WO1997042927A1

WO1997042927A1 - Device for controlling and adjusting air intake into a feeding bottle

Info

Publication number: WO1997042927A1
Application number: PCT/FR1997/000830
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Paul Allegre
Original assignee: Hutchinson S.A.
Priority date: 1996-05-10
Filing date: 1997-05-09
Publication date: 1997-11-20
Also published as: AU2965997A; FR2748391A1; FR2748391B1

Abstract

The invention features a device for controlling and adjusting air intake into a feeding bottle characterised in that it is arranged to be fixed directly on the feeding bottle (1) neck (1a) by being shaped and integrated in a screw ring (3-8), the said screw ring being arranged to ensure the positioning and maintaining of the nipple (2) by its base (2a), and in that the said screw ring is fitted internally and in its thickness with one or more passages (3d-10g-10h) capable of opening inside into one or more apertures (2b) formed on the nipple base for introducing air into the feeding bottle container, the screw ring air intake passage being fitted in its inlet part, directly attached or opposite, with means (4) providing a valve function allowing or preventing air intake into the passage(s) for entry into the feeding bottle.

Description

DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING AND REGULATING AIR INTAKE IN A BOTTLE

The invention relates to the technical sector of baby bottles.

In known manner, when the baby sucks the nipple of the bottle to suck the liquid, there is a depression inside the bottle. To avoid the aspiration of air leading to aerophagia problems, the manufacturers have

1 Q the idea of arranging the bottles with means allowing the introduction of outside air to balance the internal pressure.

In the context of the research that has been carried out, solutions have consisted, for example, in arranging the body of the bottle with micro-perforations according to patent EP 516,644 while preventing the leakage of the liquid. In other cases,

15 conduits were made using the adjustments between the screw ring and nipple ends according to patent FR 2646146. There are also arrangements and mechanisms directly associated with the nipple sold under the brands "AVENT" and "NUK".

2o We know, from US patent 3549036, a bottle receiving a shaped bowl shaped body to allow the seat of a nipple whose lower base is arranged to center in the basin. A lid provided with slits on its horizontal upper face allows an air passage through complementary openings established on the base of the teat and the basin in the body of the bottle. The assembly is complex due to the specific shapes of the

25 different components.

The solutions proposed to date are however not satisfactory, either for cost problems, or by a lack of reliability during handling, or because they are not applicable to all types of bottles _ (glass and plastic) and all types of teats (silicone, latex). The aim sought after according to the invention was therefore to produce a new device for regulating the entry of air into the bottle which is easy to manufacture, quick to assemble and whose operation is very reliable, and applicable to all. types of baby bottles and all types of teats. 5

These and other objects will become apparent from the following description.

According to a first characteristic of the invention, the device is designed to be applied directly to the neck of the bottle while being shaped and integrated into a screw ring, said screw ring being arranged to ensure positioning and maintenance by its base of the teat, and in that said screw ring is arranged internally and in its thickness with one or more conduits capable of opening internally on one or more openings formed on the base of the teat for the introduction of air in the bottle container, the air introduction duct of the screw ring being arranged in its inlet part

15 directly attached or opposite with a means ensuring a valve function authorizing or preventing the entry of air into the duct or conduits in order to penetrate inside the bottle.

According to another characteristic, the screw ring is made from two

20 components, one defining the sub-ring fitting onto the neck of the bottle, the other defining an over-ring receiving the means ensuring the valve function, the latter being disposed opposite the inlet duct established in the thickness of the sub-ring.

According to another characteristic, the screw ring is arranged, in its "upper part, with an internal peripheral groove opening into the internal threading zone of the screw ring, at least one complementary opening zone being established in the thickness from said upper part and opening towards the outside, said opening being in communication with said groove, said opening forming a housing and a support for a valve made of deformable material nn comprising at least one air passage slot. These characteristics and others will emerge clearly from the following description.

To fix the subject of the invention illustrated without limitation in the figures of the drawings where:

Figure 1 is a large and partial view of the device s ¹ applying to the container of the bottle ensuring the maintenance of the teat, the device being shown in non-operating phase

Figure 2 is a large-scale and partial view of the device resting on the container of the bottle in the operating phase.

Figures 3a and 3b are schematic partial views illustrating an embodiment of the valve in the two successive phases of non-operation and operation

FIGS. 4a and 4b are partial diagrammatic views illustrating another embodiment of the valve in the two successive phases of non-operation and of operation.

