PARTITIONING COMPONENT FOR A FEEDING BOTTLE DEVICE AND FEEDING BOTTLE DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a partitioning component (210) for a feeding bottle device (100), the feeding bottle device (100) comprising a teat component (110) defining a teat volume (115) therein and a container component (120) defining a container volume (125) therein, the teat component (110) being attachable to the container component (120) by means of an attachment component (130). The partitioning component (210) comprises a first passage (212) allowing a passage of fluid from the container volume (125) to the teat volume (115) and a second passage (214) allowing a passage of fluid from the teat volume (115) to the container volume (125), wherein the second passage (214) is provided in the form of a one-way passage. The invention further relates to a corresponding feeding bottle device (100) and a feeding method. The solutions according to the invention reduce the risk of colic-like symptoms for the infant.

Claims

1. A partitioning component for a feeding bottle device, the feeding bottle device comprising a teat component defining a teat volume therein and a container component defining a container volume therein, the teat component being attachable to the container component by means of an attachment component the partitioning component being configured to separate the teat volume from the container volume when the feeding bottle device is assembled, wherein the partitioning component comprises a first passage allowing a passage of fluid from the container volume to the teat volume and a second passage allowing a passage of fluid from the teat volume to the container volume, wherein the second passage is provided in the form of a one-way passage, wherein the first passage and the second passage are integrated within the partition component wherein the partitioning component further comprises a guiding component for guiding the partitioning component into an opening of the container component.

2. The partitioning component according to claim 1, further comprising an orientation indicator configured to be visually noticeable when the feeding bottle device is assembled.

3. The partitioning component according to claim 2, wherein the first passage and the second passage are arranged at different distances from the orientation indicator, respectively.

4. The partitioning component according to claim 3, wherein the second passage is arranged closer to the orientation indicator than the first passage.

5. The partitioning component according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first passage and the second passage comprises a valve presenting an opening pressure of 10 mbar or below.

6. The partitioning component according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first passage and the second passage comprises a flap valve or a duckbill valve.

7. The partitioning component according to claim 1, wherein the first passage is formed as an opening.

8. The partitioning component according to claim 7, wherein the first passage is formed as an opening with elliptical shape.

9. The partitioning component according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing material for forming a sealing interface between the partitioning component and at least one of the teat component and the container component.

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. A feeding bottle device comprising: a teat component defining a teat volume therein, a container component defining a container volume therein, a partitioning component according to claim 1, and an attachment component, the teat component the container component and the partitioning component being attachable to each other along a contact area by means of the attachment component.

13. The feeding bottle device according to claim 12, further comprising at least one air vent valve for allowing the passage of air from outside the feeding bottle device to within the teat volume or the container volume, a confined volume forming component for defining a confined volume within the container volume, wherein the confined volume provides a controlled opening into the container volume, and a duct forming component for forming a guidance duct from the at least one air vent valve to the confined volume.

14. The feeding bottle device according to claim 13, wherein the confined volume forming component and the duct forming component are integrated in the partitioning component for dividing the teat volume from the container volume when the feeding bottle device is assembled.

15. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] In the following drawings:

[0054] FIG. 1 shows schematically and exemplarily a feeding bottle device comprising a partitioning component according to the invention,

[0055] FIGS. 2A and 2B show schematically and exemplarily two perspective views on the partitioning component, FIG. 3 shows schematically and exemplarily a feeding bottle device according to the invention,

[0056] FIG. 4 shows schematically and exemplarily a reservoir deflection as a passage prevention component,

[0057] FIG. 5 shows schematically and exemplarily a partitioning component,

[0058] FIG. 6A shows schematically and exemplarily a further partitioning component in isolation, and

[0059] FIG. 6B shows schematically and exemplarily the partitioning component of FIG. 6A in an assembled state of the feeding bottle device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0060] FIG. 1 schematically and exemplarily illustrates a feeding bottle device 100 in an assembled state in cross-sectional view. Feeding bottle device 100 comprises a teat component 110, which is attached to a container component 120 by means of an attachment component 130 in the form of a locking ring. Usually, feeding bottle device 100 and more precisely a container volume 125 within container component 120 is filled with milk, which is then fed to an infant out of teat component 110. For this purpose, feeding bottle device 100 in the assembled state illustrated in FIG. 1 is maintained at an angle which allows milk or other liquid to enter the teat volume 115 within teat component 110. The position in FIG. 1 corresponds to an operating position, in which feeding bottle device 100 is inclined such that a teat component 110 points downwards at a certain angle such that liquid enters a teat volume 115.

