EP2293759A1

EP2293759A1 - Suction teat unit

Info

Publication number: EP2293759A1
Application number: EP09761234A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Erich Pfenniger; Mario Rigert; Alex Stutz; Peter Vischer
Original assignee: Medela Holding AG
Current assignee: Medela Holding AG
Priority date: 2008-06-12
Filing date: 2009-06-09
Publication date: 2011-03-16
Anticipated expiration: 2029-06-09
Also published as: TW200950770A; TWI546072B; JP5612569B2; CN102056582B; CN102065820B; US8960465B2; EP2808007B1; CN102065821A; JP2011522638A; US8602232B2; US20090314734A1; CA2726466A1; EP2293758B1; CN102065821B; KR20140111052A; KR20110020247A; JP5395898B2; RU2485931C2; TW200950771A; US8800793B2

Abstract

A suction teat unit comprises a flexible suction teat (4), a housing head (3) and a fixed-shape base piece (2). The suction teat (4) is arranged on the housing head (3). The housing head (3) and the base piece (2) are connected to each other by means of a detachable plug connection nd the housing head (3) comprises a fixing element (301) for fixing the suction teat unit to a drinks container (1). Said suction teat unit permits a number of design possibilities for the individual parts and hence an optimisation of the individual functions thereof.

Description

teat unit

Technical area

The invention relates to a teat unit according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and to a beverage container according to the preamble of patent claim 15.

State of the art

The most well-known teat unit for a baby bottle has a ring with an internal thread and a nipple penetrating it. The teat has a substantially frusto-conical body, which merges at the narrower end into a substantially cylindrical mouthpiece. At the wider end of the body, a flange is formed, which lies thanks to the threaded ring sealing on the bottleneck. This unit is inexpensive, easy to clean and easy to use. However, it is severely limited in its possibilities of variation and thus can not meet the needs of premature babies or infants with difficult drinking habits.

In US 5 553 726 a valve is inserted in the transition region between the mouthpiece and the base body.

WO 2007/053894 discloses a three-piece teat unit for a baby bottle. Again, a threaded ring and a nipple are available. The third part is one

Plate, which is placed on the bottleneck. The nipple is placed over the plate and both parts are held in place by the threaded ring. The Plate has openings which form a passage to the teat depending on the rotational position of the threaded ring or are closed by the threaded ring.

In US Pat. No. 5,791,503, a similar arrangement is used to admit air into the bottle during baby breaths.

US 2004/0035815 describes a drinking cup with teat for infants. The suction nipple and a valve element are held by means of a threaded ring in a cover of the cup, wherein the threaded ring presses from the outside on a flange of the Saugnip- pels and the flange rests with its inner surface on the valve element. The valve element in turn rests on a shoulder of the lid.

US 2005/0224444, US Pat. No. 2,584,359, EP 0 384 394 and EP 1 416 900 also show teat cups which pass through a threaded ring and are held by it in a sealing manner on a bottle. The third part in each case a valve body is present, which rests with a flange on the bottle neck, extending into the interior of the teat and is also held by the threaded ring in its sealing position.

A complex constructed teat unit is disclosed in WO 97/04735, wherein also here the teat is held with a one-piece threaded ring on the bottle.

WO 2007/137440 discloses a teat unit with a one- or two-piece teat and a dimensionally stable receiving head for receiving the teat. The integrally formed Aufhahmekopf is provided with a threaded ring, so that it can be screwed onto a bottle neck of a baby bottle or a drinking cup. The nipple is attached to the hemispherical receiving head and not attached to the threaded ring.

In US Pat. No. 1,605,427, the suction nipple is attached directly, ie without an intermediate ring on the neck of the bottle. The mouthpiece of the teat is reinforced with an insert part. Also in BE 381 523 the nipple is attached directly to the neck of the bottle. In US 7 225 938 a teat unit is shown, in which an intermediate chamber is screwed with a valve on the baby bottle. In this intermediate chamber of the known threaded ring is then screwed with him passing through the suction nipple.

WO 99/22693 discloses a teat unit with a threaded ring and a two-part absorbent body passing through it. The threaded ring is screwed with its internal thread on an adapter part with internal and external thread, which is fastened with its internal thread on a neck of a baby bottle.

