US3334764A

US3334764A - Infant nurser

Info

Publication number: US3334764A
Application number: US595290A
Authority: US
Inventors: John P Fouser
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1966-10-25
Filing date: 1966-10-25
Publication date: 1967-08-08
Anticipated expiration: 1984-08-08

Description

Aug. 8, 1967 1 FOUSER 3,334,754

INFANT NURSER Filed Oct. 25, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. JOHN R FOUSER FIE--5 BY 7. 5%:

ATTORNEYS g- 3, 1967 J. P. FOUSER 3,334,764

INFANT NURSER Filed Oct, 25, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I E INVENTOR. F 1 5 JOHN P. FOUS/fl? M72174 k M United States Patent 3,334,764 INFANT NURSER John P. Fouser, 287 Juanita Way, San Francisco, Calif. 94127 Filed Oct. 25, 1966, Ser. No. 595,290 13 Claims. (Cl. 215-11) This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application entitled, Infant Nurser, Ser. No. 422,980, filed Jan. 4, 1965, now abandoned.

The present invention relates to an improved fluid dispensing device, and more particularly is directed to such a device ideally suited for infant nursing. The invention is also directed to a method for packaging fluid foodstuffs. The invention is especially concerned with a dispensing arrangement for use in combination with a bottle to pro vide for the hermetic sealing of the bottle and the selective opening of the bottle and the dispensing of its contents through a soft nipple.

In the prior art, various arrangements have been provided to nurse infants with artificial devices simulating, to some extent, a mothers breast. The most typical of these devices simply take the form of a rigid bottle having a nipple secured over the open end thereof. These devices are generally of the re-usable type and require cleaning and refilling prior to each use. In these devices there is generally no provision to avoid the creation of a vacuum Within the bottle as fluid is drawn therefrom by an infant. The absence of such provision is particularly detrimental, since the vacuum impedes the free flow of contents from the bottle and results in flatulence and the eX- cessive ingestion of air by the infant.

In an effort to avoid the shortcomings of conventional nursing bottles, such as that described above, various types of dispensing devices have been developed. These devices provide various arrangements to eliminate the creation of a vacuum therein during nursing and also, in many cases, provide dispensable, pre packaged unit which alleviate the need for cleaning and re-filling. The vacuum problem in these devices is alleviated simply by providing for venting or collapsing of the fluid container during nursing. Pre-packaging is generally accomplished through the utilization of relatively conventional can, bottle or bag type containers provided with nipples which may be selectively opened to the contents of the containers. Where soft pre-packaged containers with nipples are used, the deformation of the container during sterilization presents an acute and obvious disadvantage.

Although the above efforts have had limited success, they have not yet proved commercially acceptable. Lack of commercial acceptance has resulted from many factors, such as: expense; inconvenience of use; unsightliness; and failure to adequately simulate breast feeding.

It is, accordingly, a principal object of this invention to provide a nursing unit which avoids the disadvantage of conventional devices and, at the same time, is commercially acceptable.

Another and more specific object of the invention is to provide a hermetically sealed, pre-filled nursing unit which is completely self-contained and has incorporated thereinto opening means.

Still another object of the invention is to provide such a unit having a soft, pre-lperforated nipple closely simulating that of a mothers breast.

A further object of the invention, related to the latter object, is to provide such a unit which may be heat sterilized with its contents prior to application of the nipple, thus permitting the use of soft nipple material which need not be highly heat resistant.

With respect to the latter object, it is another object of the invention to provide a method of packaging a fluid foodstufl" in a collapsible sterilizable container provided with a soft perforate nipple.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fluid container which is well adapted to be filled by commercial filling machines.

Yet another and more general object of the invention is to provide a dispensing device for fluid foodstuffs which is unbreakable, shatterproof, non-toxic and impermeable.

Basically, the dispensing device of the invention comprises a pair of shells secured together to define a container, one of which shells has an opening therein through which the container may be filled. The shells are of such relative flexibilities that one will collapse into the other when fluid is withdrawn from the container. In the assembled condition, a cap closes the opening to hermetically seal the container and a soft hollow perforate nipple is secured to the container over the cap. The basic device is completed by an opener confined in its entirety in the nipple, which opener, upon compression of the nipple thereagainst, is adapted to establish fluid communication between the interior of the container and the interior of the nipple.

The packaging method of the invention may be broadly defined as: forming a container of two shells capable of withstanding sterilization temperatures without deformation, one of which shells has a fill opening therein and the other of which shells is adapted to collapse into said one shell upon the withdrawal of fluid from said container; filling the container with a fluid foodstuff through the fill opening; sealing the fill opening with a rupturable element; subjecting the container to sterilization temperatures; and, sealingly securing a soft hollow perforate nipple over said rupturable element. In its more specific aspects, the method includes incorporating an element into the nipple capable of rupturing said rupturable element upon compression of said nipple.

