Valve device for the regulation of a flow in a container for liquids

Abstract

Valve device (1) for the regulation of a flow, couplable to a liquid container (10) having an opening (11). The valve device (1) comprises a main body (2) positionable at the opening (11) and comprising a plurality of holes (20) for the passage of liquids, and a flow regulation element (3) coupled to the main body (2) and configured to regulate the flow of liquids exiting the container (10) through a plurality of closing elements (4), which are configured to switch between a closing configuration, closing at least one respective hole (20), and an opening configuration, in which the respective hole is pervious, when subjected to a suction pressure. At least a first and a second closing element (4) have different stiffness parameters and are therefore configured to switch to the opening configuration for different suction pressure values.

Description

[0001] TITLE: "Valve device for the regulation of a flow in a container for liquids"

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] FIELD OF APPLICATION

[0004] The object of the present invention is a valve device for the regulation of a flow in a container, preferably a bottle for children, adapted to contain liquid food, including water or milk.

[0005] Description of the prior art

[0006] Bottles for children equipped with teats to allow suckling as an alternative to, or in addition to, breastfeeding are known in the prior art. The known teats make it possible to select the flow of liquids best suited to the needs and age of the child. In particular, the known teats have a different number of holes, to which a respective flow is associated. At the birth of the child, i.e. for babies aged 0+ months, teats that allow a slow flow are recommended. As the child grows, it is possible to replace the teat with a medium flow teat, suitable for children of 3+ months, or a fast flow teat, suitable for children of 6+ months. This system therefore depends on the purchase of different products depending on the age of the child, which results in a lack of adaptability and convenience.

[0007] Bottles for children equipped with flow regulation systems adapted to regulate the flow of liquids by means of a flexible valve are also known. Known systems comprise a flow regulator, i.e. a valve, couplable to the teat and adapted to allow the passage of liquids through an opening formed with the teat. Such systems further comprise a collar adapted to fix the regulator and teat assembly to the container.

[0008] An example of such a flexible valve system is shown in the document EP 4017454 Al, wherein the collar makes it possible to reduce or increase the size of the opening adapted to allow the passage of liquids in order to regulate their flow rate. Problem of the prior art

[0009] The known devices mentioned above have poor practicality, high inaccuracy and reduced flow-regulation capability. In particular, the known flow regulation systems do not allow an accurate and gradual regulation of the liquid flow rate directly related to the needs of the child.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose a valve device for the regulation of a flow in a liquid container which makes it possible to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

[0012] The object of the invention in question is to provide a valve device for the regulation of a flow adapted to allow a regulation of the flow that is more precise and more adaptable to the needs of the child.

[0013] A further object of the present invention is to find an alternative solution to the solutions of the state of the art that is more adaptable to different needs.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to provide an alternative solution to known solutions that allows cleaning operations of the valve device to be carried out in a simpler and more functional manner.

[0015] The technical task mentioned, and the objects stated are substantially achieved by a valve device having the technical features set out in one or more of the appended claims.

[0016] Advantages of the invention

[0017] The present invention makes it possible to regulate the flow rate of liquids exiting from a container, and in particular from a bottle for children equipped with a teat, on the basis of the suction pressure exerted by the child. In this way, a slow, medium or high flow can be guaranteed depending on the specific needs, demands and sucking ability of the child.

[0018] In further detail, the present invention comprises a valve device comprising a main body, couplable to a container and having a plurality of holes for the passage of liquids, and a flow regulation element. The flow regulation element comprises a plurality of hole closing elements adapted to open and release said holes as a function of the suction pressure received. In detail, at least one closing element is adapted to open at least one hole when subjected to a suction pressure lower than the suction pressure associated with at least one further closing element. Note that the further closing element therefore remains closed, i.e. it prevents the passage of fluids through the respective hole, for a suction pressure lower than a threshold suction pressure associated with it.

[0019] In this way, it is possible to allow the progressive or gradual opening of one or more holes in a manner directly proportional to the amount of suction received.

[0020] Advantageously, it is therefore possible to use the same teat and the same device for different ages of the child, without the need for replacement during the growth of the child themself.

