WO2013062575A1 - Tétine pour un ensemble biberon pour nourrissons ayant une soupape de régulation de débit et ensemble biberon pour nourrissons présentant une telle tétine - Google Patents

Tétine pour un ensemble biberon pour nourrissons ayant une soupape de régulation de débit et ensemble biberon pour nourrissons présentant une telle tétine Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013062575A1
WO2013062575A1 PCT/US2011/058284 US2011058284W WO2013062575A1 WO 2013062575 A1 WO2013062575 A1 WO 2013062575A1 US 2011058284 W US2011058284 W US 2011058284W WO 2013062575 A1 WO2013062575 A1 WO 2013062575A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
nipple
bottle
sidewall
height
bulbous
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2011/058284
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Raymond G. Bryan
Jimi Francis
Original Assignee
Handi-Craft Company
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 Handi-Craft Company filed Critical Handi-Craft Company
Priority to PCT/US2011/058284 priority Critical patent/WO2013062575A1/fr
Publication of WO2013062575A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013062575A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J9/00—Feeding-bottles in general
    • A61J9/04—Feeding-bottles in general with means for supplying air
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J11/00—Teats
    • A61J11/001—Teats having means for regulating the flow rate
    • A61J11/002—Teats having means for regulating the flow rate by using valves

Definitions

  • the field of this invention relates generally to bottle assemblies and more particularly to a nipple for a bottle assembly having a flow control valve.
  • Bottle assemblies such as infant bottle assemblies, typically have multiple components including a bottle, a nipple, a collar for securing the nipple to the bottle, and a cap for covering the nipple when the bottle is not in use.
  • the nipple typically has one or more openings for allowing liquid contained within the bottle to exit through the nipple and into an infant's mouth for consumption by the infant (or young child).
  • the infant places an end of the nipple in their mouth and sucks on the nipple to withdraw the liquid contained within the bottle.
  • the flow of liquid through the nipple is often controlled by the size and/or number of openings formed in the end of the nipple.
  • the entire nipple has to be replaced with a different nipple having the desired flow rate.
  • manufacturers of bottle assemblies will provide a series of nipples with different sizes and/or number of openings that are suitable for use with their bottles. For example, it is common for manufacturers to provide nipples having three different flow rates for use with their bottle assemblies.
  • a first low-flow nipple wherein the nipple has a single, relatively small opening therein for allowing only a low flow of liquid to pass through.
  • Low-flow nipples are typically designed for use by infants less than 3 months of age.
  • a second medium-flow nipple may be provided wherein the nipple has two or more openings and/or the opening(s) in the nipple are larger than those in the low-flow nipple.
  • Medium- flow nipples are typically designed for use by infants between 3 months and 6 months of age.
  • a third high-flow nipple may be provided wherein the nipple has a plurality of openings and/or the opening(s) in the nipple are larger than those in the medium-flow nipple.
  • High-flow nipples are typically designed for use by infants over 6 months of age. [0004]
  • One issue that has not been addressed with these variable flow nipples is the issue of over-feeding. Recent research reports indicate that infants using bottles are consistently over-fed and at higher risk for early childhood obesity. Bottle-fed infants have significantly higher caloric intake than infants fed at the breast.
  • Prior art nipples fail to adequately mimic how an infant would nurse on a mother's breast.
  • bottle feeding an infant using conventional infant bottle assemblies fails to adequately mimic breast feeding the infant.
  • a cascade of events occurs.
  • the infant places their mouth and tongue (latches) with a negative pressure of approximately 30 mm Hg (latching pressure) to the nipple/areola and stimulates milk ejection through a series of quick, shallow sucks referred to as non-nutritive suckling.
  • Non-nutritive suckling consists of stable lengths of sucking bursts and duration of pauses.
  • the average pressure of non-nutritive suckling is approximately 70 to 90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) to induce milk ejection from the breast.
  • the infant collects the milk using strong, relatively even draws, which is known in the art as nutritive suckling.
  • nutritive suckling the movement of the infant's tongue, jaw, and swallowing facilitates milk flow.
  • the average vacuum pressure applied to the breast during one of the draws is approximately 75-100 mm Hg.
  • the infant will pause between draws to swallow.
  • the infant will maintain a latching pressure of about 30 mm Hg while swallowing the collected milk.
  • the vacuum pressure applied to the breast by the infant fluctuates between the drawing pressure (between about 75-100 mm Hg) and the latching pressure (about 30 mm Hg).
  • at least some vacuum pressure is applied to the breast by the infant throughout the duration of the nutritive suckling.
  • the vacuum pressure needed to extract liquid from a conventional nipple is substantially lower than that needed to express milk from the breast of a mother.
  • many nipples allow liquid to exit the bottle via gravity.
  • these low pressure actuated nipples are susceptible to leaking.
  • nipples are shaped inappropriately for allowing the infant to use their mouth, tongue and palate in same manner as they would when they are breast feeding. That is, most conventional nipples are inadequately shaped for allowing the infant to latch onto the nipple.
  • the shape of the mother's breast promotes the proper placement and movement of the infant's mouth when the infant is latched onto the breast.
  • a nipple for a bottle assembly generally comprises a flow control valve configured to open when subjected to a first vacuum pressure and to close when subjected to a second vacuum pressure that is substantially the same as or less than the first vacuum pressure.
