EP2291165B1 - Suction teat - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a teat unit according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

State of the art

In the prior art, the most diverse teat for baby bottles are known. They are usually attached by hand by means of a connecting or receiving unit, such as a rotary ring, on a neck of the baby bottle. A known suction nipple has a radially outwardly projecting flange. He is touched on the mouthpiece and pulled through a rotary ring until it rests with its flange on an inner side of the rotary ring. The rotary ring is then screwed onto the neck of the baby bottle. This teat can be extremely easy to assemble. The disadvantage, however, is that the mouthpiece must be touched by hand and could be so contaminated.

US 7 320 678 discloses a teat with a radially outwardly projecting flange and extending in the mouthpiece, projecting into the body of the teat cylindrical suction tube through which the milk is sucked from the bottle to the suction port of the mouthpiece. This suction tube must be inserted into a corresponding receiving tube of the receiving unit. This is relatively difficult to do. Furthermore, this teat can be poorly cleaned.

US 1 904 710 discloses a teat which is attached directly to a bottleneck. This teat is designed to fold down.

Presentation of the invention

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a teat of the type mentioned, which can be mounted in the simplest possible way on the baby bottle and which is easy to clean despite any complex structure.

This object is achieved by a teat unit with the features of patent claim 1.

The inventive suction nipple for connection to a receiving unit of a beverage container has a main body and an adjoining the body, opposite the main body tapered mouthpiece with at least one suction port through which liquid exits the teat to the outside, and with a free end. The teat has a first connecting element for connection to the receiving unit and a second connecting element for connection to the receiving unit and a suction channel. The suction channel extends in the mouthpiece, opens into the suction opening with a first end and is directed towards the base body with a second end. This second end forms the first connection element for sealing connection with the receiving unit. According to the invention, the main body is designed to be foldable towards the free end of the mouthpiece, preferably for the purpose of connecting the first connecting element to the receiving unit.

Preferably, the suction opening is in the free end of the mouthpiece, i. in its foremost tip and consists of a single hole. The suction opening can also be arranged not laterally in the tip, but laterally in the front region of the mouthpiece. It can also be formed in both variants by several holes.

Since the body can be folded over and the first connecting element is easily accessible, in particular exposed, it can be connected to the receiving unit so easier.

Preferably, the base body is of a position of use intended for use, which forms a first stable position, hinged in the folded state, said folded state forms a second stable position.

Another advantage is that the folded-over nipple can be better cleaned, as any complex structures inside the body, such as the first connecting element, are exposed and are more accessible for cleaning.

In a preferred embodiment, the base body is substantially frusto-conical, dome-shaped or hemispherical in shape. Preferably, it has a radially inwardly projecting flange.

In a preferred embodiment, in the folded state of the body surfaces are free to touch, which are not in contact with a liquid flowing through the teat under normal use of the teat, the teat is connected by holding these surfaces with the receiving unit as intended. Preferably, the teat is connectable without additional tools or tools with the receiving unit or mounted on this.

This is a further advantage, since the teat can only be touched in places which later, in the intended use, neither reach the baby's mouth nor are contacted by the milk or the liquid to be drunk. This ensures that the assembly of the suction nipple can take place in consideration of high hygiene standards. Especially in premature babies and newborns, this is very important.

The folded body can be touched on its inside and the mouthpiece must not be touched at any time. If a tubular suction channel is present in the interior of the main body, then the inside of the main body does not come into contact with the liquid to be drunk.

In a preferred embodiment, the teat therefore has a suction channel which runs in the mouthpiece, opens with a first end into the suction opening and protrudes with a second end into the base body. This second end forms the first connecting element for sealing connection with the receiving unit. Preferably, this second end does not protrude beyond the base body in use. In its folded state, however, it is at least partially or even completely surmounted by the first connecting element. Preferably, the suction channel is configured in the form of a hollow cylinder in the region of the second end, wherein it may, for example, have a flange projecting radially outwards or radially inwards.

In a preferred embodiment, the suction nipple on a single-walled mouthpiece, on which an axially inwardly projecting and extending into the main body apron is formed.

Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Figur 1

eine Explosionsdarstellung einer Babyflasche mit einer Aufnahmeeinheit und eine erfindungsgemässe Saugnippeleinheit in einer ersten Ausführungsform ;

Figur 2

die Babyflasche, Aufnahmeeinheit und Saugnippel gemäss Figur 1 mit einem für die Montage umgeklappten Saugnippel;

Figur 3

den auf einem Teil der Aufnahmeeinheit befestigten Saugnippel gemäss Figur 1;

Figur 4

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Saugnippels gemäss Figur 1 in bestimmungsgemässer Gebrauchslage;

Figur 5

den Saugnippel gemäss Figur 4 im umgeklappten Zustand;

Figur 6

einen Längsschnitt durch den Saugnippel gemäss Figur 4 bei Nichtgebrauch;

Figur 7

einen Querschnitt senkrecht zur Längsachse des Saugnippels durch einen oberen Bereich des Saugnippels gemäss Figur 6;

Figur 8

einen Längsschnitt durch den Saugnippel gemäss Figur 4 bei einem bestimmungsgemässen Gebrauch und

Figur 9

einen Querschnitt senkrecht zur Längsachse des Saugnippels durch einen oberen Bereich des Saugnippels gemäss Figur 8.

