Baby bottle with ribs on the inner surface of the nipple

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a baby bottle with enhanced elasticity to the bending of the nipple body during bottle use. The nipple has ribs extending in a direction inclined with respect to the inner surface of the nipple to enhance elastic recovery when stretching or contracting during the bottle-feeding cycle. Part of the ribs extends to the elongated tip of the nipple to enhance recovery from crushing or compression of the elongated tip. The ribs provide sufficient elasticity while keeping the nipple thin, and allow the nipple to support natural bottle-feeding motions while maintaining a desirable tactile feel. Embodiments also relate to the container of the baby bottle. The container comprises a rigid cylinder and an elastic body fixed to the rigid cylinder. The rigid cylinder has a structure formed by injection molding to form the elastic body into the rigid cylinder.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to baby bottles, and more particularly to baby bottles with resilient nipples. [Background technology]

[0002] Baby bottles are designed to feed infants liquid formula or expressed breast milk. A typical baby bottle consists of a container for holding the liquid, a nipple for the baby to receive the milk or formula powder, and a collar that screws the nipple onto the bottle body. These parts are designed to be easily disassembled for quick and thorough cleaning for hygiene purposes. The design of baby bottles is kept as simple as possible to facilitate sterilization and maintenance.

[0003] The nipples of baby bottles undergo various deformations during use. Nipples are generally designed to mimic a mother's breast, providing comfort and familiarity to the baby while regulating the flow rate to prevent choking and overfeeding. Specifically, when a baby latches onto the nipple and begins to suck, the nipple compresses slightly in response to the baby's sucking motion, releasing milk into the baby's mouth. As the baby sucks, the nipple also stretches slightly, mimicking the movement of a mother's breast during breastfeeding. After the baby's initial sucking, the nipple returns to its original shape, creating a short pause during which the baby swallows milk and begins the next sucking cycle. To reinforce this natural feeding cycle, nipples are designed to elastically change shape during use and return to their original shape when the feeding cycle is complete. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0099330 Specification [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Furthermore, the components of a baby bottle should be gentle on the baby, aesthetically pleasing to the user, and durable enough to withstand long-term use. Therefore, designing baby bottle components that meet these diverse needs and requirements is a challenge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The embodiment relates to a baby bottle nipple that enhances the elastic recovery of the nipple by having one or more ribs on the inner surface of the nipple. The nipple comprises an elongated tip and a base (bottom). The elongated tip has one or more flow holes through which fluid flows. The elongated tip has an inner surface (elongated inner surface) and an outer surface (elongated outer surface). The base is connected to the elongated tip and is wider than the elongated tip. The base has an inner surface (base inner surface) and an outer surface (base outer surface). The base inner surface faces the container of the baby bottle and is connected to the elongated inner surface. The base outer surface faces away from the container and is connected to the elongated outer surface. One or more ribs are provided on at least a portion of the base inner surface, thereby enhancing the elastic recovery of the nipple from stretching or contracting of the base in the nipple axial direction. One or more ribs on the inner surface of the nipple are inclined (slant) with respect to the axis of the nipple.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, a subset of ribs extends to the inner surface of the elongated tip, thereby enhancing the elastic recovery of the elongated tip from crushing or compression in the radial direction of the nipple.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, of one or more ribs, all ribs except for a subset of one or more ribs begin and end within the base inner surface. In one or more embodiments, one or more ribs comprise three sets of ribs. Some of the ribs present on the inner surface of the base are oriented in different directions from each other.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the three sets of ribs comprise a first set of ribs oriented (oriented and positioned) in a first direction and a second set of ribs oriented in a second direction. When the projection in the first direction is projected onto a plane perpendicular to the nipple axis, it forms an angle of 120 degrees relative to the projection in the second direction.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the first rib set comprises a series of adjacent ribs, some of which extend to the elongated end, while another series of adjacent ribs do not extend to the elongated end.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the nipple further comprises at least one check valve at its base. In one or more embodiments, one or more ribs are positioned between at least one check valve and one or more flow holes.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the base in the position where one or more ribs are absent is between 1.5 mm and 6 mm, and the thickness of the elongated tip in the position where one or more ribs are absent is between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the elongated tip, base, and one or more ribs form a unitary body. In one or more embodiments, the elongated tip, base, and one or more ribs are made of silicone.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the elongated tip, base, and one or more ribs are manufactured simultaneously by injection molding. In one or more embodiments, the base outer surface is formed with a plurality of flow indicators and a marking associated with one of the plurality of flow indicators.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the base further includes a flange that is captured by a collar to secure the nipple to the container. The embodiment also relates to a container for a baby bottle. The container is a rigid cylinder, comprising a rigid cylinder having a ring extending around the rigid cylinder, and a resilient body attached to the rigid cylinder. The rigid cylinder comprises a first side of the cylinder with a screw formed thereon for fixing to a collar of a baby bottle, a second side of the cylinder located opposite to the first side of the cylinder, a top surface of the cylinder connecting the first and second sides of the cylinder, and a ring extending along and connected to the second side of the cylinder. The resilient body comprises a resilient upper having an open end, which is fixed to the rigid ring while receiving the ring of the rigid cylinder in a cavity formed along the upper circumference of the resilient upper. The resilient body also comprises a resilient lower extending from the resilient upper and having a closed end.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the elastic body is made of silicone. In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the cylinder ring is in the range of 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the cylinder top surface of the rigid cylinder is in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. In one or more embodiments, the first side surface of the cylinder is the outer surface of the container, and the second side surface of the cylinder is the inner surface of the container.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the cylinder ring is connected to the second side surface of the cylinder via a plurality of cylinder bridges serving as a plurality of bridges, and each cylinder bridge is spaced apart by a predetermined distance.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, a silicon compound layer is coated on the second side surface of the cylinder on the cylinder ring, and the silicon compound layer enhances the adhesion (attachment) between the rigid cylinder and the elastic body.