[0061] In a contact area between teat component 110 and container component 120 there is a partitioning component 210 provided, which separates teat volume 115 on one side and container volume 125 on the other side. The partitioning component 210 comprises a first passage 212 for allowing the passage of liquid from container volume 125 and an oppositely oriented second passage 214 for allowing the passage of air from teat component 115 to container volume 125.

[0062] First passage 212 is arranged at a lower position, i.e. significantly below the liquid level during most of the feeding session when the feeding bottle device 100 is maintained in the operating or feeding position exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1, such that liquid can enter through first passage 212 into teat volume 115 which will always be essentially filled with liquid.

[0063] The provision of first passage 212 allows that teat volume 115 be filled with liquid even when the feeding bottle device 100 is maintained in a more horizontal feeding position than it would be possible with classical feeding bottle devices. A more horizontal position of feeding bottle device 100, preferably at an angle as low as below 45 degrees inclination with respect to the horizontal direction, corresponds to a more natural and more vertical feeding position of the infant, i.e. the feeding position while breastfeeding, and is therefore preferred over a more inclined feeding position.

[0064] While usually the vacuum applied by the sucking action of the infant results in liquid being drawn into teat volume 115 through first passage 212, air entering into teat volume 115 through an opening of teat component 110 will also occur, for instance when the infant releases the latch. This air should not be ingested by the infant, which is the reason for second passage 214 being provided. Through second passage 214 air can escape from teat volume 115 into container volume 125. Since second passage 214 is located higher with respect to first passage 212 in the operating position illustrated in FIG. 1, it is more likely that second passage 214 be positioned above the level of liquid in container volume 125 such that no bubbles form when air enters into container volume 125 through second passage 214. The provision of first and second passages thereby results in less likelihood of air being ingested by the infant. In this example, both first 212 and second 214 passages are provided as one-way passages comprising a flap valve each, while other valves including duckbill valves can be employed in other examples. In other example only the second passage 214 can be formed as a one-way passage while the first passage 212 can allow a passage in both directions. Preferably, both first 212 and second 214 valves in this example have a very low, e.g. below 10 mbar, or no opening pressure, i.e. are nominally open, and further preferably also have a very low closing pressure.

[0065] Functioning of feeding bottle device 100 is described as follows. A caregiver assembles feeding bottle device 100 by usually inserting teat component 110 into attachment component 130, optionally then covering this assembly using a cap 180. Container component 120 is filled with milk and then partitioning component 210 is provided in the opening of container volume 125 before attachment component 130 is attached to container component 120, for instance by screwing it on.

[0066] Feeding bottle device 100 is then turned upside down, i.e. teat component 110 facing vertically down, to allow teat volume 115 to be filled with milk. Both first 212 and second 214 passages open allowing teat volume 115 to be filled with milk and the existing air in teat volume 115 to be vented into container volume 125 through second passage 214. The opening of both passages 212, 214 is due to their nominally open design combined with favorable hydrostatic pressure from the milk column in container volume 125.

[0067] Then, feeding bottle device 100 is turned into a feeding position with feeding bottle device 100 being oriented at less than 45 degrees with respect to a horizontal axis, preferably to a more vertical feeding position of the infant, i.e. feeding bottle device 100 being oriented only about 10 to 30 degrees with respect to the horizontal axis. In the feeding position, it is important that a rotational position is selected such that second one-way passage 214 is located on top. To assist in this purpose, a rotational orientation indication which indicates correct rotational orientation can be provided which will be described in further detail below.