[0021] Still advantageously, the valve device of the present invention prevents the release of liquids in the absence of a suction pressure. This prevents dripping or leakage of liquids when the container is overturned or tipped over.

[0022] Note that in the valve device of the present invention each closing element has a different stiffness parameter. In this way, it is possible to ensure a more accurate and specific progressive opening of the holes for the suction pressure value exerted by the child. Advantageously, it is also possible to reinforce each closing element by suitable ribs to increase the above advantageous effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA WINGS

[0023] The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description of a possible practical embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the set of drawings, wherein:

[0024] - Figure l is a sectional view of a valve device according to the present invention assembled to a teat and mounted on a container;

[0025] - Figure 2 is a detailed perspective view of a component of the valve device according to the present invention;

[0026] - Figure 3 is a perspective view of another component of the valve device according to the present invention;

[0027] - Figure 4 is an exploded view of an assembly of the valve device, container and teat according to the present invention;

[0028] - Figure 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the component of Figure 3;

[0029] - Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the component of Figure 3;

[0030] - Figure 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the component of Figure 3;

[0031] - Figure 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the component of Figure 3;

[0032] - Figure 9 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the valve device according to the present invention;

[0033] - Figure 9a is a perspective view of a component of the valve device of Figure 9;

[0034] - Figure 9b is a perspective view of a further component of the valve device of Figure 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present invention relates to a valve device 1 for the regulation of a flow in a container 10, in particular for a bottle for children, for liquid food, for example water or milk, having an opening 11 for the escape of such liquids. The valve device 1 is reversibly couplable to the container 10 at the opening 11.

[0036] The valve device 1 of the present invention comprises a main body 2 adapted to be placed at the opening 11 of the container 10. The main body 2 comprises a plurality of holes 20 adapted to allow the passage of liquids from an internal environment to an environment external to the container 10.

[0037] Preferably, the main body 2 comprises a number of holes 20 comprised between 2 and 5, more preferably equal to 3. Still preferably, the holes 20 have a diameter between 0.15 and 0.50 mm, more preferably between 0.20 and 0.40 mm, still more preferably equal to 0.35 mm. Still preferably, all the holes 20 of the main body 2 have the same diameter.

[0038] It is to be noted that the diameter of the holes 20 can be sized as a function of the desired liquid flow rate.

[0039] The valve device 1 also comprises a flow regulation element 3 coupled to the main body 2 and configured to regulate the flow of liquids exiting from the holes 20, and thus from the container 10 along an axial direction X.

[0040] The flow regulation element 3 comprises a plurality of closing elements 4. Each closing element 4 is configured to switch between a closing configuration and an opening configuration when subjected to a respective suction pressure upstream of the flow regulation element 3 with respect to the container 10.

[0041] In detail, each closing element 4 in the closing configuration is placed to close at least one respective hole 20, while in the opening configuration at least one respective hole 20 is pervious.

[0042] Preferably, each closing element 4 is adapted to close a single hole 20 of the main body 2. More preferably, the flow regulation element 3 comprises a plurality of closing elements 4.

[0043] It is to be noted that each closing element 4 is configured to switch into the opening configuration only when subjected to an upstream suction pressure at least equal to a respective suction pressure value, i.e. to a respective threshold suction pressure. For lower suction pressure values, the closing element 4 instead remains in the closing configuration.

[0044] At least one first closing element 4 is adapted to switch from the closing configuration to the opening configuration when subjected to a first suction pressure value, while at least a second closing element 4 is configured to switch from the closing configuration to the opening configuration when subjected to a second suction pressure value greater than the first suction pressure value.

[0045] It should be noted that the second closing element 4 is configured to remain in the closing configuration for suction pressure values equal to or lower than the first suction pressure value, that is, lower than a first threshold suction pressure, and to switch to the opening configuration upon reaching a suction pressure value equal to or higher than the second suction pressure value.

