US3655083A - Infant feeding unit assembly - Google Patents

Infant feeding unit assembly Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3655083A
US3655083A US1505A US3655083DA US3655083A US 3655083 A US3655083 A US 3655083A US 1505 A US1505 A US 1505A US 3655083D A US3655083D A US 3655083DA US 3655083 A US3655083 A US 3655083A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
nipple
container
assembly
disc
feeding
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US1505A
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Thomas Eberhardt
William H Welch
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.)
Abbott Laboratories
Original Assignee
Abbott Laboratories
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 Abbott Laboratories filed Critical Abbott Laboratories
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3655083A publication Critical patent/US3655083A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

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
    • A61J11/00—Teats
    • A61J11/0075—Accessories therefor
    • A61J11/008—Protecting caps
    • 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
    • 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
    • A61J11/04—Teats with means for fastening to bottles
    • A61J11/045—Teats with means for fastening to bottles with interlocking means, e.g. protrusions or indentations on the teat

Definitions

  • the assembly includes a disk for separating the product from the nipple and closure, the disk having biasing means on the periphery thereof capable of being resiliently flexed when the closure is attached to seal the container. Upon release of the pressure, the biasing means returns to its original configuration thereby releasing the vacuum within the bottle and facilitating the formation of an effective fluid flow path for the product in the container.
  • closure assemblies As employed on infant feeding containers, it is necessary to provide for separation of the liquid storage area from the nipple area during storage so that the fluid product does not leak into the nipple and hence to the closure while at the same time providing for convenient and ready access to the fluid within the container when it is desired to feed an infant.
  • separation of the product area from the nipple and closure area can be provided by means of a circular disk sealingly affixed to the open end neck portion of the bottle or contained within an annular recess in the nipple.
  • An example of such a closure is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 2,982,432 issued on May 2, 1961.
  • the illustrated closure is threadably engageable with the neck portion of a feeding container and hence is not tamper-proof.
  • An illustration of a tamper-proof closure of this type is contained in US. Pat. No. 3,393,817 issued on July 23, 1968. Both of these closures incorporate disks having apertures therein which, when the closure is attached to the bottle are sealed by the nipple flange.
  • Co-pending application, Ser. No. 661,711 filed on Aug. 18, 1967, now US. Pat. No. 3,487,969 issued Jan. 6, 1970 illustrates a similar type of closure but wherein the disk is contained within an angular recess in the nipple rather than being sealed directly to the neck of the bottle.
  • the disk need not contain apertures but rather may contain a series of radially extending grooves which serve to allow the fluid to pass around the disk when the unit is in the feeding position.
  • closure assemblies difficulties are sometimes encountered due to a failure of the unit to completely expose the apertures or grooves in the disk when pressure is released thereby preventing the formation of a completely effective fluid flow path for the liquid.
  • the present invention provides a closure assembly for an infant feeding container having an improved disk structure which will provide positive release thereby insuring an effective fluid flow path upon opening of the container.
  • a disk incorporates biasing means on the periphery thereof capable of being resiliently flexed when the closure is attached to seal the container.
  • biasing means can be provided in various forms.
  • an arcuate section can be formed in the periphery thereof, which section is flexed when the closure is affixed to the bottle and acts as a spring when the pressure is released.
  • a bead of resilient material can be positioned around the periphery of the disk to act as the biasing means.
  • FIG. 1 is a fragmentary elevational view, partly in section, of the infant feeding unit assembly in a closed position, sealed for storage.
  • FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view of the infant feeding unit assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view of the infant feeding unit assembly shown in FIG. 1 and illustrating the fluid flow path obtained with the protective shroud removed from the assembly and the infant feeding unit ready for use.
  • FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of another embodiment of the invention shown with the protective shroud removed and the feeding unit ready for use.
  • FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of a disk of the present invention retained within an annular recess of the nipple and is shown in the closed or sealed position for storage.
  • FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of the disk of FIG. 5 shown in the open position and the feeding unit ready for use.
