Abstract
A user controllable noncollapsible variable stream physiological dispenser for a container is disclosed which comprises a nipple having a top nipple portion which extends to an intermediate concave section which extends to a lower dome-shaped body and to a flange, the flange used for being held to a bottle by a collar, the nipple having openings formed in the top nipple portion, an open bottom provided at the flange with the nipple having a hollow body through which liquid may pass from the open bottom through the body and out the openings.
Claims
1. A user controllable noncollapsible variable stream physiological dispenser for dispensing fluid from a vented container, comprising: a vented container; a nipple having a top nipple portion which extends to an intermediate concave section which extends to a lower dome-shaped body and to a flange, the flange used to be held to the vented container by a collar, the top nipple portion having a central opening, a first opening slit having a first length, a second opening slit having a second length, a third opening slit having a third length, a fourth opening slit having a fourth length, a fifth opening slit having a fifth length, and sixth opening slit having a sixth length, with the opening slits positioned radially around the central opening with the first opening slit being adjacent to the sixth opening slit, the nipple having an open bottom provided at the flange with the nipple having a hollow body through which a liquid may pass from the open bottom through the body and out the central opening and the opening slits, all of said opening slits being of differing lengths from each other, and spaced outwardly and not in contact with the central opening; the central opening and the opening slits are orally activated to allow liquid to flow at a desired rate when pressure is applied to the top nipple portion, and each of the lengths being different from each other to allow variable flow rates from said nipple, with the length of the first opening slit having the longest length of all of the slits, and the length of the sixth opening slit having the shortest length of all of the slits.
2. The user controllable noncollapsible variable stream physiological dispenser for a vented container of claim 1, wherein when the sixth opening slit of the nipple is located downwardly within a mouth of an infant during a feeding, a much lesser quantity of liquid will be delivered from the vented container to the infant during the feeding; and when the first opening slit of the nipple is inserted downwardly within the mouth of the feeding infant, a much greater quantity of liquid will be delivered from the vented container to the infant during the feeding.
3. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein indicia applied to one of the nipple and nursing bottle identifying full flow from the longest slit during an infant feeding, and indicia provided in alignment with the shortest slit opening in the nipple identifying the potential for obtaining a lowest flow of formula from the nipple and its nursing bottle during usage.
4. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the longest slit is next to the shortest slit.
5. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the longest slit is not next to the shortest slit.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a nipple constructed according to the present disclosure;
(2) FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the nipple shown in FIG. 1 taken along the plane of line A-A;
(3) FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the nipple shown in FIG. 1 taken along the plane of line A-A;
(4) FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the nipple shown in FIG. 1 taken along the plane of line A-A;
(5) FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the nipple shown in FIG. 1 taken along the plane of line A-A;
(6) FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the nipple shown in FIG. 1 taken along the plane of line A-A;
(7) FIG. 1F is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the nipple shown in FIG. 1 taken along the plane of line A-A;
(8) FIG. 1G is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the nipple shown in FIG. 1 taken along the plane of line A-A;
(9) FIG. 1H is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the nipple shown in FIG. 1 taken along the plane of line A-A;
(10) FIG. 1I is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the nipple shown in FIG. 1 taken along the plane of line A-A;
(11) FIG. 1J is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the nipple shown in FIG. 1 taken along the plane of line A-A;
(12) FIG. 1K is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the nipple shown in FIG. 1 taken along the plane of line A-A;
(13) FIG. 1L is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the nipple shown in FIG. 1 taken along the plane of line A-A;
(14) FIG. 1M is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the nipple shown in FIG. 1 taken along the plane of line A-A;
(15) FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an interior of another embodiment of a nipple constructed according to the present disclosure;
