EP4670700A1 - PARTITIONING COMPONENT FOR A SUCTION BOTTLE DEVICE AND SUCTION BOTTLE DEVICE - Google Patents

PARTITIONING COMPONENT FOR A SUCTION BOTTLE DEVICE AND SUCTION BOTTLE DEVICE

Info

Publication number
EP4670700A1
EP4670700A1 EP24185076.7A EP24185076A EP4670700A1 EP 4670700 A1 EP4670700 A1 EP 4670700A1 EP 24185076 A EP24185076 A EP 24185076A EP 4670700 A1 EP4670700 A1 EP 4670700A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
passage
component
container
teat
partitioning component
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP24185076.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Sietse Bart De Vries
Christoph Dobrusskin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Koninklijke Philips NV
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koninklijke Philips NV filed Critical Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority to EP24185076.7A priority Critical patent/EP4670700A1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2025/067001 priority patent/WO2026002735A1/en
Priority to CN202510860220.XA priority patent/CN121221429A/en
Publication of EP4670700A1 publication Critical patent/EP4670700A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J9/00—Feeding-bottles in general
    • A61J9/04—Feeding-bottles in general with means for supplying air
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J11/00—Teats
    • A61J11/02—Teats with means for supplying air

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a partitioning component for a feeding bottle device and a feeding bottle device comprising the partitioning component.
  • the invention relates, in particular, to a partitioning component for a feeding bottle device for feeding an infant. It finds application in the field of reducing the likelihood of colic-like symptoms.
  • Colic is a condition some infants suffer from during early months after birth, wherein presence of air in the digestive system is indicated as a major cause. Air ingestion is unavoidable both in breast-feeding and bottle-feeding due to the presence of vacuum in the infant's mouth during feeding. However, it is desired to reduce the amount of air ingested by the infant in order to prevent or alleviate colic-like symptoms.
  • WO 2018/162366 discloses a baby bottle with a partitioning component that separates a teat volume from a container volume.
  • the partitioning component comprises a first passage allowing a passage of fluid from the container volume to the teat volume and a second passage allowing a passage of fluid from the teat volume to the container volume.
  • the second passage is provided in the form of a one-way passage such as a duckbill valve.
  • the first passage and the second passage are integrated within the partitioning component.
  • a partitioning component for a feeding bottle device comprising a teat component and a container component, the teat component being attachable to the container component and the partitioning component being configured to separate a combined volume of the teat component and container component into a teat-side volume and a container-side volume when the feeding bottle device is assembled, wherein the partitioning component comprises:
  • the partitioning component may comprise a third passage allowing a passage of air from the exterior of the feeding bottle device to the container-side volume, wherein the guide channel is accessed from the second and third passages.
  • the third passage is between the second passage and a nearest edge of the partitioning component.
  • first and second oppositely directed passages are provided so that milk from the container-side volume can fill up the teat-side volume via the first passage, while air possibly present in the teat-side volume can escape into the container-side volume via the second passage.
  • the second passage is provided in the form of a one-way valve, no passage of fluid is possible from the container-side volume to the teat-side volume through the second passage.
  • the first passage can optionally also be provided in the form of a one-way passage which only allows the passage of fluid from the container-side volume to the teat-side volume.
  • the teat-side volume is all of the volume on the teat-side of the partitioning element
  • the container-side volume is as all of the volume on the container-side of the partitioning element.
  • the partitioning element does not have to be located exactly across the top rim of the container and across the bottom rim of the teat. It may instead be located more within the teat cavity or more within the container cavity.
  • the third passage allows a passage of air from the exterior of the feeding bottle device to the container-side volume.
  • At least one air vent valve may be provided for allowing the passage of air from outside the feeding bottle device to within the teat-side volume and then the container-side volume, or directly to container-side volume, and this passage of air passes through the third passage.
  • the passage of exterior air is enabled by the partitioning component in combination with a separate valve.
  • the at least one air vent valve allows that air enters the teat-side volume or the container-side volume to replace liquid drawn from the container-side volume trough the feeding of the infant, wherein this air does not have to enter into the feeding bottle device through the teat opening, i.e. allows air entering and vacuum reduction even while the infant is latching on the teat.
  • the third passage is for example an opening, and it may be at an edge of the partitioning component.
  • the one-way valve preferably opens outwardly from the guide channel, and hence to a space between the guide channel and the most adjacent part of the container wall.
  • the one-way valve leads to the space between the guide channel and the adjacent wall of the container.
  • air that has passed through the second passage is directed towards the container-side volume by the guide channel.
  • venting air is also directed by the guide channel. In this way, air is effectively routed towards the bottom of the container-side volume, reducing the formation of bubbles that will make their way into the teat when the bottle is used at an angle.
  • the first passage is for example an opening. While it is a requirement for the second passage to block the passage in one direction, the first passage can allow a bidirectional passage of fluid.
  • An opening is of course just one simple example of a suitable passage, and other passages are contemplated.
  • the partitioning component may comprise a projection which projects towards the teat-side volume. This projection is used to reduce the minimum amount of liquid that can be retained in the container-side volume before air passes from the container-side volume to the teat-side volume.
  • the projection for example comprises a bulge extending outwardly from a base towards the teat-side volume, and the first passage comprises a lateral opening extending between an extended part of the bulge and the base.
  • the first passage is not parallel with the general plane of the partitioning component but is angled, so that there is a smaller position difference across the first passage (when projected onto the plane). This means when the bottle is horizontal (or close to it) the first passage has a small height. This means the milk level in the bottle will be lower before air (above the milk) will flow through the first passage.
  • the bulge for example comprises a ramp surface, and the first passage comprises a lateral opening extending between an end of the ramp surface and the base.
  • An outer edge of the partitioning component for example lies in a plane, and the lateral opening for example extends at an angle to the plane in the range 70 to 90 degrees, for example 75 to 85 degrees.
  • a baby bottle is designed to be used horizontally, but in practice most mothers use the bottle raised at the base by about 10 degrees.
  • the first passage is designed so that when the bottle is used in a typical way, the opening defining the first passage is parallel to the milk surface. This means the smallest amount of milk will be present before air passes through the first passage.
  • the guide channel for example comprises an orientation indicator configured to be visually noticeable when the feeding bottle device is assembled.
  • the orientation indicator which is preferably to be positioned upside when the feeding bottle device is in an operating or feeding position, the orientation of the partitioning component and therefore directly the orientation of the first and second passages is known. Thereby, a smooth operation of the feeding bottle device and the partitioning component can be ensured.
  • the second passage is for example arranged closer to the orientation indicator than the first passage. Since the second passage is arranged closer to the orientation indicator, which is preferably to be positioned upside when the feeding bottle device is in the feeding position, the second passage will be positioned above the level of liquid in the container-side volume, particularly at a later feeding stage and when the feeding position corresponds to a preferred close to horizontal orientation.
  • the second passage When air enters the container-side volume above the liquid level through the second passage, the formation of bubbles in the container-side volume is avoided. Bubbles formed in the container-side volume can travel again into the teat-side volume and can end up in the mouth of the infant. Since in this case the formation of bubbles is avoided, the risk for air ingestion is further reduced.
  • the different distances of the first and second passages from the orientation indicator result in different positions of the valves with respect to a liquid level in the container-side volume, when the feeding bottle device is held in the feeding position.
  • the lower the first passage is positioned the closer the feeding position of the feeding bottle device can be oriented with respect to the horizontal direction, while the first passage remains below the liquid level in the container-side volume.
  • the partitioning component maintains the teat-side volume filled with liquid even at a later stage of feeding, when the container-side volume is only partially filled.
  • a more horizontal orientation is preferred since it more closely corresponds to the natural feeding position of breast-feeding and the infant can be maintained in a more vertical orientation during feeding, which further reduces the risk of air ingestion and thus colic-like symptoms.
  • the partitioning component for example comprises a main body portion and a coupling portion for connecting to the main body portion, wherein the guide channel is defined by the coupling portion, wherein the one-way valve of the second passage comprises:
  • valve flap potion seats against the valve seat portion when the coupling portion is fitted to the main body portion, and the valve flap portion is flexible away from the valve seat portion in response to higher pressure in the teat-side volume than the container-side volume, to define the second passage as a one-way valve.
  • the partitioning component then has a two-part construction to enable a flap valve to be formed with improved performance. In this way, the passage of air into the teat-side volume can be ensured more reliably.
  • the main body portion for example comprises a connector facing the container-side volume
  • the coupling portion comprises an arm part that fits to the connector, wherein the valve flap potion seats against the valve seat portion when the arm part is fitted to the connector, and the valve flap portion is flexible away from the valve seat portion in response to higher pressure in the teat-side volume than the container-side volume.
  • the connector can for example project from the main body portion into the container-side volume so that air that is guided through the valve returns to the air region in the container rather than entering the milk.
  • the two parts of the partitioning component for example comprise plastic materials.
  • the teat component, attachment component and container component preferably correspond to similar components known in the context of a prior art feeding bottle device.
  • the attachment component can comprise a screw-ring for attaching the teat component to the container component.
  • a partitioning component for a feeding bottle device comprising a teat component and a container component, the teat component being attachable to the container component and the partitioning component being configured to separate a combined volume of the teat component and container component into a teat-side volume and a container-side volume when the feeding bottle device is assembled, wherein the partitioning component comprises:
  • the first passage is not parallel with the general plane of the partitioning component but is angled, so that there is a smaller position difference across the first passage (when projected onto the plane). This means the milk level in the bottle will be lower before air (above the milk) will flow through the first passage.
  • the lateral opening for example extends at an angle to the plane in the range 60 to 90 degrees, for example 70 to 90 degrees, for example 70 to 85 degrees.
  • the partitioning component may comprises a bulge extending outwardly from a base of the partitioning component towards the teat-side volume, wherein the lateral opening is formed at least partly in the bulge.
  • the lateral opening is formed by using a projection into the teat-side volume.
  • the lateral opening for example extends between an extended part of the bulge and the base.