Figures 5a and 5b are partial schematic views illustrating another embodiment of the valve in the two successive phases of non-operation and operation

Figure 6 is a partial sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the device in which the screw ring comprises two components, an over-ring and a sub-ring.

Figure 7 is a sectional view of the sub-ring.

FIG. 8 is a partial view on a large scale illustrating the positioning of the means ensuring the valve function on the sub-ring.

Figure 9 is an alternative embodiment of the screw ring.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the screw ring according to FIG. 9.

In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is now described in a nonlimiting manner in the figures of the drawings.

There is shown by (1) a bottle having all appropriate shapes and dimensions and which can be made of any material, glass, plastic or other. This baby bottle has a neck (la). The teat is referenced by (2) and it is made of latex, or silicone or others.

According to the invention, a device for regulating the air intake inside the bottle is capable of being applied from the neck of the bottle while ensuring perfect hold of the teat.

In a first implementation of the invention, the device comprises a screw ring (3) having a threaded internal bore (3a) cooperating with the corresponding threaded part (1b) of the neck of the bottle. This screw ring is made of a plastic or other material, being in one piece in one piece. It comprises, in its upper part (3b), means (3c) capable of ensuring the maintenance of the teat (2), as well as means (3d) arranged in its internal part to authorize the passage and the flow of fluid, including air from outside. These means (3d) cooperate with an air inlet regulation means (4) advantageously established in the form of a valve and disposed at the visible end of the ring.

More specifically, the screw ring (3) comprises a body of great height for applying along the neck of the bottle container. In its upper part, ^'es means (3d) above allow the passage of air through conduits (3d1) formed to allow external air inlet and its diffusion through a groove (3d2) circular inside the bottle.

To this end, the teat (2) has a flat base (2a) arranged with one or more openings (2b) for the passage of the sampled air. Said screw ring (3) is capable of receiving at its front end means (4) forming an air distribution control valve. For this, the screw ring has, in a nonlimiting implementation, protruding tongues (3e) capable of authorizing the positioning, the picking or clipping with quick dismantling of a circular profiled nozzle (5) and having a slot (5a) air intake. This nozzle is capable of receiving a membrane (4a) or equivalent means capable of deforming to allow the passage of air by spacing in the event of formation. a depression inside the bottle. This membrane is made of any suitable material, such as silicone.

The teat (2) is arranged above its base or flat part with projections (2c) which have the function of defining a housing with the means (3c) of the screw ring ensuring their centering. It should be considered that the width of the base (2a) or collar of the nipple is established on a dimension such that it is adaptable to all types of bottle.

There are shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, different embodiments to obtain the desired valve effect.

In FIGS. 3a and 3b, the membrane (4a) has a slot (4b) in its middle part, so as to define lips (4c) capable of spreading during the depression phenomenon. Said membrane is held by a collar (5b) established in the inner body of the nozzle.

In FIGS. 4a and 4b, an alternative embodiment is shown where the valve effect is obtained by means of a valve (4d) with movable tongue (4e). This valve is in the form of a disc inserted into the body of the nozzle (5) while being held by the aforementioned flange (5b). The valve has a tongue (4e) secured to its crown (4g) external disc while being capable of angular movement by elasticity under the effect of depression to allow the entry of air.

According to the configuration of FIGS. 5a and 5b, the other variant consists in making a displaceable membrane (4g). This membrane comes to bear in the interior cavity of the nozzle (5) in the event of non-stress. It is integral with a body (6) integrated in the nozzle having air distribution channels (6a). The stress on the diaphragm (4f) causes its angular deflection, leaving free the passage of air in the nozzle.

If reference is made to FIG. 6 of the drawings and following, other arrangements have been made as a variant of the device, however ensuring the same function as previously.

In this case, the screw ring referenced as a whole by (8) is produced from two components (10 - 1 1) capable of being assembled quickly by defining a sub-ring (10) fitting onto the neck of the bottle, and an over-ring (1 1) capping from the outside the latter. This over-ring (1 1) can be produced in two ways, one by essentially ensuring protection of the air distribution valve established on the sub-ring, the other by also ensuring a support function for the valve as shown in figures 7 and 8.