Although these known solutions each optimize one of the five functionalities mentioned below, this is worsened by at least one of the other four functionalities being impaired:

- optimal milk flow,

- safe closing and opening at a certain predetermined pressure, in the case of the use of a valve,

- optimal ventilation during the baby's suck-off,

- Easy attachment and removal of the teat from the remaining teat unit or from the bottle and easy cleaning and

- optimal interface to baby's mouth, thanks to adapted elasticity of the suction nipple unit.

The known solutions also have one or more of the following disadvantages:

- They are complicated and therefore expensive to manufacture, - The teat must be made relatively thick-walled, which in turn the

Making production difficult and the costs increased and

- They can only be used in a single embodiment and leave no scope for variation. Presentation of the invention

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a Saugnippeleinheit and a beverage container, which chen ermögli an improved flexibility in their design and thus allow optimization of the above five functionalities.

This object is achieved by a teat unit having the features of patent claim 1 and a beverage container having the features of patent claim 15.

The teat unit according to the invention has a flexible teat, a receiving head and a dimensionally stable base part. The teat is located on the pickup head. According to the invention, the receiving head and the base part are connected to one another via a detachable plug connection and the receiving head has a fastener or a fastening element, for example a thread, for fastening the teat unit to a beverage container.

With this basic concept, ie modular construction by dividing the suction unit into three parts, plug connection between receiving head and base part, choice of the receiving head as that part which establishes the firm connection with the drinks container, the teat cup unit can be made extremely flexible. A change in one area of the teat unit does not immediately cause a change in another or all other areas. Thus, the various tasks and functions of the teat unit can be separated.

It can be differently shaped teat, preferably integrally formed teat, use with the recording head and the base part. Furthermore, differently shaped receiving heads can be used with the same teat and base. The basic parts can also be varied in their shape. This facilitates the further development and new development of Saugnippeleinheiten, since not every time fundamental new considerations must be made. Rather, the developer can rely on this basic concept without being too limited in his freedom of design. In addition, basic forms, in particular special basic forms of injection molding cavities, continue to be used. This reduces the development and production costs of new products.

For example, the receiving head can be designed differently, in particular its surface structure can be made very flexible, so that the interaction with the teat can be optimized. The receiving head can be stiff and dimensionally stable. However, it can also have only one base body with a stiff material and be provided with soft or softer areas than the main body. It can be used differently shaped support body. These can be arranged peripherally, centrally or at another suitable location. It may be a suitable combination of supporting bodies and air gaps are selected. Thanks to all these possibilities, the interface to the baby mouth, in particular the elasticity of the teat unit, can be made very flexible and therefore optimized.

It can be installed at different places valves and ventilation openings, for example, between the suction nipple and recording head and between recording head and base. The Durchgangsöffhungen for the milk can be closed, for example, with a valve diaphragm. It can also be installed two or more valves at different locations. A safe closing and opening at a certain predetermined pressure is made possible.

The receiving head and the base part can have no interaction with each other except the common connector. However, they may for example also be designed so that they form common ventilation chambers or Milchsammeikammern. Thanks to these variations, the milk flow can be optimized and the optimal ventilation during the suckling phase of the baby is guaranteed.

Since the teat is arranged on the receiving head, it can be easily attached and removed again. In addition, since the receiving head and the base part are merely inserted into one another in preferred embodiments, all parts can be easily cleaned. Another advantage is that the suction nipple does not have to have any thickened wall areas or can be made relatively thin-walled and thus cost-effective to produce.

Preferably, the receiving head is inserted into the base part.

The plug connection between the receiving head and the base part can be arranged at a location other than the fastening element. Preferably, however, the receiving head has at least one protruding plug-in element for the plug-in connection with the base part, the fastening element or medium, in particular the thread, being arranged on this at least one plug-in element. The plug element can be designed circular and formed completely encircling. Preferably, however, a plurality of individual plug-in elements over the circumference of the receiving head spaced apart from each other and arranged uniformly distributed. They form a common circle and in the case that a thread is used as a fastener, a common thread.