  • the bulge into the teat-side volume enables a smaller amount of liquid in the container-side volume before air (over the milk) can pass through the first passage.
  • the teat is the lowest part of the bottle, and hence the bulge is at a low position.
  • the first passage formed at least partly in the bulge it is at a lower position, allowing a low amount of milk in the container-side volume.
  • the bulge for example comprises a ramp surface, and the lateral opening extends between an end of the ramp surface and the base.
  • the first passage is designed so that when the bottle is used in a typical way, the opening defining the first passage is parallel to the milk surface. This means the smallest amount of milk will be present before the air passes through the first passage. This ensures that the teat stays filled with milk until almost the entire contents of the bottle have been consumed by an infant, and thus prevents air in the teat to be consumed by the infant and cause colic.
  • the first passage is for example an opening. As explained above, the first passage can allow a bidirectional passage of fluid.
  • the third passage is also preferably an opening.
  • the partitioning component may comprise a guide channel extending from the second passage towards the container-side volume. This is used to guide air that has passed through the partitioning component, preferably to a region of the container-side volume that contains air. This is for example the top corner of the bottom of the container.
  • the second passage may be positioned towards an edge of the partitioning component, and the third passage is between the second passage and said edge of the partitioning component.
  • the one-way valve preferably opens outwardly from the guide channel, hence to a space between the guide channel and the adjacent wall of the container, as explained above.
  • air that has passed through the second passage as well as venting air is directed by the guide channel.
  • the guide channel for example comprises an orientation indicator configured to be visually noticeable when the feeding bottle device is assembled.
  • the second passage is for example arranged closer to the orientation indicator than the first passage.
  • the partitioning component may comprise a main body portion and a coupling portion for connecting to the main body portion, wherein the guide channel is defined by the coupling portion, wherein the one-way valve of the second passage comprises:
  • valve flap potion seats against the valve seat portion when the coupling portion is fitted to the main body portion, and the valve flap portion is flexible away from the valve seat portion in response to higher pressure in the teat-side volume than the container-side volume, to define the second passage as a one-way valve.
  • the partitioning component then has a two-part construction to enable a flap valve to be formed with improved performance. In this way, the passage of air into the teat-side volume can be ensured more reliably.
  • the main body portion for example comprises a connector facing the container-side volume
  • the coupling portion comprises an arm part that fits to the connector, wherein the valve flap potion seats against the valve seat portion when the arm part is fitted to the connector, and the valve flap portion is flexible away from the valve seat portion in response to higher pressure in the teat-side volume than the container-side volume.
  • a partitioning component for a feeding bottle device comprising a teat component and a container component, the teat component being attachable to the container component and the partitioning component being configured to separate a combined volume of the teat component and container component into a teat-side volume and a container-side volume when the feeding bottle device is assembled, wherein the partitioning component comprises:
  • the partitioning component then has a two-part construction to enable a flap valve to be formed with improved performance. In this way, the passage of air into the teat-side volume can be ensured more reliably.
  • the first to third passages are each formed in the main body portion.
  • the main body portion for example comprises a connector facing the container-side volume
  • the coupling portion comprises an arm part that fits to the connector, wherein the valve flap potion seats against the valve seat portion when the arm part is fitted to the connector, and the valve flap portion is flexible away from the valve seat portion in response to higher pressure in the teat-side volume than the container-side volume.
  • the coupling portion is for example attachable to the main body portion with only one orientation. This avoids the two parts being connected incorrectly.
  • the coupling portion is for example attachable to the main body portion by a releasable snap fit. This enables decoupling for cleaning.
  • the coupling portion for example comprises a guide channel which extending from the second passage towards the container-side volume, wherein the third passage is between the second passage and an edge of the partitioning component.
  • the one-way valve for example opens outwardly from the guide channel so that air is guided between the guide channel and the container wall.
  • the main body portion for example comprises a bulge which projects towards the teat-side volume. It may extend from a base of the main body portion towards the teat-side volume, wherein the first passage comprises a lateral opening extending between an extended part of the bulge and the base.
  • a feeding bottle device comprising:
  • the feeding bottle device for example further comprising at least one air vent valve for allowing the passage of air from outside the feeding bottle device to the third passage.
  • This disclosure relates to a partitioning component for a feeding bottle device, the feeding bottle device comprising a teat and a container.
  • the partitioning component separates a teat-side volume from a container-side volume when the feeding bottle device is assembled.
  • Various design features of the partitioning component are disclosed.
  • Figs. 1 to 4B are repeated from WO 2018/162366 .
  • Fig. 1 schematically and exemplarily illustrates a feeding bottle device 100 in an assembled state in cross-sectional view.
  • Feeding bottle device 100 comprises a teat component 110, which is attached to a container component 120 by means of an attachment component 130 in the form of a locking ring. The teat is thus attached to the container by means of an additional component, but it could instead be attached directly.
  • feeding bottle device 100 and more precisely a container volume 125 within container component 120 is filled with milk, which is then fed to an infant out of teat component 110.
  • feeding bottle device 100 in the assembled state illustrated in Fig. 1 is maintained at an angle which allows milk or other liquid to enter the teat volume 115 within teat component 110.
  • FIG. 1 corresponds to an operating position, in which feeding bottle device 100 is inclined such that a teat component 110 points downwards at a certain angle such that liquid enters a teat volume 115.
  • a partitioning component 210 provided, which separates teat volume 115 on one side and container volume 125 on the other side.
  • the partitioning component 210 comprises a first passage 212 for allowing the passage of liquid from container volume 125 and an oppositely oriented second passage 214 for allowing the passage of air from teat component 115 to container volume 125.
  • First passage 212 is arranged at a lower position, i.e. significantly below the liquid level during most of the feeding session when the feeding bottle device 100 is maintained in the operating or feeding position exemplarily illustrated in Fig. 1 , such that liquid can enter through first passage 212 into teat volume 115 which will always be essentially filled with liquid.
  • first passage 212 allows that teat volume 115 be filled with liquid even when the feeding bottle device 100 is maintained in a more horizontal feeding position than it would be possible with classical feeding bottle devices.
  • a more horizontal position of feeding bottle device 100 preferably at an angle as low as below 45 degrees inclination with respect to the horizontal direction, corresponds to a more natural and more vertical feeding position of the infant, i.e. the feeding position while breastfeeding, and is therefore preferred over a more inclined feeding position.
  • both first 212 and second 214 passages are provided as one-way passages comprising a flap valve each, while other valves including duckbill valves can be employed in other examples.
  • the second passage 214 can be formed as a one-way passage while the first passage 212 can allow a passage in both directions.
  • both first 212 and second 214 valves in this example have a very low, e.g. below 10 mbar, or no opening pressure, i.e. are nominally open, and further preferably also have a very low closing pressure.
  • feeding bottle device 100 The functioning of feeding bottle device 100 is described as follows. A caregiver assembles feeding bottle device 100 by usually inserting teat component 110 into attachment component 130, optionally then covering this assembly using a cap 180.
  • Container component 120 is filled with milk and then partitioning component 210 is provided in the opening of container volume 125 before attachment component 130 is attached to container component 120, for instance by screwing it on.
  • Feeding bottle device 100 is then turned upside down, i.e. teat component 110 facing vertically down, to allow teat volume 115 to be filled with milk.
  • Both first 212 and second 214 passages open allowing teat volume 115 to be filled with milk and the existing air in teat volume 115 to be vented into container volume 125 through second passage 214.
  • the opening of both passages 212, 214 is due to their nominally open design combined with favorable hydrostatic pressure from the milk column in container volume 125.
  • feeding bottle device 100 is turned into a feeding position with feeding bottle device 100 being oriented at less than 45 degrees with respect to a horizontal axis, preferably to a more vertical feeding position of the infant, i.e. feeding bottle device 100 being oriented only about 10 to 30 degrees with respect to the horizontal axis.
  • a rotational position is selected such that second one way passage 214 is located on top.
  • a rotational orientation indication which indicates correct rotational orientation can be provided which will be described in further detail below.
  • first passage 212 will only allow milk and no air to flow in.
  • air bubbles to enter teat volume 115 from the teat hole, for instance when the infant releases the latch.
  • any milk left in teat volume 115 will drip into container volume 125 through either second passage 214 or first passage 214 due to gravity, when feeding bottle device 110 is placed vertical with teat component 110 facing vertically up.
  • Fig. 2A and 2B show two exemplary perspective views on partitioning component 210.
  • partitioning component 210 in this example comprises an orientation indicator 216.
  • Orientation indicator 216 can then be located adjacent to a wall of container component 120 when feeding bottle device 100 is assembled and thereby indicate a rotational orientation of partitioning component 210, which is visible from outside.
  • Second passage 214 is in this example closer to orientation indicator 216 than first passage 212 and will therefore more probably be above the liquid level throughout the feeding.
  • the orientation indicator 216 is intended to be positioned at the upper side of the feeding bottle device when used for feeding, while also other intended positions and/or additional orientation indicators can be provided in other examples.
  • the orientation indicator presents a color showing a good contrast versus milk.
  • first passage 212 is generally larger than second passage 214, the design is not limited thereto. Further, first passage 212 protrudes in this example from partitioning component 210 towards the teat volume 115 side and second passage 214 protrudes from partitioning component 210 towards the container volume 125 side.
  • Fig. 3 shows schematically and exemplarily a feeding bottle device 100 in an assembled state in cross-sectional view, as also illustrated in Fig. 1 , with further features than can in other examples also be integrated into the examples of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 .
  • an air vent valve 140 for allowing air from outside of feeding bottle device 100 to enter into container volume 125 is provided.
  • the vacuum present in teat volume 115 while the infant is suckling to feed milk can be reduced, without air having to enter through teat component 110.
  • Air entering through teat component 110 increases the risk of air being present within teat volume 115 and eventually entering the infant's mouth.
  • Various forms of air vent valves 140 are known in the art, and can be, for instance, integrated within teat component 110, container component 120, attachment component 130, partitioning component 210 or an interface between any of these components.
  • Annular guidance duct 175 collects the air independent of an angular position of air vent valve 140 and guides it towards a confined volume 155. Adjacent to or as part of confined volume 155, a controlled opening 165 for releasing air into container volume 125 is provided.
  • a duct forming component 170 extends annularly around an opening of container volume 125 and defines annular guidance duct 175 between duct forming component 170, container component 120 and/or teat component 110.