  • FIG. 7 is a partial top elevational view of the disk incorporated in the assembly illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.
  • FIGS. 1,2 and 3 one embodiment of the inventions is shown in FIGS. 1,2 and 3 and in which the feeding assembly or closure pap 10 is affixed to a bottle or container 11.
  • the assembly 10 includes a unitary protective shroud l3 and retaining ring structure 14, a nipple 15 disposed therein and a feeding disk 16.
  • the bottle 11 is of essentially conventional configuration and has an open end neck portion 17 defining an annular upper edge surface 18 referred to as the bottle finish.
  • the outer periphery of the neck portion 16 is provided with a circumferential retaining bead 19. If desired a helical screw thread having at least one complete turn around the periphery of the bottle neck 16 may be formed therein.
  • the unitary protective shroud 13 and clamping or retaining ring 14 assembly comprises a cylindrical cap portion 20 having a closed end 21, vertically extending side walls 22, a horizontally extending flange portion 23 formed at the lower ends of the side walls 22 and a vertically extending annular skirt 24 terminating at the point of connection to the annular bead 19.
  • the cap portion 20 is connected to the horizontally extending flange portion 22 by a rupturable score line 25 as best seen in FIG. 2.
  • the nipple 15 as shown in FIGS. 1,2 and 3, includes a teat portion 30 having one or more apertures 31 therein.
  • the nipple 15 is hollow and comprises a vertically extending annular wall portion 32, an outwardly extending flared portion 33 and a horizontally extending flange 34.
  • the underside of the flange 34 is seated and sealingly engaged with the upper surface of the bead l8 and is retained thereon by the clamping or retaining ring 14.
  • the horizontally extending flange portion 23 of the shroud 13 engages the upper surface of the nipple flange 34 to afiix the assembly 10 in place.
  • the horizontally extending flange portion 34 of the nipple is provided with a vent hole 35.
  • a circular disk 16 serves to separate the bottle 11 from the interior of the nipple 15 when the assembly is in the closed position shown in FIG. I.
  • the disk 16 is sealed directly to the glass finish by means of a rubber gasket 37.
  • a tapered sealing surface 12 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 4 will reduce the downward force required for effective sealing while at the same time requiring less vacuum release force.
  • the sealing disk 16 comprises a flat central portion 40 and an arcuate peripheral portion 41 shaped in an undulated form in the general configuration of an S. Openings 42 positioned outside of the sealing area as illustrated in FIG. 2 provide a fluid flow path for the liquid within the bottle when the unit is opened for feeding.
  • Additional openings 43 may be provided in the proximity of the nipple vent holes to facilitate venting of the interior of the bottle during feeding.
  • closures employing an apertured disk as illustrated in US. Pat. No. 3,393,817 difficulties sometimes arise in providing a completely efiective fluid flow path upon opening of the unit for feeding.
  • the disk of the present invention is provided with biasing means on the periphery thereof capable of being resiliently flexed when the closure is attached to the container.
  • the disk 16 springs upward releasing the bottle vacuum and the nipple 15 is lifted away from the disk 16 exposing the openings 42 thereby providing an effective fluid flow path as illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • the product is free to flow past the sealing gasket 37 through the large hole 42 in the disk 16 and into the nipple 15.
  • air can enter through the nipple l5, vent hole 35 and through the small holes 43 in the disk 16.
  • the circular disk 16 is formed of metal and has an arcuate configuration around the periphery thereof which in effect forms a spring.
  • the arcuate portion 41 is flexed when the closure assembly is attached to the container 11 as illustrated in FIG. 2.
  • the pressure is released and the arcuate section 41 springs upwardly to release the vacuum and provide a flow path as previously described.
  • Illustrated in FIG. 4 is another embodiment of the present invention which has particular applicability to disks made of materials which do not have the requisite resiliency.
  • the spring action for vacuum release is supplied by a series of release bumpers 45 attached to the disk 16 and heat sealed thereon at the same time as the gasket 37 is attached.
  • the compressability and shape of the bumper 45 can accordingly be used to obtain the desired vacuum release characteristics and would operate in accordance with the description of the previous embodiment.
  • a compression bumper 36 is formed on the underside of the nipple flange 34. At least two opposing bumpers will exert pressure against the disk 16 when the closure cap 10 is affixed to a container to thereby assist in positioning and retaining the disk 16 in a sealed relationship.
  • the disk 16 When the protective shroud 13 is removed, the disk 16 will spring upwardly as previously described and at the same time, the compression bumper 36 will lift the nipple flange 34 away from the disk 16 and thereby assist in providing an effective fluid flow path as illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • FIGS. 1 4 requires sealing of the disk 16 to the glass. This requires a gasket 37 or other sealing means.
