US2093130A

US2093130A - Venting valve system for nipples

Info

Publication number: US2093130A
Application number: US712424A
Authority: US
Inventors: Yervant H Kurkjian
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1934-02-21
Filing date: 1934-02-21
Publication date: 1937-09-14
Anticipated expiration: 1954-09-14

Description

Sept 14, 1937. Y. H. KURKJIAN VENTING VALVE SYSTEM FOR NIPPLES Filed Feb. 2l, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Sept 14, 1937. Y. H. KURKJIAN 2,093,130

VENTING VALVE SYSTEM FOR NIPPLES Filed Feb. 21, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 @Zw M www Patented Sept. 14, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENTV OFFICE 3 Claims.

leakage of liquid from a bottle as soon as suctionis released from the nipple.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a simple and efcient nipple having vent means formed therein, the nipple being so constructed as to permit the entrance of air through the vent means into the interior of the bottle upon which the nipple is mounted and while suction is being applied `to the nipple,'and at the same time permit the vent means to automatically close as soon as suction is released from the nipple.

A still further object of this invention is the provision of a simple and eiicient nipple which may be inverted to extend into the nursing bottle when not in use, the nipple being associated with means for facilitating the sealing of the open end of the bottle and provide a sanitary protection of the nipple.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent throughout the following specification and claims.

In the drawings- Figure 1 is a side elevation partly in section of the improved nipple;

Figure 2 is a section taken on line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of the nipple showing the manner in which the same is secured upon a bottle in conjunction with the securing cap;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view of a modied form of the invention illustrating the manner in which the nipple is mounted upon a widemouthed bottle and also showing the retaining cap associated with the nipple and bottle;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the nipple shown in Figure 4, a certain portion thereof being shown in section;

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view through a further modified form of the nipple showing the nipple in position upon a wide-mouthed bottle and illustrating the retaining cap or securing cap in position;

(el. 12s- 252) Figure 7 is a vertical section through the open end of a bottle showing the nipple sealing disc and securing cap in position for holding the nipple in a sanitary sealed position within the outer end of the bottle when the nipple is not 5 in use;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the sealing disc;

Figure 9 is a vertical sectional view through the open end of a wide-mouthed bottle illustrat- 10 ing a modified type of sealing disc or plug which may be used in conjunction with the nipple;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the sealing plug or disc illustrated in Figure 9; and

Figure 11 is a side elevation partly in section 15 of a further modified form of the nipple.

By referring to the drawings, it will be seen that I designates the bottle which is preferably of the wide-mouthed type, having the usual threaded portion formed at its outer end, as illustrated. A threaded cap 2 is adapted to be threaded upon the threaded neck of the bottle I, as shown in Figure 3, and this cap 2 is provided with a centrally located aperture 2a, the aperture 2a being surrounded by means of an up- 25 standing annular flange 2b.

In conjunction with this threaded cap 2, I provide a specially constructed nipple 3 which nipple 3 is provided with an outwardly extending annular flange 4 which flange 4 is provided with a 30 thickened outer edge or periphery 4a, the flange being normally at upon its upper face 4b, upon which upper face 4b is arranged an annular bead 4c, which bead is connected to the upper face 4b by means of a restricted neck portion 4d, as 35 shown in Figure 1. The annular bead 4c is preferably located at a point intermediate the inner and outer edges of the ange 4, as shown in Figure 1. 'I'he under face of the ange 4 is provided with a circumferentially extending annular con- 40 cave channel 4e to provide a relatively thin portion 4f at a point between the neck portion of the nipple and the annular bead 4c to increase the flexibility of the ange 4 at this point. 'I'he nipple 3 is provided with a thickened heel portion 45 5 at the junction of the ange 4 with the neck of the nipple, as shown in Figure 1 to efllciently reinforce the nipple at this point and provide means for decreasing the possibility of the coln lapsing of the nipple. 'I'he ange 4 is provided 60 with a series of vents 6 preferably of small dimension at properly spaced distances, and arranged circumferentially between the bead 4c and the outer thickened portion 4a of the flange 4. Additional vent openings 'l may also be formed 55 in the neck of the nipple 3 at a point which would normally be located below the upper edge of the annular flange 2b of the retaining cap 2, the inner wall 2c ofthe fiange 2b normally fitting snugly `against the side wall of the neck 3 of the nipple to close thevents 1. When a partial vacuum is created in the bottle by suction, external air pressure will cause walls of the nipple to collapse and iiex inwardly and downwardly away from the upper edge and inner face of the iiange 2b to uncover the vents 1 and permit entrance of air into the nipple and if sufficient vacuum is 'created collapsing of the nipple will continue until the bead lo exes away from the inner face 2d of the retaining cap 2 thereby permitting the entrance of air through the vents 5. After sunlcient air has entered the bottle through the vents the nipple will expand and return to its extended condition.

