EP1681045A1 - Nipple for drinking vessels, especially for baby bottles - Google Patents

Abstract

The teat (1) for a drinking vessel, especially for a baby's bottle, is made of elastic material with a nipple element (3) for holding in the mouth of an infant, and a slot arrangement in the region of the front end of the nipple element. To establish a preferred direction of bite (e) the nipple element is flattened, and the slot arrangement has a curved slot opening under pressure in the direction of bite, and closed in the pressure-less state, whereby the slot extends approximately in the direction of bite. The nipple element with regard to a principal middle axis (A1) is inclined at an angle (alpha ).

Description

The invention relates to a nipple for drinking vessels, especially for infant bottles with the features of the preamble of claim 1. Such sucker are made of an elastic material, such as rubber or silicone and can be attached to infant bottles or other drinking vessels. Preferably, such suckers are used in infant or infant feeding.

Genetically comparable suckers have long been known and in use. For example, US Pat. No. 4,993,568 describes a nipple having a separating membrane which has an I, X or Y-shaped section. By pressure on the separation membrane creates a milk suction hole. It is further shown in US Pat. No. 4,993,568 that the separating membrane is arranged in an inwardly directed depression in the region of the front end of the nipple. In this way it is also achieved that a baby's area or the teat does not leak (so-called "no-spill" property). Inappropriate positioning of the nipple in the mouth of an infant, the liquid leakage may be insufficient when drinking. Furthermore, it has been found, in particular with suckers with X or Y-shaped incisions, that the sucker hardly meets the ever-increasing demands on the no-spill properties.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to avoid the disadvantages of the known, so in particular to provide a sucker, in which the liquid passage is optimized. The teat should continue to be safe against leakage or optimal no-spill properties.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by a sucker having the features of claim 1.

Due to the flattened shape of the nipple element, this can be accommodated in an advantageous manner in the mouth of an infant or other consumer. Thus, an orthodontic shape can be achieved. The arrangement further ensures that the slot arrangement is optimally positioned. In particular for infant feeding, a nipple should preferably be designed in such a way that no or hardly any liquid should escape through suction alone. Under pressure in the bite direction on the flattened sides of the nipple element, for example by chewing bite movements of an infant, the slit can be opened in an optimum manner for a drinking process. Under pressure across the direction of bite, for example, a slot would not open at all or hardly open. On the other hand, under pressure in the bite direction, the arcuate slot can be opened in such a way that sufficient fluid flow is achieved. Such a nipple is also characterized by good no-spill properties.

It is advantageous if the nipple element is inclined at an angle with respect to a main central axis. In this way, the handling of infant bottles, which are equipped with such suckers, can be improved. The inclined arrangement of the nipple element can also improve the pressure during the drinking process, in particular in the region of the upper lip of an infant. Particularly preferably, the angle of inclination is formed by the main central axis and by a nipple center axis about which the nipple element is inclined between 10 ° and 60 °, preferably between 20 ° and 45 ° and particularly preferably about 30 °. In this way, a particularly favorable ergonomic position can be taken for the feeding of an infant.

The no-spill properties can be further increased if an inwardly directed recess is provided in the area of the front end of the nipple element and if the slot arrangement is arranged in the recess. Preferably, the slot arrangement may be arranged in a bottom portion of the recess. Of course, one could increase the no-spill properties in other ways, for example, by making the wall relatively thick, especially in the slot arrangement. Such an arrangement can withstand the internal pressure due to the liquid column.

The recess may have a tubular portion which is closed by a bottom portion. On the opposite side of the bottom portion may connect to the tubular portion an opening at the front end of the nipple element, the inside of which may be preferably cylindrical. The tubular portion preferably extends approximately in the direction of the nipple center axis. Further, the tubular portion may have a predetermined wall thickness (or thickness). Then, the tubular portion may preferably be circular. Of course, other basic forms are conceivable. For example, polygonal or elliptical configurations are also possible.

The bottom portion may be either flat or concave or convex, depending on the application.

It can be advantageous if the nipple element is inclined at an angle with respect to the main central axis and if the depression has a bottom section which substantially is arranged at right angles to the nipple center axis of the nipple element. Under pressure in the bite direction on the nipple element, the bottom section can thus bulge out in an advantageous manner, with the slot opening to a drinking opening.

