Pacifiers and drinking containers with pacifiers

Abstract

The nipples used in drinking bottles are formed with walls of varying thicknesses. The air supply valve has a first valve section and a second valve section with different thicknesses, and also different wall thicknesses in a cross-section taken above the valve and perpendicular to the nipple axis. These measures improve the reliability of valve manufacturing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to nipples for drinking bottles, such as those for baby feeding bottles. Background Technology

[0002] When breastfeeding is not possible, or as an alternative or supplement to breastfeeding, baby feeding bottles are used by parents to feed their babies breast milk or formula.

[0003] Typically, feeding bottles have soft, flexible nipples that mimic the shape and physical behavior of a breast.

[0004] A very common feature of these nipples is that they have an air valve to allow air to enter the bottle while the baby is drinking milk from it. This allows the baby to drink continuously without having to remove the bottle.

[0005] A very common type of air valve is the duckbill valve, which has two valve flaps that are (almost) in contact with each other to prevent milk from flowing out and to allow air to enter the bottle when there is a certain amount of underpressure in the bottle.

[0006] Currently, the duckbill valve in flexible feeding bottle nipples has several problems.

[0007] Nipple nipples are typically injection molded from materials such as silicone. The valves are usually designed to be very small to prevent any unwanted opening due to the manufacturing process or deformation of the rest of the nipple. However, manufacturing these small valves with typical wall thicknesses ranging from 200 μm to 500 μm can be very challenging. Filling the valve during injection molding is particularly difficult.

[0008] When silicone fills the mold cavity, air needs to escape from the molding tool through a venting channel typically located at the valve tip. If air is trapped inside, this can cause short circuits or cavitation in the mold. Defective nipples, or valves that may be sold with significant milk leakage outside the air valve, can result.

[0009] GB 2412 114 discloses a feeding bottle nipple having an air valve with flexible sidewalls. One or both sidewalls have a thickness of less than 0.4 mm to increase flexibility.

[0010] US 2005 / 252875 discloses another type of bottle nipple with an air valve. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This invention is defined by the claims.

[0012] According to an example of one aspect of the invention, a nipple for a drinking bottle is provided, the nipple comprising a single integral part formed by a wall, the nipple comprising:

[0013] The upper nipple portion is located at one end of the nipple axis, and the nipple opening is located in the upper nipple portion;

[0014] The base edge portion is located at the opposite end of the nipple axis; and

[0015] A valve, formed between or as a portion of the base edge portion, has a first valve portion and a second valve portion. The first valve portion has a first average wall thickness, and the second valve portion has a second average wall thickness. The first valve portion and the second valve portion define a valve opening between them.

[0016] The first valve section is closer to the nipple axis than the second valve section, and the second wall thickness is greater than the first wall thickness.

[0017] The third wall thickness in the cross-section perpendicular to the nipple axis, taken above the valve, is greater near the valve than the fourth wall thickness further away from the valve in the same cross-section.

[0018] The first and second valve portions correspond to each other in that they have the same wall area, particularly when viewed from the perspective of the valve's internal volume. They preferably have the same wall shape (e.g., rectangular or trapezoidal), and each terminates at a valve opening (e.g., a slit). They may, for example, comprise the same distance extending from the valve opening. They may, for example, be mirror images of each other and thus symmetrical in size and shape on each side of the valve opening. Therefore, the first and second valve portions are variations of the valve designed to define its function.

[0019] The average wall thickness is the average wall thickness of each of the entire first valve section and the second valve section. The first and second valve sections are, for example, the final deformable parts of the valve structure that lead to and terminate at the valve opening. Therefore, the thickness of these valve sections determines the flow conditions that define the valve opening during the molding process.

[0020] The base edge portion is used for coupling to a container, for example, to seal the top opening of the container. For example, it can be used to sit on the opening of a container, although there may be an intermediate component between them. The valve allows air to enter to replenish the volume of the drinking liquid.

[0021] A valve has parts that together form the valve opening. The valve parts are those portions of the valve that are expected to deform during use, i.e., the parts that affect the valve's sealing function. These are the valve discs in flap valves. Niches are typically made from the nipple opening through injection molding. The valve structure can be formed more reliably by making the valve part further away from the injection point (because it is further away from the nipple axis) thicker than the valve part closer to the injection point.

[0022] Furthermore, the thicker wall portion (the remaining portion of the wall at that height above the nipple) means that the injection molding material flows preferentially to the valve location by having reduced flow resistance.