[0020] Embodiments also relate to manufacturing a container for a baby feeding bottle using an injection molding process. The rigid cylinder is attached to a first core. The rigid cylinder has a cylinder outer surface, a cylinder inner surface located on the opposite side from the cylinder outer surface, and a cylinder upper surface connecting the cylinder inner surface and the cylinder outer surface. The cylinder upper surface is in contact with the first core. Through relative movement between the first core and the second core, the rigid cylinder is placed into a cavity of the second core. The rigid cylinder is fixed in the cavity of the second core by clamping the cylinder outer surface with clamps. A fluid of elastic material is injected (injection, poured) between the first core and the second core. The injected fluid of elastic material contacts the cylinder inner surface of the rigid cylinder. Leakage of the elastic material fluid is prevented by the contact of the cylinder upper surface with the first core and the contact of the cylinder outer surface with the clamps. The injected elastic material fluid is solidified.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, a thread is formed on the outer surface of the rigid cylinder. In one or more embodiments, the rigid cylinder is fixed by moving the clamps in a direction orthogonal to the direction of relative movement between the first core and the second core.

[0022] Embodiments also relate to a baby bottle having a nipple. The nipple has one or more ribs on its inner surface. The baby bottle comprises a nipple and a container. The nipple comprises an elongated tip, a base, and one or more ribs. The elongated tip has an elongated inner surface and an elongated outer surface, and has one or more flow holes through which fluid flows. The base is connected to the elongated tip and is wider than the elongated tip. The base has a base inner surface and a base outer surface. The base inner surface faces the container of the baby bottle and is connected to the elongated inner surface. The base outer surface faces away from the container and is connected to the elongated outer surface. One or more ribs enhance the elastic recovery of the nipple from elongation or contraction of the base in the axial direction of the nipple. Some of the one or more ribs present on the inner surface of the nipple are inclined with respect to the axial direction of the nipple.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the baby bottle further includes a collar for sealing the nipple to the container. In one or more embodiments, the container comprises a rigid cylinder and an elastic body. The rigid cylinder comprises a first side surface of the cylinder having a screw formed thereon for fixing to the collar of a baby bottle, a second side surface of the cylinder located opposite to the first side surface of the cylinder, a top surface of the cylinder connecting the first and second sides of the cylinder, and a cylinder ring which is a ring extending along and connected to the second side surface of the cylinder. The elastic body comprises an elastic upper part which is an upper part having an open end, and the elastic upper part is fixed to the rigid ring by receiving the cylinder ring of the rigid cylinder in a cavity formed around the upper circumference of the elastic upper part. The elastic body also comprises an elastic lower part which is a lower part having a closed end extending from the elastic upper part. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1] This is an exploded view of a baby bottle according to a certain embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cutaway view of a baby bottle nipple according to a certain embodiment. [Figure 3] This is another perspective view of a baby bottle nipple according to a certain embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a bottom view of the nipple of a baby bottle according to a certain embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a cutaway view of a baby bottle nipple according to a certain embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a side view of the nipple of a baby bottle according to a certain embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of a baby bottle nipple according to a certain embodiment, and was photographed along line AA' in Figure 6. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of a baby bottle nipple according to a certain embodiment, taken along the BB' line in Figure 6. [Figure 9A] This figure shows the deformation of a nipple according to a certain embodiment. [Figure 9B] This figure shows the deformation of a nipple according to a certain embodiment. [Figure 9C] This figure shows the deformation of a nipple according to a certain embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of a baby bottle container according to a certain embodiment. [Figure 11A] This is a perspective view of a rigid cylinder of a container according to a certain embodiment. [Figure 11B] This is a perspective view of a rigid cylinder of a container according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a cutaway view of the rigid cylinder shown in Figure 11A according to a certain embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view of a container according to a certain embodiment and a mold for injection molding. [Figure 14A] This figure shows the process of performing an injection molding process to form a container according to a certain embodiment. [Figure 14B] This figure shows the process of performing an injection molding process to form a container according to a certain embodiment. [Figure 14C]This figure shows the process of performing an injection molding process to form a container according to a certain embodiment. [Figure 14D] This figure shows the process of performing an injection molding process to form a container according to a certain embodiment. [Figure 14E] This figure shows the process of performing an injection molding process to form a container according to a certain embodiment. [Figure 14F] This figure shows the process of performing an injection molding process to form a container according to a certain embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Embodiments are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the principles set forth herein can be embodied in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments shown herein. In the description, well-known features and technical details may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the features of the embodiments. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same elements. Shapes, sizes, areas, etc., in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0026] The embodiment relates to a baby bottle in which the nipple body has enhanced resilience to bending (flexing) during use in bottle feeding. The nipple has ribs extending in a direction inclined with respect to the inner surface of the nipple, thereby enhancing elastic recovery from stretching or contracting during the bottle feeding cycle. Part of the ribs extends to the elongated tip of the nipple, enhancing the recovery of the elongated tip from crushing or compression. The ribs allow the nipple to provide sufficient resilience while remaining thin, enabling the nipple to support natural bottle feeding motions while maintaining a desirable tactile feel. The embodiment also relates to the container of the baby bottle. The container has a rigid cylinder and an elastic body fixed to the rigid cylinder. The rigid cylinder has a structure that fixes the elastic body, formed by injection molding, onto the rigid cylinder.