  • annular guidance duct 175 of Fig. 3 is of course not the only feasible shape, other shapes of annular guidance duct 175 are contemplated in other examples. It is only of importance that annular guidance duct 175 be capable of connecting air entering through air vent valve 140 and guiding this air to confined volume 155. It should be further noted that guidance duct 175 is not necessarily to be provided in annular form around the opening of container volume 125, for instance, in case the angular position of air vent valve 140 is well known such as in a "must fit" layout, in which guidance duct 175 collects the air always at the same defined position of air vent valve 140.
  • a confined volume 155 is defined by a confined volume forming component 150, which is provided adjacent a wall of container component 120.
  • the confined volume 155 is thereby limited by confined volume forming component 150 and container component 120.
  • confined volume 155 can also be defined by confined volume forming component 150 only.
  • passage prevention component 200 which prevents the passage of liquid from container volume 125 towards air vent valve 140. Thereby, leaking of the feeding bottle device 100 can be prevented. Generally, in case liquid reaches air vent valve 140, the formation of bubbles is increased. It is therefore advantageous to not have any liquid in proximity to air vent valve 140.
  • a one-way valve can be provided as passage prevention component 200, which then prevents liquid from reaching air vent valve 140 and annular guidance duct 175 under typical use of feeding bottle device 100.
  • suitable arrangements for preventing the passage of liquid from container volume 125 to air vent valve 140 can be employed in the alternative.
  • the confined volume forming component 150 and duct forming component 170 are integrated within partitioning component 210 for separating container volume 125 from teat volume 115.
  • Confined volume forming component 150 can, for instance, correspond to orientation indicator 216 as illustrated in Fig. 2 .
  • Partitioning component 210 fits between an opening of container component 120 and teat component 110 and creates two interfaces, one to each of the two components.
  • partitioning component provides a hard interface towards teat component 110 and a soft interface towards container component 120 to overcome leakage issues even though there is an additional part, partitioning component 210, present in the attachment area.
  • torsional strength of the assembly of attachment component 130 in particular in case it is formed as a screw ring, is not impacted.
  • partitioning component 210 may be manufactured using 2K injection molding processes, for instance.
  • partitioning component 210 may comprise a sealing material attached thereto which ensures the hard-soft interfaces between teat component 110, partitioning component 210 and container component, respectively.
  • FIG. 4A illustrates partitioning component 210 in isolation
  • Fig. 4B illustrates the partitioning component 210 in an assembled state of feeding bottle device 100.
  • first passage 212 is formed as an opening with an exemplary elongated ellipsoidal shape in partitioning component 210.
  • Second passage 214 comprises a duckbill valve which allows the passage of fluid, in particular air, from teat volume 115 to container volume 125 but blocks the passage of fluid in the opposite direction.
  • the shape of the opening can of course be as desired.
  • partitioning component 210 comprises a sealing material 217 at an interface to container component 120 in an assembled state.
  • Sealing material 217 can integrally be formed with partitioning component 210 or be attached to partitioning component at a later stage and preferably comprise a soft material such that a sealing will be formed between container component 120 and partitioning component 210 after assembly of feeding bottle device 100.
  • the interface to teat component 110 preferably comprises a harder material such that also the interface between teat component 110 and partitioning component 210 will not leak.
  • a guiding component 218 having an exemplary tapered shape facilitates the assembly of partitioning component 210 into container component and provides a resistance against spring force from confined volume forming component 150 or orientation indicator 216.
  • Confined volume forming component 150 or orientation indicator 216 comprises a flexible silicone for instance, which presses against the wall of container component 120.
  • confined volume 155 as defined between confined volume forming component 150 or orientation indicator 216 and a wall of container component 120 is clearly visible.
  • Controlled opening 165 is formed at the portion of confined volume 155 which has the largest distance from teat component 110.
  • This disclosure provides an improvement to the design of the partitioning component.
  • the other features of the assembled container may be as described above.
  • Figs. 5 and 6 show a partially cut-away side view and Fig. 6 shows an end view.
  • the partitioning component is configured to separate a teat-side volume from a container-side volume when the feeding bottle device is assembled.
  • the partitioning component 210 comprises the first passage 212 allowing a passage of fluid from the container-side volume to the teat-side volume and the second passage 214 allowing a passage of fluid from the teat-side volume to the container-side volume.
  • the orientation indicator 216 functions as a guide channel, and it is used to guide air between the indicator and the container wall, in particular towards the highest point, which is at the raised edge of the bottom of the container. In this way, air that has passed through the partitioning component is not mixed with milk.
  • third passage 310 allowing a passage of air from the exterior of the feeding bottle device to the container-side volume. This third passage thus communicates with an air valve to the exterior of the bottle, as described above.
  • the partitioning component comprises a main body portion 300 and a coupling portion 302 for connecting to the main body portion, wherein the guide channel 216 is defined by the coupling portion 302.
  • the one-way valve of the second passage 214 then comprises one of a valve seat portion and a flexible valve flap portion formed by the main body portion 300, and the other of the valve seat portion and the flexible valve flap portion formed by the coupling portion 302.
  • the partitioning component thus has a two-part construction to enable a flap valve to be formed with improved performance. In this way, the passage of air into the teat-side volume can be ensured more reliably.
  • the main body portion 300 has a connector facing the container-side volume.
  • the connector for example is in the form of a projection 301 to which the coupling portion 302 is coupled.
  • the coupling portion 302 comprises an arm part that fits to the connector.
  • the valve flap potion seats against the valve seat portion when the arm part is fitted to the connector, and the valve flap portion is flexible away from the valve seat portion in response to higher pressure in the teat-side volume than the container-side volume.
  • the main body portion 300 has an outer rim which is sandwiched between the teat and the container. This outer rim lies in a plane which will is used below as a reference plane for explaining other orientations.
  • the projection 301 includes the valve seat portion whereas the arm part 302, that fits over the projection 301, has a flexible valve flap portion 304.
  • the positions of the valve seat and the valve flap may be reversed.
  • the coupling portion (the arm part in this example) may fit to the connector (the projection in this example) in any suitable manner.
  • the valve seat for example lies in a plane perpendicular to the main body portion (namely perpendicular to the plane in which the rim lies) i.e., perpendicular to the height axis of the container.
  • the valve when open, provides a passage from the teat-side volume to the space between the guide channel formed by the orientation indicator 216 and the nearer inner wall of the container, namely the upward facing side of the container when the bottle is in use.
  • the one-way valve opens to the space between the guide channel 216 and a radially outer space.
  • the main body portion 300 is for example a circular disc, and it is clamped between the teat and the container, and hence at the location where a threaded connection is made.
  • the main body portion could be non-circular, for example if it is located away from a circular threaded connection, or indeed if there is a push fit assembly of the container rather than a screw fit assembly.
  • the arm part 302 is for example a push fit over the projection.
  • it includes the valve flap portion as an integral part of the arm part.
  • the valve flap portion for example has a hinge part at one end.
  • the valve opening can be defined at a spaced position from the main body portion, and hence deeper into the volume of the container. In particular, all air that enters the container-side volume from the teat direction is guided into the projection so that no air bubbles pass through milk.
  • the valve can easily be made of cost-effective materials, for example not from silicone, so avoiding the problem that silicone valves often heal back and stick.
  • the valve flap portion 304 is flexible away from the valve seat portion in response to higher pressure in the teat-side volume than the container-side volume, to define the second passage 214 as a one-way valve.
  • the first passage 212 is an opening in the main body portion 300.
  • the second passage is formed by the flap valve and the third passage is an opening 310 in the main body portion 300 at an edge of the main body portion.
  • Another aspect is that by providing the guide channel 216 as an extension to the second passage 214, it means the air from the second passage as well as the air from the third passage 310 are guided to the desired location.
  • the third passage 310 is between the second passage 214 and the closest edge of the partitioning component to the second passage.
  • Fig. 7 shows an example of an assembled container, and with a slightly different design of the partitioning component with a bulge 340 that projects from the main body portion 300 into the teat-side volume.
  • a lateral opening is provided into the teat-side volume as the second passage, and in this way the dead volume in the teat is reduced and more of the milk can be fed to an infant while the infant is in an upright comfortable position.
  • Arrow A1 shows the flow of external air into the container-side volume via the third passage.
  • Arrow A2 shows the flow of milk from the container-side volume to the teat-side volume via the first passage 212
  • arrow A3 shows the flow of air from the teat-side volume to the container-side volume via the flap valve and second passage 214.
  • the partitioning component comprises a bulge 340 extending outwardly from a base 305 of the partitioning element towards the teat-side volume
  • the first passage 212 comprises a lateral opening extending between an extended part of the bulge and the base.
  • the base may be considered to comprise the plane mentioned above which includes the rim of the partitioning component.
  • the bulge extends towards the teat-side volume from this plane.
  • the bulge 340 has the form of a ramp surface
  • the first passage 212 comprises a lateral opening extending between (i) the part 342 of the ramp surface that projects most into the teat-side volume and (ii) the base.
  • the second passage is formed by an opening which is more parallel to the container axis.
  • Fig. 7 shows as line 350 the orientation of the opening of the first passage 212 relative to the container axis.
  • the opening is at an angle of approximately 20 degrees to the container axis (for example in the range 0 to 45 degrees relative to the container upright axis).
  • it is at an angle of 70 degrees to the connection plane between the container component and the teat component.
  • This plane is the plane of the outer rim of the partitioning component.
  • the angle to the connection plane may be 45 to 90 degrees, for example 60 to 90 degrees, for example 70 to 90 degrees, and even more preferably 70 to 95 degrees (i.e., 5 to 20 degrees to the container upright axis).
  • the edge around the opening may not be planar - it may have a curved three-dimensional shape.
  • the edge around the opening may then be approximated by a planar opening shape, and that planar approximation will lie in a plane with an angle below 45 degrees to the container upright axis.
  • the angle is for example chosen so that the opening is horizontal when the bottle is tilted forward at the angle typically used by mothers when feeding.
  • Fig. 8 shows that the effect of this is that the milk level reaches a lowest possible level before air above the milk in the container-side volume can pass into the teat-side volume.
  • Fig. 9 shows the two-part partitioning component in separated and coupled views.
  • the coupling between the two parts is preferably designed such that it can only be made with the guide channel 216 in the correct orientation.
  • the connector 301 extends from the base 305 of the partitioning component towards the container-side volume.
  • the arm part is a snap fit to the connector 301 by means of tab 306, that snaps into opening 307. The arm part can be released by depressing tab 306.
  • Fig. 10 shows a cross section of the assembled partitioning component. The two parts 301, 302 are shown with different hatching.
  • valve flap 320 mis formed by the arm part 302 and the valve seat 322 is formed by the connector 301.