In the following, the subject invention will be explained with reference to a preferred embodiment, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals. Show it:

FIG. 1

an exploded view of a baby bottle with a receiving unit and an inventive Saugnippeleinheit in a first embodiment;

FIG. 2

the baby bottle, receiving unit and teat according to FIG. 1 with a nipple folded over for assembly;

FIG. 3

the attached to a part of the receiving unit teat according to FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4

a perspective view of the teat according to FIG. 1 in the intended position of use;

FIG. 5

according to the teat FIG. 4 in the folded state;

FIG. 6

a longitudinal section through the teat according to FIG. 4 when not in use;

FIG. 7

a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the teat through an upper portion of the teat according to FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 8

a longitudinal section through the teat according to FIG. 4 in a normal use and

FIG. 9

a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the teat through an upper portion of the teat according to FIG. 8 ,

Ways to carry out the invention

In the FIGS. 1 to 9 is a preferred embodiment of the invention Saugnippeleinheit shown.

FIG. 1 shows a liquid container, here a baby milk bottle 1, with a neck 11 with an external thread 12. On the baby milk bottle 1 can be a teat 4 by means of a mounting or receiving unit 2, 3 attach.

The receiving unit 2, 3 consists essentially of two parts: a base part 2 and a receiving head 3. The base part 2 is preferably made of polypropylene (PP) or a polyamide, the receiving head 3 of a combination of PP or a polyamide with silicone, rubber or TPE. For the teat 4 preferably silicone, a silicone-based plastic, rubber or TPE is used.

The base part 2 is dimensionally stable. It consists essentially of an annular body 20 and a truncated cone 25 integrally formed thereon. Centrally in the truncated cone 25, there is provided as the inlet opening of the unit a passage opening or outflow opening 24, which conveys the container interior of the container 1 to the outside, i. to the teat, connects. The truncated cone 25 projects beyond the annular body 20 and extends upwards towards the receiving head 3. The outflow opening 24 is preferably arranged in the uppermost region, preferably in the flattened tip.

This base part 2 can be placed on the container neck 11, but without it already fixed in position relative to it, in particular against rotation. There is a bottom stop which limits how far the container neck 11 can pass through the base part 2, i. how far the base 2 on the container neck 11 can slide down. The stop may be, for example, an inner bearing surface in the upper region of the base ring 2. Other types of stops, such as protruding noses or ribs, are also possible.

The receiving head 3 is also annular and preferably rotationally symmetrical. The recording head 3 consists essentially of two areas. The lower, preferably hard area is formed here by a plurality of plug-in elements 30, which form uniformly distributed over the circumference portions of a common shell. The plug-in elements 30 form on their inside a common internal thread 301. Instead of an internal thread and an external thread may be present if the drinking container 1 is provided with a corresponding internal thread.

The plug-in elements 30 can be plugged into slots 21 of the base part 2. Locking ribs 33 on the base part and on the receiving head 3 prevent the receiving head 3 from falling out of the base part 2.

The upper portion of the pickup head 3 may be the same or softer Material to be made as the bottom. It can be arbitrarily shaped in the peripheral area. Preferably, it has peripheral support bodies or structures, in this case support wings 340, which interact with the suction body or teat 4 described below.

The teat 4 is in the FIGS. 4 to 6 good to see. It has a frustoconical, dome-shaped or hemispherical base body 40 and a mouthpiece 42 formed integrally thereon. The mouthpiece 42 is tapered in its outer circumference relative to the base body 40 or this is widened in relation to the mouthpiece in its outer periphery. The base body 40 is preferably bent inwards with its lower edge, so that a radially inwardly directed flange 41 is formed. This flange 41 is directed at an angle downwardly out of the opening of the body 40 also. The flange 41 is preferably formed relatively narrow and stiffened the lower portion of the body 40 is not or only slightly.

The mouthpiece 42 is preferably formed in a known manner as a hollow cylinder or as a truncated cone. It preferably forms a thin-walled hollow body with a suction opening 43. It is bendable and / or flexibly deformable. In the mouthpiece 42, preferably in the uppermost tip, the suction opening 43 is present. From this occurs in use sucked out of the container 1 liquid.