Alternatively, the nipple element can also have a depression whose base section is angled relative to the nipple center axis such that an angle of inclination between 30 ° and 85 ° and preferably between 60 ° and 80 ° is present. Such an oblique arrangement of the bottom portion may have an advantageous effect on the sealing effect as well as on the opening behavior of the slot arrangement. Of course, this oblique arrangement of the bottom section could also be suitable for conventional slot arrangements.

In one embodiment, when the nipple element is inclined at an angle with respect to a main center axis, it may have a recess with a bottom portion that is approximately at right angles (Y≈90 °) to the main center axis (FIG. 11).

The recess in the region of the front end of the nipple element may have a tubular portion which, in a cross section defined by a main plane of symmetry, may essentially be an obliquely cut hollow cylinder of approximately constant wall thickness. The bottom portion may have approximately the same wall thickness. Of course, but also different wall thicknesses can be provided. The one section of the obliquely cut hollow cylinder can be defined by the bottom portion and the other section through the opening at the front end of the nipple element. Tests with suckers have shown that such a depression provides advantageous results not only in arcuate slots but also in conventional slot arrangements. Especially In this way, the opening behavior of the slots under pressure and the non-spill properties can be optimized. For example, conventional slot arrangements (ie, no arcuate slots) could have straight slots (eg, an I-cut). Of course, these could also intersect (eg X, Y).

The tubular section which is cut as obliquely can form a first, in particular a longest, shell side and an opposite second, in particular a shortest, shell side in a cross-section defined by the main plane of symmetry. The height of the second shell side may be less than 3 mm and preferably less than 1 mm. The ratio of the height of the first shell side, the height of the second shell side can be, for example, between 1.5 and 2.5. Such a shortened tubular section can continue to have a positive effect on the opening behavior and the non-spill effect.

It can be particularly advantageous if the tubular section has a first, in particular a longest lateral side defined by the main plane of symmetry in a cross section and if the bottom section in the region of a side opposite the first lateral side is preferably directly (or approximately transitionless) to a flattened upper side of the Nipple element is formed. By top can be understood the flattened side of the nipple element for the upper jaw, for example, of an infant. Under pressure, a particularly favorable transmission of forces can be achieved. In this case, the bottom portion can preferably bulge inward, whereby the liquid passage can take place. Another advantage of this embodiment is the relatively long life of the nipple thanks to the compact design.

In a further embodiment, the slot arrangement has two slots. Such a paired arrangement of slots has the advantage that the drinking capacity of the nipple is increased.

It is particularly advantageous if the slots are arranged symmetrically relative to one another with respect to a main plane of symmetry of the nipple and aligned with one another. The bite direction predetermined by the flattened nipple element advantageously extends in the main plane of symmetry of the nipple. Of course, the slots could be arranged as mirror images of each other, that they are directed away from each other.

The slot may be approximately circular, in particular semicircular. The respective center of the circle is preferably located on an axis of symmetry which is perpendicular to the main plane of symmetry. The center of the circular slot (arc) is preferably also on this axis of symmetry.

It is particularly advantageous if the slots lie on a circle whose center is defined by the Nippelmittelachse. In this way, a particularly robust suction design is created.

The slot arrangement may each have at least two slots with respect to the main plane of symmetry, which slots are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other and face each other. In this case, the respective at least two slots may be arranged on concentric circles to form a lamellar structure. In this way, the liquid passage can be increased in an advantageous manner.

The slots may be formed as cuts without material removal in a wall of the nipple element. Such a nipple can be easily and inexpensively manufactured. At the same time, optimal no-spill properties are guaranteed.

The slot may be inclined in cross-section through a wall of the nipple element. By such an extension of the slot in cross section, the no-spill properties can be additionally increased.