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Abstract

This disclosure relates to a partitioning component for a feeding bottle device, the feeding bottle device comprising a teat and a container. The partitioning component separates a teat-side volume from a container-side volume when the feeding bottle device is assembled. Various design features of the partitioning component are disclosed.

Description

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The invention relates to a partitioning component for a feeding bottle device and a feeding bottle device comprising the partitioning component. The invention relates, in particular, to a partitioning component for a feeding bottle device for feeding an infant. It finds application in the field of reducing the likelihood of colic-like symptoms.
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Colic is a condition some infants suffer from during early months after birth, wherein presence of air in the digestive system is indicated as a major cause. Air ingestion is unavoidable both in breast-feeding and bottle-feeding due to the presence of vacuum in the infant's mouth during feeding. However, it is desired to reduce the amount of air ingested by the infant in order to prevent or alleviate colic-like symptoms.
  • Different strategies are used to minimize air ingestion during feeding, including reducing the effort required by the infant, for instance by reducing the vacuum through providing a venting valve in the bottle. However, air can nevertheless enter into a teat region of the feeding bottle device in case the liquid level within the feeding bottle drops below a certain level and/or the feeding bottle is provided to the infant in a horizontal position, i.e. a volume around the teat region will then only partially be filled by liquid.
  • WO 2018/162366 discloses a baby bottle with a partitioning component that separates a teat volume from a container volume. The partitioning component comprises a first passage allowing a passage of fluid from the container volume to the teat volume and a second passage allowing a passage of fluid from the teat volume to the container volume. The second passage is provided in the form of a one-way passage such as a duckbill valve. The first passage and the second passage are integrated within the partitioning component.
  • It is still difficult to prevent that air enters the bottle (through an air valve and/or drinking hole) and in particular reaches the milk. Furthermore, the inclusion of a duckbill valve poses challenges, as cheap and easy materials that can be used to form the valve deform too easily during use resulting in a static open state and may cause malfunction of the device. This may cause the resulting device either to be expensive in manufacturing, or to potentially not to fulfil its function reliably.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • It has therefore been an object of the present invention to provide an improved design of a partitioning component for reducing the risk of colic-like symptoms for the infant while feeding using a feeding bottle device.
  • The invention is defined by the claims.
  • According to an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a partitioning component for a feeding bottle device, the feeding bottle device comprising a teat component and a container component, the teat component being attachable to the container component and the partitioning component being configured to separate a combined volume of the teat component and container component into a teat-side volume and a container-side volume when the feeding bottle device is assembled,
    wherein the partitioning component comprises:
    • a first passage allowing a passage of fluid from the container-side volume to the teat-side volume; and
    • a second passage allowing a passage of fluid from the teat-side volume to the container-side volume, the second passage having a one-way valve and being positioned towards an edge of the partitioning component,
    • characterized in that the partitioning component comprises:
      a guide channel extending from the second passage towards the container-side volume, wherein the guide channel is accessed from the second passage.
  • In this way, air flowing along the second passage (from the teat to the container) is guided by the guide channel.
  • The partitioning component may comprise a third passage allowing a passage of air from the exterior of the feeding bottle device to the container-side volume, wherein the guide channel is accessed from the second and third passages. Thus, both teat air as well as external venting air are guided by the guide channel. For example, the third passage is between the second passage and a nearest edge of the partitioning component.
  • As in known designs, first and second oppositely directed passages are provided so that milk from the container-side volume can fill up the teat-side volume via the first passage, while air possibly present in the teat-side volume can escape into the container-side volume via the second passage. Thereby, the amount of air in the teat-side volume and therefore the amount of air which can be ingested by the infant is reduced, which results in less risk of colic-like symptoms for the infant.
  • Since the second passage is provided in the form of a one-way valve, no passage of fluid is possible from the container-side volume to the teat-side volume through the second passage. Additionally, the first passage can optionally also be provided in the form of a one-way passage which only allows the passage of fluid from the container-side volume to the teat-side volume.
  • The teat-side volume is all of the volume on the teat-side of the partitioning element, and the container-side volume is as all of the volume on the container-side of the partitioning element. The partitioning element does not have to be located exactly across the top rim of the container and across the bottom rim of the teat. It may instead be located more within the teat cavity or more within the container cavity.
  • The third passage allows a passage of air from the exterior of the feeding bottle device to the container-side volume. At least one air vent valve may be provided for allowing the passage of air from outside the feeding bottle device to within the teat-side volume and then the container-side volume, or directly to container-side volume, and this passage of air passes through the third passage. Thus, the passage of exterior air is enabled by the partitioning component in combination with a separate valve.
  • The at least one air vent valve allows that air enters the teat-side volume or the container-side volume to replace liquid drawn from the container-side volume trough the feeding of the infant, wherein this air does not have to enter into the feeding bottle device through the teat opening, i.e. allows air entering and vacuum reduction even while the infant is latching on the teat. The third passage is for example an opening, and it may be at an edge of the partitioning component.
  • The one-way valve preferably opens outwardly from the guide channel, and hence to a space between the guide channel and the most adjacent part of the container wall. In other words, the one-way valve leads to the space between the guide channel and the adjacent wall of the container. Thus, air that has passed through the second passage is directed towards the container-side volume by the guide channel. In addition, because the third opening is between the guide channel and the edge of the container, venting air is also directed by the guide channel. In this way, air is effectively routed towards the bottom of the container-side volume, reducing the formation of bubbles that will make their way into the teat when the bottle is used at an angle.
  • The first passage is for example an opening. While it is a requirement for the second passage to block the passage in one direction, the first passage can allow a bidirectional passage of fluid. An opening is of course just one simple example of a suitable passage, and other passages are contemplated.
  • The partitioning component may comprise a projection which projects towards the teat-side volume. This projection is used to reduce the minimum amount of liquid that can be retained in the container-side volume before air passes from the container-side volume to the teat-side volume.
  • The projection for example comprises a bulge extending outwardly from a base towards the teat-side volume, and the first passage comprises a lateral opening extending between an extended part of the bulge and the base. Thus, the first passage is not parallel with the general plane of the partitioning component but is angled, so that there is a smaller position difference across the first passage (when projected onto the plane). This means when the bottle is horizontal (or close to it) the first passage has a small height. This means the milk level in the bottle will be lower before air (above the milk) will flow through the first passage.
  • The bulge for example comprises a ramp surface, and the first passage comprises a lateral opening extending between an end of the ramp surface and the base.
  • An outer edge of the partitioning component for example lies in a plane, and the lateral opening for example extends at an angle to the plane in the range 70 to 90 degrees, for example 75 to 85 degrees.
  • A baby bottle is designed to be used horizontally, but in practice most mothers use the bottle raised at the base by about 10 degrees. Thus, the first passage is designed so that when the bottle is used in a typical way, the opening defining the first passage is parallel to the milk surface. This means the smallest amount of milk will be present before air passes through the first passage.
  • The guide channel for example comprises an orientation indicator configured to be visually noticeable when the feeding bottle device is assembled. Using the orientation indicator, which is preferably to be positioned upside when the feeding bottle device is in an operating or feeding position, the orientation of the partitioning component and therefore directly the orientation of the first and second passages is known. Thereby, a smooth operation of the feeding bottle device and the partitioning component can be ensured.
  • The second passage is for example arranged closer to the orientation indicator than the first passage. Since the second passage is arranged closer to the orientation indicator, which is preferably to be positioned upside when the feeding bottle device is in the feeding position, the second passage will be positioned above the level of liquid in the container-side volume, particularly at a later feeding stage and when the feeding position corresponds to a preferred close to horizontal orientation. When air enters the container-side volume above the liquid level through the second passage, the formation of bubbles in the container-side volume is avoided. Bubbles formed in the container-side volume can travel again into the teat-side volume and can end up in the mouth of the infant. Since in this case the formation of bubbles is avoided, the risk for air ingestion is further reduced.
  • The different distances of the first and second passages from the orientation indicator result in different positions of the valves with respect to a liquid level in the container-side volume, when the feeding bottle device is held in the feeding position. The lower the first passage is positioned, the closer the feeding position of the feeding bottle device can be oriented with respect to the horizontal direction, while the first passage remains below the liquid level in the container-side volume. Thereby, it can be ensured that the partitioning component maintains the teat-side volume filled with liquid even at a later stage of feeding, when the container-side volume is only partially filled. A more horizontal orientation is preferred since it more closely corresponds to the natural feeding position of breast-feeding and the infant can be maintained in a more vertical orientation during feeding, which further reduces the risk of air ingestion and thus colic-like symptoms.
  • The partitioning component for example comprises a main body portion and a coupling portion for connecting to the main body portion, wherein the guide channel is defined by the coupling portion,
    wherein the one-way valve of the second passage comprises:
    • one of a valve seat portion and a flexible valve flap portion formed by the main body portion; and
    • the other of the valve seat portion and the flexible valve flap portion formed by the coupling portion.