The foregoing objects, the details of the inventive method, and the improved dispensing arrangement of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the invention dispensing device in its entirety;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view, in section, of the FIG. 1 device in the assembled condition;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken on plane 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, partially in section, illustrating the device of FIGS. 1-3 having a modified opener incorporated thereinto;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of yet another alternative opener adapted to be incorporated into the device of FIGS. l-3;

FIG. 6 is a partial elevational view illustrating an embodiment of the inventive dispensing device differing slightly from that shown in FIGS. 1-3 in its neck construction and incorporating a modified seal and opener construction;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken on plane 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partial elevational view, in section, of another embodiment of the inventive dispensing device differing slightly from both the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 and the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 in its neck construction and incorporating yet another modified seal and opener construction;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken on plane 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a partial elevational view, in section, of the embodiment of the inventive dispensing device illustrated in FIG. 8 incorporating still another modified seal and opener construction;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken on plane 11-11 of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a partial elevational view, in section, of the embodiment of the inventive dispensing device illustrated in FIG. 8 incorporating still another modified seal and opener construction;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken on plane 13-13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a partial elevational view, in section, of the embodiment of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 8 incorporating still another modified seal and opener construction; and I FIG. is a sectional view taken on plane 15-15 of FIG. 14.

Referring now in detail to the embodiment of the dispensing device illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the container or bottle therein is designated in its entirety by .the numeral 10 and comprises shell elements 11 and 12 sealingly secured together by

flanges

13 and 14, respectively, thereon. The shell element 11 is completely closed, except for the open side thereof formed with the flange 13. The shell element 12 has an aperture 15 in the end thereof opposite the side formed with the flange 15. Thus, when the shell elements 11 and 12 are secured together, they define a container having only one aperture 15 opening thereinto. Through this aperture, as will become apparent subsequently, fluid can be both introduced into and exhausted from the container 10.

The shell elements 11 and 12 are of such relative flexibilities that the element 11 is adapted to collapse into the element 12, as illustrated in phantom lines in FIG. 2, when fluid is withdrawn from the container 10. Specfically, the element 11 is very flexible so that it will readily collapse upon the creation of a vacuum within the container, whereas the element 12 is quite rigid relative to the element 11. The materials from which the elements 11 and 12 are fabricated may take various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the element 12 may be satisfactorily fabricated of: polypropylene; polyallomer; steel foil; aluminum; or coated paperboard. Examples of the material from which the element 11 may be formed are: polypropylene; polyallomer; coated aluminum foil; and nylon poly laminate. Depending on the materials used, various techniques may be employed for joining the

flanges

13 and 14 in sealed relationship. For example, Where one or both of the elements 11 and 12 are fabricated of a thermoplastic material, joining may be accomplished by employing sealing techniques of the following types: heat, thermo impulse, radio frequency, or ultrasonic. Where the elements 11 and 12 are fabricated of very thin thermoplastic material, the utilization of techniques, such as ultrasonics, subjecting the elements to a minimum of heat has the advantage that flow of the material and weakening of the juncture is avoided. Spin welding may also be advantageously employed where the elements are formed of thermoplastic material.

Once, the container 10 has been formed and filled with fluid through the aperture 15, the aperture is closed by 'a disc or cap 16 sealingly secured thereto. The disc 16, for reasons which will become apparent subsequently, is preferably fabricated of a thin sheet of readily rupturable material such as: nylon, Mylar, polypropylene, polyallomer, aluminum or steel foil, or polypropylenecoated paper. Any suitable technique may be used to sealingly secure the disc to the element 12. Where either or both of the element 12 and disc 16 are fabricated of a thermoplastic material, any of the aforementioned techniques suggested for the joining of the

flanges

13 and 14 may be used to secure the disc in place.

The structure of the container 10 is completed by a pair of

collars

17 and 18 formed on the element 12. The collar 17 is notched inwardly to provide for the securing of a soft resilient nipple 21 thereto. The collar 18 extends outwardly from the section 12 and is turned in to form a shoulder 22 to which the disc 16 is secured, which shoulder defines the periphery of the aperture 15.