(16) FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a nipple constructed according to the present disclosure and with a venting mechanism;
(17) FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a nipple constructed according to the present disclosure and an accompanying venting mechanism;
(18) FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a nipple constructed according to the present disclosure and a venting mechanism;
(19) FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an interior of another embodiment of a nipple constructed according to the present disclosure;
(20) FIG. 7 is an enlarged top view of the nipple shown in FIG. 6;
(21) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a nipple constructed according to the present disclosure;
(22) FIG. 9 is a top view of another embodiment of a nipple constructed according to the present disclosure;
(23) FIG. 10 is a side view of the nipple shown in FIG. 9;
(24) FIG. 11 is a side view of the nipple shown in FIG. 10 being rotated;
(25) FIG. 12 is a side view of another embodiment of a nipple constructed according to the present disclosure;
(26) FIG. 13 is a side view of the nipple shown in FIG. 12 being rotated;
(27) FIG. 14 is a top view of another embodiment of a nipple constructed according to the present disclosure;
(28) FIG. 15 is a side view of the nipple shown in FIG. 14;
(29) FIG. 16 is a side view of the nipple shown in FIG. 15 being rotated
(30) FIG. 17 is a side view of another embodiment of a nipple constructed according to the present disclosure;
(31) FIG. 18 is a side view of the nipple shown in FIG. 17 being rotated;
(32) FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a nipple constructed according to the present disclosure;
(33) FIG. 20 is a top view of the nipple shown in FIG. 19;
(34) FIG. 21 is a side view of the nipple shown in FIG. 19;
(35) FIG. 22 is a side view of the nipple shown in FIG. 21 being rotated;
(36) FIG. 23 is a side view of another embodiment of a nipple constructed according to the present disclosure;
(37) FIG. 24 is a side view of the nipple shown in FIG. 23 being rotated;
(38) FIG. 25 is a top view of yet another embodiment of a nipple constructed according to the present disclosure;
(39) FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a nipple constructed according to the present disclosure;
(40) FIG. 27 is a top view of the nipple shown in FIG. 26;
(41) FIG. 28 is a side view of the nipple shown in FIG. 26;
(42) FIG. 29 is a side view of the nipple shown in FIG. 28 being rotated;
(43) FIG. 30 is a side view of still another embodiment of a nipple constructed according to the present disclosure;
(44) FIG. 31 is a side view of the nipple shown in FIG. 30 being rotated;
(45) FIG. 32 is a top view of another embodiment of a nipple constructed according to the present disclosure; and
(46) FIG. 33 is a top view of another embodiment of a nipple constructed according to the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
(47) Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like items, number 10 identifies a preferred embodiment of a noncollapsible nipple constructed according to the present disclosure. With reference now to FIG. 1, the noncollapsible nipple 10 comprises a nipple bulbous end portion 12 which extends to an intermediate concave section 14 which extends to a lower dome-shaped body 16 and then to a flange 18. The flange 18 is used to be held to a bottle (not shown) by a collar (not shown), as will be explained further herein. The nipple 10 has openings, apertures, or slits 20 formed in the nipple end portion 12. An open bottom 22 is also provided at the flange 18. The nipple 10 also has a generally hollow body 24 through which a liquid may pass from the bottom 22 through the body 24 and out the openings 20. The nipple 10 may be placed in a mouth of an infant for feeding purposes. The nipple 10 may be constructed from any suitable material such as silicone or latex.
(48) FIG. 1A shows a top view of the nipple end portion 12 of the nipple 10. The opening 20 is shown to have a plus or cross shape 26. The shape 26 may have any desired length. One slit may be longer than the other. All of the slits forming the opening may have a length that may be equal, or different, and may be arranged symmetrical, or asymmetrical, in order to regulate formula flow.
(49) FIG. 1B depicts a top view of another embodiment of an opening 30 that may be formed in the nipple end portion 12. The opening 30 comprises four plus or cross shaped openings 32. The openings 32 are used to regulate formula flow when used by an infant.
(50) FIG. 1C is another embodiment of an opening 34 which comprises four tilde shaped openings 36. The tilde shaped openings 36 may be variably arranged and sized as desired.
(51) FIG. 1D shows another top view of an opening 38 that may be used in the nipple end portion 12 of the nipple 10. The opening 38 comprises four X shaped openings 40 that are spaced symmetrically about the nipple end portion 12.
(52) With reference to FIG. 1E, another top view of an opening configuration 42 is shown that has four slit shaped openings 44 formed in the nipple 10. The slits 44 are spaced symmetrically around the nipple end portion 12 in a squared configuration.