  • The valve flap potion seats against the valve seat portion when the coupling portion is fitted to the main body portion, and the valve flap portion is flexible away from the valve seat portion in response to higher pressure in the teat-side volume than the container-side volume, to define the second passage as a one-way valve.
  • The partitioning component then has a two-part construction to enable a flap valve to be formed with improved performance. In this way, the passage of air into the teat-side volume can be ensured more reliably.
  • The main body portion for example comprises a connector facing the container-side volume, and the coupling portion comprises an arm part that fits to the connector, wherein the valve flap potion seats against the valve seat portion when the arm part is fitted to the connector, and the valve flap portion is flexible away from the valve seat portion in response to higher pressure in the teat-side volume than the container-side volume.
  • The connector can for example project from the main body portion into the container-side volume so that air that is guided through the valve returns to the air region in the container rather than entering the milk.
  • The two parts of the partitioning component for example comprise plastic materials. The teat component, attachment component and container component preferably correspond to similar components known in the context of a prior art feeding bottle device. For instance, the attachment component can comprise a screw-ring for attaching the teat component to the container component.
  • According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a partitioning component for a feeding bottle device, the feeding bottle device comprising a teat component and a container component, the teat component being attachable to the container component and the partitioning component being configured to separate a combined volume of the teat component and container component into a teat-side volume and a container-side volume when the feeding bottle device is assembled,
    wherein the partitioning component comprises:
    • a first passage allowing a passage of fluid from the container-side volume to the teat-side volume;
    • a second passage allowing a passage of fluid from the teat-side volume to the container-side volume the second passage having a one-way valve; and
    • a third passage allowing a passage of air from the exterior of the feeding bottle device to the container-side volume,
    • characterized in that an outer edge of the partitioning component lies in a plane, and the first passage comprises a lateral opening that extends at an angle to the plane in the range 45 to 90 degrees.
  • Thus, the first passage is not parallel with the general plane of the partitioning component but is angled, so that there is a smaller position difference across the first passage (when projected onto the plane). This means the milk level in the bottle will be lower before air (above the milk) will flow through the first passage.
  • The lateral opening for example extends at an angle to the plane in the range 60 to 90 degrees, for example 70 to 90 degrees, for example 70 to 85 degrees.
  • The partitioning component may comprises a bulge extending outwardly from a base of the partitioning component towards the teat-side volume, wherein the lateral opening is formed at least partly in the bulge. Thus, the lateral opening is formed by using a projection into the teat-side volume. The lateral opening for example extends between an extended part of the bulge and the base.
  • The bulge into the teat-side volume enables a smaller amount of liquid in the container-side volume before air (over the milk) can pass through the first passage. In particular, when the container is tilted downwardly (towards the teat) during feeding, the teat is the lowest part of the bottle, and hence the bulge is at a low position. With the first passage formed at least partly in the bulge, it is at a lower position, allowing a low amount of milk in the container-side volume.
  • The bulge for example comprises a ramp surface, and the lateral opening extends between an end of the ramp surface and the base.
  • As explained above, the first passage is designed so that when the bottle is used in a typical way, the opening defining the first passage is parallel to the milk surface. This means the smallest amount of milk will be present before the air passes through the first passage. This ensures that the teat stays filled with milk until almost the entire contents of the bottle have been consumed by an infant, and thus prevents air in the teat to be consumed by the infant and cause colic.
  • The first passage is for example an opening. As explained above, the first passage can allow a bidirectional passage of fluid. The third passage is also preferably an opening.
  • The partitioning component may comprise a guide channel extending from the second passage towards the container-side volume. This is used to guide air that has passed through the partitioning component, preferably to a region of the container-side volume that contains air. This is for example the top corner of the bottom of the container.
  • The second passage may be positioned towards an edge of the partitioning component, and the third passage is between the second passage and said edge of the partitioning component.
  • The one-way valve preferably opens outwardly from the guide channel, hence to a space between the guide channel and the adjacent wall of the container, as explained above. Thus, air that has passed through the second passage as well as venting air is directed by the guide channel.
  • The guide channel for example comprises an orientation indicator configured to be visually noticeable when the feeding bottle device is assembled. The second passage is for example arranged closer to the orientation indicator than the first passage.
  • The partitioning component may comprise a main body portion and a coupling portion for connecting to the main body portion, wherein the guide channel is defined by the coupling portion,
    wherein the one-way valve of the second passage comprises:
    • one of a valve seat portion and a flexible valve flap portion formed by the main body portion; and
    • the other of the valve seat portion and the flexible valve flap portion formed by the coupling portion.
  • The valve flap potion seats against the valve seat portion when the coupling portion is fitted to the main body portion, and the valve flap portion is flexible away from the valve seat portion in response to higher pressure in the teat-side volume than the container-side volume, to define the second passage as a one-way valve.
  • As explained above, the partitioning component then has a two-part construction to enable a flap valve to be formed with improved performance. In this way, the passage of air into the teat-side volume can be ensured more reliably.
  • The main body portion for example comprises a connector facing the container-side volume, and the coupling portion comprises an arm part that fits to the connector, wherein the valve flap potion seats against the valve seat portion when the arm part is fitted to the connector, and the valve flap portion is flexible away from the valve seat portion in response to higher pressure in the teat-side volume than the container-side volume.
  • According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a partitioning component for a feeding bottle device, the feeding bottle device comprising a teat component and a container component, the teat component being attachable to the container component and the partitioning component being configured to separate a combined volume of the teat component and container component into a teat-side volume and a container-side volume when the feeding bottle device is assembled,
    wherein the partitioning component comprises:
    • a first passage allowing a passage of fluid from the container-side volume to the teat-side volume;
    • a second passage allowing a passage of fluid from the teat-side volume to the container-side volume the second passage having a one-way valve; and
    • a third passage allowing a passage of air from the exterior of the feeding bottle device to the container-side volume,
    • characterized in that the partitioning component comprises a main body portion and a coupling portion for connecting to the main body portion,
    • wherein the one-way valve of the second passage comprises:
      • one of a valve seat portion and a flexible valve flap portion formed by the main body portion; and
      • the other of the valve seat portion and the flexible valve flap portion formed by the coupling portion.
  • As explained above, the partitioning component then has a two-part construction to enable a flap valve to be formed with improved performance. In this way, the passage of air into the teat-side volume can be ensured more reliably.
  • The first to third passages are each formed in the main body portion.
  • The main body portion for example comprises a connector facing the container-side volume, and the coupling portion comprises an arm part that fits to the connector, wherein the valve flap potion seats against the valve seat portion when the arm part is fitted to the connector, and the valve flap portion is flexible away from the valve seat portion in response to higher pressure in the teat-side volume than the container-side volume.
  • The coupling portion is for example attachable to the main body portion with only one orientation. This avoids the two parts being connected incorrectly.
  • The coupling portion is for example attachable to the main body portion by a releasable snap fit. This enables decoupling for cleaning.
  • The coupling portion for example comprises a guide channel which extending from the second passage towards the container-side volume, wherein the third passage is between the second passage and an edge of the partitioning component. The one-way valve for example opens outwardly from the guide channel so that air is guided between the guide channel and the container wall.
  • The main body portion for example comprises a bulge which projects towards the teat-side volume. It may extend from a base of the main body portion towards the teat-side volume, wherein the first passage comprises a lateral opening extending between an extended part of the bulge and the base.
  • In all aspects, there is also provided a feeding bottle device comprising:
    • a teat component;
    • a container component; and
    • the partitioning component,
    • wherein the teat component, the container component and the partitioning component are attachable to each other along a contact area.
  • The feeding bottle device for example further comprising at least one air vent valve for allowing the passage of air from outside the feeding bottle device to the third passage.
  • It shall be understood that a preferred embodiment of the present invention can also be any combination of the dependent claims or above embodiments with the respective independent claim. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:
    • Fig. 1 shows schematically and exemplarily a feeding bottle device comprising a partitioning component,
    • Figs. 2A and 2B show schematically and exemplarily two perspective views on the partitioning component,
    • Fig. 3 shows schematically and exemplarily a known feeding bottle device,
    • Fig. 4A shows schematically and exemplarily a further known partitioning component in isolation,
    • Fig. 4B shows schematically and exemplarily the partitioning component of Fig. 4A in an assembled state of the feeding bottle device;
    • Fig, 5 shows a partitioning component in side-view;
    • Fig, 6 shows the partitioning component of Fig. 5 in end view;
    • Fig. 7 shows an assembled container;
    • Fig. 8 shows the container tilted at an angle typically employed during feeding;
    • Fig. 9 shows the two-part partitioning component in separated and coupled views; and
    • Fig. 10 shows the two-part partitioning component in coupled view in cross section.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
  • The invention will be described with reference to the Figures.
  • It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, systems and methods, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the Figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the Figures to indicate the same or similar parts.
  • This disclosure relates to a partitioning component for a feeding bottle device, the feeding bottle device comprising a teat and a container. The partitioning component separates a teat-side volume from a container-side volume when the feeding bottle device is assembled. Various design features of the partitioning component are disclosed.