  • the disk 50 is retained within an annular recess 55 in the nipple 56 and consequently, gaskets or other sealing means are not required.
  • apertures in the disk for flow therethrough of the liquid product are not required.
  • the disk 50 of this embodiment is provided with radially extending grooves 53. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the disk 50 is retained within an annular recess 55 in the nipple 56 so that when the nipple 56 is compressed (see FIG.
  • the disk 50 is held tightly within the recess 55 thereby providing a seal and effectively separating the product from the nipple area.
  • the nipple 56 includes a vent hole 57 and a horizontally extending flange 58 which is seated and sealingly engaged with the finish 59 of the container 60. Additionally, the nipple 56 includes an annular lip or valve 61 which projects angularly into the container 60 and aids in preventing liquid from leaking through the vent hole 57 while at the same time permitting air to enter the container 60 during feeding of an infant.
  • the complete assembly includes a unitary protective shroud 62 and retaining ring 63 structure with a frangible connection 64 which clamps the assembly, including the disk 50 together during storage.
  • a fluid flow path is provided for the liquid product.
  • a flat disk would tend to adhere to the rubber nipple 56 when the pressure is released thereby preventing the formation of a fluid flow path.
  • biasing means on the periphery of the disk 50 upon release of the pressure the disk 50 will part from the recess 55 in the nipple 56 and form a flow path.
  • a release bumper 54 is positioned around the periphery of the disk 50 in the same manner as described for the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4.
  • the bumper 54 is formed in the shape of a pyramid and is affixed continuously around the periphery of the disk 50.
  • the protective shroud is secured to the clamping ring by frangible connections and compresses and restrains the nipple structure against the finish and the outer periphery on the bottle neck in such a manner as to fill all recesses and seal the entire unit from any leakage of fluid.
  • the annular recess 55 which is provided on the inner surface of the nipple 56 to contain and seat the sealing disk 50 is compressed against the disk 50 and its grooves 53 to prevent fluid from flowing around the disk 50 and into the upper portion of the hollow nipple 56.
  • the com pression of the shroud onto the nipple and its retention by the retaining ring closes the vent holes and compresses the annular shoulder against the bottle finish to insure complete sealing of the unit for storage.
  • the shroud is deformed enough to sever it from the connections and it is removed from the bottle to expose the nipple.
  • the nipple expands to the feeding position shown in FIGS. 3,4 or 6. This allows fluid to pass through the hollow portion of the nipple to the feeding aperture.
  • air will pass through the vent holes to the recess or gap between the bottle necks outer periphery and the undersurface of the nipple flange.
  • the air admitted through the vents will pass over the bottle finish through the grooves or apertures and into the interior of the bottle to replace the volume of fluid which has been removed during the feeding process.
  • An infant feeding assembly adapted to be sealingly secured to the neck of a feeding container having a top finish surface, said assembly comprising: a nipple, said nipple including a teat portion having one or more apertures therein, a vertically extending annular wall portion, a horizontally extending flange adapted to be seated and sealingly engaged with the finish of the container, and a vent opening disposed in said horizontally extending flange; a disc positioned to separate the bottle from the interior of the nipple when the assembly is in the closed position, said disc including openings adapted to provide a fluid flow path for the liquid within the container when the assembly is opened for feeding, said disk being provided with biasing means on the periphery thereof capable of being resiliently flexed when the assembly is attached to the container; said nipple including at least two compression bumpers formed on the under side of the nipple flange and arranged to position and retain the disc in a sealed relationship when the assembly is closed and to lift the
  • An infant feeding assembly adapted to be sealingly secured to the neck of a feeding container having a top finish surface, said assembly comprising: a nipple, said nipple including a teat portion having one or more apertures therein, a vertically extending annular wall portion, a horizontally extending flange adapted to be seated and sealingly engaged with the finish of the container, and a vent opening disposed in said horizontally extending flange; a disc positioned to separate the bottle from the interior of the nipple when the assembly is in the closed position, said disc including openings adapted to provide a fluid flow path for the liquid within the container when the assembly is opened for feeding, said disc being provided with biasing means on the periphery thereof capable of being resiliently flexed when the assembly is attached to the container and comprising a flat central portion and an arcuate peripheral portion adapted to be sealed to the finish of the container and which forms a spring and is flexed when the assembly is attached to the container, said disc including a