[0068] As the infant drinks, the milk in teat volume 115 is emptied creating a lower pressure in teat volume 115 which closes second passage 214 but lets milk in through first passage 212 from container volume 125. Since first passage 212 is located below the liquid level surface, first passage 212 will only allow milk and no air to flow in. As mentioned, during the feed there is a possibility for air bubbles to enter teat volume 115 from the teat hole, for instance when the infant releases the latch. In such a situation, during subsequent feeding the bubbles are pushed through second passage 214 into container volume 125.

[0069] After finishing the feed, any milk left in teat volume 115 will drip into container volume 125 through either second passage 214 or first passage 214 due to gravity, when feeding bottle device 110 is placed vertical with teat component 110 facing vertically up.

[0070] FIGS. 2A and 2B show two exemplary perspective views on partitioning component 210. In addition to first passage 212 and second passage 214, partitioning component 210 in this example comprises an orientation indicator 216. Orientation indicator 216 can then be located adjacent to a wall of container component 120 when feeding bottle device 100 is assembled and thereby indicate a rotational orientation of partitioning component 210, which is visible from outside. Second passage 214 is in this example closer to orientation indicator 216 than first passage 212 and will therefore more probably be above the liquid level throughout the feeding. Preferably, the orientation indicator 216 is intended to be positioned upside the feeding bottle device when used for feeding, while also other intended positions and/or additional orientation indicators can be provided in other examples. Preferably, the orientation indicator presents a color showing a good contrast versus milk.

[0071] While first passage 212 is generally larger than second passage 214, the invention is not limited thereto. Further, first passage 212 protrudes in this example from partitioning component 210 towards the teat volume 115 side and second passage 214 protrudes from partitioning component 210 towards the container volume 125 side, to which the invention is also not limited.

[0072] FIG. 3 shows schematically and exemplarily a feeding bottle device 100 in an assembled state in cross-sectional view, as also illustrated in FIG. 1, with further features than can in other examples also be integrated into the examples of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0073] In the attachment area between teat component 110, container component 120 and attachment component 130, an air vent valve 140 for allowing air from outside of feeding bottle device 100 to enter into container volume 125 is provided. Thereby, the vacuum present in teat volume 115 while the infant is suckling to feed milk can be reduced, without air having to enter through teat component 110. Air entering through teat component 110 increases the risk of air being present within teat volume 115 and eventually entering the infant's mouth. Various forms of air vent valves 140 are known in the art, and can be, for instance, integrated within teat component 110, container component 120, attachment component 130, partitioning component 210 or an interface between any of these components.

[0074] Air enters through air vent valve 140 and gets collected in annular guidance duct 175 prior to entering container volume 125. Annular guidance duct 175 collects the air independent of an angular position of air vent valve 140 and guides it towards a confined volume 155. Adjacent to or as part of confined volume 155, a controlled opening 165 for releasing air into container volume 125 is provided. For this purpose, a duct forming component 170 extends annularly around an opening of container volume 125 and defines annular guidance duct 175 between duct forming component 170, container component 120 and/or teat component 110.

[0075] The exemplary shape of the annular guidance duct 175 of FIG. 3 is of course not the only feasible shape, other shapes of annular guidance duct 175 are contemplated in other examples. It is only of importance that annular guidance duct 175 be capable of connecting air entering through air vent valve 140 and guiding this air to confined volume 155. It should be further noted that guidance duct 175 is not necessarily to be provided in annular form around the opening of container volume 125, for instance, in case the angular position of air vent valve 140 is well known such as in a must fit layout, in which guidance duct 175 collects the air always at the same defined position of air vent valve 140.

[0076] In this example, confined volume 155 is defined by a confined volume forming component 150, which is provided adjacent a wall of container component 120. The confined volume 155 is thereby limited by confined volume forming component 150 and container component 120. In other examples, confined volume 155 can also be defined by confined volume forming component 150 only.