  • Before describing the partitioning element and bottle according to this disclosure, a known arrangement, as disclosed in WO 2018/162366 , will first be described.
  • Figs. 1 to 4B are repeated from WO 2018/162366 .
  • Fig. 1 schematically and exemplarily illustrates a feeding bottle device 100 in an assembled state in cross-sectional view. Feeding bottle device 100 comprises a teat component 110, which is attached to a container component 120 by means of an attachment component 130 in the form of a locking ring. The teat is thus attached to the container by means of an additional component, but it could instead be attached directly. Usually, feeding bottle device 100 and more precisely a container volume 125 within container component 120 is filled with milk, which is then fed to an infant out of teat component 110. For this purpose, feeding bottle device 100 in the assembled state illustrated in Fig. 1 is maintained at an angle which allows milk or other liquid to enter the teat volume 115 within teat component 110. The position in Fig. 1 corresponds to an operating position, in which feeding bottle device 100 is inclined such that a teat component 110 points downwards at a certain angle such that liquid enters a teat volume 115. In a contact area between teat component 110 and container component 120 there is a partitioning component 210 provided, which separates teat volume 115 on one side and container volume 125 on the other side. The partitioning component 210 comprises a first passage 212 for allowing the passage of liquid from container volume 125 and an oppositely oriented second passage 214 for allowing the passage of air from teat component 115 to container volume 125.
  • First passage 212 is arranged at a lower position, i.e. significantly below the liquid level during most of the feeding session when the feeding bottle device 100 is maintained in the operating or feeding position exemplarily illustrated in Fig. 1, such that liquid can enter through first passage 212 into teat volume 115 which will always be essentially filled with liquid.
  • The provision of first passage 212 allows that teat volume 115 be filled with liquid even when the feeding bottle device 100 is maintained in a more horizontal feeding position than it would be possible with classical feeding bottle devices. A more horizontal position of feeding bottle device 100, preferably at an angle as low as below 45 degrees inclination with respect to the horizontal direction, corresponds to a more natural and more vertical feeding position of the infant, i.e. the feeding position while breastfeeding, and is therefore preferred over a more inclined feeding position.
  • While usually the vacuum applied by the sucking action of the infant results in liquid being drawn into teat volume 115 through first passage 212, air entering into teat volume 115 through an opening of teat component 110 will also occur, for instance when the infant releases the latch. This air should not be ingested by the infant, which is the reason for second passage 214 being provided. Through the second passage 214 air can escape from teat volume 115 into container volume 125. Since second passage 214 is located higher with respect to first passage 212 in the operating position illustrated in Fig. 1, it is more likely that second passage 214 be positioned above the level of liquid in container volume 125 such that no bubbles form when air enters into container volume 125 through second passage 214. The provision of first and second passages thereby results in less likelihood of air being ingested by the infant. In this example, both first 212 and second 214 passages are provided as one-way passages comprising a flap valve each, while other valves including duckbill valves can be employed in other examples. In another example only the second passage 214 can be formed as a one-way passage while the first passage 212 can allow a passage in both directions. Preferably, both first 212 and second 214 valves in this example have a very low, e.g. below 10 mbar, or no opening pressure, i.e. are nominally open, and further preferably also have a very low closing pressure.
  • The functioning of feeding bottle device 100 is described as follows. A caregiver assembles feeding bottle device 100 by usually inserting teat component 110 into attachment component 130, optionally then covering this assembly using a cap 180.
  • Container component 120 is filled with milk and then partitioning component 210 is provided in the opening of container volume 125 before attachment component 130 is attached to container component 120, for instance by screwing it on.
  • Feeding bottle device 100 is then turned upside down, i.e. teat component 110 facing vertically down, to allow teat volume 115 to be filled with milk. Both first 212 and second 214 passages open allowing teat volume 115 to be filled with milk and the existing air in teat volume 115 to be vented into container volume 125 through second passage 214. The opening of both passages 212, 214 is due to their nominally open design combined with favorable hydrostatic pressure from the milk column in container volume 125.
  • Then, feeding bottle device 100 is turned into a feeding position with feeding bottle device 100 being oriented at less than 45 degrees with respect to a horizontal axis, preferably to a more vertical feeding position of the infant, i.e. feeding bottle device 100 being oriented only about 10 to 30 degrees with respect to the horizontal axis. In the feeding position, it is important that a rotational position is selected such that second one way passage 214 is located on top. To assist in this purpose, a rotational orientation indication which indicates correct rotational orientation can be provided which will be described in further detail below.
  • As the infant drinks, the milk in teat volume 115 is emptied creating a lower pressure in teat volume 115 which closes second passage 214 but allows milk to flow in through first passage 212 from container volume 125. Since first passage 212 is located below the liquid level surface, first passage 212 will only allow milk and no air to flow in. As mentioned, during the feed there is a possibility for air bubbles to enter teat volume 115 from the teat hole, for instance when the infant releases the latch. In such a situation, during subsequent feeding the bubbles are pushed through second passage 214 into container volume 125. After finishing the feed, any milk left in teat volume 115 will drip into container volume 125 through either second passage 214 or first passage 214 due to gravity, when feeding bottle device 110 is placed vertical with teat component 110 facing vertically up.
  • Fig. 2A and 2B show two exemplary perspective views on partitioning component 210. In addition to first passage 212 and second passage 214, partitioning component 210 in this example comprises an orientation indicator 216. Orientation indicator 216 can then be located adjacent to a wall of container component 120 when feeding bottle device 100 is assembled and thereby indicate a rotational orientation of partitioning component 210, which is visible from outside. Second passage 214 is in this example closer to orientation indicator 216 than first passage 212 and will therefore more probably be above the liquid level throughout the feeding. Preferably, the orientation indicator 216 is intended to be positioned at the upper side of the feeding bottle device when used for feeding, while also other intended positions and/or additional orientation indicators can be provided in other examples. Preferably, the orientation indicator presents a color showing a good contrast versus milk.
  • While first passage 212 is generally larger than second passage 214, the design is not limited thereto. Further, first passage 212 protrudes in this example from partitioning component 210 towards the teat volume 115 side and second passage 214 protrudes from partitioning component 210 towards the container volume 125 side.
  • Fig. 3 shows schematically and exemplarily a feeding bottle device 100 in an assembled state in cross-sectional view, as also illustrated in Fig. 1, with further features than can in other examples also be integrated into the examples of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.
  • In the attachment area between teat component 110, container component 120 and attachment component 130, an air vent valve 140 for allowing air from outside of feeding bottle device 100 to enter into container volume 125 is provided. Thereby, the vacuum present in teat volume 115 while the infant is suckling to feed milk can be reduced, without air having to enter through teat component 110. Air entering through teat component 110 increases the risk of air being present within teat volume 115 and eventually entering the infant's mouth. Various forms of air vent valves 140 are known in the art, and can be, for instance, integrated within teat component 110, container component 120, attachment component 130, partitioning component 210 or an interface between any of these components.
  • Air enters through air vent valve 140 and gets collected in annular guidance duct 175 prior to entering container volume 125. Annular guidance duct 175 collects the air independent of an angular position of air vent valve 140 and guides it towards a confined volume 155. Adjacent to or as part of confined volume 155, a controlled opening 165 for releasing air into container volume 125 is provided. For this purpose, a duct forming component 170 extends annularly around an opening of container volume 125 and defines annular guidance duct 175 between duct forming component 170, container component 120 and/or teat component 110.
  • The exemplary shape of the annular guidance duct 175 of Fig. 3 is of course not the only feasible shape, other shapes of annular guidance duct 175 are contemplated in other examples. It is only of importance that annular guidance duct 175 be capable of connecting air entering through air vent valve 140 and guiding this air to confined volume 155. It should be further noted that guidance duct 175 is not necessarily to be provided in annular form around the opening of container volume 125, for instance, in case the angular position of air vent valve 140 is well known such as in a "must fit" layout, in which guidance duct 175 collects the air always at the same defined position of air vent valve 140.
  • In this example, a confined volume 155 is defined by a confined volume forming component 150, which is provided adjacent a wall of container component 120. The confined volume 155 is thereby limited by confined volume forming component 150 and container component 120. In other examples, confined volume 155 can also be defined by confined volume forming component 150 only.
  • Between annular guidance duct 175 and confined volume 155, there is an optional passage prevention component 200 provided, which prevents the passage of liquid from container volume 125 towards air vent valve 140. Thereby, leaking of the feeding bottle device 100 can be prevented. Generally, in case liquid reaches air vent valve 140, the formation of bubbles is increased. It is therefore advantageous to not have any liquid in proximity to air vent valve 140. In one example, a one-way valve can be provided as passage prevention component 200, which then prevents liquid from reaching air vent valve 140 and annular guidance duct 175 under typical use of feeding bottle device 100. However, other suitable arrangements for preventing the passage of liquid from container volume 125 to air vent valve 140 can be employed in the alternative.
  • The confined volume forming component 150 and duct forming component 170 are integrated within partitioning component 210 for separating container volume 125 from teat volume 115. Confined volume forming component 150 can, for instance, correspond to orientation indicator 216 as illustrated in Fig. 2. Partitioning component 210 fits between an opening of container component 120 and teat component 110 and creates two interfaces, one to each of the two components. Preferably, partitioning component provides a hard interface towards teat component 110 and a soft interface towards container component 120 to overcome leakage issues even though there is an additional part, partitioning component 210, present in the attachment area. Further, torsional strength of the assembly of attachment component 130, in particular in case it is formed as a screw ring, is not impacted. For this reason, partitioning component 210 may be manufactured using 2K injection molding processes, for instance. In other examples, partitioning component 210 may comprise a sealing material attached thereto which ensures the hard-soft interfaces between teat component 110, partitioning component 210 and container component, respectively.