[0027] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a baby bottle 100 according to one embodiment. The baby bottle 100 may include, among other components, a container 110, a nipple 120, a collar 130, and a lid 140. These components are designed to be easily disassembled for cleaning and / or replacement. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the baby bottle 100 is cylindrical, but the baby bottle 100 may have a variety of other shapes. The baby bottle 100 may also include other components not shown in Figure 1.

[0028] The container 110 is a component for holding fluids such as liquid milk or expressed breast milk. The container 110 has an open upper end (upper end of the container) and a closed lower end (lower end of the container, bottom end). The container 110 may include a rigid cylinder 1010 (Figure 10) and an elastic body 1040 (Figure 10) attached to the rigid cylinder 1010. The rigid cylinder 1010 has cylinder threads 114 as screws formed on the outer surface of the cylinder, which is its outer surface. The cylinder threads 114 mesh with collar threads 134 as corresponding screws formed on the inner surface of the collar 130. The rigid cylinder 1010 may be structured to secure the elastic body 1040 during and after the manufacturing process. The elastic body 1040 has a soft and resilient feel so that it is easy for babies and caregivers to hold. The container 110 is available in various shapes and sizes to meet various needs and requirements. In one or more embodiments, the elastic body 1040 may be formed on the rigid cylinder 1010 by an injection molding process, as will be described in detail with respect to Figures 14A to 14F.

[0029] The nipple 120 is attached to the container 110, allowing the liquid in the container 110 to be fed by a baby bottle through one or more flow holes 214 formed at the top of the elongated tip 218. The nipple 120 can bend flexibly in the axial direction and / or radial direction of the nipple during bottle feeding. The base inner surface 330 has a first rib set 320A, a second rib set 320B, and a third rib set 320C formed thereon (see Figures 3 to 8 below). The nipple 120 is made of a resilient material such as silicone.

[0030] With the nipple 120 sandwiched between the collar 130 and the container 110, the collar 130 is screwed into the container 110. The collar 130 is made of a rigid material, and a collar screw 134 is formed on its inner surface. The collar screw 134 engages with a cylinder screw 114. The caregiver can assemble the baby bottle 100 by simply placing the nipple 120 under the collar 130 and turning the collar 130 in the direction that attaches it to the cylinder screw 114. To disassemble the baby bottle 100, the caregiver can remove the collar 130 from the container 110 by turning it in the opposite direction. In one embodiment, the collar 130 compresses the flange 230 of the nipple 120 onto the container 110 in a sealed manner, preventing fluid inside the container 110 from leaking during bottle-feeding.

[0031] The lid 140 is attached to the baby bottle 100 to prevent the nipple 120 from becoming contaminated when the baby bottle 100 is not in use. Specifically, the lid 140 can be snapped onto the collar 130 when the baby bottle 100 is not in use. The lid 140 can be removed from the collar 130 when the baby bottle 100 is in use. The lid 140 is provided with vents 144 to allow for easy attachment to and removal from the collar 130.

[0032] In Figure 1, each component of the baby bottle 100 is illustrated as a unitary body. However, in other embodiments, all or some components may consist of multiple separate parts that can be assembled or disassembled. Furthermore, some components may be integrated into a single body. For example, the nipple 120 may be integrated with the collar 130 into a single body.

[0033] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the nipple 120 taken from above according to one embodiment. The nipple 120 is made of a material that is resilient and pliable, and is designed to mimic the feel and flow of a breastfeeding mother's breast. The nipple 120 may include, among other parts, a base 222, an elongated tip 218 extending upward from the base 222, and a flange 230 extending radially from the bottom of the base 222. The nipple 120 may also have features not shown in Figure 2.

[0034] The base 222 is wider than the elongated tip 218 and has a dome shape. The base 222 has vent holes 210 on both radial sides opposite to the nipple 120. There may be at least one, more than one, vent holes 210. The base 222 has an inner base surface 330 facing the container 110 and an outer base surface 224 facing away from the container 110. The base 222 may also have a flange 230 at the bottom.