(53) FIG. 1F illustrates another possible configuration 46 having three slits 48 formed in a triangular fashion.
(54) FIG. 1G depicts a configuration 50 having three inner slits 52 formed in a triangular shape and three outer slits 54 formed in a triangular shape with the outer slits 54 being offset from the inner slits 52.
(55) FIG. 1H shows another configuration 56 that has a horizontal slot 58 and three angular slits 60 positioned below the horizontal slit 58.
(56) FIG. 1I illustrates a configuration 62 having three slits 64, with one of the slits 64 being arranged horizontally, a second one of the slits 64 being positioned vertically, and the final one of the slits 64 being positioned inclined or diagonally arranged.
(57) FIG. 1J shows a configuration 66 having a horizontal slit 68 and a vertical slit 70. The horizontal slit 68 is above the vertical slit 70 and has a T shaped formation.
(58) With reference now to FIG. 1K, a configuration 72 is shown which provides a no drip nipple 74. The configuration 72 comprises slits 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, and 86 distributed about the nipple 74. The slit 76 is at the zero degree position, the slit 78 is at the 60 degree position, the slit 80 is at the 120 degree position, the slit 82 is at the 180 degree position, the slit 84 is at the 240 degree position, and the slit 86 is at the 300 degree position.
(59) FIG. 1L illustrates a configuration 88 that has five slits 90 formed in the shape of a pentagon. This configuration 88 may be used to provide a nipple 92 that does not drip liquid or formula out of the nipple 92.
(60) FIG. 1M depicts a nipple 94 having a configuration 96 consisting of five X shaped slits 98 positioned about the nipple 94. The slits 98 are also arranged in an X-like pattern on the nipple 94.
(61) As can be appreciated, the various configurations 20, 30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 56, 62, 66, 72, 88, and 94 provide orally activated apertures or openings which release liquid at any desirable rate when pressure is applied to the nipple. The various configurations provide for consistently regulated flow patterns of liquid in all positions of orientation of the bottle or container in which the liquid is stored. Further, the various configurations provide adjustable and optimal flow from the bottle or container. These configurations may be made more or less symmetrical and adjusted for amounts of flow desired depending on the positioning of the nursing bottle and its nipple.
(62) Referring now to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional interior view of another embodiment of a nipple 150 is shown. The nipple 150 comprises a nipple end portion 152 which extends to an intermediate concave section 154 which extends to a lower dome-shaped body 156 and then to a flange 158. The concave section 154 allows for elongation of the nipple 150, which is similar to a mammal nipple. The nipple 150 also has an open bottom 160 and a rib 162 that spans from the bottom 160 to the nipple end portion 152. The rib 162 prevents the nipple 150 from being collapsed during use. The flange 158 is used to secure the nipple 150 in place between a collar (not shown) and a top of a bottle (also not shown). The nipple 150 also has openings, apertures, or slits 164 formed in the nipple end portion 152. Any liquid within a bottle may flow through the nipple 150 at a desired rate.
(63) FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a nipple 200 constructed according to the present disclosure being secured in placed over an opening 202 of a container or a bottle (not shown) by use of a closure device 206, such as a threaded collar. Although not shown, the bottle may contain a liquid, such as infant formula or milk. The closure device 206 has incorporated therein a vent opening 208 and a venting tube 210. The venting tube 210 extends into the interior of the bottle 204 and through the vent opening 208. The venting tube 210 prevents air from mixing with the contents of the bottle. The venting tube 210 is preferably approximately one-third the size of the region of release of the container contents or any size that provides air into the bottle at a sufficient rate. The venting tube 210 should have a diameter that is large enough that air preferentially enters the bottle through the vent opening 208, and not so large that liquid escapes through the vent opening 208 itself. The vent opening 208 and the venting tube 210 allow for continuous, automatic, and on-demand venting of the bottle. The type of vent structure shown in our U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,071 may be employed, and its teachings may be incorporated herein by reference. As can be appreciated, any of the nipples disclosed herein may be used with the device 206.