The plug-in elements may be resilient and have a smaller common inner diameter than the outer diameter of the container opening. As a result, they are pressed outward during assembly and press against the base part. This increases the fixation of the receiving head and the base part relative to one another.

In a preferred embodiment, the base part has at least one slot in which the receiving head, in particular the male element, can be inserted.

Preferably, the connector is designed latched. As a result, the parts can be stored assembled in the unassembled state without them falling apart.

Preferably, the receiving head uniformly distributed over its circumference and peripherally arranged support body, which cooperate with the teat. The elasticity of the teat unit can thus be optimized in a simple manner, without the teat itself having to have too complicated embodiments.

In a preferred embodiment, the receiving head is integrally formed and it is dimensionally stable. Preferably, it is made of plastic and is produced by injection molding. As a result, manufacturing costs can be minimized.

In another preferred embodiment, the receiving head has a dimensionally stable base body and attachment elements of a softer material than the base body. Also, the base body can be produced inexpensively from plastic by injection molding. The softer regions can preferably be subsequently spray-applied or produced in a two-component injection-molding process. They are preferably made of silicone, rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

In a preferred embodiment, a peripheral edge of the suction nipple between the receiving head and the base part is clamped in the intended use position of the unit mounted on the beverage container. This makes it easy to design and easy to attach and remove. It is advantageous that the teat is not clamped between the container and Saugnippeleinheit, but within the Saugnippeleinheit itself. The clamping can be done before mounting on the beverage container. Preferably, however, it takes place only when the suction nipple unit is fastened to the beverage container, for example by fixing the receiving head and the base part in their relative position relative to one another.

Preferably, the teat is slipped over the receiving head, wherein it surrounds with its peripheral edge a circumferential fastening edge of the receiving head and bears against a circumferential sealing surface of the receiving head. The base part has a cooperating with this circumferential sealing surface, wherein the suction nipple is clamped in intended, mounted on the beverage container use position between these two sealing surfaces. The clamping can thus take place when fixing the relative position of the receiving head and the base part to each other. This arrangement has the advantage that the assembly of the suction nipple can be done even with already made plug connection between receiving head and base part, if there is enough clearance before their fixation.

It is advantageous that the two functions "attaching the teat" and "creating a tight connection between teat and receiving unit" at two different locations and thus are met separately. The inner skirt is responsible for the tightness, the circumferential flange for attachment. The fulfillment of standards concerning the fixed connection between teat and baby bottle see is simplified.

If the fastener is a thread, which is brought into engagement with the container with a corresponding thread of the beverage container during assembly, the fixation of the recording head and the base member relative to each other simply by creating the threaded connection. Preferably, the receiving head has an internal thread and the container neck has an external thread. The base part has a stop which prevents further movement of the base part relative to the container. As a stop, for example, serves an upper stop surface of the base part, with which this rests on the upper edge of the container opening.

Preferably, the base part has a base body in the form of a ring, which has a passage opening. This facilitates cleaning and simplifies manufacture.

In one embodiment, a ventilation chamber is present between the base part and the receiving head, which is connected via at least one inlet opening with the environment and at least one outlet opening in the intended position of use with an interior of the beverage container. As a result, the ventilation is permanently guaranteed. In addition, at least one valve can be arranged in this area to optimize ventilation.

In a preferred embodiment, a lid and a closure cap are provided. handen. As a result, the base part, recording head and teat can be joined and closed from both sides. This unit can be sold so hygienically packed. However, it can be stored in this way, even after each cleaning hygienically closed. The lid is placed over the teat and the cap is connected on the opposite side with the base part and the receiving head.

The teat unit according to the invention can be used with any beverage containers or drinking containers of any shape, provided that their opening is adapted to the fastening element of the teat unit. A preferred field of application are feeding bottles for babies or drinking cups or drinking cups for small children. Further fields of application are drinking containers, such as those used in nursing, in geriatrics or in sports.

Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

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

Figure Ia is a side view of an inventive nipple unit with

Milk bottle in an exploded view according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 1b shows a longitudinal section through the teat unit with milk bottle according to FIG. Figure Ic is a perspective view of the teat unit with milk bottle according to Figure Ia; Figure 2a shows a side view of an inventive nipple unit with

Milk bottle in an exploded view according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 2b shows a longitudinal section through the teat unit with milk bottle according to FIG. 2a;

Figure 2c is a perspective view of the teat unit with milk bottle according to Figure 2a;

FIG. 3 a is a side view of a teat unit according to the invention with a milk bottle in an exploded view according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 3 b shows a longitudinal section through the teat unit with milk bottle according to FIG. 3 a;

Figure 3 c is a perspective view of the teat unit with Milchfla- see according to Figure 3 a;

Figure 4a shows a side view of an inventive nipple unit with

Milk bottle in an exploded view according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. 4b shows a longitudinal section through the teat unit with milk bottle according to FIG. 4a;

Figure 4c is a perspective view of the teat unit with milk bottle according to Figure 4a;

Figure 5 shows a side view of an inventive nipple unit with

Milk bottle in an exploded view according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a suction nipple unit according to the invention with milk bottle and lid;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the teat unit according to FIG 6 with cap and

8 shows a perspective view of the closure cap according to FIG. 7.

Ways to carry out the invention

FIGS. 1a to 1c show a first exemplary embodiment of the teat unit 2, 3, 4 according to the invention with a baby milk bottle 1.

The baby bottle 1 is reproduced by way of example only. Other types and shapes of drinking vessels may also be used with the teat units according to the inventive teaching. Preferably, however, they have a container neck with an external thread.

The baby bottle has a container body 10 for receiving the drinking liquid, which tapers to a neck 11 of smaller diameter. At the neck 11 an external thread 12 is formed.

The inventive Saugnippeleinheit consists essentially of three parts: a base 2, a receiving head 3 and an absorbent body or teat 4. Base 2 preferably consists of polypropylene (PP) or a polyamide, the receiving head 3 made of PP or a polyamide or 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 and consists of a rigid material. It consists essentially of a ring body 20 with a circumferential, closed outer shell, which preferably has a sufficient grip to serve as a rotary ring when mounting and removing the teat unit to or from the container 1. The ring body 20 in these examples has a radial thickness which is substantially less than the diameter of the ring. In the middle in this example, a passage opening 24 is present, which connects the container interior of the container 1 to the outside.

In the peripheral edge of the annular body 20 at least one slot 21 is arranged. Here, three slots 21 are present, which are distributed uniformly over the circumference of the annular body 20 in its peripheral region. The slots are formed bent in accordance with the radius of the annular body 20.

The slots 21 extend to the inner wall of the ring body 20, so that between them thickened wall portions 22 are present. The distance between opposite wall regions (measured through the center of the annular body 20) is equal to or preferably greater than the outer diameter of the thread 12 of the container 1. These thickened wall portions 22 are preferably formed plan on its inner side to the container neck 11 executed inside. In particular, they have no thread. The wall regions thinned by the slots 21 have a latching rib 210 at least at one point, here encircling.

On the side facing away from the container neck 11 top of the base ring 2, a circumferential outer sealing edge 27 is present, which projects upwards. This is preferably formed by the uppermost peripheral edge of the base ring 2. This is followed radially inwardly by a circumferential, planar and recessed outer sealing surface 270. This preferably extends approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis of the base ring 2. It preferably extends both in the radial direction as well as in the tangential direction up to the slots 21st It fills in the radial direction and the area between the slots 21 at least partially.

Subsequently or at a distance from the outer sealing surface 270, there is an inner circumferential sealing edge 28, which likewise projects upwards. The slots 21 are thus located between the first and the second sealing edge 27, 28. The inner sealing edge 28 limits the Durchgangsöffhung 24 in this embodiment. Preferably, this sealing edge 28 is interrupted by at least one ventilation opening 281, which leads to the outside. The way to the outside, for example, via a non-tight threaded connection with the milk bottle 1 lead.

Preferably, a ventilation valve 23, here a duckbill valve (duck valve), is arranged in the passage opening 24. It may also be formed integrally with the rest of the base part 2. Preferably, however, only his holder is molded in single or multi-component injection molding and the valve flap, or the valve tube, is made of a film and attached later. However, it can also be molded in a two-component injection molding process. The ventilation valve 23 projects inwardly towards the container neck 11, wherein its length corresponds at most to the width of the sealing ring 2 and thus does not project beyond the latter.