The nipple 21 is formed with a hollow interior 23 having a perforation 24 in the outer end thereof. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the interior 23 is open around the entire collar 18 in the area above the disc 16. The nipple 21 is formed with an annular flange 25 extending inwardly around the interior 23, which flange lockingly and sealingly engages the collar 1 The nipple 21 is fabricated of a soft resilient material which simulates the feeling of a mothers breast and is adapted to deflect to permit the flange 25 to be engaged over the collar 17. Suitable materials from which the nipple 21 may be fabricated have been found to be: ethylene-vinyl-acetate, low density polyethylene, rubber and latex. It is noted that the portion of the nipple extending around the

collars

17 and 18 is of a greater thickness than the portion adjacent the perforation 24. This thickness is provided to reinforce the flange 25 and to avoid inadvertent puncturing of the nipple during opening of the container 10, as will become apparent subsequently.

In FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, one embodiment of an opener, designated in its entirety by the numeral 26, is shown interposed between the nipple 21 and the collar 18. This opener is of substantially semi-circular configuration and has tines 27 at the ends thereof disposed in juxtaposition to the outer surface of the collar 18. The intermediate portion of the opener is provided with a necked-down section 30 adapted to facilitate resilient deflection of the opener between the positions illustrated in solid and phantom lines in FIG. 3. The opener 26 may be fabricated of any material capable of forming tines 27 of relatively rigid character. For example, this material may take the form of: polypropylene, polycarbonate, acrylic, styrene, corrosion resistant steel, or aluminum.

Once the inventive unit is completely assembled with a fluid medium 31 sealed therein, the medium may be readily released for dispensing through the nipple 21 by applying pressure to the sides of the nipple as indicated by the arrow lines in FIG. 3. This pressure forces the tines 27 through the Wall of the collar 18 and, thus, opens the interior of the container 10 to the interior of the nipple 21. At this point it is noted that lateral pressure must be applied to the nipple in a specific direction to actuate the opener 26. Thus, the possibility that inadvertent pressure applied to the nipple will operate the opener is minimized.

FIG. 4 illustrates a unit differing from that of FIGS. l-3 only in that an opener 32 has been substituted for the opener 26. The opener 32 simply comprises an annular ring having a pair of resilient fingers 33 with tines 34 thereon in juxtaposition to the disc 16. The opener 32 may be fabricated of any material which will provide relatively rigid tines, such as the aforesuggested materials for the opener 26. The operation of the opener 32 differs from that of the opener 26 only in that it is actuated by endwise pressure applied to the nipple 21 rather than lateral pressure. Upon application of this endwise pressure, the tines 34 pierce the disc 16, thus establishing fluid communication between the interiors of the container 10 and nipple 21.

FIG. 5 illustrates yet another opener 35 adapted to be used in the unit of FIGS. 1-3 in place of the opener 26. This opener comprises a rigid annular ring having tines 36 extending to one side thereof. When installed, the opener 35 is held between the nipple 21 and the disc 16, with the tines 36 in juxtaposition to the disc. When the opener 35 is assembled into the unit, the unit is opened simply by applying endwise pressure to the nipple, thus forcing the opener 35 towards the container and piercing the disc with the tines 36. The opener 35 may be fabricated of any relatively rigid material, such as those suggested for the fabrication of the opener 26.

Referring now to the embodiment of the dispensing device illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the container or bottle therein is designated in its entirety by the numeral a. Although not illustrated, it is to be understood that the container 10:: is comprised of shell elements corresponding identically in structure and mode of operation to the shell elements 11 and 12 of the aforedescribed container 10, with the exception that the element corresponding to the element 12 is provided with a modified neck construction. The latter element in the FIG. 6 and 7 embodiment is designated by the numeral 12a.

The neck construction of the shell element 12a cornprises a collar 37 formed integrally with the element and extending radially therefrom and an annular extension 40 extending inwardly from the collar 37 to define an aperture 41 through which fluid can be introduced into and exhausted from the container 100.

Once the container 10a has been formed and filled with fluid through the aperture 41, the aperture is closed by securing a sealing element 42 thereover. The element 42 performs a function corresponding to the cap 16, but differs materially from the cap in its construction. Specifically, the element 42 is comprised of an integral cap structure comprising an annular ring 43; a sleeve 44 depending downwardly from the outer periphery of the ring 43; and a recessed portion 45 extending across the center of the ring 43. The recessed portion is bounded by a peripheral wall 45a of polygonal cross section (see FIG. 7). It is understood that the sealing element 42 may be fabricated of material corresponding to that used for the aforedescribed cap 16 and that the element may be secured to the section 12a by any of the aforedescribed techniques suggested for employment in securing the cap 16 to the section 10. When the element 42 is secured to the section 10a, the ring 43 and sleeve 44 assume juxtaposed relationship with the outer surface of the collar 37 and the recessed portion 45 depends downwardly into the aperture 41.