It should be understood that the body of the nipple, as well as the flange, is preferably formed of rubber or other similar elastic or resilient material.

By carefully considering Figure 3, it will be seen that when the nipple is attached to the bottle the retaining cap 2 is placed in the position shown in Figure 3, the thickened portion la of the flange 4 will be firmly clamped between the inner facev 2d of the cap 2 and the upper end l of the bottle I, thereby firmly holding the flange against accidental displacement. The upper edge of the bead lc which is preferably circular in cross-section will normally contact with the under face 2d of the cap 2 and because of the resilient nature of the flange l and the resilient nature of the nipple 3, this annular bead 4c will be firmly held in contact with the inner face 2d of the cap 2 until a suilicient suction or vacuum is created in the bottle to permit external air pressure to cause the bead 4c to flex away from the c ap 2, and the neck of the nipple 3 to flex away from the fiange 2b at which time air may pass between the neck of the nippleI and the flange 2b and under the cap 2 and over the bead 4c and through the vent opening 6. Air may also pass through the vent opening 1 and if desired the vent opening 'I may be eliminated without departing from the spirit of the invention. As soon as the vacuum has been relieved the parts will immediately return to their sealing position such as is shown in Figure 3, and prevent the accidental leakage of liquid through the nipple. It should be understood that the relatively thin portion 4f will constitute an efllcient means to permit the parts to properly flex and to provide a proper sealing action. The annular bead 4c will constitute an emcient valve means for controlling the now oi air into the bottle through the vent opening i.

By considering Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings which show a modified form of the invention, it will be seen that III designates the bottle which is preferably of the wide-mouth type having the usual threaded portion II at its outer end. A threaded cap I2 is adapted to be threaded upon the threaded portion II, as shown in Figure 4, and this cap I2 is preferably provided with a centrally located aperture I3 around which extends a tapering annular ange I4, also shown in Figure 4.

In conjunction with the bottle III and the cap I2, I employ a specially constructed nipple I5 which is provided with an annular flange I6 around its inner end, the nipple I5 having at its junction with the ange I5 a thickened stock or heel portion I1 which is adapted to normally extend slightly below the outer edge IB of the flange I6, as shown clearly in Figure 4. This thickened stock or heel portion I1 will constitute an eflicient reinforcing means for the nipple at its inner endv and at its point of junction with the flange I5 and will tend to prevent the collapsing of the nipple or the falling of the nipple I5 into the interior of the bottle I0. The flange I6 preferably tapers from the thickened heel portion I1 of the nipple toward its outer edge Il, as shown in Figure 4, and the flange I5 is preferably arranged to normally extend in transverse section in concavoconvex formation, as shown in Figure 4. This position of the flange I6 will normally force the upper face I9 of the flange I6 into contact with the lower face 20 of the cap I2, at a point substantially its circumferential center and a plurality of vent openings 2| are formed through the flange I5 intermediate the outer and -inner edges of the flange, and at a point to cause the vent openings 2l to be normally closed when the flange I6 contacts with the under face 20 of the cap I2. Additional vent openings 22 may also be formed in the side walls of the nipple I5, as shown in Figure 4, at a point within the height of the flange I4 so as to cause the vent openings 22 to normally remain close by the inner face of the flange I4 when the side walls of the nipple I5 contact with` away from the flange I4 and the flange IB to fiex away from the cap I2 to the position shown in dotted lines in Figure 4, thereby permitting the entrance of air in between the flange I4 and the neck of the nipple I5 whereupon the air will pass through the vents 2| and 22 in the direction indicated by the arrow and permit an even flow of milk or other liquid through the nipple I5. As soon as sufiicient air has entered the bottle, the resilient nature of the body of the nipple will cause the iiange I6 to immediately contact with the under face 20 of the cap I2 at apoint adjacent the vent openings 2I thereby sealing these openings and the neck of the nipple I5 will also immediately contact with the inner face of the iiange Ill thereby sealing the vent openings 22 and prevent the accidental iiow of liquid out through the sucking opening 23 formed in the outer end of the nipple I5. As shown in Figure 4, only the outer edge of the flange Ii rests upon the outer edge 24 of the bottle I0 and this will constitute an efficient means for holding the nipple ange in position in conjunction with the cap I2 and at the same time permit the flange I6 to properly flex inwardly to permit the entrance of air and to immediately return to a sealing position as soon as the infant using the nipple discontinues the sucking upon the nipple or releases the suction from the nipple.

- It will, therefore, be seen that a very simple and efficient automatic valve controlling means has been provided formed directly within the nipple itself for permitting an even flow of liquid out through the nipple when the nipple is in use and at the same time immediately seal the vent openings when suction is released from the nipple to prevent accidental leakage lor flow of liquid from the nipple.