Figur 1

einen Querschnitt durch einen erfindungsgemässen Sauger,

Figur 2

eine Vorderansicht des Saugers gemäss Figur 1,

Figur 3

eine Draufsicht (in A2-Richtung) auf einen Sauger gemäss Figur 1,

Figur 4

eine detaillierte Darstellung eines Querschnitts eines Nippelelements,

Figur 5a /5b

eine Schlitzanordnung in Ruhestellung bzw. unter Druck,

Figur 6

eine Schlitzanordnung gemäss einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel,

Figur 7

eine Schlitzanordnung gemäss einem alternativen Ausführungsbeispiel,

Figur 8

eine Schlitzanordnung gemäss einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Figur 9

eine Schlitzanordnung gemäss einem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel,

Figur 10

einen Querschnitt durch einen Sauger gemäss einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel,

Figur 11

eine detaillierte Darstellung des Nippelelements des Saugers gemäss Figur 10,

Figur 12

ein alternatives Ausführungsbeispiel des Nippelelements gemäss Figur 11,

Figur 13

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel des Nippelelements gemäss Figur 11,

Figur 14

eine Schlitzanordnung mit einem geraden Schlitz,

Figur 15

eine Schlitzanordnung mit sich kreuzenden Schlitzen, und

Figur 16

einen Querschnitt durch eine Wand eines Nippelelements mit einem Schlitz.

Further individual features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments and from the drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1

a cross section through a sucker according to the invention,

FIG. 2

a front view of the nipple according to Figure 1,

FIG. 3

a top view (in the A2 direction) of a sucker according to Figure 1,

FIG. 4

a detailed representation of a cross section of a nipple element,

Figure 5a / 5b

a slot arrangement at rest or under pressure,

FIG. 6

a slot arrangement according to a further embodiment,

FIG. 7

a slot arrangement according to an alternative embodiment,

FIG. 8

a slot arrangement according to a fourth embodiment,

FIG. 9

a slot arrangement according to a fifth embodiment,

FIG. 10

a cross section through a sucker according to another embodiment,

FIG. 11

a detailed representation of the nipple element of the nipple according to Figure 10,

FIG. 12

an alternative embodiment of the nipple element according to FIG. 11,

FIG. 13

a further embodiment of the nipple element according to FIG. 11,

FIG. 14

a slot arrangement with a straight slot,

FIG. 15

a slot arrangement with intersecting slots, and

FIG. 16

a cross section through a wall of a nipple element with a slot.

In FIG. 1, a sucker designated 1 is shown in cross-section through the main plane of symmetry. This consists essentially of a slightly funnel-shaped base body 9 and an adjoining nipple element 3, which is provided for receiving in the mouth of an infant. Between basic body 9 and nipple element 3, the sucker is tapered. At this rejuvenation, the lips of an infant can be created.

In the region of the front end of the nipple element 3, a recess 5 is arranged, wherein in the bottom portion 6 of the recess 5, a slot arrangement is provided. Evidently, the nipple element 3 is inclined by an angle designated by α with respect to a main center axis A1. The bottom portion 6 with the slot arrangement extends at right angles to the main center axis A2. The sucker 1 is made of elastic material, such as rubber, silicone or other material.

The nipple 1 further has a flange portion 8 for connection to a baby bottle (not shown). Advantageously, a sucker with the help of a screw on a nursing bottle clamping ring are attached to this. Of course, the flange portion 8 could be equipped with at least one air valve.

From Figures 2 and 3 it can be seen that the teat 1 is formed orthodontically. The nipple element 3 is flattened, as a result of which the teat 1 can only be received in a preferred or predetermined position in the mouth of an infant. The nipple element 3 for this purpose has flattened sides 10 and 11, on which a (biting) pressure is exerted for the drinking process. On the side 10 (upper side), during the drinking process, preferably an upper jaw, for example, of an infant can attack (upper side) while the side 11 is associated with the lower jaw. As can be seen in FIG. 3, a slot arrangement with two arcuate slots 4 is arranged in the region of the front end of the nipple element 3 (for the mode of operation of the slots, see in particular below) Figures 5a and 5b). Furthermore, it can be seen from FIG. 3 that the depression 5 is cylindrical in plan view. This cylindrical shape is predetermined by a tubular portion of the recess described in more detail below. As Figure 2 shows, the sucker 1 is formed in mirror image to the plane of symmetry S1. Also in this view, a taper between nipple element 3 and body 9 can be seen.