It is here noted that the polygonal configuration of the portion 45 ideally facilitates the element 42 for spin welding to the collar 37. This results because the multifaceted internal surface of the portion 45 may be readily gripped by a suitable spinning fixture on a spin welding apparatus. When spin welding, or any other sealing technique is employed, sealing of the element 42 to the collar 57 is effected at the interface between the extension 40 and ring 43, as designated at 46.

The opener in the FIG. 6 and 7 embodiment, designated in its entirety by the numeral 47, is supported on the sealing element 42 so as to extend, partially, into the recessed portion 45. A nipple 50, similar to the aforedescribed nipple 21, retains the opener 47 over the sealing element 42. Retention of the nipple 50 is provided by an annular groove 51 therein received over the collar 37. The nipple 50 has a perforation 52 formed in the distal end thereof and is fabricated of a material of suflicient resiliency to facilitate resilient deflection of the groove 51 over the collar 37. It is through this deflection that the nipple 50 is assembled onto the container 10a after its filling, sealing and sterilization.

The opener 47 comprises an annular base portion 53 bridged by a pair of connected tine elements 54 formed integrally therewith. The time elements 54 each include downwardly depending tine members 55 secured to the Once the opener and nipple are assembled into the condition illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, opening up the container may be effected simply by depressing the nipple 50 against the contiguous upper surface, or any part thereof, presented by the level members 57 and the central section 60. Upon thus depressing the nipple, the lever members 57 each swing about the hinged section 60 to the phantom line position illustrated in FIG. 6. As this position is assumed, the tine members 55 move laterially and rupture opposite sides of the recessed portion 45. Thus, fluid communication is established between the interior of the container 10a and the interior of the nipple 50. When the lever members 57 are depressed to the phantom line position illustrated in FIG. 6, they are locked in place by the toggle action resulting from hinging about the sections 56 and flexing about the section 60. Thus, the tine members are locked in a position extending through the openings ruptured thereby in the portion 45 of the sealing element 42.

The embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 23-15 all employ a container or bottle 10b differing from the

aforedescribed containers

10 and 10a primarily in its neck and mouth construction. The container 10b may be fabricated of any of the materials suggested for fabrication of the container 10 and comprises interconnected shell elements corresponding substantially in structure and mode of operation to the shell elements 11 and 12 of the container 10. For the .sake of simplicity, only the upper shell element, designated by the member 12b, is illustrated. This element is provided with a neck 61 terminating in an annular collar 62 extending both inwardly and outwardly therefrom. The inner periphery of the collar 62 defines an aperture 63 through which fluid may be introduced into and exhausted from the container 10b.

The containers 10b employed in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8-15 are all employed similarly to the

containers

10 and 10a in that, subsequent to filling, they are sequentially closed by sealing element secured over the aperture 63; sterilized; provided with an opener adapted to effect selective opening of the sealing element; and provided with a nipple secured over the sealing element. As it will become more apparent subsequently, the sealing elements and openers employed in the various embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 8-15 diflfer in structure and mode of operation. The nipples provided on these various embodiments, however, correspond identically. These nipples are designated by the numeral 64 and each comprise: a resilient body member having a perforate distal end (not illustrated), and, an internally formed annular groove 65 adapted to be resiliently deflected over the collar 62 to eflfect gripping thereof.

Referring now specifically to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the sealing element is designated therein in its entirety by the numeral 66. The element 66 comprises an imperforate disc defined by: an annular portion 67 mating in sealed engagement with the collar 62, a raised collar 70 extending upwardly from the annular portion; and, a centrally disposed portion 71 disposed over the collar. The element 66 may be fabricated of any annular base portion 53 by hinged sections 56 and lever members 57 extending upwardly from the hinged sections. The lever members 57 are flexibly connected by central section 60. The opener 47 may be fabricated of any material capable of forming sharp tine members while providing flexibility at the hinged sections 56' and central section 60. These materials may correspond to those suggested in the foregoing description for the fabrication of the opener 26.

The opener 47 of the FIG. 6 and 7 embodiment is inserted into the illustrated position after sealing and sterilization of the container 10a and immediately prior to or simultaneous with the mounting of the nipple 50.

of the materials suggested for the element 16 and similarly sealed in place against the collar 62. In FIG. 8, the numeral 72 designates a sealed annular area between the collar 62 and the annular portion 67.