This base part 2 can be placed on the container neck 11, without, however, being already fixed in position relative to it, in particular secured against rotation. In this case, a lower stop 29 is present, which limits how far the container neck 11 can enforce the base part 2, i. how far the base 2 on the container neck 11 can slide down. In the examples shown here, the abutment is an inner bearing surface 29 in the upper region of the base ring 2. This bearing surface 29 is formed by the connection of the inner sealing edge 28 and the thickened wall regions 22. Other types of stops 29, such as protruding noses or ribs are also possible.

The receiving head 3 is also annular and preferably rotationally symmetrical and has a central passage opening 32. It basically consists of two areas. The lower region is formed by at least one, here three plug-in elements 3, which form uniformly distributed over the circumference portions of a common jacket. The plug-in elements 30 form on their inside a common internal thread 301. At least one of the plug-in elements 30 has on its outer side a latching rib 33. Instead of an internal thread and an external thread may be present if the drinking container 1 with a corresponding Internal thread is provided.

The receiving head 3 can be inserted into the base part 2, wherein the plug-in elements 3 engage in the slots 21. In this case, the two latching ribs 210, 33 pass each other and prevent subsequent falling out of the receiving head 3 from the base part. Preferably, the length of the plug-in elements 30 is dimensioned such that they extend approximately to the lower edge of the base part 2, but this does not protrude.

However, by slightly pulling apart the receiving head and the base part 2 in the direction of their common longitudinal central axis, the resistance of the locking ribs 210, 33 can be overcome and these can move past one another. If the plug-in elements 30 are designed to be slightly resilient, detachment is facilitated. For example, suspension may be achieved by suitable choice of the thickness of the male members 30, i. the material thickness can be achieved. However, the two parts can only be separated from each other, if they are not screwed onto the container 1.

The upper region of the receiving head 3 can be configured as desired. Preferably, it has peripherally and / or centrally arranged supporting bodies or structures 34, 36, which interact with the suction body or teat 4 described below. In this example, a peripheral support structure 34 is formed by support wings 340, which are uniformly distributed over the circumference and arranged in the peripheral region. They protrude like petals obliquely inward upward. In this example, they each have a substantially rectangular basic shape, with their edges being rounded. Preferably, these support wings 340 are rigid. They can be resilient, non-resilient or barely resilient. They are in particular made in one piece with the rest of the receiving head by injection molding or other suitable manufacturing process. However, the support wings 340 may also be formed of a softer material than the plug-in elements 30. Preferably, however, even if they are relatively soft, dimensionally stable. Below the support wings 340, ie in the transition region from the upper to the lower part of the receiving head 3 is on the bottom, which faces the base part 2 and the container 1, a protruding circumferential fastening edge 31 with a peripherally encircling outer sealing surface 310 is present. It is planar and extends approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis of the recording head. 3

The teat 4 has a frusto-conical base body 40 and an integrally formed mouthpiece 42. The mouthpiece 42 has a tapered outer shape compared to the base body 40. The mouthpiece 42 is preferably formed in a known manner in the form of a hollow cylinder, hemispherical, calotte-shaped or truncated cone. There may be external and / or internal elevations, such as knobs or ribs, and depressions, such as dents or grooves. The inner and / or outer surface may be planar. It can be used, for example, axially extending ribs, radially extending ribs, oblique ribs or zahnradfbrmig interlocking ribs. The same goes for grooves. In the example shown here, an internal structure 44 in the form of ribs is present. Also, the outer and / or inner outer surface of the base body 40 may be formed plan or structured.

In the mouthpiece 42, preferably in the uppermost tip of the free end, a mammalian opening 43 is present. This mammal opening 43 is connected in the assembled state via the through openings 32, 24 of the receiving head 3 and the base part 2 with the container interior, so that the baby through this opening his drink, e.g. Tea, water or milk, you can drink.