In this variant, the screw sub-ring (10) is arranged internally to adapt by screwing onto the neck of the bottle. It comprises, in its upper part, a flared internal opening (10a) extending by a peripheral edge (10b) projecting capable of being positioned on the peripheral projection (2c) of the teat. Externally, said sub-ring is arranged, in its upper part, with a projecting shape (10c) defining an undercut (10d) underlying. The sub-ring is then extended by a very high zone forming a narrowing (10e) relative to its circular lower part (10f). Adjacent to the peripheral projection (10b), there is provided an annular groove (10g) oriented downwards and in relation to a transverse conduit (10h) opening out towards the external part of the screw sub-ring.

At the mouth, provision is made for positioning means for supporting the valve, or the valve receiving nozzle, in one of the configurations indicated above.

In this implementation, the screw sub-ring (10) is capable of receiving an external over-ring. The latter can provide a simple protective function of the sub-ring by adapting and removably attaching thereto. It can advantageously serve as a means of supporting the suction cup. More particularly for this purpose, the over-ring (1 1) shown in Figure 6 is established in a shape complementary to the sub-ring to engage from above on it and clip in position. For this purpose, the over-ring outer has, in its upper part and internally, a heel (1 1a)

Reengaging by clipping into the recess (10d) and on the projection (10c). Furthermore, its lower part (1 1 b) can come in the extension of the lower part of the sub-ring or substantially overflow. According to another particular feature, the outer over-ring is capable of having a profiled opening (11 c) allowing the introduction of air while being disposed opposite the valve established on the sub-ring.

According to an advantageous arrangement, the upper part (10e) of the outer over-ring is capable of constituting a support and stabilization plane for the cap (14) protecting the teat.

In one embodiment, the sub-ring is arranged at the mouth of the air duct with the support means of the valve and of the valve receiving nozzle in one of the given configurations.

In the embodiment of Figures 7 and 8, the over-ring is arranged to directly receive the valve. To this end, said over-ring is arranged internally around the opening (1 1 c) to receive a profiled plate (12) in the form of a disc having an opening (12a) with a folded edge with tabs (12b) capable of 'be fixed by any suitable welding or other means on the inside of the over-ring. A chamber (12c) is thus formed capable of receiving a membrane (13) forming a valve. This membrane has a central slot (1 3a) so as to let the air coming from outside. This membrane acts as a valve and is located opposite the conduit established in the sub-ring. This membrane also has a circular projection (13b) capable of bearing against the face of the gaze of the sub-ring at the location of the mouth of the air duct.

Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous in terms of maintenance. The over-ring can be removed to be easily cleaned with the membrane. Cleaning is easy and in particular to remove residues of coagulated milk. The membrane is made of silicone. It is kept in the aforementioned room. In the version of FIGS. 6 and 7, the base (2a) of the teat is capable of coming to bear against the bottom of the internal cavity of the screw ring contributing to perfect hold and sealing.

Thus, according to the invention, the regulating device is very easy to position and is of low cost. The valve can be positioned in a removable manner to allow cleaning, as well as that of the conduit of the regulating device. 0

In the configuration of FIGS. 9 and 10, the screw ring (14) is arranged, in its upper part (14a), with an inner peripheral groove (14b) opening into the internal threading area (14c) of the screw ring , at least one complementary opening zone (14d) being established in the thickness of said upper part and opening towards the outside, said opening (14d) being

15 communication with said groove (14b), said opening forming a housing and a support for a valve (15) of deformable material comprising at least one slot (15a) for air passage.

Said opening (14d) is oblong with a shoulder (14e) ensuring, by _Q the corresponding support plane, the housing and the positioning of the valve (15). This valve is made of any elastically deformable material, and has one or more slots (1 5a) allowing the passage of air during the suction of the teat. One or more openings (14d) can thus be made on the upper periphery of the screw ring. The valve is fixed in any suitable manner in its housing by ultrasonic welding, by gluing, by overmolding _{or the} like. Said valve may alternatively be formed directly during the manufacture of the screw ring.

This is applied to the body of the bottle under the conditions described above and illustrated for example in Figures 1 and 2, the nipple being arranged _nn similarly. In this embodiment, the screw ring is simplified with a low manufacturing cost while meeting the objectives of the invention.

Claims

-1 - Device for controlling and regulating the entry of air into a bottle, characterized in that it is designed to be applied directly to the neck (la) of the bottle (1) while being shaped and integrated into a screw ring (3-8-14), said screw ring being arranged to ensure positioning and holding by its base

(2a) of the nipple (2), and in that said screw ring is arranged internally and in its thickness with one or more conduits (3d - 10g - l Oh - 14b - 14d) capable of opening internally on one or more openings (2b) formed on the base of the nipple for the introduction of air into the bottle container, the air introduction duct of the screw ring being arranged in its inlet part, directly attached or opposite, with a means (4 - 15) ensuring a valve function authorizing or preventing the entry of air into the duct or conduits in order to penetrate inside the bottle.