The opener for the FIG. 8 and 9 embodiment, designated by the numeral 73, is of generally rectangular configuration and surrounds the collar 70. The opener comprises: end elements 74 having centrally disposed tines juxtaposed to opposite sides of the collar side elements 76 interconnecting the end elements 74 and having therein centrally disposed necked-down sections 77; and, press elements 80 disposed on and extending upwardly from the end elements 74. The opener 73 may be fabricated of any material capable of forming tines 75 of relatively rigid characteristics. For example, this material may take the form of any of the materials suggested for the opener 26.

7 In operation of the FIG. 8 and 9 embodiments, to effect opening of the container 10b, it is merely necessary to depress the nipple 64 laterally against the press elements 80. This action functions to force the tines 75 through opposite sides of the collar 70 and, thus, fluid communication is established between the interior of the container 10b and the nipple 64. The operation of the opener 73 in this manner is facilitated by the necked-down sections 77 which permit flexing of the side elements 76 upon the application of inward force to the end element 74 through the press elements 80.

The seal element in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 is designated, in its entirely, by the numeral 81. This element is imperforate and comprises: an annular portion 67 mating in sealed engagement with the collar 62; an annular rib 83 having laterally disposed surfaces extending upwardly from and around the inner edge of the portion 82; and, a centrally disposed portion 84 disposed within the confines of the annular rib 83. The materials from which the element 81 is formed and the techniques employed to effect its sealing to the collar 62 may correspond to those suggested for the element 66. The numeral 85 designates an annular seal area between the collar 62 and element 81.

The opener employed with the embodiment of FIG. 10 and 11, designated by the numeral 86, extends completely around the annular rib 83 and comprises: end elements 90 having tines 91 disposed in juxtaposition to opposite sides of the rib 83; flexible side elements 92 interconnecting the end elements 90; and, press elements 93 extending upwardly from the end elements. The side elements are each of elongated configuration with necked-down central and end portions to enhance their flexibility. Preferably, the entire opener 86 is integrally formed of a material of the type suggested for the opener 73.

The operation of the FIG. 10 and 11 embodiment corresponds very closely to that of the FIG. 8 and 9 embodiment. Specifically, to effect opening of the container 10b in the FIG. 10 and 11 embodiment, it is merely necessary to depress the nipple 64 laterally against the press elements 93. This functions to force the tines 91 through the side walls of the rib 83 and, thus, establishes fluid communication between opposite sides of the seal element 81. Depending upon the length of the tines 91, and the force applied thereto through the press elements 93, either one or both of the upstanding walls of the rib 83 may be ruptured. During rupturing movement by the tines, the side elements 92, naturally, flex.

Referring now to the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, the sealing element therein is designated in its entirety by the numeral 94. This element comprises: an annular portion 95 disposed and sealed in mating engagement with the collar 62; a downwardly depending collar 96 of polygonal cross section depending downwardly from the portion 95; and, a centrally disposed portion 97 extending across the collar 96 to define therewith a recess of generally dish-shaped configuration. As viewed in FIG. 12, the

collar 96 converges upwardly to define a necked-down section 100 at the point where it merges into the annular portion 95. The sealing element 95 is impermeable to fluid flow and is sealed to the collar 62 at an area 101 extending therearound. The element 94 may be fabricated of any of the aforementioned materials suggested for the disc or cap 16 and similarly sealed in place.

Opener of the FIG. 12 and 13 embodiment, designated by the numeral 102, comprises a disc 103 having perforations 104 extending therethrough and elongated cruciform arranged tines depending downwardly therefrom. The disc 103 has a diameter slightly greater than that of the necked-down section 100, and, thus, upon being forced downwardly to the phantom line position illustrated in FIG. 12, snaps to a locked condition beneath the section 100. This snapping action is facilitated by a slight resilient deflection of the disc 103 and/ or the element 94. The tines 105 are centrally secured to the underside of the disc 103 for outward hinging movement relative thereto. Thus, when the disc 103 is depressed to the phantom line position, the tines move downwardly and laterally through the collar 96 to effect its rupturing. During this rupturing, it is also likely that some rupturing of the centrally disposed portion 96 will be affected. The opener 102 is, prefer-ably, integrally formed of materials such as those suggested for the opener 26.

In operation of the FIG. 12 and 13 embodiment, opening of the container 10b is eflected in the aforedescribed manner simply by depressing the opener 102 to the phantom line position shown. On this occurrence, the sealing element 92 is ruptured and fluid communication is estab lished between the interiors of the container and nipple. This communication is enhanced by the perforations 104 and the disc 103 which permit fluid flow therethrough.