(64) With reference now to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a nipple 220 is shown secured in place over an opening 222 of a container or a bottle 224 by use of a threaded collar closure device 226. The closure device 226 has incorporated therein a vent opening 228 and an internal vent 230. A circumferential flange 232 extends downwardly from the closure device 226 and the flange 232 has an exterior surface 234 upon which a liquid reservoir 236 having a reservoir extension 238 is placed. The internal vent 230 extends into the volumetric center of the liquid reservoir 236. The vent opening 228 allows for continuous venting from the atmosphere to the inferior aspect of the bottle 224. This is similar to what is shown in our U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,071. The current art does not utilize an insert. Again, any of the nipples disclosed herein may be used in combination with the device 226.
(65) FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a nipple 250. The nipple 250 is placed over an opening 252 of a container or a bottle 254 by use of a threaded collar 256. An insert 258 is associated with the bottle 254. The insert 258 has a channel 260 and an internal vent tube 262. A reservoir 264 having a reservoir extension 266 is connected to the insert 258. The channel 260 and the internal vent tube 262 conducts airflow from the atmosphere into the inferior aspect of the bottle 254. This provides for continuous, automatic, and on-demand venting of the bottle 254. Any of the nipples disclosed and described herein may be used as the nipple 250.
(66) Referring now in particular to FIG. 6, a cross-sectional view of another nipple 300 constructed according to the present disclosure is shown. The nipple 300 is used to provide atomization of the contents of a bottle upon which the nipple 300 is placed. Some infants may prefer that the liquid being dispensed from a bottle be atomized. The nipple 300 comprises a nipple end portion 302 which extends to an intermediate concave section 304 which extends to a lower dome-shaped body 306 and then to a flange 308. The flange 308 is used to be held to a bottle (not shown) by a collar (not shown). The nipple 300 has openings, apertures, or slits 310 formed in the nipple end portion 302. An open bottom 312 is also provided at the flange 308. The nipple 300 also has a generally hollow body 314 through which a liquid may pass from the bottom 312 through the body 314 and out the openings 310. The nipple 300 may be placed in a mouth of an infant for providing atomization of the liquid contained within a bottle.
(67) FIG. 7 depicts an enlarged top view of the nipple 300. The nipple 300 has the nipple end portion 302 and the slits 310 formed therein. The slits 310 are made at various angles tangentially to the surface. This facilitates variation of the flow of liquids from within a bottle. Any number of configurations of slits 310 may be used and are variably configurable.
(68) Referring to FIG. 8, another embodiment of a nipple 320 constructed according to the present disclosure is illustrated. The nipple 320 comprises a top nipple portion 322 having irregular shaped ridges 324 and various openings 326. The openings 326 may be placed at an angle on the nipple 320. The nipple 320 also comprises an intermediate concave section 328 which extends to a lower dome-shaped body 330 and then to a flange 332. An open bottom 334 is provided in the nipple 320. The nipple 320 also has a generally hollow body through which liquid may flow from the bottom 334 to the openings 326. The irregular shaped ridges 324 may be preferred by some infants due to the ridges 324 mimicking the surface of a natural breast.
(69) FIG. 9 shows a top view another embodiment of a nipple 350 constructed according to the present disclosure. The nipple 350 comprises a top nipple portion 352 having various openings 354 positioned about the top nipple portion 354. The openings 354 are configured in a triangular shape and are formed by slicing though the top nipple portion 352 at a forty-five degree angle. The nipple 350 further comprises an intermediate concave section 356 which extends to a lower dome-shaped body or section 358 and then to a flange 360. Although not shown in this particular view, the nipple 350 has an open bottom and a generally hollow body. As can be appreciated, liquid, such an infant formula, may flow through the open bottom, the hollow body, and out through the openings 354.
(70) With reference now to FIG. 10, a side view of the nipple 350 is shown. The nipple 350 has one of the openings 354 positioned into view in this figure. The nipple 350 also has the top nipple portion 352, the intermediate concave section 356, the dome-shaped body 358, and the flange 360.
(71) FIG. 11 depicts the nipple 350 in a rotated position relative to the position shown in FIG. 10 so that the other openings 354 are displayed. The nipple 350 has two of the openings 354 positioned into view in this figure. The nipple 350 also has the top nipple portion 352, the intermediate concave section 356, the dome-shaped body 358, and the flange 360.