  • Another example of partitioning component 210 is schematically shown in Figs. 4A and 4B. While Fig. 4A illustrates partitioning component 210 in isolation, Fig. 4B illustrates the partitioning component 210 in an assembled state of feeding bottle device 100.
  • In this example, first passage 212 is formed as an opening with an exemplary elongated ellipsoidal shape in partitioning component 210. Second passage 214 comprises a duckbill valve which allows the passage of fluid, in particular air, from teat volume 115 to container volume 125 but blocks the passage of fluid in the opposite direction. The shape of the opening can of course be as desired.
  • Further, partitioning component 210 comprises a sealing material 217 at an interface to container component 120 in an assembled state. Sealing material 217 can integrally be formed with partitioning component 210 or be attached to partitioning component at a later stage and preferably comprise a soft material such that a sealing will be formed between container component 120 and partitioning component 210 after assembly of feeding bottle device 100. Likewise, the interface to teat component 110 preferably comprises a harder material such that also the interface between teat component 110 and partitioning component 210 will not leak.
  • A guiding component 218 having an exemplary tapered shape facilitates the assembly of partitioning component 210 into container component and provides a resistance against spring force from confined volume forming component 150 or orientation indicator 216. Confined volume forming component 150 or orientation indicator 216 comprises a flexible silicone for instance, which presses against the wall of container component 120.
  • In Fig. 4B confined volume 155 as defined between confined volume forming component 150 or orientation indicator 216 and a wall of container component 120 is clearly visible. Controlled opening 165 is formed at the portion of confined volume 155 which has the largest distance from teat component 110.
  • This disclosure provides an improvement to the design of the partitioning component. The other features of the assembled container may be as described above.
  • One example of the modified partitioning component 210 is shown in Figs. 5 and 6. Fig. 5 shows a partially cut-away side view and Fig. 6 shows an end view.
  • Like the known designs above, the partitioning component is configured to separate a teat-side volume from a container-side volume when the feeding bottle device is assembled. The partitioning component 210 comprises the first passage 212 allowing a passage of fluid from the container-side volume to the teat-side volume and the second passage 214 allowing a passage of fluid from the teat-side volume to the container-side volume. There is again an orientation indicator 216 which is visible from outside the container.
  • The orientation indicator 216 functions as a guide channel, and it is used to guide air between the indicator and the container wall, in particular towards the highest point, which is at the raised edge of the bottom of the container. In this way, air that has passed through the partitioning component is not mixed with milk.
  • In addition, there is a third passage 310 allowing a passage of air from the exterior of the feeding bottle device to the container-side volume. This third passage thus communicates with an air valve to the exterior of the bottle, as described above.
  • One aspect is that the partitioning component comprises a main body portion 300 and a coupling portion 302 for connecting to the main body portion, wherein the guide channel 216 is defined by the coupling portion 302.
  • The one-way valve of the second passage 214 then comprises one of a valve seat portion and a flexible valve flap portion formed by the main body portion 300, and the other of the valve seat portion and the flexible valve flap portion formed by the coupling portion 302.
  • The partitioning component thus has a two-part construction to enable a flap valve to be formed with improved performance. In this way, the passage of air into the teat-side volume can be ensured more reliably.
  • The main body portion 300 has a connector facing the container-side volume. The connector for example is in the form of a projection 301 to which the coupling portion 302 is coupled. The coupling portion 302 comprises an arm part that fits to the connector. The valve flap potion seats against the valve seat portion when the arm part is fitted to the connector, and the valve flap portion is flexible away from the valve seat portion in response to higher pressure in the teat-side volume than the container-side volume.
  • The main body portion 300 has an outer rim which is sandwiched between the teat and the container. This outer rim lies in a plane which will is used below as a reference plane for explaining other orientations.
  • In the example shown, the projection 301 includes the valve seat portion whereas the arm part 302, that fits over the projection 301, has a flexible valve flap portion 304.
  • Of course, the positions of the valve seat and the valve flap may be reversed. Furthermore, the coupling portion (the arm part in this example) may fit to the connector (the projection in this example) in any suitable manner.
  • The valve seat for example lies in a plane perpendicular to the main body portion (namely perpendicular to the plane in which the rim lies) i.e., perpendicular to the height axis of the container.
  • The valve, when open, provides a passage from the teat-side volume to the space between the guide channel formed by the orientation indicator 216 and the nearer inner wall of the container, namely the upward facing side of the container when the bottle is in use. In other words, the one-way valve opens to the space between the guide channel 216 and a radially outer space.
  • In this way, air from the second passage 214 is guided toward the bottom of the container. As long as the bottle is horizontal or sloped downwardly (towards the teat), the highest location will be at the highest edge of the bottom of the container.
  • The main body portion 300 is for example a circular disc, and it is clamped between the teat and the container, and hence at the location where a threaded connection is made. However, the main body portion could be non-circular, for example if it is located away from a circular threaded connection, or indeed if there is a push fit assembly of the container rather than a screw fit assembly.
  • The arm part 302 is for example a push fit over the projection. In this example, it includes the valve flap portion as an integral part of the arm part. The valve flap portion for example has a hinge part at one end.
  • The valve opening can be defined at a spaced position from the main body portion, and hence deeper into the volume of the container. In particular, all air that enters the container-side volume from the teat direction is guided into the projection so that no air bubbles pass through milk. The valve can easily be made of cost-effective materials, for example not from silicone, so avoiding the problem that silicone valves often heal back and stick.
  • The valve flap portion 304 is flexible away from the valve seat portion in response to higher pressure in the teat-side volume than the container-side volume, to define the second passage 214 as a one-way valve.
  • As shown in Fig. 6, the first passage 212 is an opening in the main body portion 300. The second passage is formed by the flap valve and the third passage is an opening 310 in the main body portion 300 at an edge of the main body portion.
  • Another aspect is that by providing the guide channel 216 as an extension to the second passage 214, it means the air from the second passage as well as the air from the third passage 310 are guided to the desired location. In particular, the third passage 310 is between the second passage 214 and the closest edge of the partitioning component to the second passage.
  • In the example shown in Fig. 5, there is a projection 330 that extends into the container-side volume.
  • Fig. 7 shows an example of an assembled container, and with a slightly different design of the partitioning component with a bulge 340 that projects from the main body portion 300 into the teat-side volume. In this design, a lateral opening is provided into the teat-side volume as the second passage, and in this way the dead volume in the teat is reduced and more of the milk can be fed to an infant while the infant is in an upright comfortable position.
  • Arrow A1 shows the flow of external air into the container-side volume via the third passage. Arrow A2 shows the flow of milk from the container-side volume to the teat-side volume via the first passage 212, and arrow A3 shows the flow of air from the teat-side volume to the container-side volume via the flap valve and second passage 214.
  • Thus, another aspect is that the partitioning component comprises a bulge 340 extending outwardly from a base 305 of the partitioning element towards the teat-side volume, and the first passage 212 comprises a lateral opening extending between an extended part of the bulge and the base.
  • The base may be considered to comprise the plane mentioned above which includes the rim of the partitioning component. The bulge extends towards the teat-side volume from this plane.
  • In the example shown, the bulge 340 has the form of a ramp surface, and the first passage 212 comprises a lateral opening extending between (i) the part 342 of the ramp surface that projects most into the teat-side volume and (ii) the base.
  • Thus, instead of lying in the plane of the main body portion as defined above (i.e., perpendicular to the container upright axis), the second passage is formed by an opening which is more parallel to the container axis.
  • For example, Fig. 7 shows as line 350 the orientation of the opening of the first passage 212 relative to the container axis. The opening is at an angle of approximately 20 degrees to the container axis (for example in the range 0 to 45 degrees relative to the container upright axis). Thus, it is at an angle of 70 degrees to the connection plane between the container component and the teat component. This plane is the plane of the outer rim of the partitioning component. The angle to the connection plane may be 45 to 90 degrees, for example 60 to 90 degrees, for example 70 to 90 degrees, and even more preferably 70 to 95 degrees (i.e., 5 to 20 degrees to the container upright axis).
  • Of course, the edge around the opening may not be planar - it may have a curved three-dimensional shape. The edge around the opening may then be approximated by a planar opening shape, and that planar approximation will lie in a plane with an angle below 45 degrees to the container upright axis.
  • The angle is for example chosen so that the opening is horizontal when the bottle is tilted forward at the angle typically used by mothers when feeding. Fig. 8 shows that the effect of this is that the milk level reaches a lowest possible level before air above the milk in the container-side volume can pass into the teat-side volume.
  • In this way, there is a smaller height difference between the opposite sides of the opening (when the container is in the horizontal orientation shown in Fig. 7 or the slightly tilted orientation of Fig. 8) than the width of the opening. This means a smaller amount of milk can be present in the container before air passes from the container-side volume to the teat-side volume because the maximum height of the opening (in the orientation of Fig. 7 or Fig. 8) is reduced.
  • Fig. 9 shows the two-part partitioning component in separated and coupled views.
  • The coupling between the two parts is preferably designed such that it can only be made with the guide channel 216 in the correct orientation.
  • The connector 301 extends from the base 305 of the partitioning component towards the container-side volume. In the example shown, the arm part is a snap fit to the connector 301 by means of tab 306, that snaps into opening 307. The arm part can be released by depressing tab 306.
  • Fig. 10 shows a cross section of the assembled partitioning component. The two parts 301, 302 are shown with different hatching.
  • The valve flap 320 mis formed by the arm part 302 and the valve seat 322 is formed by the connector 301.
  • Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.
  • The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
  • If the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". If the term "arrangement" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "arrangement" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system", and vice versa.
  • Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims (15)