Referring now to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the sealing element is designated therein in its entirety by the numeral 106. This element comprises: annular portion 107 sealed in mating engagement with the collar 62; a collar 110 depending downwardly from the portion 107; and, a centrally disposed portion 111 extending across the collar 110 to define therewith a dish-shaped recess of truncated conical configuration. The element 106 is integrally formed of an impermeable material such as that suggested for the cap 16 and similarly secured in place to the collar 62. The numeral 112 designates an annular seal area between the portion 107 of the element and the collar 62.

The opener of the FIG. 14 and 15 embodiment is des ignated by the numeral 113 and comprises: oppositely disposed pairs of tine elements 114 each hingedly interconnected by resilient section 115 disposed therebetween; diverging arms 116 fixed to and extending rearwardly from each of the tine elements. 114; and, press elements 117 secured to the distal ends of the arms 116 by hinged connections 120. Preferably, the opener 113 is integrally formed of material such as those suggested for the opener 26.

In operation of the FIG. 14 and 15 embodiment, opening of the container 10b is effected simply by depressing the nipple 64 laterally against the press elements 117. Upon thus depressing the elements 117, the arms 116 pivot about the connections 120 and the time elements flex about the sections 115 and move outwardly and laterally, thus rupturing the collar 110 and establishing fluid communication therethrough. The manner in which the opener 110 moved to effect rupturing is illustrated by the phantom line representation in FIG. 15.

The aforedescribed units all have the advantage that the containers included therein may be formed, filled, sealed and sterilized prior to the application of the openers and nipples thereto. Thus, the nipple may be fabricated of a soft material which is not required to be highly heat resistant.

To conclude, from the foregoing description it is believed apparent that the present invention enables the accomplishment of the objects initially set forth herein. In particular, an improved unit is provided for pre-packinging fluid foodstufls for direct dispensing therefrom. This unit is ideally suited for fabrication from modern thermoplastic materials by conventional techniques, such as, vacuum or injection molding. It is also anticipated that the unit may be further packaged or coated prior to distribution to enhance its protective characteristics. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the details of the specific em bodiments illustrated and described, but rather is defined by the following claims. What is claimed is: 1. A fluid dispensing device comprising: (a) an imperforate first shell; (b) a second shell secured to said first shell so as to define therewith a container adapted to hold fluid, said second shell having an aperture therein opposite 9 the portion thereof secured to said first shell through which, when open, fluid may be introduced into said container;

(c) a cap secured to said second shell over the aperture therein to normally close said aperture and hermetically seal said container;

(d) a soft hollow perforate nipple sealingly secured to said second shell over the aperture therein;

(e) an opener confined in the entirety thereof in said nipple, said opener comprising a substantially rigid element held between said nipple and said second shell and having flexibly secured thereto at least one finger with a tine in juxtaposition to said cap, said finger being adapted, upon compression of said nipple thereagainst, to deflect relative to said element to permit said tine to pierce said cap to establish fluid communication Ibetween the interior of said container and the interior of said nipple; and wherein,

(if) said first and second shells are of such relative flexibilities that said first shell will collapse into said second shell when fluid is withdrawn from said container.

2. An improved dispensing arrangement for use in combination with a bottle, comprising:

(a) a rupturable element disposed at one end of said -bottle isolating the interior and exterior thereof;

(b) a soft hollow perforate nipple sealingly secured to said bottle over said element; and,

.(c) an opener confined in the entiretyt-hereof in said nipple, said opener comprising a substantially rigid element held between said nipple and said bottle and having flexibly secured thereto a finger with a tine in juxtaposition to said rupturable element, said finger being adapted, upon compression of said nipple thereagainst, to deflect relative to said rigid element to permit said tine to pierce said rupturable element.

3. A method of packaging fluid foodstuifs, comprising:

(a) forming a container of two shells capable of withstanding sterlization temperatures without deformation, one of which shells has a fill opening therein and the other of which shells is adapted to collapse into said one shell upon the withdrawal of fluid from said container;

(b) filling said container with a fluid foodstulf through said fill opening;

(c) forming a seal over said fill opening to hermeticall seal said container and define adjacent said opening a rupturable element with laterally opposed rupturable surfaces isolating the interior of said container from the exterior thereof;

(d) subjecting said container to sterlization tempera tures;

(e) disposing a pair of laterally extensible tines adjacent said rupturable element so as to be laterally extensible, respectively, through the rupturable surfaces thereof upon movement towards and against said surfaces; and,

(f) sealingly securing a soft hollow perforate nipple to said container over said rupturable element and tines so as to be compressible :to effect movement of said tines towards and against said rupturable surfaces.