  • a bottle assembly generally comprises a bottle defining a liquid chamber for holding a quantity of liquid.
  • the bottle has a bottom, an open top, and a sidewall extending between the bottom and the open top.
  • the sidewall has a top portion, a base portion, and middle portion extending between the top and base portions.
  • a nipple has an opening for allowing liquid held in the liquid chamber to exit the bottle assembly.
  • a flow control valve is disposed within the nipple for regulating the flow of liquid from the liquid chamber of the bottle through the opening in the nipple.
  • a vent member allows air to pass into the liquid chamber of the bottle.
  • a nipple for use with a nursing bottle.
  • the nipple includes a base portion and a bulbous sidewall connected to and extending upward from the base portion.
  • the bulbous sidewall has a height and a maximum width that is larger than said height.
  • the nipple further includes an end portion extending upward from the bulbous sidewall and having an outlet opening therein.
  • a nipple for use with a nursing bottle.
  • the nipple includes a base portion positionable proximate the nursing bottle upon assembly therewith, and a bulbous sidewall connected to and extending upward from the base portion.
  • the bulbous sidewall has a height and a maximum width that is larger than said height.
  • the nipple further includes a generally cylindrical end portion extending upward from the bulbous sidewall distal from the base portion and having an outlet opening therein.
  • a nipple for use with a nursing bottle includes a base portion positionable proximate the bottle, a bulbous sidewall extending upward from the base portion and having a first height and a maximum width that is larger than the first height, and an end portion extending upward from the bulbous sidewall distal from said base portion and having a second height. The second height is less than the first height.
  • the end portion of the nipple has an outlet opening.
  • a nursing bottle assembly in still another aspect, includes a bottle having a closed bottom, an open top, and a sidewall extending between the bottom and the open top. The bottom and sidewall together define an interior chamber for holding liquid.
  • the nursing bottle assembly further includes a nipple configurable for assembly with the bottle and having an outlet opening through which liquid exits the bottle assembly during use.
  • the nipple includes a base portion configured to interface with the top of the bottle and being open to receive liquid from the interior chamber into the nipple during use of the bottle assembly and a bulbous sidewall connected to and extending upward from the base portion.
  • the bulbous sidewall has a height and a maximum width that is larger than the height.
  • the nipple further includes an end portion extending upward from the bulbous sidewall and having an opening therein defining the nipple outlet opening.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective of one embodiment of a bottle assembly having a nippl a flow control valve
  • Figure 2 is an exploded perspective of the bottle assembly;
  • Figure 3 is a side elevation of a bottle of the bottle assembly;
  • Figure 4 is a top plan view of the bottle;
  • Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the bottle
  • FIG. 6 is a side elevation of a cover of the bottle assembly
  • FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the cover
  • FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the cover
  • Figure 9 is a perspective of a nipple of the bottle assembly
  • FIG. 10 is a side elevation of the nipple
  • FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the nipple
  • Figure 12 is a bottom plan view of the nipple
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective of a flow control valve of the bottle assembly
  • Figure 14 is a side elevation of a collar of the bottle assembly
  • FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the collar
  • Figure 16 is a bottom plan view of the collar;
  • Figure 17 is a perspective of a bottom closure member of the bottle assembly;
  • Figure 18 is a side elevation of the bottom closure member
  • Figure 19 is a top plan view of the bottom closure member
  • Figure 20 is a bottom plan view of the bottom closure member
  • Figure 21 is a top plan view of a diaphragm of the bottle assembly
  • Figure 22 is a side elevation of the diaphragm
  • Figure 23 is a cross-section taken along line 23-23 of Figure 21;
  • Figure 24 is a fragmentary perspective of the bottle assembly with portions broken away to show the diaphragm in a sealed position with respect to the bottom closure member;
  • Figure 25 is vertical cross-section of the bottle assembly showing the diaphragm in the sealed position with respect to the bottom closure member;
  • Figure 26 is a fragmentary perspective of the bottle assembly with portions broken away to show a liquid therein and the diaphragm in an unsealed position with respect to the bottom closure member, the bottle assembly being shown tilted to a drinking position by an infant;
  • Figure 27 is a longitudinal cross section of the bottle assembly having the liquid therein and the diaphragm returned to its sealed position with respect to the bottom closure member, the bottle assembly being shown in its tilted, drinking position;
  • Figure 28 is an enlarged view taken from Figure 26 illustrating a fluid control valve disposed within a nipple of the bottle assembly, the fluid control valve being in a closed position;
  • Figure 29 is an enlarged view similar to Figure 27 but illustrating the fluid control valve in an open position.
  • Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
  • the bottle assembly 1 comprises a bottle 3, a cover 9, a nipple 11, and a collar 13.
  • Each of the bottle, cover, nipple, and collar are indicated generally by their respective reference number.
  • the bottle 3 has an open bottom 5, an open top 7, and a generally cylindrical side wall 6 extending between the open bottom and the open top.
  • the cylindrical side wall 6 includes a base portion 8, a top portion 10, and a middle portion 12 extending between the base and top portions.