Figure 4 illustrates the structure above described in an exaggerated manner, in order to clearly bring out the arc-shaped formation of the flange in cross-section which greatly facilitates the forcing of the flange adjacent the vent openings in sealing contact with the under face of the cap I2.

In Figure 6, I have shown another modified form of the invention wherein the bottle is indicated by the numeral 25 and is provided with the usual threaded end 26 upon which fits a threaded cap 21, the threaded cap having a centrally located aperture 28 through which the neck 29 of i the nipple extends. In this form of the invention,

the nipple 30 is provided with the laterally extending annular flange 3|, the edge of the flange being adapted to be firmly clamped between the under face of the cap 21 and the upper or outer edge of the bottle 25. The flange 3| is provided with a plurality of vent openings 32 which are arranged in any suitable or desired number,

- through the ilange 3| preferably at a point intermediate the inner and outer marginal edges of the flange 3|. The flange 3| is adapted to normally lie flat in contact with the under face of the cap 21 and the aperture 28 in the cap 21 is 25 of suillcient size to permit air to pass between the neck 29 of the nipple 30 and the side wall of the aperture 28 when the flange 3| is flexed inwardly by external air pressure when a partial vacuum is formed in the bottle. As an infant 30 sucks upon the nipple 30, and air is drawn out of the bottle to form a partial vacuum therein the external air pressure will cause the flange 3| to flex inwardly and pull the flange 3| slightly away from the cap 21 and thereby permit the passage of air through the aperture 28 under the cap 21 and through the vent openings 32 formed in the flange 3| into the bottle. As soon as sufilcient air has entered the bottle, the flange 3| will immediately snap back to a sealing position in contact with the under face of the cap 21 and close the vent openings 32 against the entrance of air and thereby prevent the flow of liquid out through the nipple.

In conjunction with the nipple, I may also employ a sealing disc 32 which may be used when carrying a nursing bottle filled with liquid to be used at -a later time. In this event, the nipple 3|)A may be inverted to the position shown in Figure '1, and the sealing disc 32 may be placed over the flange 3| so as to completely cover the same. 'I'he disc 32 is preferably provided with a circular lug 33 which is adapted to snugly fit within the aperture 28 of the cap 21 and normally lie flush with the outer face of the cap thereby completely sealing the outer end of the bottle and protecting the nipple in a completely sanitary manner. This disc 32 will constitute an eflicient sealing means in conjunction with the threaded 'cap 21, as shown in Figure 7.

As shown in Figures 9 and l0, I may employ a modified form of a sealing member 34,` In using this sealing member 34, the nipple i's inverted within the bottle so as to have the flange 3| overhang the outer end of the bottle and the threaded cap 21 is threaded in positionito clamp the nipple upon the end of the bottle in an inverted position. The sealing member 34 is then placed upon the cap 21, and this sealing `member 34 comprises preferably a circular disc completely covering the outer end of the cap 21. This disc is indicated by the numeral 35 and is provided with a tapering plug 3B which is adapted to extend through the aperture 28 of the cap 21 and into the neck 23 of the nipple 30. The re- 5 siliency of the nipple will assist in holding the plug 36 in a firmly clamped position. .VA knob 31 is carried by the outer face of the disc 35 for facilitating the handling of the sealing member 34, that is to say, the placing of the sealing mem- 43, adjacent the inner end of lthenipple adjoining the flange 4| and this thickened portion pro# jects slightly below the lower face of the flange 4| to provide-a thickened reinforcing annular bead 44. t

It should also be understood that certain detail changes in the construction may be employed without departing from'the spirit of the inven- Y tion, so long as such changes fall within the scope of the appen-ded claims.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new is:- l

1. In combination with a bottle having an open outer end, a removable retaining cap having an annular bead overhanging the outer end of the bottle, a nipple having a laterally extending retaining flange adapted to be clamped between the bead of the cap and the mouth of the bottle, the flange being of flexible elastic material and having vent openings formed therein normally closed at their outer ends by the bead, and said nipple being thickened adjacent its lower end, the thickened portion projecting slightly below the lower end of the nipple to provide a reinforcing annular bead.

2. In combination with a bottle having an open outer end, a cap removably connected with the open end of the bottle, an elastic nipple having a laterally extending flange adapted to be clamped between the cap and the bottle, the flange having vent openings formed therein normally covered at their outer ends by the cap and the body portion of the nipple extending outwardly through the retaining cap.

3. In combination with a flexible nipple having a flexible laterally extending portion, the flexible laterally extending portion being relatively thin at a point adjacent the neck portion to facilitate the flexing of the laterally extending portion, said laterally extending portion having vents formed therethrough, the vents being located beyond the relatively thin portion, a rigid cap having an inwardly extending overhanging flange adapted to contact with said laterally extending portion of the nipple and to bind said laterally extending portion upon the neck of a bottle, the laterally extending portion of the nipple within which the Ventilating apertures are formed being free to flex away from the flange of said cap whereby external atmospheric pressure will force said laterally extending portion out of contact with the underface of said flange when a vacuum is created below the flange to permit the entrance of air through the Ventilating apertures.