[0035] The elongated tip 218 extends upward from the base 222 and makes direct contact with the baby's mouth. One or more flow holes 214 for liquid to pass through are formed at the top of the elongated tip 218. The elongated tip 218 has an elongated inner surface (inner surface of the elongated tip 218) 808 and an elongated outer surface (outer surface of the elongated tip 218) 802. The elongated inner surface 808 and the elongated outer surface 802 extend from the base inner surface (inner surface of the base 222) 330 and the base outer surface (outer surface of the base 222) 224, respectively.

[0036] The base 222 may also have a flow indicator 226 on the outer surface 224 of the base. The flow indicator 226 is a visual indicator that shows a specified flow rate of fluid passing through one or more flow holes 214 located at the top of the elongated tip 218. Different nipples may have different flow rates to suit the developmental stage of the baby. The flow indicator 226, along with a marking (mark), indicates the current flow rate of the nipple. The marking may be in the form of a notch 242 provided on the edge of the base 222. Markings other than notches may also be used to indicate the flow rate. For example, a sticker, pattern, or indentation may be provided at a location corresponding to the flow rate of the nipple.

[0037] Each nipple may have all available flow rates in the baby bottle product line indicated on its base 222. This way, caregivers understand the available flow rate range, and by identifying the location of the markings, they can determine the current flow rate provided by the nipple.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the nipple 120 is made of an elastic material that has been tested for safety for human use. For example, the nipple 120 may be made of silicone, latex rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or thermoplastic rubber (TPR). Furthermore, the nipple 120 is a single, one-piece unitary body, and the entire nipple may be formed simultaneously using, for example, an injection molding process.

[0039] Figure 3 is a perspective view taken from below the nipple 120 according to one embodiment. The base inner surface 330 is provided with ribs (320A, 320B, 320C) to enhance the elastic recovery of the nipple 120 from bending motion. The flange 230 is provided at the bottom of the nipple 120 and is joined to the upper opening of the container 110.

[0040] The ribs (320A, 320B, 320C) are positioned on the inner surface 330 of the base of the nipple 120 in the region between the check valve 310 and one or more flow holes 214 of the elongated tip 218. The ribs (320A, 320B, 320C) protrude downward from the inner surface 330 of the base and in the axial direction D of the nipple 120. A The cross-section has a longitudinal section that extends along the direction inclined relative to the (see Figure 6, when viewed from the side of the nipple 120). Ribs within the same rib set are generally arranged longitudinally in the same direction along the base inner surface 330. Some ribs begin and end at the base 222, while others extend to the elongated tip 218, as is more clearly shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0041] The base 222 also includes one or more check valves 310 having vent holes 210. The check valves 310 allow air to flow in through the vent holes 210 but prevent fluid from leaking out through the vent holes 210. In other embodiments, one or more check valves 310 may be located elsewhere on the nipple 120 or may be included in other parts of the baby bottle (e.g., the collar).

[0042] Figure 4 is a bottom view of a nipple 120 according to one embodiment. Some of the ribs within the same rib set (320A, 320B, 320C) are generally oriented in the same direction when viewed from below. Each rib set (320A, 320B, 320C) comprises a first rib subset 412, 418, 426 and a second rib subset 414, 422, 430. The first rib subsets 412, 418, 426 begin and end within the base 222, while the second rib subsets 414, 422, 430 extend perpendicular to the inner surface of the elongated tip 218.

[0043] The first rib subsets 412, 418, and 426 enhance the elastic recovery of the nipple 120 when it returns to its original shape 900 (e.g., shown in Figure 9A) from a state 910 (e.g., shown in Figure 9B) where it is stretched or compressed in the axial direction of the nipple. The second rib subsets 414, 422, and 430 are partially located on the base 222, performing the same function as the first rib subsets 412, 418, and 426, but are also partially located on the inner surface of the elongated tip 218, which enhances the elastic recovery of the elongated tip 218 when it returns to its original shape 900 (e.g., shown in Figure 9A) from a state 920 (e.g., shown in Figure 9C) where it is radially deformed. The ribs allow the nipple 120 to maintain an overall thin profile, providing a soft and flexible feel to the baby while enhancing the elasticity and strength of the nipple 120.