(72) With reference now to FIG. 12, another embodiment of a nipple 370 is illustrated. This nipple 370 is similar to the nipple 360 with the exception of having less openings; In particular, the nipple 370 only has two openings formed in the nipple 370. The nipple 370 comprises a top nipple portion 372 having two openings 374 positioned about the top nipple portion 372 of which only one of the openings 374 is shown in this figure. The openings 374 are configured in a triangular shape with one of the legs of the triangle missing. The openings 374 and are formed by slicing though the top nipple portion 372 at a forty-five degree angle. The nipple 370 further comprises an intermediate concave section 376 which extends to a lower dome-shaped body or section 378 and then to a flange 380.
(73) FIG. 13 shows the nipple 370 rotated to depict the other opening 374 that is formed in the top nipple portion 372. The concave section 376, the dome-shaped body 378, and the flange 380 are also shown. As can be appreciated, the flange 380 has an opening and the nipple 370 has a hollow body though which a liquid may flow through and out the openings 374.
(74) Referring now to FIG. 14, a top view of another embodiment of a nipple 400 is shown. The nipple 400 comprises a top nipple portion 402 having a first set of openings 404 and a second set of openings 406 positioned about the top nipple portion 402. The first set of openings 404 are configured in a triangular shape and the second set of openings 406 also configured in a triangular shape. The first set of openings 404 are interior to the second set of openings 406 and the first set of openings 404 are offset from the second set of openings 406. The openings 404 and 406 are formed by slicing though the top nipple portion 402 at a forty-five degree angle. The nipple 400 further comprises an intermediate concave section 408 which extends to a lower dome-shaped body or section 410 and then to a flange 412. Although not shown in this view, the nipple 400 has an open bottom and a generally hollow body. Liquid, such an infant formula, may flow through the open bottom, the hollow body, and out through the openings 404 and 406.
(75) With reference now to FIG. 15, a side view of the nipple 400 is shown. The nipple 400 has the openings 404 and 406 positioned into view in this figure. The first set of openings 404 are higher than the second set of openings 406 on the top nipple portion 402. The nipple 400 also has the top nipple portion 402, the intermediate concave section 408, the dome-shaped body 410, and the flange 412.
(76) FIG. 16 depicts the nipple 400 in a rotated position relative to the position shown in FIG. 15 so that the other openings 404 and 406 are displayed. Again, the first set of openings 404 are positioned higher on the top nipple portion 402 than the second set of openings 406. The nipple 400 also consists of the top nipple portion 402, the intermediate concave section 408, the dome-shaped body 410, and the flange 412.
(77) Referring now to FIG. 17, another embodiment of a nipple 420 is illustrated. This nipple 420 is similar to the nipple 400 with the exception of having less openings. In particular, the nipple 420 only has two openings formed as the first set of openings 422 and tow openings formed as the second set of openings 424 in a top nipple portion 426 of the nipple 420. The openings 422 and 424 are formed in the top nipple portion 426 by slicing through the top nipple portion 426 at a forty-five degree angle. The nipple 420 further comprises an intermediate concave section 428 which extends to a lower dome-shaped body or section 430 and then to a flange 432. The first set of openings 422 are higher than the second set of openings 424. Also, the first set of openings 422 are offset from the second set of openings 424.
(78) FIG. 18 shows the nipple 420 rotated to depict the other openings 422 and 424 that are formed in the top nipple portion 426. The concave section 428, the dome-shaped body 430, and the flange 432 are also shown. As can be appreciated, the flange 432 has an opening and the nipple 420 has a hollow body though which a liquid may flow through and out the openings 422 and 424.