FIG. 4 shows in detail a nipple element 3. This has a depression 5, which essentially consists of a tubular section 7 running in the direction of the nipple center axis A2 and of the bottom section 6. Evidently, the bottom portion 6 is formed concave (see Figure 1, which shows a flat bottom portion). With such a bottom portion 6 particularly favorable no-spill properties can be achieved. Of course, the recess could be designed spherical such that a tubular section would be omitted. Such a slot arrangement is also intended to prevent an infant from drinking only by suction. The sucker 1 is therefore designed to be such that the infant must perform chewing bite movements during the drinking process.

The tubular section 7 according to FIG. 4 is designed essentially as a hollow cylinder cut off obliquely on one side with an approximately constant wall thickness. One section is defined by the bottom section 4 and the other section is defined by an opening at the front end of the nipple element 3. The unilaterally obliquely cut hollow cylinder is characterized by a longest shell side 12 (h1) and an opposite shortest shell side 13 (h2). Good suction and non-spill properties can be achieved in particular if the height h2 of the second shell side 13 is about 3 mm (or less).

Instead of a hollow cylinder and a conical configuration (hollow cone) would be conceivable.

As can be seen from the top view of the bottom portion 6, a slot arrangement with two slots 4 is provided centrally. The slots 4 are designed as cuts through the bottom portion 6 without material removal. The slots 4 extend in bite direction e, wherein the slots are arranged mirror-inverted with respect to the axis of symmetry S1 (or main symmetry plane). Evidently, the slots 4 are circular, with the center of the respective circular arc lying on the axis of symmetry S2 and the circular arc extending in the region of the center perpendicular to S2. As can be seen from FIG. 5b, the slots are compressed by pressure in bite direction e, whereby an approximately half-moon-shaped passage opening 4 'is formed. According to FIG. 5a, the slots 4 would not form an outlet opening at the side pressure in the S2 direction.

Furthermore, it can be seen from FIG. 5a that the slots 4 lie on a circle whose center is formed by the nipple center axis A2.

FIGS. 6 to 8 show further variants of slot arrangements. The individual slots 4 according to FIG. 6 each form a semicircle, the semicircles being directed toward one another. Of course, however, the slots 4, as shown in Figure 7, be directed away from each other. In Figure 8, the slot arrangement consists of a single slot 4. The slot 4 has a sinusoidal configuration with two semicircles. Of course, however, the slots could have other shapes. However, a slot should define a second-order curve.

FIG. 9 shows a special embodiment of a slot arrangement. As can be seen, it has in each case three slots 4 with respect to the main plane of symmetry S1, which slots are arranged symmetrically with respect to one another and face each other. The three slots 4 are arranged on concentric circles to form a lamellar structure. Of course, such a group-wise arrangement of slots on concentric circles could consist of only two or a plurality of slots. With the lamellar structure of the liquid passage can be increased.

As is apparent from Figures 10 and 11 and 12, the bottom portion 6 of the recess 5 does not have to be perpendicular to the Nippelmittelachse A2. Experiments have shown that an oblique (or oblique) arrangement of the bottom portion 6 can surprisingly even be advantageous. In Figures 10 and 11, the newly formed bottom portion 6 is perpendicular to the main center axis A1 (i.e., Y≈90 °). The inclination angle α of the nipple center axis A2 to the main center axis A1 is about 38 °. A preferred range for α may be between 20 ° and 45 °. In FIG. 12, the bottom section 6 is angled with respect to the nipple center axis A2 such that the angle of inclination β is approximately 70 °. The angle of inclination β could also be between 30 ° and 80 °, depending on the angle of inclination α and the desired application.

Furthermore, it can be seen from FIGS. 10 to 12 that the tubular section 7, defined in cross-section through the main plane of symmetry (S1), is essentially a hollow cylinder cut off obliquely. Preferably, the hollow cylinder has an approximately constant wall thickness. The one section of the obliquely cut hollow cylinder is through the bottom portion 6 and the other section through the opening at the front end of the nipple element 3 defined. As a result, the tubular section 7 has a longest side of the shell designated 12. In the area of the side opposite the first shell side 12, the bottom section 6 is formed directly (or without transition) on the flattened upper side 11 of the nipple element 3. Such a transition from the bottom section 6 to the flattened upper side 11 has a particularly favorable effect on the opening behavior of the slots (4), since such an advantageous force is achieved by the biting pressure on the bottom section 6. This leads to a deformation of the bottom section 6 and thus an opening of the slots (4) during the drinking process, even at a comparatively low bite pressure. This direct molding of the bottom portion of the flattened side 11, wherein the side 11 is assigned in particular to the upper jaw, is of course also applicable to arrangements in which the bottom portion of the recess is perpendicular to the Nippelmittelachse. A corresponding embodiment is shown in FIG.