[0046] Preferably, each closing element 4 is adapted to switch between the two mentioned configurations when subjected to a different suction pressure value compared to the other closing elements 4. Each closing element 4 is instead adapted to remain in the closing configuration 4 for suction pressure values lower than the respective threshold suction pressure. It's worth noting that, in this way, a gradual or progressive opening of the holes 20 of the main body 2 upon receipt of an incremental suction pressure can be ensured. In other words, depending on the suction exerted by the child, and thus depending on the age and abilities of the child themself, it is possible to provide a more or less high fluid flow rate. Therefore, for lower suction values a fraction of the totality of the holes open, and thus there is a lower flow rate, while for higher suction values more holes open and thus there is a higher flow rate.

[0047] Advantageously, it is therefore possible to adapt the flow, and therefore the flow rate, to the needs of the child in an optimal way, providing a slow, medium or fast flow depending on the suction exerted.

[0048] Still advantageously, the valve device 1 of the present invention allows a high adaptability to the growth of the child, thus allowing the same valve device 1, and potentially the same teat, to be used for different months of age of the child.

[0049] It is to be noted that the closing elements 4 are adapted to pass from the closing configuration to the opening configuration only at the respective threshold suction pressure, while they are adapted to remain in the closing configuration in the absence of suction or for suction pressures lower than the respective threshold pressure. Therefore, even if subjected to the pressure exerted by the fluid, for example for a pressure exerted by 200 mm of water column, the closing elements 4 are adapted to remain closed.

[0050] It’s worth noting that, even if the container 10 equipped with the valve device 1 were to be tipped or overturned, the closing elements 4 would not allow liquids to pass through the holes 20 and therefore no liquids would escape from the container 10.

[0051] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the closing elements 4 of the flow regulation element 3 are configured to flex along the axial direction X and to switch between the closing configuration and the opening configuration.

[0052] Preferably, the closing elements 4 are made of elastic material. Still preferably, the closing elements 4 are adapted to elastically deform along the axial direction X when subjected to a respective suction pressure value, and to elastically return from the opening configuration to the closing configuration upon decrease or cessation of the suction pressure. In more detail, each closing element 4 is adapted to elastically return to the closing configuration when the suction pressure falls below the respective threshold suction pressure.

[0053] It is therefore to be noted that the suction exerted by the child must be such as to overcome the elastic force of the closing elements 4 to bring them from the closing configuration to the opening configuration and prevent them from returning to the closing configuration.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, each closing element 4 has a respective stiffness parameter.

[0055] For the purposes of this description, "stiffness parameter" means a parameter that takes into account all those factors that directly or indirectly influence the capacity of an element to resist or oppose deformation caused by an applied force. In other words, the stiffness parameter is able to define and / or give information about the stiffness of the respective element.

[0056] It should be noted that it is known in the art which factors can influence the stiffness of an element and, therefore, the respective stiffness parameter.

[0057] In particular, by way of example, the stiffness parameter comprises and / or is defined at least by: thickness of the closing element 4, width of the closing element 4, length of the closing element 4 or a combination thereof.

[0058] The stiffness parameter may further comprise any further factor which may affect the stiffness of the closing element 4.

[0059] Still preferably, at least one closing element 4 comprises a reinforcing rib 5 adapted to stiffen the closing element 4 itself, as shown in figure 6. Thus, the stiffness parameter is further defined by the presence or absence of the reinforcing rib 5 and the thickness and / or width and / or length of the rib 5.

[0060] According to one aspect, the first closing element 4 has a stiffness parameter lower than the stiffness parameter of the at least one second closing element 4. In fact, the stiffness of the closing element 4 is directly proportional to the suction pressure necessary for the switching of the closing element 4 between the closing configuration and the opening configuration. In other words, for greater stiffness parameters a greater suction pressure will be required to switch the respective closing element 4 from the closing configuration to the opening configuration.

[0061] Preferably, each closing element 4 has a respective stiffness parameter different from the stiffness parameters of the other closing elements 4.

[0062] According to one aspect, the closing elements 4 comprise respective flaps. The closing elements 4 have a geometric shape chosen from: trapezoidal, rectangular, circular sector of a circumference or of a circular crown, circular, oval, elliptical, triangular or any geometric combination thereof capable of providing an advantageous closing of a respective hole. Examples of geometric shapes of the closing elements are illustrated in figures 3-9 and 9b attached to the present disclosure.