[0044] The spacing, size, shape, and / or number of ribs may vary depending on the material of the nipple 120 and the desired elasticity and strength. The ratio and profile of the ribs extending to the elongated tip 218 may also depend on similar factors and the overall dimensions of the nipple 120, compared to those of the ribs extending only within the base 222. Another factor to consider when determining the rib configuration is the capillary trapping of droplets in the valleys between the ribs. If the spacing or gaps between the ribs are too small, droplets tend to get caught in the valleys and not flow down again, which may negatively affect the cleaning and disinfection of the nipple 120. Therefore, to prevent capillary trapping of droplets, the spacing or gaps between the ribs may be set to a distance greater than a certain distance. Taking these considerations into account, when silicone is used as the material for the nipple 120, the height of the ribs is, for example, in the range of 0.2 mm to 1 mm.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, at least one rib portion within the rib set is in the nipple radial direction D when viewed from below. R It extends in the direction of the nipple when viewed from below within the base 222. For example, a part of the rib 452 extends in the radial direction D of the nipple when viewed from below within the base 222. Rextends in the direction shown in FIG. 4. Other ribs (for example, 320A) in the same rib set generally extend longitudinally in the same direction as the rib 452 within the base portion 222 when viewed from below. That is, the nipple axis direction D A in the version of the ribs projected onto a plane perpendicular to, at least one rib extends radially, and the other ribs extend longitudinally in the same direction as at least one rib.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, a set of ribs (for example, the first rib set 320A) generally extends along a first direction on the base 222. Another rib set (for example, the second rib set 320B) generally extends along a second direction on the base 222. The last rib set (the third rib set 320C) generally extends along a third direction. The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are along the nipple axis direction D of the nipple 120 A when projected onto a plane perpendicular to, the projections of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction may form an angle of 120 degrees with each other.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a transparent view of a nipple 120 according to an embodiment. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the ribs in the elongated tip 218 are generally aligned along the nipple axis direction D A extending along. FIG. 6 is a side view of a nipple 120 according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the nipple 120 taken along line A-A' of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the nipple 120 taken along line B-B' of FIG. 6. FIG. 7 shows a biting portion 708 of a rib in the elongated tip 218, and also shows a rib portion 704 in the base 222. Within the base 222, the ribs are generally aligned along the nipple axis direction D A extends in a direction forming an angle α with respect to the nipple axis direction D A the direction is determined when projected onto a plane parallel to the. The angle α prevents the biting portion 708 of the elongated tip 218 from being collapsed by compression or vacuum pressure generated by the suction operation, and further prevents the elongated tip 218 from moving in the nipple axis direction D within the base 222 AThis is selected to prevent crushing along the curve. In one or more embodiments, the angle α can take a range of 15 to 80 degrees. To further reinforce the elongated tip 218, additional ribs in the nipple axial direction can be provided along at least a portion of the elongated tip.

[0048] When silicone is used as the material for the nipple 120, the wall thickness t1 in the valleys between the ribs of the elongated tip 218 is in the range of 1 mm to 2.5 mm. The wall thickness generally increases within the base 222. In one or more embodiments, the wall thickness t2 in the valleys between the ribs within the base 222 is in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0049] Figures 9A to 9C illustrate the bending of the nipple 120, according to one embodiment. The nipple 120 may undergo various types of deformation during bottle feeding from its original shape 900. The nipple 120 is in the nipple axis direction D A It can be compressed (as shown in the deformed shape 910 in Figure 9B), and can also be stretched in the same direction. Similarly, the elongated tip 218 of the nipple 120 can be squeezed or bitten by the baby, causing it to stretch in the radial direction D of the nipple. R When deformed, it takes on the deformed shape (920). The ribs on the inner surface of the nipple 120 enhance elastic recovery in both types of deformation. Thus, it supports and assists the baby's bottle-feeding activity.

[0050] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a container 110 of a baby bottle 100 according to one embodiment. The container 110 comprises a rigid cylinder 1010 for holding fluid and an elastic body 1040. The elastic body 1040 comprises an elastic upper part 1020 as an upper part attached to the rigid cylinder 1010 and an elastic lower part 1030 as a lower part that forms the majority of the container 110. The bottom of the elastic body 1040 is closed. The container 110 may have other parts not shown in Figure 10.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, the elastic lower part 1030 is a unitary body made of an elastic material such as silicone. The elastic upper part 1020 is made of a rigid material such as plastic. The difference in materials may hinder proper adhesion between the elastic upper part 1020 and the elastic lower part 1030 during and after the manufacturing process. Therefore, the rigid cylinder 1010 may have a structure that assists in the adhesion of the elastic upper part 1020 to the elastic body 1040.

[0052] Figure 11A is a perspective view of a rigid cylinder 1010 according to a certain embodiment. The rigid cylinder 1010 has a cylindrical shape and includes an inner surface (second side surface) 1114, an outer surface (first side surface) 1118, an upper surface (top surface) 1116, and a lower surface (bottom surface) 1128. The upper surface 1116 and the lower surface 1128 connect the inner surface 1114 and the outer surface 1118, respectively, at their upper and lower ends. A cylinder screw 114 that engages with the collar screw 134 of the collar 130 is formed on the outer surface 1118 (first side surface). In one or more embodiments, a silicon compound adhesive layer (silicon compound layer) is applied to the inner surface 1114 of the cylinder to bond the elastic body 1040 to the rigid cylinder 1010.