  • the base portion 8 of the side wall 6 of the bottle 3 is generally cylindrical and includes a circular lower edge 20, an annular rib 23 spaced about the lower edge, and external threads 25 disposed between the lower edge and the annular rib.
  • the annular rib 23 has a generally flat lower surface 23a and a sloped upper surface 23b.
  • the top portion 10 of the side wall 6 is generally cylindrical and has a circular upper edge 21 and external threads 27 spaced below the upper edge.
  • the top portion 10 of the bottle 3 has a diameter that is less than the diameters of the middle portion 12 and the base portion 8. As a result of the difference in their diameters, the middle portion 12 has a region that tapers toward the top portion 10.
  • the diameters of the top, middle, and base portions 10, 12, 8 can be substantially the same. It is also understood that the middle portion 12 of the bottle 3 could have a diameter less than the top and base portions 10, 8, which would facilitate grasping of the bottle 3 by the user (i.e., infant, young child, caregiver).
  • the illustrated bottle 3 has a liquid chamber 28 adapted to hold a quantity of liquid for consumption by an infant or a young child. More specifically, the illustrated bottle 3 is adapted for use by an infant and to hold approximately 6 ounces of liquid (e.g., milk, breast milk, formula, water, juice).
  • the bottle 3 can be made of any suitable material (e.g., plastic, glass, stainless steel, aluminum) and can be made in any desired color or colors, and may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. In one suitable embodiment, the bottle 3 is made from plastic and manufactured using an injection mold process, which provides greater control over the thickness of the bottle as compared to a blown mold process.
  • the bottle 3 can have different configurations than those illustrated herein (e.g., a sports bottle, a travel cup, a training or sippy cup) and sized to hold quantities of liquid besides 6 ounces (e.g., 2 ounces, 4 ounces, 9 ounces, 12 ounces, etc.).
  • 6 ounces e.g., 2 ounces, 4 ounces, 9 ounces, 12 ounces, etc.
  • the cover 9 has a lower cylindrical portion 31, a domed upper portion 33, and a sloped intermediate or transition portion 35 that extends between the lower portion and the upper portion.
  • the lower portion 31 has three inward extending tabs 37 adapted for re leasable snap-fit connection with the collar 13.
  • the three tabs 37 can be seen in Figure 8.
  • the cover 9 can be selectively secured to the collar 13 during periods of non-use (e.g., storage, travel) to cover the nipple 11 (Figs. 1 and 2) and removed during periods of use for providing access to the nipple.
  • the cover 9 can be made of any suitable material, such as polypropylene, and can be made in any desired color or colors, and may be transparent (as illustrated), translucent, or opaque. It is contemplated that the cover 9 can be omitted from the bottle assembly 1. It is understood that the cover 9 can have more or fewer tabs 37 than the three seen in the illustrated embodiment.
  • the nipple 11 includes a base portion 39 and a nipple portion 41 that extends up from the base portion.
  • the base portion 39 comprises an annular flange having a generally circular outer edge 43 and a generally circular inner edge 45.
  • a continuous, peripheral lip 47 projects up from the flange generally adjacent the circular outer edge 43 of the base portion 39. It is understood that the peripheral lip 47 can be discontinuous (i.e., formed from two or more discrete segments) or even omitted from the base portion 39.
  • the nipple portion 41 of the nipple 11 extends up from the base portion 39 generally adjacent the circular inner edge 45 thereof.
  • the nipple portion 41 includes a generally bulbous sidewall 49 and a generally cylindrical end 51 extending upward from the bulbous sidewall.
  • the cylindrical end 51 has an opening 53 therein.
  • the bulbous sidewall 49 has an upper tapered portion 49a that is slightly convex and has a radius Rl of about 35 mm. It is understood, however, that the upper tapered portion 49a can have any suitable radius Rl without departing from the scope of this invention.
  • the bulbous sidewall 49 has a height H and a width W (i.e., diameter) at its widest part that is substantially greater than its height.
  • the width W of the bulbous sidewall 49 is approximately twice that of the height H of the sidewall. More specifically, the height H of the bulbous sidewall 49 of the nipple 11 is about 21 mm and the widest part of the sidewall has a width W of about 42 mm.
  • the upper tapered portion 49a of the bulbous sidewall 49 tapers from the cylindrical end 51 downward toward the widest portion of the sidewall, and a lower tapered portion 49b that tapers from the widest portion of the sidewall inward to proximate the base portion 39.
  • the widest part of the bulbous sidewall 49 may have any suitable width and height without departing from the scope of this invention.
  • the radius Rl of the upper tapered portion 49a is greater than the height H of the bulbous sidewall 49.
  • the cylindrical end 51 of the nipple 11 has a height FT such that a diameter-to-height ratio of the cylindrical end is between about 1.15 and about 1.6.
  • the diameter D and the height FT of the cylindrical end are about 13-16 mm and about 10 mm, respectively.
  • the height FT of the cylindrical end 51 is about half the height H of the bulbous sidewall 49. It is contemplated that the cylindrical end 51 can have any suitable diameter and height (i.e., diameter-to-height ratio) without departing from the scope of this invention.
  • the illustrated cylindrical end 51 has one generally circular opening 53 therein but it is understood that more openings can be provided in the bulbous end and that the openings can have one or more different shapes (e.g., square, triangle, oval, slits) without departing from the scope of this invention.