[0077] Between annular guidance duct 175 and confined volume 155, there is an optional passage prevention component 200 provided, which prevents the passage of liquid from container volume 125 towards air vent valve 140. Thereby, leaking of the feeding bottle device 100 can be prevented. Generally, in case liquid reaches air vent valve 140, the formation of bubbles is increased. It is therefore advantageous to not have any liquid in proximity of air vent valve 140. In one example, a one way valve can be provided as passage prevention component 200, which then prevents liquid from reaching air vent valve 140 and annular guidance duct 175 under typical use of feeding bottle device 100. However, also other suitable arrangements for preventing the passage of liquid from container volume 125 to air vent valve 140 can be employed in the alternative.

[0078] For example, another passage prevention component 200 is illustrated with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 schematically and exemplarily illustrates a reservoir deflection 202 as passage prevention component 200. Reservoir deflection 202 forms a sufficiently large volume to trap any present liquid in the confined volume 155 and prevents it from reaching air vent valve 140. It is preferred that the volume of the reservoir formed by reservoir deflection 202 be larger than the expected volume of liquid within confined volume 155 when feeding bottle device 100 is in a resting position with teat component 110 pointing vertically upwards.

[0079] Returning to the example of FIG. 3, confined volume forming component 150 and duct forming component 170 are integrated within partitioning component 210 for separating container volume 125 from teat volume 115. Confined volume forming component 150 can, for instance, correspond to orientation indicator 216 as illustrated in FIG. 2. Partitioning component 210 fits between an opening of container component 120 and teat component 110 and creates two interfaces, one to each of the two components. Preferably, partitioning component provides a hard interface towards teat component 110 and a soft interface towards container component 120 to overcome leakage issues even though there is an additional part, partitioning component 210, present in the attachment area. Further, torsional strength of the assembly of attachment component 130, in particular in case it is formed as a screw ring, is not impacted. For this reason, partitioning component 210 may be manufactured using 2K injection molding processes, for instance. In other examples, partitioning component 210 may comprise a sealing material attached thereto which ensures the hard-soft interfaces between teat component 110, partitioning component 210 and container component, respectively.

[0080] Another example of partitioning component 210 is schematically shown in further detail in FIG. 5, which illustrates particularly annular duct forming component 170 opening into confined volume forming component 150 through a passage prevention component 200. In the example of FIG. 5, first passage 212 and second passage 214 are formed as oppositely directed flap valves having respective hinge axes parallel to each other.

[0081] Another example of partitioning component 210 is schematically shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. While FIG. 6A illustrates partitioning component 210 in isolation, FIG. 6B illustrates the partitioning component 210 in an assembled state of feeding bottle device 100.

[0082] In this example, first passage 212 is formed as an opening with an exemplary elongated ellipsoidal shape in partitioning component 210. Second passage 214 comprises a duckbill valve which allows the passage of fluid, in particular air, from teat volume 115 to container volume 125 but blocks the passage of fluid in the opposite direction. The shape of the opening can of course be as desired.

[0083] Further, partitioning component 210 comprises a sealing material 217 at an interface to container component 120 in an assembled state. Sealing material 217 can integrally be formed with partitioning component 210 or be attached to partitioning component at a later stage and preferably comprise a soft material such that a sealing will be formed between container component 120 and partitioning component 210 after assembly of feeding bottle device 100. Likewise, the interface to teat component 110 preferably comprises a harder material such that also the interface between teat component 110 and partitioning component 210 will not leak.

[0084] A guiding component 218 having an exemplary tapered shape facilitates the assembly of partitioning component 210 into container component and provides a resistance against spring force from confined volume forming component 150 or orientation indicator 216. Confined volume forming component 150 or orientation indicator 216 comprises a flexible silicone for instance, which presses against the wall of container component 120.

[0085] In FIG. 6B confined volume 155 as defined between confined volume forming component 150 or orientation indicator 216 and a wall of container component 120 is clearly visible. Controlled opening 165 is formed at the portion of confined volume 155 which has the largest distance from teat component 110.

[0086] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0087] 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.

[0088] A single unit, component or device may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.