[0053] The rigid cylinder 1010 also includes an internal ring (cylinder ring) 1120 extending along the inner circumference of the rigid cylinder 1010. The internal ring 1120 is connected to the inner surface 1114 of the cylinder via legs 1122. Furthermore, the bottom of the rigid cylinder 1010 includes a bridge 1150, and a slit 1140 is formed at the bottom of the rigid cylinder 1010, extending between the inner surface 1114 and the outer surface 1118 of the cylinder. A groove 1144 is also formed on the inner surface 1114 of the cylinder below the position where the legs 1122 connect to the inner surface 1114 of the cylinder. The slit 1140, which penetrates between the inner surface 1114 and the outer surface 1118 of the cylinder, is formed at the bottom of the rigid cylinder 1010. The bridge 1150 defines the lower end of the slit 1140. These additional structures of the rigid cylinder 1010 serve to further prevent the elastic body 1040 from separating from the rigid cylinder 1010 during and after the manufacturing process.

[0054] Figure 11B is a perspective view of a rigid cylinder 1170 according to another embodiment. The rigid cylinder 1170 in Figure 11B is substantially identical to the embodiment of the rigid cylinder 1010, except that a cylinder projection 1182 is formed as a projection (bump) on or near the cylinder top surface 1116 of the cylinder outer surface 1118. The cylinder thread 114 of the container 110 may have multiple threads. In the rigid cylinder 1170, the cylinder thread 114 has four threads. To ensure that the cylinder thread 114 of the container 110 and the collar thread 134 of the corresponding collar 130 engage properly, the cylinder projection 1182 guides the different segments of the collar thread 134 to connect simultaneously to each starting point 1184 of the cylinder thread 114 by rotating the container 110 and / or the collar 130 when attaching the collar 130 to the container 110. If different segments of the cylinder screw 114 are connected to the starting point 1184 of the cylinder screw 114 at different timings, the container 110 and the collar 130 may not be properly assembled, and the collar 130 may tilt relative to the container 110. Such tilting may cause leakage of liquid from inside the container 110. A circumferential gap Ta can be provided between the endpoint of the cylinder projection 1182 and the starting point 1184 of the cylinder screw 114.

[0055] The rigid cylinder 1170 has four threaded portions, each starting from a different starting point 1184. In different embodiments, the number of threads in a rigid cylinder may have more or fewer threaded portions and a corresponding number of starting points. In such cases, the number of cylinder bumps may coincide with the number of threaded portions.

[0056] Figure 12 is a cutaway of a rigid cylinder 1010 cut along the CC' line of Figure 11A according to one embodiment. The rigid cylinder 1010 has a rim 1134 extending radially from the outer surface 1118 of the cylinder. The rim 1134 secures the rigid cylinder 1010 by being held by a clamp 1220 during the injection molding process and prevents heated or molten material (e.g., silicone) for forming the elastic body 1040 from leaking out (see Figure 13, which will be described in detail below). Part of the cylinder thread 114 may also be in contact with the clamp 1220. The cylinder top surface 1116 of the rigid cylinder 1010 prevents leakage of molten material during the injection molding process by contacting the upper core (first core) 1210.

[0057] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a rigid cylinder 1010 of a container and a mold structure for injection molding an elastic body 1040 into the rigid cylinder 1010, according to a certain embodiment. During the injection molding process, the rigid cylinder 1010 is held by a clamp 1220, and heated or molten material is injected into a cavity formed between the lower core (second core) 1230 and the upper core 1210. To prevent molten material from leaking from the interface between the upper core 1210 and the rigid cylinder 1010, the cylinder top surface 1126 of the rigid cylinder 1010 has a thickness t3. Increasing the thickness t3 increases the length of the interface between the upper core 1210 and the rigid cylinder 1010, thus reducing the risk of molten material leaking from the interface. However, if the thickness t3 is made excessively thick, the volume of the rigid cylinder 1010 increases, and therefore the amount of material used to manufacture the rigid cylinder 1010 increases. In one embodiment, the thickness t3 is in the range of 0.5 mm to 1 mm.

[0058] The internal ring 1120 prevents the elastic upper part of the elastic body 1040 from detaching from the rigid cylinder 1010 when the container 110 is removed from the upper core 1210 after the injection molding process is complete. If the thickness t4 of the internal ring 1120 is too thin, the internal ring 1120 may break when the container 110 is removed from the upper core 1210. However, if the thickness t4 is too thick, the amount of elastic body between the internal upper wall 1326 of the rigid cylinder 1010 and the internal ring 1120, or between the upper core 1210 and the internal ring 1120, decreases, which may cause the elastic upper part of the elastic body 1040 to tear when the container 110 is removed from the upper core 1210 after the injection molding process. In one embodiment, the thickness t4 is in the range of 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm. In one embodiment, the distance t5 between the internal ring 1120 and the internal upper wall 1326 of the rigid cylinder 1010 is in the range of 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm. Furthermore, the distance t6 between the internal ring 1120 and the upper core 1210 is in the range of 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0059] The slit 1140 receives heated or molten material during the injection molding process. Together with the bridge 1150, the slit 1140 provides an additional structure for attaching the elastic body 1040 to the rigid cylinder 1010 during and after the injection molding process.