  • the cylindrical end 51 of the nipple 11 includes an interior annular recess 52 suitably sized for capturing a flow control valve as explained in more detail below.
  • the nipple 11 of the illustrated embodiment is configured to generally resemble a human female's breast.
  • the cylindrical end 51 is configured to resemble the nipple of a human breast and the bulbous sidewall 49 is configured to resemble the portions of the human breast surrounding the nipple (e.g., areola, skin).
  • the infant using the disclosed nipple 11 is able to latch onto the nipple as he/she would their mother's breast. It is contemplated, however, that the nipple 11 can have different shapes and sizes than those illustrated and described herein without departing from some aspects of this invention.
  • the nipple 11 is fabricated from a substantially pliable material such as at least one of a rubber material, a silicone material, and a latex material. It is contemplated, however, that the nipple 11 may be fabricated from any suitable material without departing from the scope of this invention.
  • the illustrated nipple 11 is suitably transparent or translucent but it is understood that the nipple may instead be opaque.
  • a suitable flow control valve such as the flow control valve 68 illustrated in Figure 13, is disposed in the nipple 11 for regulating the flow of liquid from the liquid chamber 28 of the bottle 3, through the nipple 11 and out the opening 53 in the nipple.
  • the flow control valve 68 is captured by the annular recess 52 in the cylindrical end 51 of the nipple 11 and spaced from the opening 53 in the nipple 11.
  • the flow control valve 68 is formed separately from the nipple 11, inserted into the annular recess 52, and bonded thereto. It is understood, however, that the flow control valve 68 can be formed (e.g., molded) integrally with the nipple 11.
  • One suitable flow control valve 68 is the SureFlo® elastomeric valve available from Liquid Molding Systems, Inc. (LMS) of Midland, Michigan, U.S.A.
  • the flow control valve 68 is configured to open when a predetermined external vacuum pressure is applied to the valve by the user via sucking (broadly, "opening pressure") is in a range between about 30 mm Hg and about 100 mm Hg. In one suitable embodiment, the valve 68 is configured to open when the vacuum pressure applied to the valve is approximately 50 mm Hg. The flow control valve 68 is also configured to close when the vacuum pressure applied to the valve by the user via sucking (broadly, “closing pressure”) falls to or slightly below the opening pressure (e.g., approximately 50 mm Hg in the illustrated embodiment). It is contemplated, however, that the flow control valve 68 can be configured to open and close at any suitable vacuum pressures besides those disclosed herein. As a result of the significant external vacuum pressure needed to open the flow control valve 68 and thereby allow liquid to flow therethrough, the flow control valve substantially reduces the potential for leakage through the nipple 11.
  • the nipple 11 having the disclosed flow control valve 68 better simulates how milk is drawn from a female's breast.
  • an infant collects milk being ejected using strong, even draws followed by a brief pause for swallowing.
  • the infant cyclically sucks to draw milk into his/her mouth and pauses to swallow the collected milk.
  • the flow of milk from the human breast is not continuous but instead flows when the infant applies sufficient vacuum in combination with proper mouth movements.
  • the shape of the female nipple and portions of the breast surrounding the nipple promotes proper placement, latching and movement of the infant's mouth.
  • the nipple 11 disclosed herein is configured to better simulate a breast feeding event.
  • the flow control valve 68 is configured to open and close when the vacuum pressure applied to the nipple by the infant is approximately 50 mm Hg. As a result, as long as the infant applies a vacuum pressure above 50 mm Hg, liquid will flow through the nipple and into the infant's mouth for consumption. If the vacuum pressure applied by the infant to the nipple via sucking falls to or slightly below 50 mm Hg, the liquid will stop flowing through the flow control valve 68.
  • the flow control valve 68 is configured for allowing a flow rate of about 7 milliliters per minute (ml/min) to about 15 ml/min based on the assumption that the infant cycles between draws and pauses about 60 times per minute. It is contemplated that the flow control valve 68 can be configured to operate at any suitable opening or closing pressure and at any suitable flow rate.
  • the present nipple 11 having the combination of its breast-like shape and the flow control valve 68 therein better simulates the feeding of an infant from a breast of a nursing mother and more effectively allows the infant to use oral pressures and movements that are similar to those used during feeding from a breast as compared to prior art nipples.
  • the flow control valve 68 is also adapted to open when the liquid chamber of the bottle is subjected to a predetermined internal vacuum pressure.
  • the flow control valve 68 will open when the vacuum pressure within the liquid chamber reaches or exceeds approximately 10 mm Hg and allow ambient air to flow into the liquid chamber.
  • the collar 13 includes a generally flat upper portion 55 and a cylindrical skirt 57 depending downward from the upper portion.
  • the upper portion 55 includes a generally circular opening 59 therein for allowing the nipple portion 41 of the nipple 11 to pass through the collar 13 as illustrated in Figure 1.
  • the skirt 57 includes internal threads 61 that are adapted for mating with the external threads 27 ( Figure 2) of the top portion 10 of the bottle 3 for selectively securing the collar 13 and the nipple 1 1 to the bottle assembly 1.
