EP1681045B1 - Nipple for drinking vessels, especially for baby bottles - Google Patents

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, describes the US 4,993,568 a nipple with a separation membrane having an I, X or Y-shaped section. By pressure on the separation membrane creates a milk suction hole. In the US 4,993,568 is further shown that the separation membrane is disposed in an inwardly directed recess 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.

From the WO 03/101261 A1 has become known a sippy cup, the mouthpiece is flattened and has an inwardly directed recess. In the bottom of the recess a straight in plan view slot is arranged which extends in bite direction, which is defined by the flat side of the mouthpiece.

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.

The nipple element is inclined at an angle with respect to a main center 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. 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. The slot arrangement is arranged in a bottom portion of the recess. Of course you could use the no-spill features in other ways as well increase, for example, by making the wall relatively thick, especially in the region of the slot arrangement. Such an arrangement can withstand the internal pressure due to the liquid column.
The nipple element also has a depression whose bottom 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 perpendicular (γ≈90 °) to the main center axis ( Fig. 11 ).

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.

Under pressure in the bite direction, a preferably arcuate slot can be opened in such a way that a sufficient fluid flow is achieved. Such a nipple is also characterized by good no-spill properties.

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.

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.
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. Experiments with suckers ha It is shown that such a depression provides advantageous results not only in the case of arcuate slots but also in conventional slot arrangements. In particular, 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 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. The FIGS. 1 and 4 however, do not correspond to the subject matter of the claimed invention. Show it:

FIG. 1

a cross section through a sucker,

FIG. 2

a front view of the teat according to FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3

a plan view (in the A2 direction) according to a sucker FIG. 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 view of the nipple element of the nipple according FIG. 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 the FIGS. 2 and 3 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. The bite direction denoted by e is evidently in the main axis of symmetry S1 of the nipple 1. As seen in FIG FIG. 3 shows, in the region of the front end of the nipple element 3, a slot arrangement with two arcuate slots 4 is arranged (for the operation of the slots, see below in particular the FIGS. 5a and 5b ). Next is out FIG. 3 can be seen that the recess 5 is cylindrical in plan view. This cylindrical shape is predetermined by a tubular portion of the recess described in more detail below. As FIG. 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.

The FIG. 4 shows in detail a nipple element 3. This has a recess 5, which consists essentially of a running in the direction of the nipple center axis A2, tubular portion 7 and from the bottom portion 6. Evidently, the bottom portion 6 is formed concave (see. FIG. 1 which shows a flat bottom section). 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 portion 7 according to FIG. 4 is essentially designed as unilaterally obliquely cut hollow cylinder with approximately constant wall thickness. The one section is defined by the bottom section 6 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. How out FIG. 5b be emerged by pressure in bite direction e, the slots compressed together, creating an approximately crescent-shaped passage opening 4 'is formed. The slots 4 would according to FIG. 5a at lateral pressure in the S2 direction no outlet opening form.

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

The FIGS. 6 to 8 show further variants of slot arrangements. The individual slots 4 according FIG. 6 each form a semicircle, the semicircles are directed towards each other. Of course, but the slots 4, as in FIG. 7 shown, be directed away from each other. In FIG. 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.

Like from the FIGS. 10 and 11 12, the bottom portion 6 of the recess 5 does not have to be perpendicular to the nipple center axis A2. Experiments have shown that an oblique (or oblique) arrangement of the bottom portion 6 can surprisingly even be advantageous. In FIGS. 10 and 11 the newly formed bottom portion 6 is perpendicular to the main center axis A1 (ie 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 portion 6 is angled with respect to the nipple center axis A2 of such that the inclination angle β is about 70 °. The angle of inclination β could also be between 30 ° and 80 °, depending on the angle of inclination α and the desired application.

Next is from the FIGS. 10 to 12 it can be seen 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 in FIG. 13 shown.

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

In general, a slot through a wall of the teat on a straight course. But how about FIG. 16 As can be seen, the slot through the wall of the nipple element 3 can be oblique (the wall thickness is marked with a D).

Claims (14)

1. A teat (1) for drinking vessels, in particular for baby bottles, comprising elastic material with a nipple element (3) for being received in the mouth in particular of a baby and a slit arrangement in the region of a front end of the nipple element (3), wherein for establishing a preferred bite direction (e) the nipple element (3) is flattened and the slit arrangement has at least one slit (4) which opens under pressure in the bite direction (e) and which is closed in the pressure-less condition, wherein the slit (4) extends substantially in the bite direction (e),
   wherein provided in the region of the front end of the nipple element (3) is an inwardly directed recess (5) and the slit arrangement is arranged in a bottom portion (6) of the recess,
   characterised in that the nipple element (3) is inclined through a first angle (α) with respect to a main centre line (A1) and the bottom portion (6) is angled with respect to a nipple centre line (A2) of the nipple element (3) in such a way that there is a second angle of inclination (β) between 30° and 80°.
2. A teat according to claim 1 characterised in that the bottom portion (6) extends substantially at a right angle (γ≈90°) relative to the main centre line (A1).
3. A teat according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised in that the first angle of inclination (α) is between 10 and 60°, preferably between 20° and 45° and particularly preferably is about 30°.
4. A teat according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the slit arrangement has at least one arcuate slit (4) which opens under pressure in the bite direction (e) and is closed in the pressure-less condition.
5. A teat according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that the recess (5) has a tubular portion (7) closed by the bottom portion (6).
6. A teat according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterised in that the bottom portion (6) is either flat or concavely or convexly curved.
7. A teat according to one of claims 5 and 6 characterised in that the tubular portion (7) in a cross-section defined by a main plane of symmetry (S1) is substantially an inclinedly truncated hollow cylinder of substantially constant wall thickness, wherein the one cut is defined by the bottom portion (6) and the other cut is defined by an opening at the front end of the nipple element (3).
8. A teat according to claim 7 characterised in that the tubular portion (7) in a cross-section defined by a main plane of symmetry (S1) forms a first and in particular a longest peripheral side (12) and an oppositely disposed second, in particular shortest peripheral side (13), wherein the height (h2) of the second peripheral side (13) is less than 3 mm and preferably less than 1 mm.
9. A teat according to claim 7 or claim 8 characterised in that the tubular portion (7) in a cross-section defined by a main plane of symmetry (S1) forms a first and in particular a longest peripheral side (12) and the bottom portion (6) in the region of a side opposite the first peripheral side is directly shaped on a flattened top side (11) of the nipple element (3).
10. A teat according to one of claims 1 to 9 characterised in that the slit arrangement has two slits (4).
11. A teat according to claim 10 characterised in that the slits (4) are arranged symmetrically in relation to a main plane of symmetry (S1) relative to each other and are directed towards each other.
12. A teat according to one of claims 1 to 11 characterised in that the slit (4) is approximately circular.
13. A teat according to one of claims 10 to 12 characterised in that the slits (4) lie on a circle, the centre of which is defined by the nipple centre line (A2).
14. A teat according to one of claims 1 to 13 characterised in that the slit arrangement in relation to a main plane of symmetry (S1) has at least two respective slits (4) arranged symmetrically relative to each other and directed towards each other, wherein the respective slits (4) are arranged on concentric circles to form a lamellar structure.

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