-4. 'I'he combination with a bottle having an open outer end, a rigid cap fitted upon the outer end of said bottle and having an inwardly exvide a thin portion at a point near said neck to facilitate the iiexing of said laterally extending portion, said laterally extending portion having venting apertures formed therein and located between the outer end of the bottle and the thin portion of the laterally extending portion oi' the nipple whereby the laterally extending portion of the nipple surrounding the venting apertures will normally contact with the under face of said cap, the laterally extending portion of the nipple being adapted to iiex away from the under face of the flange of the said cap when a vacuum is created withinA the bottle caused by sucking upon the nipple, the laterally extending flexible l5 portion of the nipple being movable away from the under face of the flange ot the cap by external atmospheric pressure upon the ilexible nipple to permit the entrance oi' air through the venting apertures and into the, bottle, said fiexible portion being adapted to automatically contact with the underiace of the flange of the cap when the air pressure within the bottle equalizes the external air pressure to prevent leaking of the nipple.

5. In combination with a bottle, a retaining cap removably secured to said bottle, a exible nipple extending through said cap and having an outwardly projecting elastic flange provided with a thickened portion near its outer extremity to` 80 provide a retaining means for clamping the flange in position between the cap and the end of a bottle, said ange having vent openings therein, and an annular sealing bead carried by and rising from said flange between the vent openings and 85 the nipple adapted to move into and out of contact with the under face of said cap and constitute a barrier for normally preventing passage of air through said vent openings but movable away from the cap as the internal air pressure is varied relative to the external air pressure, thereby permitting the entrance of external air between said nipple and cap under the cap and through the vent openings into said bottle.

6. In combination with a bottle, a retaining cap removably and adjustably secured to said bottle, a iiexible nipple of elastic material extending" through said cap, said iiexible nipple having a body and an outwardly projecting flange about the base of the body provided with a thickened portion near its outer margin to provide a retaining means for clamping the ilange in position between the cap and the end of a bottle, said flange having vent openings therein, an annular upstanding sealing bead carried by said ange intermediate the vent openings and inner margin of the flange adaptedV to move into and out of contact with the under face of said cap and when in engagement with the cap constituting a barrier for preventing inward passage of air through said vent openings, said bead having a narrow neck portion at the point of junction with said iiange, and said flange being reduced in thickness adjacent said sealing bead to facilitate the exing of the flange and the movement of the bead away from said cap as the internal air pressurelis varied relative to the external air pressure thereby permitting the entrance of external air pressure between the nipple and cap under the cap and through the vent openings into said bottle.

'1. The combination with a securing cap adapted to secure a flexible nipple to the neck o'i a wide-mouthed bottle, of a nipple having a neck and a laterally extending ange formed of iiexible elastic material, the flange having minute ventilating apertures arranged in lateral spaced relation with respect to said neck, said cap having an aperture through which said neck of the nipple extends, the Ventilating apertures in the said ange being arranged in spaced relation in a radius greater than the radius of the aperture formed in the cap, the aperture formed ein the cap being of greater diameter than the diameter of the neck of the nipple whereby Athe nipple may be passed through the cap, said flange engaging the under face of said cap and normally contacting therewith to seal said Ventilating apertures and being adapted to iiex away from` said cap through the medium of the external air pressure when a vacuum is created within a bottle to which the nipple is attached to permit the inrush of air through said apertures and also cause the flange to immediately and automatically return to a sealing position as soon as suction is released from the nipple, said flange having a bead formed thereon adapted to engage the cap to control the passage of air through said Ventilating apertures, said cap having means for receiving the flange,A and the iiange being adapted to be clamped into position between said cap and the end of the bottle.

8. In combination 'with a bottle, a cap adapted to be removably secured upon the outer end of the bottle, a flexible nipple oi.' material having a neck portion and a laterally extending annular flange, the flange being adapted to be clamped between the cap and the end of the bottle for holding the nipple in position, the cap having a. central aperture, the cap also having an outwardly extending annular ilange extending around the aperture formed in the cap, the neck portion of said nipple having vents formed therein, the neck of the nipple being normally disposed in close contacting engagement with the inner face oi said flange whereby the flange serves` for normally closing said vents, other vents being formed in said flange of the nipple and normally closed at their outer ends by engagement of the outer face oi' the nipple flange with the inner face of the cap, the neck and flange of the nipple being adapted to flex away from the outwardly extending annular ange and the cap through the medium of external air pressure when a vacuum is built up within the bottle whereby external air pressure will pass between the neck of the nipple and inner face of the flange of said cap, under said flange, through said vents and into said bottle.

YERVANT H. KURKJIAN.