In the mouthpiece 42 extends a tubular suction channel 48, also called liquid or milk channel. The suction channel 48 opens at one end into the suction opening 43. With its second end, it projects into the base body 40 and forms the inlet opening of the suction nipple 4.

In this example, the mouthpiece 42 forms the upper region of the suction channel 48. The lower region of the suction channel 48 is formed by a circumferential skirt 46, which forms an extension of the mouthpiece 42 protruding into the main body 40. This apron 46 protrudes to the recording head 3. On the skirt 46, an inwardly or outwardly projecting flange 460 is preferably formed. Preferably, the suction opening 43 and the suction channel 48 in the upper region has a round cross-section, as in FIG. 7 is recognizable. Since the mouthpiece 42 is formed relatively soft, it is deformed in the intended use and the suction port 43 and the suction channel 48 in the adjacent region, for example, assume an oval shape, as in FIG. 9 is recognizable.

The mouthpiece 42 may be arbitrarily shaped as long as it remains flexible and pliable. As in particular in the FIGS. 6 and 8 can be seen, the wall of the mouthpiece 42 may increase towards the head part 3 in thickness. This is done here gradually. Typical wall thicknesses are: t1 approx. 0.5 mm, t2 approx. 1.5 mm, t3 and t4 approx. 2.0 mm. Other masses are possible. Preferably, a taper 420 in the inner diameter is present in the mouthpiece 42, so that a deforming cavity 421 is formed in the region of the suction opening 43. The cavity 421 is disposed adjacent to the taper 420. Preferably, this cavity 421 as well as the suction opening 43 has a substantially round cross-section. The cross section of this cavity 421 deforms in the intended use. In particular, the cavity 421 may become longer but narrower and change from a round cross-section to an oval cross-section. This shape may change during the sucking process according to the baby.

The mouthpiece is preferably designed to be bendable and in intended use preferably no parts which stiffen the mouthpiece over a substantial part of its length protrude into this. In the intended use, the mouthpiece is therefore preferably deformable.

Other embodiments are possible. In this example, the suction channel 48 is made in one piece with the mouthpiece 42 and is preferably made of the same material. Preferably, the entire suction nipple 4 is integrally formed.

The suction port 43 is connected in the assembled state via this suction channel 48 and then via the passage opening 32 and the flow opening 24 with the interior of the container 1, so that the baby through this opening his drink, eg Tea, water or milk, you can drink.

As in FIG. 2 can be seen, the suction nipple 4 with its base 40 can be put over the receiving head 3. In this case, the base body 40 is everted according to the invention until it has received its second stable position. This everting can be done by hand by the lower edge of the body 40 is taken and bent upwards and outwards. The base body 40 takes on its own from its second stable position, as in FIG. 5 is shown. Like in this one FIG. 5 is clearly visible, is in this stable inverted position, the first connection or fastening means, namely the lower end of the suction channel 48, free and surmounted the everted base body 40. The teat 4 by hand on the now outwardly projecting inner surface 400 of the body 40th be taken, and the free end of the suction channel 48, here the skirt 46, can be slipped over the truncated cone 35 and thus over the passage opening 32 of the receiving head 3. The flange 460 of the skirt 46 engages behind a bead or a rib of the truncated cone 35 and is there sealingly. Since the skirt 46 is easily visible and easily accessible, this can be done in a simple manner.

The main body 40 is now folded back into its stable position of use, in turn, only the free edge of the body 40 is pulled down. The flange 41 of the base body 40 engages behind the projecting edge between the upper and lower regions of the receiving head 3 and lies flat and sealing against the outer sealing surface 310 of the receiving head 3. The suction nipple 4 is now mounted on the receiving head 3, as in FIG. 3 is shown.

The suction nipple 4 can thus be attached to the receiving head 3 or partially put over him. Subsequently, the recording head 3 can be inserted into the base part 2. The recording head 3 can be stuck in the base part 2, if this is free, but also if it is already on the container neck 1. Since the base part 2 in the axial direction with respect to the recording head 2 can still move easily, the teat 4 can optionally be slipped over the former only when plugged recording head 3 / base part 2.

By turning the base part 2 or the receiving head 3 on the container neck 11, the two threads, external thread 12 and internal thread 301 engage in one another. The recording head 3 runs down the thread along. With him the base part is pulled down to its lower stop. Base part 2 and receiving head 3 are now mounted on the container 1 and secured against rotation relative to each other. As a result, the outer sealing surface 270 of the base part 2 is now pressed relative to the outer sealing surface 310 of the receiving head 3. They clamp the flange 41 of the suction nipple 4 and thus ensure a fluid and airtight connection between the nipple 4, receiving head 3 and base part 2. Depending on the configuration, a differently shaped lower edge 41 of the teat 4 between the two parts 2, 3 are clamped sealing.

