One-piece cap with flexible straw and sealing disk for baby bottle

Abstract

A baby bottle cap which comprises a one-piece cap which attaches to the open end of a baby bottle neck, a flexible straw extending from the interior of the baby bottle, through the inlet of the cap to a position outside of the baby bottle, and a removable sealing disk. The innermost hole of the inlet applies pressure to the flexible straw to create a leak-proof seal between the cap and the flexible straw and to hold the flexible straw in place. The sealing disk is secured to the underside of the cap which will create a leak-proof seal for traveling and storage. This apparatus will be used for a toddler that is weaning off of a bottle nipple learning to drink from a straw and used as a drinking device for the toddler years.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001]Not ApplicableFEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH [0002]Not ApplicableSEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM [0003]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]1. Field of Invention[0005]The present invention relates to a one-piece cap with a flexible straw and sealing disk that replaces the nipple and annular ring on the neck of a baby bottle, specifically to accommodate the child to teach them weaning off of the nipple and for continued use once the child learns to drink from the straw.[0006]2. Related Art[0007]At present, there are no adaptors for baby bottles that are one-piece caps with flexible straws to replace the nipple and annular ring to allow the bottle to be converted into a device which liquid can be drawn through a straw. It is recommended for infants to wean from using a nipple by the age of one-year-old to prevent tooth decay, reduce the risk of ear infections, and to prevent lisps and other speech problems such as difficulty with articu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This invention is a baby bottle cap that can be used as a one-piece cap, a flexible straw, and a sealing disk. The one-piece cap has a raised ridge and is designed to fit over a baby bottle neck. The flexible straw has a lumen and is attached to the cap. A sealing disk is also included and is designed to fit tightly into the cap and hold liquid in the bottle. The technical effect of this invention is that it allows for easy storage and transportation of liquids in baby bottles, providing a convenient and safe solution for breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.

Problems solved by technology

Problems that arise with this product are that it is a small, loose disk made out of thin material that is not a one-piece unit top and it can be easily lost through everyday use or for travel outside the house.

This has to be used with the threaded ring and results in additional pieces needed to put the product together for use or to wash.

There is also no option for a cover to allow for travel.

If someone already owns a bottle brand that uses a bottle cover that is designed for use with a nipple, the person will not be able to travel with this system as the liquid would spill throughout the center hole of the disk since this piece does not come with an plugging option for the center hole.

Per the claims, the center hole generally orthogonally, which doesn't allow the straw to move at a slight angle to contour to the child's preferred height and angle.

This product must include a value and does not leave an option for not having a valve which is a disadvantage for children learning to drink from a straw.

A lot of times toddlers have issues with the straws when there is a valve because the valve makes it harder to draw the liquid up and the child may not fully understand the concept of how to work the straw in order to open the valve.

Another disadvantage of the modular feeding bottle is that the straw must be used in conjunction with a gasket made of a soft, malleable material.

The other issue is that the modular feeding bottle allows for the straw to be made out of a harder texture than the gasket portion.

Using a harder plastic for the straw would hinder the child or caregiver from being able to manipulate the height of the straw and also would not conform to the comfort of the child's mouth.

Since the multifunctional bottle cap attaches to manufacturer containers that already contain liquid a caregiver would find this product costly since they would need to have these prepackaged, single serving containers for every feeding.

An issue arises with using unfamiliar containers, which may make the child hesitant to drink from something unfamiliar and this invention is not intended for the child weaning from the nipple to a straw.

If the multifunctional bottle cap was used on a daily basis and can fit on a bottle, the plurality of different sized bottle neck diameters in the bottom of the devices causes a sanitary issue, especially with milk and other spoiling liquids since liquids can easily dry in between the many thread if not cleaned thoroughly.

Lastly, the attached cap for the top of the straw is a distraction and should the material that attaches the cap break, the cap would be unsafe since it is small and a possible choking hazard.

Another disadvantage is that the straw option is to be used with the disposable, aseptic package.

Disadvantages of this related art is that it is to be used with a plastic bag and has a separate insert that replaces the nipple to hold a straw.

While this product is not seemingly for use on a baby bottle or to be used for many feedings per day, it also proves unsafe with the hinged top that can close on fingers or serve as a distraction to an infant who is learning to wean from a bottle.

If the hinge was removed it would be a safety hazard leaving sharp points exposed.

This set up is undesirable for teaching an infant how to use a straw.

It also includes a molded mouthpiece / spout which does not conform to a baby's mouth, rather something the baby needs to conform to instead, which causes difficulty when weaning from the nipple.

Further disadvantages are the length of the straw is so long that it would take a long time for the child weaning from the nipple to draw liquid through the straw.

The straw is also a strangulation hazard and a distraction for children who play, kink or pull on the cord-like straw.

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