  1. A partitioning component for a feeding bottle device (100), the feeding bottle device (100) comprising a teat component (110) and a container component (120), the teat component (110) being attachable to the container component (120) and the partitioning component (210) being configured to separate a combined volume of the teat component and container component into a teat-side volume (115) and a container-side volume (125) when the feeding bottle device (100) is assembled,
    wherein the partitioning component (210) comprises:
    a first passage (212) allowing a passage of fluid from the container-side volume (125) to the teat-side volume (115);
    a second passage (214) allowing a passage of fluid from the teat-side volume (115) to the container-side volume (125) the second passage (214) having a one-way valve; and
    a third passage (310) allowing a passage of air from the exterior of the feeding bottle device to the container-side volume,
    characterized in that an outer edge of the partitioning component lies in a plane, and the first passage comprises a lateral opening that extends at an angle to the plane in the range 45 to 90 degrees.
  2. The partitioning component of claim 1, wherein the lateral opening extends at an angle to the plane in the range 60 to 90 degrees, for example 70 to 90 degrees, for example 70 to 85 degrees.
  3. The partitioning component of claim 1 or 2, wherein the partitioning component comprises a bulge (340) extending outwardly from a base of the partitioning component towards the teat-side volume, wherein the lateral opening is formed at least partly in the bulge.
  4. The partitioning component of claim 3, wherein the lateral opening extends between an extended part of the bulge and the base.
  5. The partitioning component of claim 4, wherein the bulge comprises a ramp surface, and the lateral opening extends between an end of the ramp surface and the base.
  6. The partitioning component of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first passage (212) and the third passage (310) each comprise an opening.
  7. The partitioning component of any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a guide channel (216) extending from the second passage (214) towards the container-side volume.
  8. The partitioning component of claim 7, wherein the one-way valve opens outwardly from the guide channel (216).
  9. The partitioning component of claim 7 or 8, wherein the third passage (310) is between the second passage and a nearest edge of the partitioning component.
  10. The partitioning component of one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the guide channel comprises an orientation indicator (150, 216) configured to be visually noticeable when the feeding bottle device (100) is assembled.
  11. The partitioning component of claim 10, wherein the second passage (214) is arranged closer to the orientation indicator (150, 216) than the first passage (212).
  12. The partitioning component of any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a main body portion and a coupling portion for connecting to the main body portion, wherein the guide channel is defined by the coupling portion,
    wherein the one-way valve of the second passage comprises:
    one of a valve seat portion and a flexible valve flap portion formed by the main body portion; and
    the other of the valve seat portion and the flexible valve flap portion formed by the coupling portion.
  13. The partitioning component of claim 12, wherein the main body portion comprises a connector facing the container-side volume, and the coupling portion comprises an arm part (302) that fits to the connector, wherein the valve flap potion seats against the valve seat portion when the arm part (302) is fitted to the connector (301), and the valve flap portion (304) is flexible away from the valve seat portion in response to higher pressure in the teat-side volume than the container-side volume.
  14. A feeding bottle device comprising:
    a teat component (110);
    a container component; and
    a partitioning component (210) according to any of claims 1 to 13,
    wherein the teat component (110), the container component (120) and the partitioning component (210) are attachable to each other along a contact area.
  15. The feeding bottle device of claim 14, further comprising at least one air vent valve (140) for allowing the passage of air from outside the feeding bottle device (100) to the third passage.
EP24185076.7A 2024-06-27 2024-06-27 PARTITIONING COMPONENT FOR A SUCTION BOTTLE DEVICE AND SUCTION BOTTLE DEVICE Pending EP4670700A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP24185076.7A EP4670700A1 (en) 2024-06-27 2024-06-27 PARTITIONING COMPONENT FOR A SUCTION BOTTLE DEVICE AND SUCTION BOTTLE DEVICE
PCT/EP2025/067001 WO2026002735A1 (en) 2024-06-27 2025-06-18 Partitioning component for a feeding bottle device and feeding bottle device
CN202510860220.XA CN121221429A (en) 2024-06-27 2025-06-25 Separator for baby bottle assembly and baby bottle assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP24185076.7A EP4670700A1 (en) 2024-06-27 2024-06-27 PARTITIONING COMPONENT FOR A SUCTION BOTTLE DEVICE AND SUCTION BOTTLE DEVICE

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4670700A1 true EP4670700A1 (en) 2025-12-31

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EP24185076.7A Pending EP4670700A1 (en) 2024-06-27 2024-06-27 PARTITIONING COMPONENT FOR A SUCTION BOTTLE DEVICE AND SUCTION BOTTLE DEVICE

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EP (1) EP4670700A1 (en)
CN (1) CN121221429A (en)
WO (1) WO2026002735A1 (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR101894739B1 (en) * 2016-12-21 2018-09-04 박상규 Baby bottle
WO2018162366A1 (en) 2017-03-09 2018-09-13 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Partitioning component for a feeding bottle device and feeding bottle device

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR101894739B1 (en) * 2016-12-21 2018-09-04 박상규 Baby bottle
WO2018162366A1 (en) 2017-03-09 2018-09-13 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Partitioning component for a feeding bottle device and feeding bottle device

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CN121221429A (en) 2025-12-30
WO2026002735A1 (en) 2026-01-02

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