[0063] According to one embodiment, illustrated in figure 5, at least one closing element 4 has two or more lobes side by side along a circumferential direction C.

[0064] According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one first closing element 4 of the flow regulation element 3 is configured to switch from the closing configuration to the opening configuration when subjected to a suction pressure comprised between 25 and 75 mbar, preferably equal to 50 mbar. For this suction pressure value, the total flow rate value is preferably equal to 15 ml / min, thus corresponding to a slow flow, and always preferably only one closing element 4 is in the opening configuration.

[0065] According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one second closing element 4 is configured to switch from the closing configuration to the opening configuration when subjected to a suction pressure comprised between 100 and 200 mbar, preferably equal to 150 mbar. For this suction pressure value, the flow rate value is preferably equal to 50 ml / min, thus corresponding to an average flow, and always preferably at least a first and second closing element 4 are in the opening configuration.

[0066] According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one third closing element 4 is configured to switch from the closing configuration to the opening configuration when subjected to a suction pressure comprised between 200 and 300 mbar, preferably equal to 250 mbar. For this suction pressure value, the flow rate value is preferably equal to 165 ml / min, thus corresponding to a fast flow, and at least a first, second and third closing element 4 are in the opening configuration.

[0067] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the main body 2 comprises a seat 6 adapted to receive at least in part the flow regulation element 3. The flow regulation element 3 is thus at least partly housed in and connected to the seat 6.

[0068] Preferably, the flow regulation element 3 comprises a support 7 adapted to connect to the seat 6 of the main body 2. Still preferably, the support 7 and the seat 6 are connectable by snap connection. Still preferably, the support 7 may have such a section (e.g. triangular with three regulation elements or square with four regulation elements) as to allow automatic alignment, during assembly, of the passage holes of the main body 2 with the closing elements 4 of the flow regulation element 3. According to a first embodiment, shown in figures 1, 3-8, the support 7 is defined by a central pin 7a. The seat 6 comprises an opening 6a adapted to receive and connect to the central pin 7a. Preferably, the pin 7a has a retaining portion 7b adapted to be inserted into the opening 6a to retain the flow regulation element 3 in the seat 6 of the main body 2.

[0069] In accordance with the first embodiment, the holes 20 are arranged in a central portion of the main body 2.

[0070] According to a second embodiment, shown in figures 9 and 9b, the support 7 is defined by an annular element 7b, while the seat comprises an annular groove 6b adapted to receive and connect to the annular element 7b.

[0071] In accordance with the second embodiment, the holes 20 are arranged in a peripheral portion of the main body 2 and spaced apart from each other along a circumferential direction C.

[0072] Preferably, the closing elements 4 project from the support 7 along a radial direction R perpendicular to the axial direction X. Preferably, the closing elements 4 are arranged between them along the circumferential direction C and extending from the support 7 along the radial direction R.

[0073] In the first embodiment, the closing elements 4 extend from the support 4 away from a longitudinal axis of the support 7 coinciding with the axial direction X, while in the second embodiment the closing elements 4 extend from the support 7 towards the axis of the support 7.

[0074] According to one aspect, the valve device 1 can be housed in a seat 15 of a teat 14 that can be coupled to the container 10. Preferably, the valve device 1 has retaining means 17 adapted to be reversibly coupled to the container 10, and in particular to the teat 14, to retain the valve device 1 at the opening 11 of the container 10. Advantageously, the valve device 1 can be coupled to the container and the teat in a practical, fast and reversible way. In this way, the valve device 1 makes it possible to optimize any cleaning operations, which can be carried out frequently and with simplicity, thus promoting the hygiene and well-being of the child.

[0075] A further object of the present invention is a container 10 for children, for example a bottle, adapted to contain liquid food, including milk or water, shown in figure 4. The container 10 comprises a container body 12 adapted to contain liquids, having an edge portion 13 and an opening 11 for the passage of liquids delimited by the edge portion 13.

[0076] Preferably, the edge portion 13 comprises first coupling means 13a, for example a thread.