The base body 40 is bent with its lower edge inwards, so that a radially inwardly directed flange 41 is formed. With its base body 40, the suction nipple 4 can be slipped over the supporting wings 340 of the receiving head 3, the upper part of the receiving head 3 being surrounded by the suction nipple 4. The flange 41 engages behind the projecting edge between the upper and lower regions of the receiving head 3 and lies flat against the outer sealing surface 310 of the same. 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 can still be easily moved in the axial direction with respect to the receiving head 2, the teat 4 can optionally be slipped over the former only when the receiving head 3 and the base part 2 are plugged together.

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. This means in the embodiments described here that it rests with its upper inner stop surface 29 on the upper edge of the container neck 11. 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.

If the bottle 1 is no longer needed, the base part 2 can be rotated again, so that the rotation lock between the base part 2 and the receiving head 3 is released. Due to the axial displaceability of the base part 2, the flange 41 is released and the suction nipple 4 can be removed from the receiving head 3. Subsequently, the plug connection between receiving head 3 and base part 2 can be released. The three parts can now be cleaned as individual parts and sterilized if necessary.

This embodiment has the advantage that it is designed relatively simple, thus easy to clean and inexpensive to manufacture. FIGS. 2a to 2c show a second embodiment of a teat unit. It is of similar construction to the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1a to 1c. The same parts are therefore not described or mentioned in detail here. The same applies to the embodiments described below.

In contrast to the first embodiment, the receiving head 3 and the base part 2 Durchgangsöffhungen 32, 24 with a smaller diameter. In the base part 2, an inner truncated cone 25 is formed within the inner sealing edge 28 and in the upper region. Its flanks can be formed straight or curved. It projects beyond the annular body 20 and extends upwards to the receiving head 3. The passage opening 24 is preferably arranged in the uppermost region, preferably in the flattened tip. This tip may have a cylindrical shell and extend over the passage opening 24 so that it forms an upper sealing edge 240. Inside this sealing edge 240 is a flat surface 241.

Adjacent in the lower region of the inner truncated cone 25 and the inner sealing edge 28 is a circumferential inner sealing surface 280. It preferably runs perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the base part 2.

In an edge of the inner truncated cone 25, a ventilation valve 23, here again a duckbill valve, arranged, which projects axially inwards to Behälterinnen- space out.

The receiving head 3 has in the interior an upwardly projecting towards the suction nipple 4 outwardly truncated cone 35, in the flattened tip of the passage opening 32 is arranged. The uppermost region of the truncated cone 35 is surrounded by a bead which delimits a circumferential groove 350.

Inside the top of the outer truncated cone 35 is a valve, here a membrane 320, arranged. It closes the passage opening 32.

The teat 4 has an axially inwardly extending skirt 46, which ends in the lower region in a radially inwardly projecting flange 460 or a corresponding bead. The skirt 46 is arranged in the transition region between the mouthpiece 42 and the base body 40.

The mouthpiece 42 has inwardly directed nubs. However, as in the first example, it may have a flat surface or a differently configured surface structure.

If now the suction nipple 4 is slipped over the receiving head 3, so it engages not only with its lower flange 41, the upper portion of the receiving head 3. The skirt 46 also surrounds the upper portion of the outer truncated cone 35, wherein the flange 460 engages in the groove 350 and created a liquid-tight connection.

If the receiving head 3 is inserted into the base part 2, then the outer truncated cone 35 surrounds the inner truncated cone 25, the two through-openings 24, 32 preferably being aligned with one another in the longitudinal central axis. The surface 241 forms the valve seat for the membrane 320. The vent valve 23 leads into a circumferential gap 5 between the two truncated cones 25, 35, which is formed by the fact that the two truncated cones 25, 35 do not have the same inclination. This space forms a ventilation chamber. Preferably, at least one venting or relief opening 281 leads from this chamber 5 to the outside.

This second embodiment has a projecting to the mouthpiece 42 central support body, namely the outer truncated cone 35. As a result, the mouthpiece is optimally supported. Furthermore, it can be provided with different valves. The valves can but do not have to be present. Furthermore, only one of these two valves can be used. It can also be used differently designed valves. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 3 a to 3 c, the inner truncated cone 25 is located in the inner region of the base part 2, but here ends up in a cylindrical support nipple 26. The passage opening 24 is arranged in the support nipple 26. It may for example be arranged at the top or on a side flank. Sealing edges and sealing surfaces are preferably present in the same way as in the two examples already described, even if not all are provided with reference numerals.