  • the collar 13 also includes an external channel 63 sized for receiving the tabs 37 of the cover 9 when the cover is secured thereto. The tabs 37 of the cover 9 and the channel 63 of the collar 13 collectively define the snap-fit connection therebetween.
  • the nipple 11 and the collar 13 collectively define a top closure member, indicated generally at 64, for closing the open top 7 of the bottle 3 ( Figure 2).
  • the top closure member 64 can have a different configuration than that illustrated herein.
  • the top closure member 64 can have any configuration suitable for used with, e.g., a nursing bottle, a sports bottle, a travel cup, a training cup, and/or a sippy cup.
  • the bottle assembly 1 further comprises a bottom closure member 65 for closing the open bottom 5 of the bottle 3.
  • the bottom closure member 65 includes a generally cup- shaped socket, indicated generally at 67, and a tapered foot 69 extending downward and outward from the socket.
  • the tapered foot 69 provides a stable base for the bottle assembly 1 when the bottle assembly is placed on a generally flat surface (e.g., a counter top, a table) to thereby inhibit tipping of the bottle assembly.
  • the cup-shaped socket 67 includes a cylindrical wall 71 and a base panel 73 closing a bottom end of the cylindrical wall.
  • the cylindrical wall 71 has internal threads 75 for mating with the external threads 25 (Figure 2) on the base portion 8 of the bottle 3. Accordingly and as explained in more detail below, the bottom closure member 65 can be selectively coupled to and selectively decoupled from the bottle 3 via the threaded connection therebetween.
  • the base panel 73 has a centrally located circular seat 77, two circular apertures 79 located adjacent the seat, and an annular shoulder 81. While the seat 77 in the illustrated embodiment is circular, it is understood that the seat can have other shapes (e.g., square, hexagonal). It is also understood that, in some suitable embodiments, the seat 77 can be omitted.
  • the apertures 79 can have shapes other than circular and that more or fewer apertures can be located in the base panel 73.
  • the annular shoulder 81 is disposed on an upper surface of the base panel 73 at a location generally adjacent to and transversely inward from the cylindrical wall 71.
  • the base panel 73 is generally flat but it is understood that the base panel could have other suitable shapes (e.g., conical, frustum, domed). It is also understood that the base panel 73 can include suitable reinforcing members (e.g., ribs).
  • the bottle assembly 1 further comprises a diaphragm (broadly, a "vent member”), indicated generally at 83, disposed between the lower edge 20 of the bottle 3 and the bottom closure member 65.
  • the diaphragm 83 closes the open bottom 5 ( Figure 2) of the bottle 3.
  • the diaphragm 83 has a roughly disk-shaped portion 85, an annular rim 87 circumscribing the disk-shaped portion, and a central seating member, indicated generally at 89.
  • the central seating member 89 comprises first and second sealing elements 91, 93 that project outward from the disk-shaped portion 85, and a central air passage 95 that extends axially through the diaphragm 83.
  • each of the first and second sealing elements 91, 93 of the diaphragm 83 are generally frustum and coaxially aligned with the air passage 95 and each other.
  • the air passage 95 extends through each of the first and second sealing elements 91, 93.
  • the diaphragm 83 is symmetric in that it has a first side 97 and a substantially identical second side 99 ( Figure 23).
  • the diaphragm 83 is positionable in the bottom closure member 65 with either side 97, 99 facing up.
  • the diaphragm 83 is captured between the bottom closure member 65 and the base portion 8 of the bottle 3.
  • the diaphragm 83 is inserted into the cup-shaped socket 67 ( Figure 17) of the bottom closure member so that one of the first and second sealing elements 91, 93 rest on the seat 77 of the base panel 73 of the bottom closure member 65 and the annular rim 87 of the diaphragm is disposed adjacent a lower portion of the cylindrical wall 71 outward of the annular shoulder 81 of the bottom closure member.
  • the bottom closure member 65 is screwed onto the bottle 3 via the interior threads 75 of the bottom closure member and the external threads 25 of the base portion 8 on the bottle.
  • the lower edge 20 of the bottle 3 engages a portion of the diaphragm 83 at a location generally opposed to the annular shoulder 81 of the bottom closure member to thereby pinch the diaphragm between the bottle and the bottom closure member to form a liquid tight seal.
  • an air gap 101 is formed between the diaphragm 83 and the base panel 73 of the bottom closure member 65.
  • the diaphragm 83 is slightly bowed upward at its center when it is captured between the bottom closure member 65 and the bottle 3. This causes the diaphragm, which is resilient, to be biased toward the base panel 73 of the bottom closure member 65. More specifically, bowing the diaphragm 83 upward at its center causes one of the first and second sealing elements 91, 93 to be biased against the seat 77 of the base panel 73 of the bottom closure member 65.
  • the bottle assembly 1 can be repeatedly taken apart for thorough cleaning (Figure 2) and reassembled for the next use ( Figure 1).
  • the separable components of the bottle assembly 1 are all relatively large so that they are easy to handle, are not easily lost, and pose a reduced risk of danger to small children.
  • the number of separable components is minimized to make assembly and reassembly of the bottle assembly 1 relatively easy.
  • the cover 9 can be selectively removed from the bottle assembly 1 via its snap-fit connection with the collar 13.
  • a user of the bottle assembly can remove the cover 9 by manually pulling the cover off of the collar 13.