4. A fluid dispensing device comprising:

(a) animperforate firstshell;

('b) a second shell secured to said first shell so as to define therewith a container adapted to hold fluid, said second shell having:

. 1. an aperture therein opposite the portion thereof secured to said first shell through which, when open, fluid may be introduced into said container; and

2. an outwardly extending collar, the outer end of which defines the periphery of said aperture;

(c) a disc disposed over said aperture and sealingly secured to the periphery thereof to normally close said aperture and hermetically seal said container;

(e) an opener confined in the entirety thereof in said nipple and comprising a ring extending substantially around said collar and having a tine fixed thereto in juxtaposition to said collar, said tine being adapted to pierce said collar upon compression of said nipple against said ring to establish fluid communication between the interior of said container and the interior of said nipple; and wherein,

(f) said first and second shells are of such relative flexibilities that said first shell will collapse into said second shell when fluid is withdrawn from said container.

5. An improved dispensing arrangement foruse in combination with a bottle, comprising:

(a) a rupturable collar extending outwardly from said bottle, said collar being closed at the upper end thereof and isolating the interior of said bottle from the exterior thereof;

(b) a soft hollow perforate nipple sealingly secured to said bottle over said collar; and,

(c) an opener confined in the entirety thereof in said nipple and comprising a ring extending substantially around said collar and having a tine fixed thereto in juxtaposition to said collar, said tine being adapted to pierce said collar upon compression of said nipple against said ring.

6. A fluid dispensing device comprising:

(a) an imperforate first shell;

(b) a second shell secured to said first shell so as to define therewith a container adapted to hold fluid, said second shell having an aperture therein opposite the portion thereof secured to said first shell through which, when open, fluid may be introduced into said container;

(c) a seal secured to said second shell over said aperture to normally close said aperture and hermetically seal said container and define therewith a closure section with laterally opposed rupturable surfaces isolating the interior of said container from the exterior thereof;

(e) an opener confined in said nipple and comprising:

( 1) a pair of laterally extensible tines disposed adjacent said seal so as to 'be laterally extensible, respectively, through the rupturable surfaces thereof upon movement towards and against said surfaces to establish fluid communication between the interior of said container and the interior of said nipple; and,

(2) means operatively associated with said tines and nipple to effect movement of said tines towards and against said rupturable surfaces upon compression of said nipple; and wherein,

'(f) said first and second shells are of such relative flexibilities that said first shell will collapse into said second shell when fluid is withdrawn from said container; and,

(g) said tines and said shells are so orientated and proportioned that when said first shell is collapsed into said second shell and said tines are extended through said rupturable surfaces contact will not occur between said first shell and said tines.

7. An improved dispensing arrangement for use in combination with a bottle, comprising:

-( a) a seal secured to said bottle and defining therewith a closure section having a pair of opposed rupturable surfaces isolating the interior of said bottle from the exterior thereof;

(b) a soft hollow perforate nipple sealingly secured to said bottle over said seal; and,

(c) an opener confined in said nipple and comprising:

(1) a pair of laterally extensible tines disposed adjacent said seal so as to be laterally extensible, respectively, through the rupturable surfaces thereof upon movement towards and against said surfaces to establish fluid communication between the interior of said bottle and the interior of said nipple; and,

(2) means operatively associated with said tines and nipple to effect movement of said tines towards and against said rupturable surfaces upon compression of said nipple.

8. A dispensing arrangement according to claim 7,

wherein:

(a) the closure section comprises a recessed portion defining a lateral wall of substantially annular configuration extending into said bottle;

(b) the rupturable surfaces of the closure section are defined by opposed segments of said wall;

(c) the laterally extensible tines are hingedly mounted adjacent said portion so as to extend thereinto adjacent, respectively, the opposed segments of said wall defining the rupturable surfaces;

((1) the means operatively associated with the tines and nipple comprise:

(l) a pair of arms, respectively, fixed to and extending upwardly from each of said tines in converging relationship with respect to each other; and,

(2) an element flexibly securing the distal ends of said arms together so as to define therewith an arched bridge extending over said portion and positioned for depression by said nipple upon downward deflection thereof by external force;

(e) upon depression of said bridge to a predetermined degree, said arms toggle about the element flexibly securing the distal ends thereof together to a locked position extending toward said portion; and,

(f) upon movement of said arms to the latter position, said tines are forced through said rupturable surfaces.

9. A dispensing arrangement according to claim 7,

wherein:

(a) the closure section comprises a raised portion defining a lateral wall of substantially annular configuration extending out of said bottle;

(c) the laterally extensible tines are disposed, respectively, externally of and adjacent to the opposed segments of said wall defining the rupturable surfaces, and connected by at least one flexible element extending therebetween;

(d) the means operatively associated with the tines and nipple comprise press elements secured, respectively, to each of said tines and positioned for dis-.

placement by said nipple upon deflection thereof by external force; and,

(e) upon displacement of said press elements inwardly relative to the raised portion, said tines are forced against and through said rupturable surfaces.