-2- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the screw ring (3) has a threaded inner bore (3a) cooperating with the threaded part (1b) corresponding to the neck of the bottle, and in its upper part ( 3b), means

(3c) capable of ensuring the maintenance of the teat (2), as well as means (3d) arranged in its internal part to allow the passage and the flow of fluid, and in particular of air coming from outside , these means (3d) cooperating with an air inlet regulation means (4) advantageously established in the form of a valve and disposed at the visible end of the ring.

-3- Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the aforementioned means (3d) allow the passage of air in ducts (3dl) made to allow the admission of outside air and its diffusion through a circular groove (3d2) inside the bottle.

-4- Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the screw ring (3) is capable of receiving at its front end means (4) forming an air distribution control valve, and is arranged with protruding tabs (3e) capable of authorizing positioning, the hooking or clipping a circular profiled nozzle (5) and having an air intake slot (5a), said nozzle being capable of receiving a membrane (4a) or equivalent means capable of deforming to allow the passage of air in the event of a depression forming inside the bottle.

-5- Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the membrane (4a) has a slot (4b) in its middle part, so as to define lips (4c) capable of spreading during the phenomenon of depression, said membrane being held by a collar (5b) established in the inner body of the nozzle.

-6- Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the valve effect is obtained using a valve (4d) with movable tongue (4e), said valve being in the form of a disc inserted in the body of the nozzle (5) while being held by the aforementioned flange (5b), said valve having a tongue (4e) secured to its crown (4g) external disc while being capable of angular movement by elasticity under the effect of depression to allow air entry.

-7- Device according to claim 4, characterized in that a movable membrane (4g) comes to bear in the interior cavity of the nozzle (5) in the event of non-stress, said membrane being integral with a body (6) integrated in the nozzle having air distribution channels (6a).

-8- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the screw ring (8) is made from two components (10-1 1) one defining the sub-ring (10) fitting on the neck of the bottle, the other defining an over-ring (1 1) receiving the means (12) ensuring the valve function, the latter being disposed opposite the inlet duct (l Oh) established in the thickness of the sub -Ring.

-9- Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the sub-ring (10) is arranged and comprises: - in its upper part, a flared inner opening (10a) extending by a peripheral edge (10b) projecting to position themselves on the peripheral projection (2c) of the teat;

- in its upper part, with a projecting shape (10c) defining an undercut (10d) underlying;

- a very high zone forming a narrowing (10e) relative to the circular lower part (10f) of the sub-ring;

- adjacent to the peripheral projection (10b), there is provided an annular groove (10g) oriented downwards and in relation to a transverse conduit (10h) opening towards the external part of the sub-ring;

- At the mouth, there is provided the positioning relative to the support means of the valve, or of the receiving nozzle of the valve.

-10- Device according to any one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the sub-ring receives an outer protective over-ring (1 1) ensuring the protection of the nozzle or valve, having, in its upper part and internally, a heel (lia) engaging by clipping into the recess (10d) and on the projection (10c), and in that the outer over-ring is capable of having a profiled opening (1 1 c) allowing the introduction of air into the duct (10h) of the sub-ring.

"1 1- Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the over-ring has internally around the opening (1 1 c) a profiled plate (12) secured to it and internally receiving a membrane (13) forming valve, said membrane being arranged with an air passage slot.

-1 2- Device according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the membrane (13) has a projecting shape (1 3b) capable of being supported on the sub-ring to form a seal.

-1 3- Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the nozzle or valve is fixed directly on the sub-ring.

-14- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the screw ring (14) is arranged, in its upper part (14a), with a peripheral groove

(14b) inside opening into the internal threading zone (14c) of the screw ring, at least one complementary opening zone (14d) being established in

_ the thickness of said upper part and opening outwards, said opening o (14d) being in communication with said groove (14b), said opening forming a housing and a support for a valve (1 5) of deformable material comprising at least one air passage slot (15a).

-1 5- Device according to claim 14, characterized in that said opening 10 (14d) has a shoulder (14e) providing the support plane, the housing and the positioning of the valve (15) fixed in any suitable manner.

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