[0060] The structures of the rigid cylinders 1010 and 1170 in Figures 11A to 13 are for illustrative purposes only. Some structural elements of the rigid cylinders 1010 and 1170 can be omitted. Additional elements can be added to attach the elastic body 1040 to the rigid cylinders 1010 and 1170. Alternatively, alternative structural elements can be used. For example, screws (1110, 1170) can be provided on the inner surface 1114 of the cylinder. The internal ring 1120 can be positioned outside the outer surface 1118 of the cylinder.

[0061] Figures 14A to 14F show the process of performing an injection molding process to form a container 110 according to a certain embodiment. As shown in Figure 14A, the rigid cylinder 1010 is locked into the upper core 1210. Next, the upper core 1210 and the lower core 1230 perform relative movements so that the lower part of the upper core 1210 is inserted into the cavity of the lower core 1230 (shown in Figure 14B). In this way, an injection cavity is defined between the upper core 1210 and the lower core 1230, and heated or molten material (elastic material fluid) injected at a predetermined pressure is received into this injection cavity.

[0062] Next, the clamp 1220 moves laterally to grip (clamp, tighten, and hold) the rigid cylinder 1010, as shown in Figure 14C. The clamp 1220 locks the rigid cylinder 1010 in place and also prevents molten material from leaking out of the cavity. The direction in which the clamp 1220 moves may be perpendicular to the relative direction of movement between the upper core 1210 and the lower core 1230.

[0063] Subsequently, the heated or molten material is injected into the injection cavity to form the elastic body 1040 (shown in Figure 14D). Once the heated or molten material cools to an elastic material, the clamp 1220 moves laterally and is released, separating the upper core 1210 from the lower core 1230 (shown in Figure 14E). The container 110 is then separated from the upper core 1210.

[0064] One of the many advantages of using the injection molding process shown in Figures 14A to 14F is that there are no visible seam lines on the surface of the elastic body 1040. Therefore, no further post-processing is required to remove seam lines from the surface of the container, and it also provides a more aesthetically pleasing shape. Furthermore, the injection molding process has the advantage of preventing molten material from overflowing from the rigid cylinder 1010 by limiting the clamp 1220.

[0065] Various modifications can be made to the processes shown in Figures 14A to 14F. For example, the movement of the upper core 1210 and the clamp 1220 can be performed simultaneously rather than sequentially. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a mechanism for separating the container 110 from the upper core 1210 while the upper core 1210 is moving.

[0066] While this disclosure has been described above with respect to several embodiments, various modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure described above is illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A nipple for a baby bottle, wherein the nipple is A long tip having one or more flow holes through which fluid flows, the long tip having an inner surface and an outer surface, A base connected to the long end, the base being wider than the long end, having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface of the base facing toward the container of the baby bottle and connected to the inner surface of the long end, and the outer surface of the base facing away from the container and connected to the outer surface of the long end, One or more ribs provided on at least a portion of the inner surface of the base, wherein one or more of the ribs are configured to enhance the elastic recovery of the nipple from stretching or contracting of the base in the nipple axis direction as the axial direction of the nipple, and one or more of the ribs are inclined with respect to the nipple axis direction, Nipples that are equipped with this feature.

2. A subset of the ribs, one or more of the ribs, extends to the inner surface of the elongated portion, thereby enhancing the elastic recovery of the tip of the elongated portion from being crushed or compressed in the radial direction of the nipple. The nipple according to claim 1.

3. One or more of the ribs, other than the rib subset, begin and end within the inner surface of the base. The nipple according to claim 2.

4. One or more of the ribs comprises three sets of ribs, In each of the aforementioned rib sets, some of the ribs are oriented in different directions from each other. The nipple according to claim 1.

5. The three sets of rib sets include a first rib set facing in a first direction and a second rib set facing in a second direction. The projection in the first direction forms an angle of 120 degrees relative to the projection in the second direction on the plane perpendicular to the axis of the nipple. The nipple according to claim 4.

6. The first rib set comprises a series of adjacent ribs, A portion of the series of adjacent ribs extends to the elongated tip, Another series of adjacent ribs does not extend to the elongated end. The nipple according to claim 5.

7. The nipple further comprises at least one check valve at its base. The nipple according to claim 1.

8. One or more of the ribs are positioned between at least one check valve and one or more of the flow holes. The nipple according to claim 7.

9. The thickness of the base at the location where one or more of the ribs are absent is between 1.5 mm and 6 mm. The thickness of the elongated tip at a position where one or more of the aforementioned ribs are absent is between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. The nipple according to claim 1.

10. The elongated tip, the base, and one or more of the ribs form an integral part. The nipple according to claim 1.

11. The elongated tip, the base, and one or more of the ribs are made of silicone. The nipple according to claim 10.

12. The elongated tip, the base, and one or more of the ribs are manufactured simultaneously by injection molding. The nipple according to claim 10.

13. The outer surface of the base has a plurality of flow indicators and a mark associated with one of the plurality of flow indicators formed thereon. The nipple according to claim 1.

14. The base further includes a flange which is captured by a collar to secure the nipple to the container. The nipple according to claim 1.