[0023] These measures combined enable a more reliable valve manufacturing process, especially based on injection molding.

[0024] There can be a single valve or multiple valves around the nipple axis.

[0025] The nipple defines a ring around its axis in cross-section. This ring is typically circular, but can also be non-circular. The aforementioned cross-section is preferably positioned just above the valve, so that during injection molding, the liquid flow passes through this cross-section just before reaching the valve. "Near the valve" means at an angular position around the ring corresponding to the valve's angular location, while "away from the valve" (in this cross-section) means at an angular position around the ring different from the valve's angular location. Therefore, the third wall thickness is in the region where the flow that ultimately reaches the valve will exist during injection molding. Thus, the injection-molded fluid path to the valve has relatively reduced flow resistance compared to the flow resistance of other parts of the structure.

[0026] This valve, for example, includes a duckbill valve, wherein the first valve portion is a first valve disc, the second valve portion is a second valve disc, and the opening is a valve slit. This is a common type of valve used as a one-way air supply valve, although other valve designs can be used.

[0027] The first and second valve discs are, for example, oriented within 5 to 45 degrees of the nipple axis. In other words, the valves are vertically oriented. A horizontal valve orientation can also be used.

[0028] The second valve disc is, for example, tapered, causing the wall thickness to narrow towards the valve slit. This can be used to improve the valve's mechanical properties.

[0029] The valve, for example, has a side portion connecting the first valve disc and the second valve disc (located at opposite ends of the valve slit), and the side portion is also tapered, such that the wall thickness narrows toward the valve slit.

[0030] The first and second valve discs, for example, each have a length ranging from 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm extending downwards to the valve slit. This length is the vertical length of the valve slit toward the movable valve disc.

[0031] The nipple may include a skirt below the upper nipple portion and a waist below the skirt, wherein the waist is connected to the base edge portion. Therefore, from top to bottom, there is the nipple portion, the skirt, the waist, and then the base edge.

[0032] It has a thickened section to facilitate material flow to the cross section of the valve and then through the waist.

[0033] The waist section, for example, includes a closed shape comprising an arcuate portion of the third wall thickness near the corner of the valve. This arcuate portion of the third thickness facilitates flow to the valve. It is located locally near the valve, particularly above it, and thus within the flow path of the molding material from the nipple opening to the valve.

[0034] The valve is located, for example, at the junction between the waist and the base edge. This keeps it as far away from the nipple portion as possible, thus preventing the baby from ingesting supplemental air while using the nipple.

[0035] At least in the region near the valve opening of the valve section, the wall thickness of the second valve section can be greater than the wall thickness of the first valve section. This is at or near the final molding point of the valve.

[0036] The second average wall thickness is, for example, in the range of 1.2 to 2.5 times the first average wall thickness. The second average wall thickness is, for example, in the range of 0.25 mm to 0.6 mm, and the first average wall thickness is, for example, in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0037] The thickness of the third wall is, for example, in the range of 1.5 to 5 times the thickness of the fourth wall. The thickness of the fourth wall is, for example, in the range of 250 μm to 1 mm.

[0038] The wall is, for example, silicone resin, and the nipple is injection molded through the nipple opening.

[0039] The present invention also provides a feeding bottle, comprising:

[0040] Containers; and

[0041] The nipple as defined above.

[0042] A fixing component can be provided to secure the nipple to the container, although this fixing function can be replaced by the nipple itself.

[0043] The fixing component could be a screw on the disc, but other ways of holding the nipple to the container are known, such as a hinged cap.

[0044] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0045] To better understand the invention and to more clearly illustrate how to implement it, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings by way of example only, wherein:

[0046] Figure 1 A typical drinking bottle is shown;

[0047] Figure 2 The first example of a known pacifier is shown;

[0048] Figure 3 A second example of a known pacifier is shown;

[0049] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an example of a nipple design according to the present invention is shown;

[0050] Figure 5 The valve area is shown in more detail;

[0051] Figure 6 As shown Figure 4 The cross section of VI-VI; and

[0052] Figure 7 The results of the injection molding process are shown; and

[0053] Figure 8 The side of the valve is shown to taper toward the valve slit. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] It should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method, they are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, system, and method of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are merely schematic and not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used in all the drawings to denote the same or similar parts.

[0056] This invention provides a nipple for a drinking bottle, the nipple being formed of walls with various thicknesses. The air supply valve has a first valve portion and a second valve portion with different thicknesses, and also different wall thicknesses in a cross-section perpendicular to the nipple axis taken above the valve. These measures improve the reliability of valve manufacturing.