  • the collar 13 can be removed from the bottle assembly 1 by disengaging the threaded connection between the collar and the bottle 3. More specifically, the collar 13 can be manually rotated with respect to the bottle 3 to thereby disengage the internal threads 61 of the collar from the external threads 27 of the top portion 10 of the bottle 3. Since the nipple 11 is captured by the collar 13, removal of the collar from the bottle assembly 1 results in removal of the nipple as well.
  • the bottom closure member 65 can also be manually rotated with respect to the bottle 3 to thereby disengage internal threads 75 from the external threads 25 on the base portion 8 of the bottle 3. Since the diaphragm 83 is captured by the bottom closure member 65, removal of the bottom closure member from the bottle assembly 1 results in removal of the diaphragm as well. Once the bottom closure member 65 and diaphragm 83 are disengaged from the bottle 3, the diaphragm 83 can be manually lifted from the bottom closure member 65. Otherwise, the bottom closure member 65 can be turned upside down and the diaphragm 83 will fall out.
  • all of the components of the illustrated bottle assembly 1 can be easily separated and cleaned either manually or in a dishwasher.
  • the bottle assembly 1 can be easily reassembled by reversing the disassembling process.
  • an infant can drink from the bottle assembly 1 by latching onto the upper tapered portion 49a of the bulbous sidewall 49 of the nipple 11 with his/her lips as he/she would a breast.
  • the cylindrical end 51 of the nipple 11 with the flow control valve 68 disposed therein is entirely received within the infant's mouth.
  • the infant tilts the bottle assembly 1 to a drinking position thereby causing liquid to flow via gravity into the nipple 11 where is it blocked by the flow control valve 68 ( Figures 27 and 28).
  • the infant sucks to apply a vacuum to the nipple 11 and thereby to the flow control valve 68.
  • the flow control valve 68 will open as seen in Figure 29 and allow the liquid to pass from the liquid chamber 28 of the bottle 3 through the flow control valve and out the opening 53 in the nipple 11 for consumption by the infant.
  • the flow control valve will move back to the closed position blocking the flowing of liquid.
  • a typically infant will cycle between sucks and pauses to swallow about 60 times per minute.
  • the flow control valve 68 will open and close about 60 times per minute during a typically feeding.
  • the diaphragm 83 is responsive to relatively low pressure differentials (i.e., the pressure difference between the liquid chamber 28 of the bottle 3 and ambient pressure) thereby making it easy for the infant to drink from the bottle assembly 1.
  • the diaphragm 83 is responsive to pressure differentials between about 2 (0.15 mm Hg) and about 4 inches of water (0.30 mm Hg).
  • the diaphragm 83 can be responsive to other ranges of pressure differentials.
  • the vacuum formed within the liquid chamber 28 of the bottle 3 draws the diaphragm 83 to move from a sealed position ( Figure 25) to an unsealed position ( Figure 26). More specifically, the vacuum causes the diaphragm 83 to flex away from the base panel 73 of the bottom closure member 65 thereby opening an air vent and allowing air (as indicated by the arrows in Figure 25) into the liquid chamber 28 of the bottle 3.
  • flexure of the diaphragm 83 repositions the outer facing one of the first and second sealing elements 91, 93 away from the seat 77 of the base panel 73 of the bottom closure member 65 to allow air to flow in through two apertures 79 in the base panel of the bottom closure member, into the air gap 101 formed between the diaphragm 83 and bottom closure member, through the air passage 95 in the diaphragm, and into the liquid chamber 28 of the bottle 3.
  • the resiliency of the diaphragm 83 causes it to move back to the sealed position thereby preventing further air flow into the liquid chamber.
  • the outer facing one of the first and second sealing elements 91, 93 of the diaphragm 83 return to the seated position wherein the respective sealing element sealingly engages the seat 77 of the base panel 73 of the bottom closure member 65 and thereby blocks air flow into the liquid chamber 28 of the bottle 3.
  • Air is trapped in the air passage 95 in the diaphragm 83 when the outer facing one of the first and second sealing elements 91, 93 of the diaphragm 83 is sealingly seated against the seat 77 of the base panel 73 of the bottom closure member 65.
  • This trapped air inhibits liquid contained in the liquid chamber 28 of the bottle 3 from entering the air passage 95 in the diaphragm. Inhibiting liquid from entering the air passage 95 in the diaphragm 83 significantly reduces the likelihood that liquid contained in the liquid chamber 28 of the bottle 3 will leak from the bottle assembly 1.
  • a nipple 11 for a bottle assembly 1 comprising a flow control valve 68 configured to open when subjected to a first vacuum pressure and to close when subjected to a second vacuum pressure that is substantially the same as or less than the first vacuum pressure.
  • the nipple 11 as set forth above is provided, wherein the first vacuum pressure is substantially the same as the second vacuum pressure.
  • the nipple 11 as set forth above is provided, wherein the first and second vacuum pressures are approximately 50 mm Hg.
  • the nipple 11 as set forth above further comprises a generally bulbous sidewall 49 and a generally cylindrical end 51 extending upward from the bulbous sidewall, the cylindrical end having an opening 53 therein.