(79) FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate another embodiment of a nipple 440 constructed according to the present disclosure. The nipple 440 comprises a top nipple portion 442 having openings 444, 446, 448, 450, and 452. The openings 444, 446, 448, 450, and 452 are radially emplaced and having varying lengths with the length of the opening 444 being the longest and the length of the opening 452 being the shortest. In this particular embodiment, the opening 444 is next to the opening 452. The nipple 440 further comprises an intermediate concave section 454 which extends to a lower dome-shaped body or section 456 and then to a flange 458. Although not shown in this view, the nipple 440 has an open bottom and a generally hollow body. Liquid, such an infant formula, may flow through the open bottom, the hollow body, and out through the openings 444, 446; 448, 450, and 452. As will be discussed in more detail herein, although only the openings 444, 446, 448, 450, and 452 are shown, it is contemplated and possible to have more or less openings with each of the openings having a different length than the other openings.
(80) FIG. 21 depicts a side view of the nipple 440 in which the openings 446 and 448 are visible. The nipple 440 is also shown to have the top nipple portion 442, the concave section 454, the dome-shaped body 456, and the flange 458. This particular orientation of the nipple 440 shows how the nipple 440 may be orientated toward the bottom of a mouth of an infant.
(81) FIG. 22 shows another side view of the nipple 440 in which the openings 444, 450, and 452 are visible. The opening 444 is shown to be longer in length than the opening 452. Also, the opening 450 is longer in length than the opening 452. Other portions of the nipple 440, such as the top nipple portion 442, the concave section 454, the dome-shaped body 456, and the flange 458, are illustrated.
(82) With particular reference now to FIGS. 23 and 24, another embodiment of a nipple 460 is illustrated. This nipple 460 is similar to the nipple 440 with the exception that one of the openings, such as the opening 448, has been not been formed in the nipple 460. In particular, the nipple 460 has a top nipple portion 462 having openings 464, 466, 468, and 470. The openings 464, 466, 468, and 470 each have different and varying lengths with the length of the opening 464 being the longest and the length of the opening 470 being the shortest. The nipple 460 further comprises an intermediate concave section 472 which extends to a lower dome-shaped body or section 474 and then to a flange 476.
(83) FIG. 25 is yet another embodiment of a nipple 480 constructed according to the present disclosure. The nipple 480 has a top nipple portion 482 having openings 484, 486, 488, 490, and 492 formed therein. The openings 484, 486, 488, 490, and 492 each have different and varying lengths. The length of the opening 484 being the longest and the length of the opening 488 being the shortest. One difference between the nipple 480 and the nipple 460 is that in the nipple 480 the longest opening 484 is not next to the shortest opening 488. The nipple 480 also has an intermediate concave section 494 which extends to a lower dome-shaped body or section 496 and then to a flange 498.
(84) Referring now to FIGS. 26 and 27, another embodiment of a nipple 500 constructed according to the present disclosure is shown. The nipple 500 has a top nipple portion 502 having radial openings 504, 506, 508, 510, and 512 surrounding a central opening 514. The central opening 514 may be similar to the 310 illustrated in FIG. 7. The central opening 514 is made at various angles tangentially to the surface. This facilitates variation of the flow of liquids from within a bottle. In this particular construction, the longest opening 504 is across from the shortest opening 512. Thus, the cluster of slots or radial openings adjacent to the longest opening 504 is what provides for the greatest flow of formula from the nursing bottle. And, the cluster of slots or radial openings adjacent to the shortest opening 512, provides for the lesser flow of formula from the nursing bottle. These flows are generally in the capacity of that as stated hereinafter. The nipple 500 also comprises an intermediate concave section 516 which extends to a lower dome-shaped body or section 518 and then to a flange 520. Thus, with the shortest slit opening in the nipple, as at 512, being opposite from the longest slit opening 504, more of the formula will flow from the bottle when the slit 504 is located downwardly of the nipple when it is inserted into the infant's mouth. But, when the bottle is rotated approximately 180, and the slit 512, the shortest, is located at the bottom of the nipple as inserted, a much lesser flow of fluid will occur. As previously reviewed, and as summarized, when the larger or longest slit is located at the bottom of the nipple, it has been found that there occurs a faster flow rate of a formula from the bottle during usage. That flow rate, through testing, has been the fastest flow rate encountered, and it may be about one ounce per minute of flow of formula from the bottle. But, when the shorter slit 112 is located downwardly of the nipple, when inserted into the infant's mouth, it has been found that a slower rate of flow of formula occurs. It has been determined, through testing, to be at about a one ounce per minute and 45 seconds, for its flow rate. Thus, the flow of formula from the bottle can be controlled depending upon its positioning within the infant's mouth. And, it is just as likely, as previously reviewed, that indicia may be applied either upon the nipple, in association with these various lengths of slits, to indicate when a fast flow rate may be obtained, or a slow flow rate may be obtained, depending upon the location and positioning of the nursing bottle within the infant's mouth. Or, such indicia may be placed upon the bottle itself, and the nipple properly aligned when assembled, with formula therein, to indicate when the desired flow rate can be obtained, depending upon the positioning of the nursing bottle within the infant's mouth.
