall of a container to which the nipple is attached to permit dispensing of the contents thereof through said nipple portion.

27. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 26 wherein said flexible nipple portion further comprises means defining an interior shoulder for retaining said spherical member in said intermediate position said shoulder being resilient to permit temporary enlargement for axial movement of said spherical member upon lateral compression of said flexible_, nipple portion. 28. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 26 including means defining a passageway through said spherical member to permit flow therethrough to said dispensing end.

29. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 26 further comprising means defining a bellows portion in said flexible nipple portion, said bellows portion being located substantially outwardly of said spherical member.

30. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 26 further comprising means defining a cover enclosing said flexible nipple portion and attached to said nipple assembly.

31. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 26 wherein said spherical member has a specific gravity less than 1.0.

32. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 26 wherein said circular member comprises a cutting edge disposed to rupture the wall of a container to which the nipple assembly is attached upon axial movement of said spherical member.

33. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 26 wherein said accessing means further comprises a generally cylindrical portion upstanding from said spherical member, said upstanding cylindrical portion being tightly engaged by the walls of said flexible nipple portion to help stablize said accessing means. 34, A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 26 wherein said flexible nipple portion further comprises a tapered side wall portion disposed to engage said spherical member upon lateral compression of said side wall portion to force said spherical member axially to said accessing position.

35. A nipple assembly comprising a base portion adapted for attachment to a sealed liquid container, a hollow flexible nipple portion carried by said base portion, and means for accessing the contents of the container disposed within said flexible nipple portion, said accessing means comprising a generally hollow cylindrical member carried at one end by said flexible nipple portion and being disposed for movement upon lateral compression of said flexible nipple portion to a position in which the other end of said accessing means extends beyond said base portion for rupturing a container wall to which it is adapted to be attached.

36. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 35 wherein the other end of said hollow cylindrical member defines a cutting edge for rupturing a container wall.

37. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 35 wherein said cylindrical member includes means defining a detent engageable with a portion of said flexible nipple portion to hold said cylindrical member in said accessing position. 38. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 35 further comprising means internal of said flexible nipple assembly defining a shoulder disposed to engage against said detent.

39. A nipple assembly comprising: a base portion adapted for attachment to a sealed liquid container; a substantially hollow flexible nipple portion carried by said base portion and terminating in a generally spherical dispensing end; and means for accessing the contents of the container disposed within said flexible nipple portion; said accessing means comprising a generally spherical end portion^* disposed within said spherical dispensing end of said flexible nipple portion and a puncturing end, said accessing means being movable upon compression of said dispensing end to a dispensing position where said puncturing end extends beyond said base portion.

40. A nipple assembly in accordance with . Claim 39 wherein said accessing means comprises a generally hollow elongated member having said cylindrical portion at one end and said cutting portion at the other end, and means on the exterior surface of said elongated member to engage the wall of container and prevent retraction of said elongated member from the accessing position. 41. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 26, 35 or 39 comprising a cover disposed over said flexible nipple portion, said cover being laterally compressible to permit accessing the contents of a container without direct contact with said flexible nipple portion.

42. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 41 wherein said cover is substantially rigid in an axial direction.

43. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 42 wherein said cover including hollow axially extending portion enclosing said flexible nipple portion, said axially extending portion defining a plurality of axially extending ribs to provide axial rigidity.

44. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 43 wherein said axially extending portion includes a plurality of scalloped portions defining said rib between adjacent scalloped portion.

45. A nipple assembly comprising: a substantially rigid base adapted for attachment to a liquid container, said base having an upstanding hollow cylindrical portion; accessing means carried by said base portion for accessing the contents of the container, said accessing means including; a substantially rigid hollow puncture member disposed for axial movement within said upstanding cylindrical base portion, said member being movable between a retracted position and an extended position to access the contents of the container; and a flexible nipple portion with a dispensing end carried by said accessing means and in communication with said puncture member, whereby upon axial movement of said puncture member to said extended position, access is provided between said nipple portion and the contents of the container.

46. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 45 wherein said accessing means further comprises an annular sleeve portion disposed around said puncture spike and defining a space therebetween for receiving said upstanding hollow cylindrical portion. 47. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 45 further comprising means associated with said upstanding hollow cylindrical portion and said accessing means and defining detents therebetween to retain said accessing means in selected of either said retracted position or said extended position.

48. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 46 wherein said upstanding cylindrical portion includes at least one external annular rib, and said sleeve includes at least one internal annular rib disposed to engage against the annular rib of said upstanding portion to provide a detent to retain said accessing means in said retracted position or said extended position.

49. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 46 wherein said flexible nipple is carried by said sleeve portion of said accessing means.

50. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 49 wherein said flexible nipple includes a resilient hollow cylindrical portion disposed for tight fitting engagement over said sleeve, and further comprising means associated with selected of said sleeve and said nipple for preventing axial movement of said nipple relative to said sleeve.

51. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 46 further comprising a substantially rigid nipple-retaining ring carried by said sleeve, said nipple portion having a lower annular edge portion captured between said retaining ring and saiα sleeve. - .0-

52. A nipple assembly in accordance, with Claim 46 wherein said upstanding cylindrical portion of said base is externally threaded and said sleeve is internally threaded for engagement with said upstanding base portion, whereby axial movement of said puncture member is provided by rotating said sleeve.

53. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 45 further comprising an overcap disposed over said nipple assembly, said overcap having resilient gripping means at one end for engaging said base portion, and defining a substantially flat support surface at the other end whereby the nipple assembly may rest in an inverted position on a flat surface.

54. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 53, wherein said accessing means includes an upstanding cylindrical portion, over which said flexible nipple is received.

55. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 53 wherein said overcap further includes means defining a chamber for receiving at least a portion of said flexible nipple.

56. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 55 wherein said nipple includes an annular shoulder disposed for engagement against said means defining a chamber in said overcap, to seal the dispensing end portion of said nipple within said chamber. - _1-

57. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 52 further comprising an overcap having a substantially vertical side wall portion closed at one end and open at the other end, retaining means carried by said side wall adjacent said open end and engageable with said base portion, and means defining interengaging spline exterior of said sleeve and interior of said overcap side wall, whereby rotation of said side wall causes rotation of said sleeve and axial movement of said puncture means.

58. A nipple assembly in accordance with Claim 48 further comprising an overcap preferably sealed to said base portion and enclosing said flexible nipple, said overcap being axially compressible to permit movement of said accessing means to said accessing position by manual manipulation without contacting said nipple portion.

59. In a nipple for dispensing liquid to an infant, having a base portion for attachment to a liquid container and a flexible dispensing end portion, the improvement comprising, in combination, said nipple being defined by a one-piece elastomeric sponge wall, the portion of said sponge wall defining said base portion being sufficiently dense to prevent liquid flow therethrough, and the portion of said sponge wall defining said dispensing end being sufficiently porous to permit liquid flow therethrough.