  • the nipple 11 as set forth above is provided, wherein the flow control valve 68 is formed as a separate piece and bonded within the cylindrical end 51. [0082] The nipple 11 as set forth above is provided, wherein the flow control valve 68, the bulbous sidewall 49, and the cylindrical end 51 are formed as a single molded piece.
  • a nipple 11 for a bottle assembly 1 comprising a flow control valve 68 configured to maintain the flow rate through the nipple between approximately 7 milliliters per minute and approximately 15 milliliters per minute.
  • the nipple 11 as set forth above further comprises a base portion 39 and a nipple portion 41 extending upward from the base portion, the nipple portion having an opening 53 therein for allowing liquid to exit the nipple.
  • nipple 11 as set forth above is provided, wherein the flow control valve 68 is disposed within the nipple portion 41.
  • nipple 11 as set forth above is provided, wherein the nipple portion 41 includes a generally bulbous sidewall 49 and a generally cylindrical end 51 extending upward from the bulbous sidewall.
  • the nipple 11 as set forth above is provided, wherein the bulbous sidewall 49 has a radius of about 35 mm.
  • the nipple 11 as set forth above is provided, wherein the cylindrical end 51 has a diameter-to-height ratio between about 1.15 and about 1.6.
  • a bottle assembly 1 comprising: a bottle 3 defining a liquid chamber 28 for holding a quantity of liquid, the bottle having a bottom 5, an open top 7, and a sidewall 6 extending between the bottom and the open top, the sidewall having a top portion 10, a base portion 8, and middle portion 12 extending between the top and base portions; a nipple 11 having an opening 53 for allowing liquid held in the liquid chamber to exit the bottle assembly; a flow control valve 68 disposed within the nipple for regulating the flow of liquid from the liquid chamber of the bottle through the opening in the nipple; and a vent member 38 for allowing air to pass into the liquid chamber of the bottle.
  • the bottle assembly 1 as set forth above is provided, wherein the nipple 11 includes a base portion 39 and a generally breast-shaped nipple portion 41 that extends up from the base portion.
  • the bottle assembly 1 as set forth above is provided, wherein the flow control valve 68 is configured to open when subjected a vacuum pressure that meets or exceeds a predetermined vacuum pressure value and to close when the vacuum pressure falls below the value.
  • the bottle assembly 1 as set forth above is provided, wherein the predetermined vacuum pressure value is approximately 50 mm Hg.
  • the bottle assembly 1 as set forth above is provided, wherein the flow control valve 68 is configured to maintain the flow rate through the nipple 1 1 between approximately 7 milliliters per minute and approximately 15 milliliters per minute.
  • the bottle assembly 1 as set forth above is provided, wherein the vent member 83 is disposed in or near the bottom 5 of the bottle 3.
  • the bottle assembly 1 as set forth above is provided, wherein the vent member 83 opens when the liquid chamber 28 of the bottle 3 is subjected to a first internal vacuum pressure.
  • the bottle assembly 1 as set forth above is provided, wherein the flow control valve 68 is configured to open when the liquid chamber 28 of the bottle 3 is subjected to a second internal vacuum pressure that is greater than the first internal vacuum pressure.
  • the embodiments described herein further provide a nipple 11 for use with a nursing bottle 3.
  • the nipple includes a base portion 39 and a bulbous sidewall 49 connected to and extending upward from the base portion.
  • the bulbous sidewall has a height H and a maximum width W that is larger than the height.
  • the nipple further includes an end 51 extending upward from the bulbous sidewall and having an outlet opening 53 therein.
  • the nipple 11 as set forth above is provided, wherein the maximum width W of the bulbous sidewall 49 is approximately two times the height H of the bulbous sidewall.
  • the nipple 11 as set forth above is provided, wherein the bulbous sidewall 49 comprises an upper tapered portion 49a adjacent the end 51 of the nipple, the upper tapered portion being convex as it extends away from the end of the nipple.
  • the nipple 11 as set forth above is provided, wherein the upper tapered portion 49a has a radius Rl that is greater than the height H of the bulbous sidewall 49.
  • the nipple 11 as set forth above is provided, wherein the bulbous sidewall 49 comprises a lower tapered portion 49b that tapers from the maximum width W inward to proximate the base portion 39.
  • the nipple 11 as set forth above is provided, wherein the end 51 has a height H', a ratio of the height H of the bulbous sidewall 49 to the height of the end of the nipple being about 2.
  • the nipple 11 as set forth above is provided, wherein the end 51 of the nipple comprises an inner recess 52 defined therein proximate the outlet opening 53, the nipple further comprising a flow control valve 68 disposed within the inner recess, the flow control valve configured to regulate a flow of liquid from the bottle 3 through the outlet opening of the end of the nipple.
  • a nipple 11 for use with a nursing bottle 3, the nipple comprising: a base portion 39 positionable proximate the nursing bottle upon assembly therewith; a bulbous sidewall 49 connected to and extending upward from the base portion, the bulbous sidewall having a height H and a maximum width W that is larger than the height; and a generally cylindrical end portion 51 extending upward from the bulbous sidewall distal from the base portion and having an outlet opening 53 therein.
  • the nipple 11 as set forth above is provided, wherein the cylindrical end portion 51 has a diameter D and a height H', a ratio of the diameter to the height of the end portion being between about 1.15 and about 1.6.