[0057] Figure 1 A typical drinking bottle is shown for bottle feeding an infant or toddler using a nipple. The drinking bottle 10 includes a container 12, a nipple 14, and a connecting ring 16 for securing the nipple 14 to the container. The connecting ring is screwed onto a thread at the top of the container, for example. The nipple closes the opening at the top of the container.

[0058] Figure 2 The first example of a known nipple 14 is shown.

[0059] The nipple 14 has an upper nipple portion 20 located at one end of the nipple axis 22 and a nipple opening 24 located at the upper end of the nipple portion 20. The nipple opening can be recessed from the very top of the nipple portion backward. Figure 4 An example is shown in the image.

[0060] The base edge portion 26 is located at the opposite end of the nipple axis and is used to sit against the opening of the container 12.

[0061] Note that "top" or "upper part" is defined as the part closest to the nipple, and "bottom," "base," or "lower part" is defined as the part closest to the edge. These terms are used for convenience only and do not imply any particular orientation (relative to the direction of gravity).

[0062] Valve 30 is formed between the upper nipple portion 20 and the base edge portion 26.

[0063] The valve has a first valve portion 32 and a second valve portion 34, which define a valve opening 36 between them. The first valve portion 32 is closer to the opening 24 than the second valve portion 34, so it will be filled first during injection molding.

[0064] The valve also has a side portion (not shown) that connects the first valve portion and the second valve portion at the end of the valve opening.

[0065] Below the upper nipple portion 20 is a skirt 40. This provides a gradual widening from the desired nipple size (e.g., approximately 10 mm in diameter) to the desired container size (e.g., 40 mm in diameter). It mimics the shape of a breast.

[0066] Nipples are typically rotationally symmetrical, meaning they are not valves. They can usually be round, but they can also be non-circular.

[0067] The nipple 14 is injection molded using the nipple opening 24 as the liquid inlet and air outlet.

[0068] Figure 2 An example based on a duckbill valve is shown. The first valve portion 32 is the first valve disc, the second valve portion 34 is the second valve disc, and the opening 36 is the valve slit.

[0069] Figure 2 A duckbill valve is shown, wherein the valve disc is approximately perpendicular (e.g., in the range of 5 to 45 degrees, such as below 15 degrees) to the nipple axis 22.

[0070] Figure 3 The diagram shows that the duckbill valve can alternatively have a valve flap that is generally parallel to (e.g., within the range of 5 to 45 degrees, such as below 15 degrees) the nipple axis 22. The outermost valve flap is then further away from the nipple opening.

[0071] In this example, the nipple opening is shown as being positioned along the nipple axis. This is not necessary – it can be off-center from the central nipple axis or there can be multiple openings.

[0072] Figure 4A cross-sectional view of an example of a nipple design according to the present invention is shown.

[0073] Pacifiers typically have the same characteristics as Figure 3 The same design and the same reference numerals are used for the same parts. Thus, the nipple 14 has: an upper nipple portion 20 located at one end of the nipple axis 22, the upper nipple portion 20 having a nipple opening 24; a base edge portion 26; a valve 30 located between the upper nipple portion 20 and the base edge portion 26; and a skirt 40 located below the upper nipple portion 20.

[0074] and Figure 3 Compared to the design, Figure 4 The design has two modifications.

[0075] The first modification is that the valve has different wall thicknesses for the first valve portion and the second valve portion (which define the valve opening 36 between them). In particular, the average wall thickness of the second valve portion 34 (which will be referred to as the second wall thickness) is greater than the average wall thickness of the first valve portion 32 (which will be referred to as the first wall thickness).

[0076] Figure 5 The area of ​​valve 30 is shown in more detail. In this example, the valve is still a duckbill valve with a first valve portion 32 (i.e., the first valve flap), which is closer to the nipple axis than the second valve portion 34 (i.e., the second valve flap), and therefore closer to the opening 24 in terms of the flow of the injection molding fluid.

[0077] The first valve disc 32 has a length L of approximately 2 mm (e.g., 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm) (perpendicular to the valve slit 36 ​​and in the direction toward the valve slit). This is the length of the valve disc portion that deforms in response to a pressure difference. The wall thickness over this 2 mm length is approximately a constant 0.25 mm (e.g., in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm). Therefore, the first wall thickness (average) is 0.25 mm in this case.