[0077] The container 10 further comprises a teat 14 retained at the edge portion 13 of the container 10. Preferably, the container 10 comprises a ring nut 16 adapted to fix the teat 14 at the edge portion 13. Specifically, the teat 14 has an edge portion 18 adapted to be retained between the edge portion 13 of the container 10 and the ring nut 16.

[0078] Preferably, the ring nut 16 has second coupling means 16a adapted to couple with the first coupling means 13a. Preferably, the second coupling means 16a comprise a counter-thread configured to couple and cooperate with the thread of the first coupling means 13 a.

[0079] The teat 14 has a retaining seat 15 adapted to receive the valve device 1 of the present disclosure. Preferably, the teat 14 has at least one projection 14a, or alternatively a groove, not illustrated, adapted to couple with the retaining means 17 of the valve device 1 to retain the valve device 1 in position, within the retaining seat

[0080] 15. Still preferably, the retaining means 17 of the valve device 1 comprise at least one groove 17a, or alternatively a projection 17b, adapted to couple with the projection 14a of the teat 14.

[0081] It should be noted that the container 10 of the present invention, comprising a valve device 1 according to the present description, therefore has all the advantages set out above for said valve device 1.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Valve device (1) for the regulation of a flow, couplable to a container (10) for liquid food having an opening (11) for the passage of liquids from the inside to the outside of the container (10), the valve device (1) comprising:- a main body (2) adapted to be placed at the opening (11) of the container (10), the main body (2) comprising a plurality of holes (20) for the passage of liquids;- a flow regulation element (3) coupled to the main body (2) and configured to regulate the flow of liquids out of the container (10) along an axial direction (X), comprising a plurality of closing elements (4) configured to switch between a closing configuration, in which each closing element (4) is placed to close at least one respective hole (20), and an opening configuration, in which at least one respective hole is pervious, when the closing elements (4) are subjected to a respective suction pressure upstream of the flow regulation element (3) with respect to the container (10); wherein at least a first closing element (4) is configured to switch from the closing configuration to the opening configuration when subjected to a first suction pressure value, and at least a second closing element (4) is configured to switch from the closing configuration to the opening configuration when subjected to a second suction pressure value greater than the first suction pressure value and to remain in the closing configuration when subjected to a suction pressure value lower than the second suction pressure value, and wherein each closing element (4) has a respective stiffness parameter, at least the first closing element (4) having a stiffness parameter lower than the stiffness parameter of the at least a second closing element (4).

2. Valve device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the closing elements (4) of the flow regulation element (3) are configured to bend along the axial direction (X) to switch between the closing configuration and the opening configuration.

3. Valve device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each closing element (4) is configured to elastically reversibly switch from the opening configuration to the closing configuration upon the decrease or cessation of the suction pressure.

4. Valve device (1) according to any claim from 1 to 3, wherein the stiffness parameter is defined by one or more of thickness, width and length of the respective closing element (4).

5. Valve device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one closing element (4) of the flow regulation element (3) comprises a reinforcement rib (5) adapted to stiffen the closing element (4).

6. Valve device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (2) comprises a seat (6), the flow regulation element (3) being at least partly housed in the seat (6).

7. Valve device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the flow regulation element (3) comprises a support (7) configured to connect to the seat (6) of the main body (2), the closing elements (4) projecting from the support (7) along a radial direction (R) perpendicular to the axial direction (X) and being arranged along a circumferential direction (C).

8. Valve device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the support (7) is defined by a central pin (7a), the seat (6) comprising an opening (6a) adapted to receive and connect to the central pin (7a).

9. Valve device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the support (7) is defined by an annular element (7b), the seat (6) comprising an annular groove (6b) adapted to receive and connect to the annular element (7b).

10. Container (10) for children adapted to contain liquid food, comprising:- a container body (12) configured to contain liquids, having an edge portion (13) and an opening (11) for the passage of liquids delimited by the edge portion (13),- a teat (14) retained at the edge portion (13) of the container (10) and having a retaining seat (15), - a valve device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, inserted in the retaining seat (15) of the teat (14), the valve device (1) being positioned at the opening (11) to regulate the flow of liquids out of the container (10).

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