  • the nipple 11 as set forth above is provided, wherein the height H' of the cylindrical end portion 51 is about 10 millimeters.
  • the nipple 11 as set forth above is provided, further comprising a flow control valve 68 coupled within the cylindrical end portion 51, the flow control valve configured to regulate a flow of liquid from the nursing bottle 3 through the outlet opening 53 in the cylindrical end portion of the nipple.
  • a nipple 11 for use with a nursing bottle 3, the nipple comprising: a base portion 39 positionable proximate the bottle; a bulbous sidewall 49 extending upward from the base portion and having a first height H and a maximum width W that is larger than the first height; and an end portion 51 extending upward from the bulbous sidewall distal from the base portion and having a second height H', the second height being less than the first height, the end portion of the nipple having an outlet opening 53.
  • nipple 11 as set forth above is provided, wherein a ratio of the first height H to the second height H' is about 2.
  • the nipple 11 as set forth above is provided, wherein the first height H is about 21 millimeters and the second height H' is about 10 millimeters.
  • the nipple 11 as set forth above is provided, wherein the end portion 51 is generally cylindrical and has a diameter D between about 13 millimeters and about 16 millimeters, the second height H' of the end portion being about 10 millimeters.
  • a bottle assembly 1 comprising: a bottle 3 having a closed bottom 5, an open top 7, and a sidewall 6 extending between the bottom and the open top, the bottom 5 and the sidewall 6 together defining an interior chamber 28 for holding liquid; and a nipple 1 1 configurable for assembly with the bottle and having an outlet opening 53 through which liquid exits the bottle assembly during use, the nipple comprising: a base portion 39 configured to interface with the top of the bottle and being open to receive liquid from the interior chamber into the nipple during use of the bottle assembly; a bulbous sidewall 49 connected to and extending upward from the base portion, the bulbous sidewall having a height H and a maximum width W that is larger than the height; and an end portion 51 extending upward from the bulbous sidewall and having an opening therein defining the nipple outlet opening.
  • the bulbous sidewall 49 comprises: an upper tapered portion 49a adjacent the end portion 51 of the nipple 11 , the upper tapered portion tapering from the end portion as it extends toward a location of the maximum width W of the bulbous sidewall; and a lower tapered portion 49b that tapers as it extends from the location of the maximum width to proximate the base portion 39.
  • the bottle assembly 1 as set forth above is provided, wherein the end portion 51 comprises: an annular recess 52 defined in the end portion proximate the outlet opening 53; and a flow control valve 68 disposed within the annular recess, the flow control valve configured to regulate a flow of liquid from the bottle 3 through the outlet opening.
  • the bottle assembly 1 as set forth above further includes a vent member 83 configured to allow air to pass into the bottle 3 during use.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une tétine (11) pour un ensemble biberon (1), laquelle tétine comprend une soupape de régulation de débit (68) configurée pour s'ouvrir lorsqu'elle est soumise à une première pression négative et se fermer lorsqu'elle est soumise à une seconde pression négative qui est sensiblement la même que la première pression négative ou qui est inférieure à celle-ci. La soupape de régulation de débit est configurée pour maintenir le débit à travers la tétine entre approximativement 7 millilitres par minute et approximativement 15 millilitres par minute
PCT/US2011/058284 2011-10-28 2011-10-28 Tétine pour un ensemble biberon pour nourrissons ayant une soupape de régulation de débit et ensemble biberon pour nourrissons présentant une telle tétine WO2013062575A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2011/058284 WO2013062575A1 (fr) 2011-10-28 2011-10-28 Tétine pour un ensemble biberon pour nourrissons ayant une soupape de régulation de débit et ensemble biberon pour nourrissons présentant une telle tétine

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2011/058284 WO2013062575A1 (fr) 2011-10-28 2011-10-28 Tétine pour un ensemble biberon pour nourrissons ayant une soupape de régulation de débit et ensemble biberon pour nourrissons présentant une telle tétine

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013062575A1 true WO2013062575A1 (fr) 2013-05-02

Family

ID=48168243

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2011/058284 WO2013062575A1 (fr) 2011-10-28 2011-10-28 Tétine pour un ensemble biberon pour nourrissons ayant une soupape de régulation de débit et ensemble biberon pour nourrissons présentant une telle tétine

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2013062575A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10398241B2 (en) 2014-01-29 2019-09-03 Jackel International Limited Valve assembly

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5101991A (en) * 1988-12-15 1992-04-07 Jex Company, Limited Nipple for nursing bottle
US5474028A (en) * 1994-01-25 1995-12-12 Merrick's, Inc. Animal feeding nipple
US6994225B2 (en) * 2002-08-05 2006-02-07 Hakim Nouri E No-spill drinking products

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5101991A (en) * 1988-12-15 1992-04-07 Jex Company, Limited Nipple for nursing bottle
US5474028A (en) * 1994-01-25 1995-12-12 Merrick's, Inc. Animal feeding nipple
US6994225B2 (en) * 2002-08-05 2006-02-07 Hakim Nouri E No-spill drinking products

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10398241B2 (en) 2014-01-29 2019-09-03 Jackel International Limited Valve assembly

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