[0078] The second valve flap 34 has the same length L of approximately 2 mm (e.g., 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm) (perpendicular to the valve slit 36 ​​and downward toward the valve slit). In this example, the wall thickness over this 2 mm length tapers from 0.6 mm away from the valve slit to 0.4 mm near the valve slit. Therefore, the second wall thickness (average) is 0.50 mm in this case (e.g., in the range of 0.25 mm to 0.6 mm).

[0079] The region of length L is the part of the valve that is expected to deform during use. The regions on each side of the valve correspond to each other in size and shape, for example.

[0080] The first valve disc can also be tapered, or both valve discs can have a uniform thickness. The sides of the valve (not shown, as they are in front of and behind the cross-section shown) can also taper toward the valve slit.

[0081] The molded nipple 14 is injected using the nipple opening as the liquid inlet.

[0082] By making the valve portion 34 further away from the nipple axis and, in terms of flow from the injection point, further away from the injection point, and by making the valve portion 34 thicker than a valve portion closer to the nipple axis and therefore closer to the injection point, the valve structure can be formed more reliably because the molding liquid can be delivered more evenly to the different portions of the valve, regardless of their different distances from the injection point. This is achieved through the different flow resistances caused by the different wall thicknesses.

[0083] The second modification is to create a thicker wall portion above the valve at the same height above the nipple (i.e., at the same position along the nipple axis) relative to the rest of the wall. This means that, again by reducing resistance to flow, the injection molding material preferentially flows towards the valve location, particularly the angular orientation of the valve around the material ring formed around the nipple axis.

[0084] Back Figure 4 The nipple has a waist 50 below the skirt 40. The waist 50 is connected to the base edge portion 26. Therefore, from top to bottom, there is the nipple portion 20, the skirt 40, the waist 50, and then the base edge 26.

[0085] Valve 30 is located at the junction between waist 50 and base edge portion 26.

[0086] In this example, the waist 50 is narrower than the outermost radial portion of the skirt 40, thus providing a narrowing. This provides some flexibility for the nipple portion 20 and the skirt to bend away from the nipple axis. However, the skirt does not need to be narrowed and can have the same outer dimensions as the bottom edge of the skirt.

[0087] The molding material flows through the waist 50 to the base edge 26 and the valve 30. Therefore, the waist controls the flow to the valve, and it has been redesigned to improve the molding process of the valve.

[0088] Specifically, the third wall thickness of the cross-section perpendicular to the nipple axis 22, taken above the valve 30, is greater near the valve than the fourth wall thickness away from the valve.

[0089] exist Figure 4 The cross-section is shown as VI-VI, and... Figure 6 As shown in the image.

[0090] Figure 6The diagram shows a waist section comprising a closed shape having an arcuate portion 60 with a fourth wall thickness of at least 300 degrees (therefore the angle θ shown is less than 60 degrees). A portion 62 with a third wall thickness closes this closed shape. This has an angle of less than 60 degrees. Of course, in a design with multiple valves, portion 60 will be divided into multiple sections, and multiple portions 62 will exist.

[0091] Section 62 is the part that facilitates flow to the valve. It is located locally near the valve, particularly above the valve, and thus in the flow path of the molding material from the nipple opening through the waist to the valve.

[0092] For example, the third thickness of part 62 can be in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm, and the fourth thickness of part 60 can be in the range of 0.3 mm to 1 mm.

[0093] The thickness of the third wall is, for example, in the range of 1.5 to 5 times the thickness of the fourth wall.

[0094] These measures combined enable a more reliable valve manufacturing process, particularly based on injection molding, especially through improvements to the venting process during molding.

[0095] The nipple, skirt, and base edges are rotationally symmetrical, but the valve and waist now both disrupt the overall rotational symmetry.

[0096] Figure 7 The result of the injection molding process is shown (in a slightly schematic form). Different shades of gray indicate the time it takes for the molding liquid (silicone) to reach different parts of the mold. This invention reliably completes valve formation before the base edge portion is formed. This is typically visible through the darker shading of the base edge portion.

[0097] Therefore, this invention provides an optimal nipple design for robust manufacturing to prevent air valve leakage due to non-filling during the injection molding process. The valve is located away from the nipple tip, yet can still be filled robustly.