10. A dispensing arrangement according to claim 7,

wherein:

(c) the laterally extensible tines are disposed, respectively, internally of and adjacent to the opposed segments of said wall defining the rupturable surfaces;

(d) the means operatively associated with the tines and nipple comprise:

(l) a pair of arms, respectively, fixed to and extending upwardly from each of said tines in converging relationship with respect to each other; and, a

(2) a press element securing the distal ends of said arms together so as to define therewith a bridge arched upwardly relative to said portion, said element being positioned for depression by said nipple upon downward deflection thereof by external force;

(e) upon depression of said press element, said tines are forced against and through said rupturable surfaces.

11. A dispensing arrangement according to claim 10,

wherein:

(a) the lateral wall of said recessed portion includes an area ofreduced diametrical dimension;

(b) said press element is proportioned so as to traverse said area and lock therebeneath upon depression to a predetermined degree.

12. A dispensing arrangement according to claim 7,

wherein:

(d) the means operatively associated with the times and nipple comprise:

(1) at lea-st one pair of pivotally interconnected toggle levers secured, respectively, at the distal ends thereof to each of said tines; and,

(2) a press element operatively associated with said levers to, upon displacement, effect pivotal toggle movement between said levers and lateral extension of the distal ends thereof, said element being positioned for displacement by said nipple upon deflection thereof by external force;

(e) upon lateral extension of the distal ends of said levers responsive to displacement of said press element, said tines are forced against and through said rupturable surfaces.

13. A dispensing arrangement according to claim 7,

wherein:

' (a) the closure section comprises a recessed portion defining a lateral wall of substantially annular configuration extending into said bottle;

(c) the laterally extensible tines are disposed, respectively, internally of and adjacent to the opposed segments of said wall defining the rupturable surfaces and each comprise a pair of pivotally interconnected tine elements;

(d) the means operatively associated with the tines and nipple comprise:

(1) a first pair of pivotally interconnected toggle levers fixedly secured, respectively, at the distal ends thereof to one tine element of each of said tines;

(2) a second pair of pivotally interconnected toggle levers fixedly secured, respectively, at the distal ends thereof to the other tine element of each of said tines; and,

(3) respective press elements operatively associated with each pair of said levers to, upon displacement, effect pivotal toggle movement of the levers associated therewith and lateral extension of the distal ends of said levers, said elements being positioned for displacement by 13 14 said nipple upon deflection thereof by external References Cited foroe; UNITED TATES PATE T (e) upon lateral extension of the distal ends of each 5 S N S pair of said levers responsive to displacement of 5 4,071 2/1896 Matzen 215-11 the press element associated with said pair, the tine 5 3,187,918 6/1965 Moore 215 11 elements fixedly secured to said ends are forced against and through said rupturahle surfaces and JOSEPH R. LECLAIR, Primary Examiner. pivoted relative to the tine elements fixedly secured to the ends of the other pair of said levers. NORTON, Assistant Examine"-

Claims

7. AN IMPROVED DISPENSING ARRANGEMENT FOR USE IN COMBINATION WITH A BOTTLE, COMPRISING: (A) A SEAL SECURED TO SAID BOTTLE AND DEFINING THEREWITH A CLOSURE SECTION HAVING A PAIR OF OPPOSED RUPTURABLE SURFACES ISOLATING THE INTERIOR OF SAID BOTTLE FROM THE EXTERIOR THEREOF; (B) A SOFT HOLLOW PERFORATE NIPPLE SEALINGLY SECURED TO SAID BOTTLE OVER SAID SEAL; AND, (C) AN OPENER CONFINED IN SAID NIPPLE AND COMPRISING: (1) A PAIR OF LATERALLY EXTENSIBLE TINES DISPOSED ADJACENT SAID SEAL SO AS TO BE LATERALLY EXTENSIBLE, RESPECTIVELY, THROUGH THE RUPTURABLE SURFACES THEREOF UPON MOVEMENT TOWARDS AND AGAINST SAID SURFACES TO ESTABLISH FLUID COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE INTERIOR OF SAID BOTTLE AND THE INTERIOR OF SAID NIPPLE; AND, (2) MEANS OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH SAID TINES AND NIPPLE TO EFFECT MOVEMENT OF SAID TINES TOWARDS AND AGAINST SAID RUPUTABLE SURFACES UPON COMPRESSION OF SAID NIPPLE.