As described above, thus the teat can be mounted in a simple manner despite relatively complicated internal structure. As in FIG. 5 can be seen, it can also be cleaned well, since all areas of the teat are easily accessible.

The described type of mounting with the two-part receiving unit is just one of many possible examples of how a everted suction nipple with exposed connecting element can be mounted. The teat must also not necessarily be placed on a receiving unit. He can also penetrate a recording unit, for example. The radially inwardly directed flange of the base body can be aligned with the opening plane of the base body or can also be directed at an angle downwards out of the opening of the base body.

Furthermore, instead of the suction channel or the skirt, a differently shaped inner connecting means may also be present. For example, a suction channel having a radially outwardly projecting flange, which engages behind a correspondingly shaped receptacle of the receiving unit, in particular of the receiving head.

The first connecting element, ie the free end of the suction channel, does not necessarily have to protrude into the main body. It is also possible that the suction channel with the towards the main body towards the end of the mouthpiece ends. This free end of the suction channel is shaped so that it allows a sealing, preferably pluggable connection with the receiving unit, for example by Providence suitable sealant on or in the suction channel. In particular, this end region of the suction channel may be formed as a cone, which receives the receiving unit under bias.

The mouthpiece and / or the suction channel may be formed inside and / or outside, for example, hollow cylindrical or frustoconical. The suction opening may be chosen to be relatively large or small. In particular, the suction opening may have approximately the same cross-sectional area as the suction channel over its entire length. The suction opening may also have a smaller cross-sectional area than the suction channel. These variants can be combined with each other as desired.

The inventive Saugnippeleinheit can be connected in a simple and hygienic way with the suction bottle and further clean well.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

container

11

container neck

12

external thread

2

base

20

ring body

21

slot

24

Bore

25

inner truncated cone

3

Up head

30

plug-in elements

301

inner thread

310

outer sealing surface

32

Through opening

33

catching ribs

340

support wings

35

truncated cone

4

teat

40

body

400

palm

41

flange

42

mouthpiece

420

rejuvenation

421

cavity

43

suction opening

430

flange

46

apron

460

flange

48

suction

480

rejuvenation

t ₁ to t ₄

wall thickness

Claims (10)

1. Teat unit with a teat (4) and a receiving unit (2, 3) for securing the teat (4) on a liquid container, wherein the teat (4) comprises a main body (40) and,
   adjoining the main body (40) and tapered relative to the main body (40), a mouthpiece (42) with at least one suction opening (43) and a free end, wherein the teat (4) has a first connector element (46) for connection to the receiving unit (2, 3), a second connector element (41) for connection to the receiving unit (2, 3), and a suction channel (48),
   wherein the suction channel (48) extends within the mouthpiece (42), opens via a first end into the suction opening (43) and is directed via a second end (46) towards the main body (40), and wherein this second end (46) forms the first connector element for leaktight connection to the receiving unit (2, 3),
   and wherein the main body (40) is designed such that it is adapted to be turned back towards the free end of the mouthpiece (42), characterized in that the receiving unit comprises a base part (2) and a receiving head (3), wherein, for securing the teat (4) on the liquid container, the teat (4) can be pushed with its main body (40) over the receiving head (3) and the receiving head (3) is plugged into the base part (2).
2. Teat unit according to Claim 1, wherein an area of the suction channel (48), which is turned towards this second end, is formed by a circumferential skirt (46) which forms an extension of the mouthpiece (42), extending into the main body (40), wherein a flange (460) extending into the interior or protruding is integrally formed at this skirt (46) and wherein this flange (460) forms the second connector element.
3. Teat unit according to Claim 1, wherein the main body (40) is adapted to be turned back from an intended position of use, which forms a first stable position, to the turned-back state, which turned-back state forms a second stable position.
4. Teat unit according to Claim 3, wherein the second end (46) protrudes into the main body (40).
5. Teat unit according to Claim 4, wherein the second end (46), in the turned-back state of the main body (40), at least partly protrudes from the latter.
6. Teat unit according to one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the suction channel (48) has a hollow cylindrical shape, at least in the area of the second end (46).
7. Teat unit according to one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the main body (40) has a substantially frustoconical, spherical cap-shaped or hemispherical design.
8. Teat unit according to one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the main body (40) has a radially inwardly protruding flange (41).
9. Teat unit according to one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein, in the turned-back state of the main body (40), surfaces (400) are exposed which can be touched and which, during the intended use of the teat (4), do not come into contact with a liquid flowing through the teat (4), and wherein the teat (4) is adapted to be correctly connected to the receiving unit (2, 3) simply by holding it via these surfaces (400).
10. Teat unit according to Claim 9, wherein the teat (4) is adapted to be connected to the receiving unit (2, 3) without the use of additional aids or tools.

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