[0098] As mentioned above, the side of the valve can also taper towards the valve slit. This is in Figure 8 As shown in the figure, Figure 8 It is a cross-section in the plane including the valve slit, such that the length direction of the valve slit is... Figure 8 The valve has sides 80, 82, which may taper, for example, with a wall thickness similar to that of the valve disc, such as a thickness in the range of 0.3 mm to 1 mm, for example, taper from 0.6 mm to 0.4 mm.

[0099] The invention has been described in conjunction with a vertical valve (i.e., generally parallel to the nipple axis). The same method can be applied to a horizontal valve (i.e., generally perpendicular to the nipple axis).

[0100] Typically, valve wall thickness ranges from 250μm to 1mm, while length and width are on the order of 1mm-10mm.

[0101] The method has been described with reference to the duckbill valve, but other valve designs, such as the dome slit valve, can also be used.

[0102] The example above shows only a single valve; there could be two or more valves at different angular locations around the nipple axis. Thus, each valve could have the design described above.

[0103] By studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0104] The fact that certain measures are described in mutually different dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0105] If the term “suitable” is used in the claims or specification, it should be noted that the term “suitable” is intended to be equivalent to the term “configured as”.

[0106] Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A nipple (14) for a drinking bottle (10), comprising a single integral part formed by a wall, the nipple comprising: The upper nipple portion (20) is located at one end of the nipple axis (22), and the nipple opening (24) is located in the upper nipple portion; The base edge portion (26) is located at the opposite end of the nipple axis; and A valve (30) is formed between the upper nipple portion (20) and the base edge portion (26) or is formed as part of the base edge portion (26). The valve (30) has a first valve portion (32) and a second valve portion (34), the first valve portion (32) having a first average wall thickness and the second valve portion (34) having a second average wall thickness. The first valve portion (32) and the second valve portion (34) define a valve opening (36) therebetween. The first valve portion and the second valve portion are the entire portions of the valve that are expected to deform in use to achieve the valve function. The first valve portion (32) is closer to the nipple axis (22) than the second valve portion (34), and the second average wall thickness is greater than the first average wall thickness. The third wall thickness in the cross section perpendicular to the nipple axis, taken above the valve (30), is greater near the valve (30) than the fourth wall thickness in the cross section away from the valve.

2. The nipple according to claim 1, wherein the valve (30) comprises a duckbill valve, wherein the first valve portion is a first valve flap, the second valve portion is a second valve flap, and the opening is a valve slit.

3. The nipple according to claim 2, wherein the first valve flap (32) and the second valve flap (34) are oriented within 5 to 45 degrees of the nipple axis (22).

4. The nipple according to claim 2, wherein the second valve flap (34) tapers so that the wall thickness narrows toward the valve slit.

5. The nipple according to claim 3, wherein the second valve flap (34) tapers so that the wall thickness narrows toward the valve slit.

6. The nipple according to claim 4, wherein the valve has a side portion connecting the first valve disc and the second valve disc, and the side portion tapers such that the wall thickness narrows toward the valve slit.

7. The nipple according to claim 5, wherein the valve has a side portion connecting the first valve disc and the second valve disc, and the side portion tapers such that the wall thickness narrows toward the valve slit.

8. The nipple according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a skirt (40) located below the upper nipple portion (20) and a waist portion (50) located below the skirt portion, wherein the waist portion is connected to the base edge portion.

9. The nipple according to claim 8, wherein the cross section passes through the waist (50).

10. The nipple according to claim 8, wherein the waist (50) includes a closed shape, the closed shape including an arcuate portion (60) of the third wall thickness located near the valve.

11. The nipple according to claim 9, wherein the waist (50) includes a closed shape, the closed shape including an arcuate portion (60) of the third wall thickness located near the valve.

12. The nipple according to claim 8, wherein the valve (30) is located at the junction between the waist and the edge portion of the base.

13. The nipple according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and 9 to 12, wherein the wall thickness of the second valve portion (34) is greater than the wall thickness of the first valve portion (32) at least in the region of the valve portion adjacent to the valve opening (36).

14. The nipple according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and 9 to 12, wherein the second average wall thickness is in the range of 1.2 to 2.5 times the first average wall thickness.

15. The nipple according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and 9 to 12, wherein the second average wall thickness is in the range of 0.25 mm to 0.6 mm, and the first average wall thickness is in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm.

16. The nipple according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and 9 to 12, wherein the thickness of the third wall is in the range of 1.5 to 5 times the thickness of the fourth wall.

17. The nipple according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and 9 to 12, wherein the wall is silicone.

18. A feeding bottle, comprising: Container (12); The nipple (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

Images