The receiving head 3 has instead of the stiff support wings 340 support mound or support pad 341. These are evenly distributed over the circumference in the peripheral area and aligned upward. In the middle of a central support structure 36 projects. Its base is a hollow mound or hollow pillow, here called 360 Finger Base. From it protrude elongated elements, called lamellae or support fingers 361 here. Support pad 38, finger base 360 and support fingers 361 are preferably made of a softer material than the male members 30 and the remaining female head 3. Preferably, they are made of silicone, rubber or TPE. You can be sprayed on the production of the recording head 3 on its body.

Similar to the flattened tip of the outer truncated cone 35 in the second embodiment, the finger base 360 can be provided with a groove for receiving the flange 460 of the skirt 46 of the suction nipple 4. Furthermore, a valve diaphragm 320, whose valve seat is formed by the support nipple 26 of the base part 2, can be arranged in its interior, adjacent to the support fingers 361.

The teat 4 has dents or nubs 44 inside its mouthpiece 41. Other internal structures or a flat surface are also possible here.

In this exemplary embodiment, the interplay between receiving head 3 and teat 4 now takes place into the mouthpiece 41. In addition, the softer and round support pads 341 provide a different sensation in the infant's mouth compared to the support wings 340 of the first two examples. FIGS. 4a to 4c show a fourth exemplary embodiment. The base part 2 corresponds to that of the second embodiment according to the figures 2a to 2c, wherein it has no duckbill valve. However, there is an insertion opening 251 in an edge of the inner stiffened truncated cone 25, through which a venting valve 38 can be pushed through and thus held in its position. The vent valve 38 is in turn here a check valve, such as a duckbill valve.

Again, in turn, the above-described or similar sealing edges and sealing surfaces are present as in the previous embodiments, without that they are all marked with reference numerals.

The receiving head 3 in turn has the stiff supporting wings 340. In the central central region, the outer, likewise rigid truncated cone 35 is arranged, which merges into a central support structure 36, here with an upwardly protruding, chimney-shaped inner connecting piece 362. This inner socket 362 has a longitudinal slot 363 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis.

A valve diaphragm 320 is in turn arranged in the inner socket 362 below the longitudinal slot 363.

The mouthpiece 41 of the absorbent body 4 is formed in the interior of structures and plan. The teat 4 has the skirt 46 and the flange 460.

If the suction nipple 4 is slipped over the receiving head 3, then the skirt 46 rests sealingly with its flange 460 on the base of the inner neck 362.

FIG. 5 shows a fifth exemplary embodiment. Here, the receiving head 3 has a single male member 30. On its diametrically opposite side, a hinge 302 is arranged, which in a corresponding recess of the base partly 2 intervenes. Thus, a releasable connector is present, without recording head 3 and base 2 must be completely separated from each other. They can be cleaned together, but in an open position.

Variations of these arrangements are possible. For example, the teat 4 may have an inner flange which projects radially outward. This flange can be hooked into the through hole 32 of the recording head 3 and forms a tight connection.

The teat cup units described above can be provided with a lid and a cap. FIG. 6 shows by way of example such an inventive teat-nipple unit with cover 7. The cover 7 covers the teat 4 and engages around the base part 2 in a form-fitting manner. This can be seen in FIG. Figure 8 shows a cap 8 with a closed bottom 80 and a non-visible internal thread. This cap 8 can be used on the one hand as a cap for the milk bottle 1. On the other hand, it can be inserted into the bottle-side end of the base part 2 and attached to the plug-in elements 30 of the recording head 3. In this way, the teat unit is closed from all sides. It can be kept hygienically packed and transported after cleaning.

As can be seen from the above examples, the base part, receiving head and teat can be formed in a wide variety of variants. The above examples are but a small group of the possible variations, all of which incorporate the inventive concept of modular three-piece, the releasable plug connection between receiving head and base part and the attachment to the container by means of the receiving head.