(85) FIG. 28 depicts the nipple 500 orientated so that the openings 506 and 508 and the central opening 514 are visible. The nipple 500 is also shown to have the top nipple portion 502, the concave section 516, the dome-shaped body 518, and the flange 520.
(86) FIG. 29 illustrates the nipple 500 being orientated to show the openings 504, 510, and 512 and the central opening 514. The top nipple portion 502, the intermediate concave section 516, the dome-shaped body 518, and the flange 520 are also shown in this particular view.
(87) With reference now to FIGS. 30 and 31, another embodiment of a nipple 530 is illustrated. This nipple 530 is similar to the nipple 500 with the exception that one of the openings, such as the opening 508, has not been formed in the nipple 530. In particular, the nipple 530 has a top nipple portion 532 having openings 534, 536, 538, and 540 and a central opening 542. The openings 534, 536, 538, and 540 each have different and varying lengths with the length of the opening 534 being the longest and the length of the opening 540 being the shortest. The nipple 530 further has an intermediate concave section 544 which extends to a lower dome-shaped body or section 546 and then to a flange 548.
(88) FIG. 32 shows still another embodiment of a nipple 560 constructed according to the present disclosure. The nipple 560 has a top nipple portion 562 having openings 564, 566, 568, 570, and 572 and a central opening 574 formed therein. The openings 564, 566, 568, 570, and 572 each have different and varying lengths. The length of the opening 564 being the longest and the length of the opening 568 being the shortest. One difference between the nipple 500 and the nipple 560 is that in the nipple 560 the longest opening 564 is not next to the shortest opening 568. The nipple 560 also has an intermediate concave section 576 which extends to a lower dome-shaped body or section 578 and then to a flange 580. The central opening 574 is what is identified as the teaser opening or slit, and it provides for an initial and slow drippage of only drops of the formula from the nipple when the bottle is inverted. This is what is identified as the teaser type of opening for the nipple to initiate the incentive for the infant to accept and begin to manipulate the nipple to receive formula. This type of slit provided centrally of the nipple are generally formed tangentially, through a radial type of cut, normally performed with a razor edge cutting instrument.
(89) With reference now to FIG. 33, another embodiment of a nipple 600 constructed according to the present disclosure is shown. The nipple 600 has a top nipple portion 602 having radially disposed openings 604, 606, 608, 610, and 612 surrounding a central opening 614 formed of two T-shaped openings 616 and 618. The openings 616 and 618 may be similar to the 310 illustrated in FIG. 7. The openings 616 and 618 are made at various angles tangentially to the surface. This facilitates variation of the flow of liquids from within a bottle. In this particular construction, the longest opening 604 is next to the shortest opening 612. The nipple 600 also comprises an intermediate concave section 620 which extends to a lower dome-shaped body or section 622 and then to a flange 624.
(90) Although all of the various nipples or dispensers have been shown and described, it is also possible and contemplated that the dispensers may be a spout for a drinking cup for older children. The dispensers may also be used for a sports bottle. The dispensers may be located in any position on the closure. Also, a cover may be provided for the dispensers to maintain the hygiene of the dispensers. All of these features enable the emulation of a nipple portion of a natural breast during breast feeding.
(91) From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has thus been shown and described herein a user controllable noncollapsible variable stream physiological dispenser. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of the subject user controllable noncollapsible variable stream physiological dispenser are possible and contemplated. All changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the disclosure, which is limited only by the claims which follow.