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
US1505A 1970-01-08 1970-01-08 Infant feeding unit assembly Expired - Lifetime US3655083A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US150570A 1970-01-08 1970-01-08

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3655083A true US3655083A (en) 1972-04-11

Family

ID=21696373

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US1505A Expired - Lifetime US3655083A (en) 1970-01-08 1970-01-08 Infant feeding unit assembly

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US3655083A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
DE (1) DE2100480C3 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
GB (1) GB1328482A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4020964A (en) * 1975-09-10 1977-05-03 Lewis Woolf Griptight Limited Infants feeding bottle
US6138847A (en) * 1999-02-25 2000-10-31 Johnson; Russell Joe Disposable non-reusable baby bottle
WO2002019959A1 (en) * 2000-09-07 2002-03-14 Babeetender, Inc. Sealing membrane for baby bottle or other fluid container
EP0973479A4 (en) * 1997-04-11 2002-03-27 Andrew John Brandon Mules DISPOSABLE DRINKING CONTAINER WITH NIPPLE
US20040188373A1 (en) * 2003-03-25 2004-09-30 Lewis Julie Maureen Vented, low-drip nursing bottle
US20040245203A1 (en) * 2001-08-09 2004-12-09 The First Years, Inc. Nipple for a baby bottle
US20050258125A1 (en) * 2000-08-30 2005-11-24 Kiehne Mark W Venting two-part closure for a baby bottle
US20060037927A1 (en) * 1998-02-21 2006-02-23 Williams Stephen J Feed bottles for babies
US20060060591A1 (en) * 2003-01-20 2006-03-23 Peter Rohrig Air valve for a cap provided with mouthpiece for drinking
US20070007233A1 (en) * 2003-06-30 2007-01-11 Brown Scott L Closure for collapsible contatiner
US20080179311A1 (en) * 2007-01-25 2008-07-31 Fuat Koro Infant feeding system
US20160376075A1 (en) * 2015-09-15 2016-12-29 Masontops, Inc. Mason jar valved-lid component and kit for use in fermentation
US20240398669A1 (en) * 2023-05-31 2024-12-05 Truvents, Llc Container with adjustable and variable flow from a nursing or related bottle integrally incorporating within its nipple a necessary venting that prevents leaking and allows for controlled dispensing of the bottle formula during usage and application

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3235114A (en) * 1962-03-01 1966-02-15 Grace W R & Co Jar seal
US3253726A (en) * 1964-06-24 1966-05-31 Abbott Lab Sealed feeding bottle assembly
US3358864A (en) * 1965-11-29 1967-12-19 Abbott Lab Sealed feeding bottle assembly
US3393817A (en) * 1964-05-06 1968-07-23 Abbott Lab Sealed feeding bottle assembly
US3487969A (en) * 1967-08-18 1970-01-06 Abbott Lab Infant feeding device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3235114A (en) * 1962-03-01 1966-02-15 Grace W R & Co Jar seal
US3393817A (en) * 1964-05-06 1968-07-23 Abbott Lab Sealed feeding bottle assembly
US3253726A (en) * 1964-06-24 1966-05-31 Abbott Lab Sealed feeding bottle assembly
US3358864A (en) * 1965-11-29 1967-12-19 Abbott Lab Sealed feeding bottle assembly
US3487969A (en) * 1967-08-18 1970-01-06 Abbott Lab Infant feeding device