Tests with suckers have shown that, in particular, the embodiments of the nipple element according to FIGS. 10 to 13 surprisingly provide advantageous results not only for arcuate slots (4) (FIGS. 5 to 9) but also for conventional slot arrangements. Conventional slot arrangements usually have straight slots, as shown in Figures 14 and 15 (Figure 14: 1-section; Figure 14: X-section).

In general, a slot through a wall of the teat on a straight course. However, as shown in Fig. 16, the slit may be slanted through the wall of the nipple member 3 (the wall thickness is indicated by a D).

Claims (17)

Sucker (1) for drinking vessels, in particular for baby bottles, made of elastic material with a nipple element (3) for receiving in the mouth, in particular of an infant and a slot arrangement in the region of a front end of the nipple element (3), characterized in that for determining a preferred bite direction (e) the nipple element (3) is flattened and the slot arrangement has at least one arcuate slot (4) which opens under pressure in the direction of bite (e) and is closed in the non-pressurized state, the slot (4) extending approximately in bite direction (e) , Sucker according to claim 1, characterized in that the nipple element (3) is inclined with respect to a main central axis (A1) by an angle (α). Sucker according to claim 2, characterized in that the angle of inclination (α) is between 10 and 60 °, preferably between 20 ° and 45 ° and particularly preferably about 30 °. Vacuum cleaner according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in the region of the front end of the nipple element (3) an inwardly directed recess (5) is provided, wherein the slot arrangement in the recess (5), in particular in a bottom portion (6 ) of the recess (5) is arranged. Sucker according to claim 4, characterized in that the recess (5) has a tubular portion (7) which is closed by a bottom portion (6). Sucker according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the bottom portion (6) is either flat or concave or convex. Sucker according to claim 4 to 6, characterized in that the nipple element (3) is inclined with respect to a main central axis (A1) by an angle (α) and that the recess (5) has a bottom portion (4) which is substantially rectangular to the nipple center axis (A2) of the nipple element (3) is arranged. Sucker according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the nipple element (3) is inclined with respect to a main central axis (A1) by an angle (α) and that the recess (5) has a bottom portion (6) related is angled to a Nipplemittelachse (A2) of the nipple element (3) such that an inclination angle (β) between 30 ° and 80 ° is present. Suction cup according to one of claims 4 to 6 or 8, characterized in that the nipple element (3) is inclined at an angle (α) with respect to a main center axis (A1) and that the depression (5) has a bottom section (6), which runs approximately at right angles (Y≈90 °) to the main central axis (A1) (FIG. 11). Suction cup according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the tubular portion (7) in a cross-section defined by a main plane of symmetry (S1) is substantially an obliquely cut hollow cylinder with approximately constant wall thickness, wherein the one section through the bottom portion (6 ) and the other section is defined by an opening at the front end of the nipple element (3) is. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 10, characterized in that the tubular portion (7) defines in a cross section through a main plane of symmetry (S1) a first, in particular a longest shell side (12) and an opposite second, in particular a shortest shell side (13) the height (h2) of the second shell side (13) is less than 3 mm and preferably less than 1 mm. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the tubular portion (7) in a cross section defined by a main plane of symmetry (S1) has a first, in particular a longest shell side (12) and that the bottom portion (6) in the region of one of the first Shell side opposite side directly to a flattened top side (11) of the nipple element (3) is integrally formed. Sucker according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the slot arrangement comprises two slots (4). Sucker according to one of the claims 13, characterized in that the slits (4) are arranged symmetrically relative to each other with respect to a main plane of symmetry (S1) and face each other. Sucker according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the slot (4) is approximately circular. Suction cup according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the slots (4) lie on a circle, whose center is defined by the nipple center axis (A2). Vacuum cleaner according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the slot arrangement with respect to a main plane of symmetry (S1) in each case at least two slots (4) which are arranged symmetrically to each other and directed towards each other, wherein the respective slots (4) for Formation of a lamellar structure are arranged on concentric circles.

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