Furthermore, the supporting structures and teat nipples described and illustrated in the figures can be used together or separately from each other also in differently designed teat units according to the prior art. In particular, they can also be used in teat units which do not have a separate base part and none have a plug in this recording head. These support structures and teat nipples are also claimed here as an independent invention. Furthermore, other teat units with the inventive cap and the lid can be closed to be stored as a closed unit. Again, this is claimed as an independent invention.

The inventive Saugnippeleinheit allows a variety of design options of the individual parts and thus optimizing their individual functions.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 container

10 container body

11 container neck

12 external thread

2 base part

20 ring body

21 slot

210 latching rib

22 thickened wall area

23 ventilation valve

24 passage opening

240 upper sealing edge

241 plane surface

25 inner truncated cone

250 board

251 insertion opening

26 support nipples

27 outer sealing edge

270 outer sealing surface

28 inner sealing edge

280 inner sealing surface

281 ventilation opening

29 lower stop

3 pickup head

30 plug-in elements

301 internal thread

302 hinge

31 fastening edge

310 outer sealing surface 32 passage opening 320 valve diaphragm

321 flange

322 valve opening

33 latching bar

34 peripheral support structure

340 support wings

341 support cushion

35 outer truncated cone

350 groove

36 central support structure

360 finger base

361 support fingers

362 chimney-shaped inner socket

363 longitudinal slot

38 ventilation valve

4 teat nipples

40 basic body

41 flange

42 mouthpiece

43 Mouth opening

44 internal structure

46 apron

460 flange

7 lids

8 cap 80 bottom

Claims

claims

Suction nipple unit with a flexible teat (4), a receiving head (3) and a dimensionally stable base part (2), wherein the teat (4) on the receiving head (3) is arranged, characterized in that the receiving head (3) and the Base part (2) are connected to one another via a detachable plug connection and that the receiving head (3) has a fastening element (301) for fastening the Saugnippeleinheit on a beverage container (1).

2. Saugnippeleinheit according to claim 1, wherein the Aufhahmekopf (3) in the base part

(2) is pluggable.

3. Saugnippeleinheit according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the receiving head (3) has at least one protruding plug element (30) for the plug connection with the base part (2) and wherein the fastening element (301) arranged on this at least one plug element (30) is.

4. Saugnippeleinheit according to claim 3, wherein the plug-in elements (30) over the circumference of the receiving head (3) spaced from one another and evenly distributed.

5. Saugnippeleinheit according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base part (2) has at least one slot (21) into which the receiving head (3) can be inserted.

6. Saugnippeleinheit according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plug connection can be latched.

7. Saugnippeleinheit according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the Aufhahmekopf

(3) centrally arranged or evenly distributed over its circumference peripherally arranged supporting body or structures (34, 36).

8. Saugnippeleinheit according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the receiving head (3) is integrally formed and dimensionally stable.

9. Saugnippeleinheit according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the receiving head (3) has a dimensionally stable base body and attachment elements made of a softer material than the base body.

10. Saugnippeleinheit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein in bestimmungsge- moderate, on the beverage container (1) mounted use position a circumferential

Edge (41) of the suction nipple (4) between the receiving head (3) and the base part (2) is clamped.

11. Suction nipple unit according to claim 10, wherein the teat (4) is placed over the receiving head (3), wherein it surrounds with its peripheral edge (41) a circumferential edge (31) of the receiving head (3) and on a circumferential sealing surface (310) of the receiving head (3) and wherein the base part (2) has a cooperating with this circumferential sealing surface (270), wherein the teat (4) in intended, on the beverage container (1) mounted use position between these two sealing surfaces (310, 270) is clamped.

12. A teat cup assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the fastener is a thread (301).

13. Teat nipple unit according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the base part (2) has a stop (29) which in intended, on the beverage container (1) mounted position of use as a stop with respect to the position of the base part (2) on the beverage container ( 1) serves.

14. Teat nipple unit according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the base part (2) has a ring (2) as the main body.

15. beverage container with a Saugnippeleinheit according to one of claims 1 to 14.