Cited By (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4020964A (en) * 1975-09-10 1977-05-03 Lewis Woolf Griptight Limited Infants feeding bottle
EP0973479A4 (en) * 1997-04-11 2002-03-27 Andrew John Brandon Mules DISPOSABLE DRINKING CONTAINER WITH NIPPLE
US20060037927A1 (en) * 1998-02-21 2006-02-23 Williams Stephen J Feed bottles for babies
US7410070B2 (en) * 1998-02-21 2008-08-12 Stephen James Williams Feed bottles for babies
US6138847A (en) * 1999-02-25 2000-10-31 Johnson; Russell Joe Disposable non-reusable baby bottle
US20050258125A1 (en) * 2000-08-30 2005-11-24 Kiehne Mark W Venting two-part closure for a baby bottle
WO2002019959A1 (en) * 2000-09-07 2002-03-14 Babeetender, Inc. Sealing membrane for baby bottle or other fluid container
US6401949B1 (en) * 2000-09-07 2002-06-11 Babeetender, Inc. Sealing membrane for baby bottle or other fluid container
US20040245203A1 (en) * 2001-08-09 2004-12-09 The First Years, Inc. Nipple for a baby bottle
US7210591B2 (en) * 2001-08-09 2007-05-01 The First Years Inc. Nipple with a compromisable seal for a baby bottle
US20060060591A1 (en) * 2003-01-20 2006-03-23 Peter Rohrig Air valve for a cap provided with mouthpiece for drinking
US7703634B2 (en) 2003-01-20 2010-04-27 Bamed Ag Air valve for a cap provided with mouthpiece for drinking
US20040188373A1 (en) * 2003-03-25 2004-09-30 Lewis Julie Maureen Vented, low-drip nursing bottle
US20070007233A1 (en) * 2003-06-30 2007-01-11 Brown Scott L Closure for collapsible contatiner
US20080179311A1 (en) * 2007-01-25 2008-07-31 Fuat Koro Infant feeding system
US20160376075A1 (en) * 2015-09-15 2016-12-29 Masontops, Inc. Mason jar valved-lid component and kit for use in fermentation
US10501244B2 (en) * 2015-09-15 2019-12-10 Masontops, Inc. Mason jar valved-lid component and kit for use in fermentation
US11524825B2 (en) 2015-09-15 2022-12-13 Masontops Ip Holdings, Inc. Mason jar valved-lid component and kit for use in fermentation
US11858702B2 (en) 2015-09-15 2024-01-02 Masontops Ip Holdings, Inc. Mason jar valved-lid component and kit for use in fermentation
US20240398669A1 (en) * 2023-05-31 2024-12-05 Truvents, Llc Container with adjustable and variable flow from a nursing or related bottle integrally incorporating within its nipple a necessary venting that prevents leaking and allows for controlled dispensing of the bottle formula during usage and application

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB1328482A (en) 1973-08-30
DE2100480C3 (de) 1979-12-20
DE2100480A1 (de) 1971-07-15
DE2100480B2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1979-04-26

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US1413703A (en) Closure for hypodermic-solution containers
US3655083A (en) Infant feeding unit assembly
US4122964A (en) Reusable closures for hermetically sealing containers
US4986322A (en) System of packaging for ready to use preparations
US3339771A (en) Infant feeding container and cap assembly
US3637102A (en) Closures for aseptic filled containers
US2911128A (en) Spout and cap for a container
US3358864A (en) Sealed feeding bottle assembly
EP1500602B1 (en) Dispensing container
US3812992A (en) Infant feeding package
US3653529A (en) Rinsable bottle cap seal device
US2615448A (en) Multiple chamber package
US3010596A (en) Closure seal for containers
JPH0134856B2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
US3677429A (en) Nipple assembly and package
JPS59174476A (ja) ペ−スト状ないしは液状物質取出し容器の底面自動閉鎖弁
US2200395A (en) Container
US3760967A (en) Infant feeding unit assembly
US1925926A (en) Self-sealing paste tube cap
US3994410A (en) Plastic bottle cap
US2901140A (en) Dual-purpose closure members
US2104413A (en) Closure for containers
US3409160A (en) Venting closure
US3051343A (en) Bottle closures
US3115981A (en) Closure assembly for vacuum bottles