15. A container for a baby bottle, The container comprises a rigid cylinder and an elastic body, The rigid cylinder is A first side surface of a cylinder having a cylinder screw formed on it, which is a screw for attaching to the collar of the aforementioned baby bottle, A second side surface of the cylinder, which is located on the opposite side from the first side surface of the cylinder, The cylinder top surface is the upper surface that connects the first side surface of the cylinder and the second side surface of the cylinder, A cylinder ring, which extends along the circumference of the second side surface of the cylinder and is connected to the second side surface of the cylinder, It is equipped with, The elastic body is An elastic upper part having an open end, which is fixed to the rigid ring by receiving the cylinder ring of the rigid cylinder in a cavity formed along the upper circumference of the elastic upper part, Having a closed end and an elastic lower part extending from the elastic upper part, A container equipped with [something].

16. The aforementioned elastic body is made of silicone. The container according to claim 15.

17. The thickness of the cylinder ring is between 0.3 mm and 0.8 mm. The container according to claim 16.

18. The thickness of the upper surface of the cylinder is between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. The container according to claim 16.

19. The first side surface of the cylinder is the outer surface of the container, The second side surface of the cylinder is the inner surface of the container. The container according to claim 15.

20. The cylinder ring is connected to the second side surface of the cylinder by a plurality of cylinder bridges, which are a plurality of bridges. Each of the multiple cylinder bridges is separated by a predetermined distance. The container according to claim 15.

21. A silicon compound layer is applied to the second side surface of the cylinder ring. The silicon compound layer enhances the adhesion between the rigid cylinder and the elastic body. The container according to claim 15.

22. The first side surface of the rigid cylinder has one or more cylinder protrusions as projections, One or more of the cylinder projections are configured to guide the segments of the collar threads, which are the threads of the collar, to engage with the starting points of the cylinder threads of the rigid cylinder. The container according to claim 15.

23. A method for manufacturing a container for a baby bottle, wherein the method is: A step of attaching a rigid cylinder to a first core, wherein the rigid cylinder has an outer surface, an inner surface located on the opposite side of the outer surface, and a top surface connecting the inner surface and the outer surface, and the top surface is in contact with the first core, The process involves positioning the rigid cylinder within the cavity of the second core by performing relative movements between the first core and the second core in response to the installation of the rigid cylinder, The process of fixing the rigid cylinder into the cavity of the second core by gripping the outer surface of the rigid cylinder with a clamp, A step of injecting an elastic material fluid, which is a fluid of an elastic material, between the first core and the second core, wherein the injected elastic material fluid is in contact with the inner surface of the rigid cylinder, and leakage of the elastic material fluid is prevented by the upper surface of the cylinder being in contact with the first core and the outer surface of the cylinder being in contact with the clamp, A step of solidifying the injected elastic material fluid, A method that includes [the following features].

24. Screws are formed on the outer surface of the rigid cylinder. The method according to claim 23.

25. The step of fixing the rigid cylinder includes moving the clamp in a direction perpendicular to the direction of relative movement between the first core and the second core. The method according to claim 23.

26. A baby bottle, wherein the baby bottle is The nipple of the aforementioned baby bottle, and A container that holds a fluid and is configured to be attached to the nipple, It is equipped with, and the nipple is, A long tip having one or more flow holes through which fluid flows, the long tip having an inner surface as an inner surface and an outer surface as an outer surface, A base that is connected to the elongated tip and is wider than the elongated tip, the base having an inner surface as an inner surface and an outer surface as an outer surface, the inner surface of the base facing toward the container of the baby bottle and connected to the elongated inner surface, and the outer surface of the base facing away from the container and connected to the elongated outer surface, One or more ribs are provided on at least a portion of the inner surface of the base, and one or more of the ribs are configured to enhance the elastic recovery of the nipple from extension or contraction of the base in the nipple axis direction as the axial direction of the nipple, and one or more of the ribs are inclined with respect to the nipple axis direction, A baby bottle equipped with [features / equipment].

27. The aforementioned baby bottle further includes a collar for sealing and securing the nipple to the container. A baby bottle according to claim 26.

28. The container comprises a rigid cylinder and an elastic body, The rigid cylinder is A first side of a cylinder having a screw for attaching to the collar of the aforementioned baby bottle, The second side of the cylinder, which is located on the opposite side from the first side of the cylinder, The cylinder top surface connecting the first side surface of the cylinder and the second side surface of the cylinder, A cylinder ring is a ring that extends along the circumference of the second side surface of the cylinder and is connected to the second side surface of the cylinder, It is equipped with, The elastic body is An elastic upper part having an open end, which is fixed to a rigid ring by receiving the cylinder ring of the rigid cylinder in a cavity formed along the upper circumference of the elastic upper part, Having a closed end and an elastic lower part extending from the elastic upper part, A baby bottle according to claim 26, comprising the following features.

29. The first side surface of the rigid cylinder has one or more cylinder protrusions, One or more of the cylinder projections are configured to guide the segments of the collar's threads to engage with the starting points of the rigid cylinder's threads. A baby bottle according to claim 28.

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