Abstract
Any container, but especially a nursing bottle formed of a container, incorporating a unique nipple, where the flow can be infinitely adjusted by turning the bottle on it's longitudinal axis, and which flows freely, without any negative pressure within the container, at all times, simulating normal physiological feeding pressures, without leaking. The nursing bottle may have a cylindrical shape or other configuration. The nipple uniquely utilizes a venting mechanism that provides a pathway for air entrained from the threads of the bottle to proceed to the interior of the container without liquid leaking from the bottle. No additional parts are needed, and any existing traditional container may be utilized, which reduces cost, cleaning steps, and the time needed to feed and clean up.
Claims
1. A nursing bottle assembly having a container with a closed bottom end, a top end opposite said bottom end and having an opening therein for receiving liquid into an interior of the container, a rim at the top end also with an inner diameter defining the size of the opening at the top end, a nipple, and a threaded collar to provide sealing between said nipple and said top end while allowing liquid to flow from said container to said nipple, and to provide closure for the opening at the top end, wherein the improvement comprises: said nipple providing venting to said bottle assembly; said nipple having an air channel and a venting channel; said air channel adequately sized to permit adequate air flow to said venting channel; said venting channel adequately sized to permit complete venting of said bottle assembly; said venting channel comprised of a material gradient; said nipple including a means for removal of contents of said assembly.
2. The nursing bottle assembly of claim 1 further comprising: oppositely positioned said air channel and said venting channel.
3. The nursing bottle of claim 1 further comprising: a variable number of air channels and a variable number of venting channels.
4. The nursing bottle assembly of claim 1 further comprising: a variable number of said air channels and a variable number of said venting channels, with said air channels oppositely positioned from said venting channels.
5. The nursing bottle assembly of claim 4 further comprising: any number of constant apertures in said nipple.
6. The nursing bottle assembly of claim 4 further comprising: any number of variable apertures in said nipple.
7. The nursing bottle assembly of claim 4 further comprising: a variable number of constant apertures and a variable number of variable apertures in said nipple.
8. The nursing bottle assembly of claim 4 further comprising: a variable number of constant patterned apertures and a variable number of patterned variable apertures in said nipple.
9. A nursing bottle assembly having a container with a closed bottom end, a top end opposite said bottom end and having an opening therein for receiving liquid into an interior of the container, a rim at the top end also with an inner diameter defining the size of the opening at the top end and a nipple, wherein the improvement comprises: said nipple providing venting to said bottle assembly, said nipple having a venting channel; said venting channel adequately sized to permit complete venting of said bottle assembly; said venting channel comprised of a material gradient; said nipple including a means for removal of contents of said assembly.
10. The nursing bottle of claim 9 further comprising: a variable number of venting channels.
11. The nursing bottle assembly of claim 10 further comprising: any number of constant apertures in said nipple.
12. The nursing bottle assembly of claim 10 further comprising: any number of variable apertures in said nipple.
13. The nursing bottle assembly of claim 10 further comprising: a variable number of constant apertures and a variable number of patterned apertures in said nipple.
14. The nursing bottle assembly of claim 10 further comprising: a variable number of constant patterned apertures and a variable number of patterned variable apertures in said nipple.
15. A container assembly having a container with a closed bottom end, a top end opposite said bottom end and having an opening therein for receiving liquid into an interior of the container, a rim at the top end also with an inner diameter defining the size of the opening at the top end, a dispenser, and a threaded collar to provide sealing between said dispenser and said top end while allowing liquid to flow from said container to said dispenser, and to provide closure for the opening at the top end, wherein the improvement comprises: said dispenser providing venting to said container assembly; said dispenser having an air channel and a venting channel; said air channel adequately sized to permit adequate air flow to said venting channel; said venting channel adequately sized to permit complete venting of said container assembly; said venting channel comprised of a material gradient; said dispenser including a means for removal of contents of said assembly.
16. The container assembly of claim 15 further comprising: oppositely positioned said air channel and said venting channel.
17. The container assembly of claim 15 further comprising: a variable number of air channels and a variable number of venting channels.
18. The container assembly of claim 15 further comprising: a variable number of said air channels and a variable number of said venting channels, with said air channels oppositely positioned from said venting channels.
19. The container assembly of claim 18 further comprising: any number of constant apertures in said dispenser.
20. The container assembly of claim 18 further comprising: any number of variable apertures in said dispenser.
21. The container assembly of claim 18 further comprising: a variable number of constant apertures and a variable number of variable apertures in said dispenser.
22. The container assembly of claim 18 further comprising: a variable number of constant patterned apertures and a variable number of patterned variable apertures in said dispenser.
23. The container assembly of claim 22 further comprising: no said collar with said dispenser directly applied to said container.
24. A nipple for a nursing bottle of the type having an upwardly extending portion through which formula flows during a feeding, and an integral flange portion that connects onto the top of the bottle during usage, wherein the upward portion having variable slits some of differing length to allow for varying the flow rate of formula from the bottle during nursing, and said integral flange incorporating structure to facilitate the internal venting of the bottle during a feeding performance; said upward extending portion having at least a pair of different length slits approximately located on opposite sides of the nipple such that as the user pivots the bottle with the nipple inserted into the infant's mouth delivering a supply of formula at a rate of fast or slow flow to the infant; and the nipple structure providing a passage along one side edge of the nipple flange to allow access of air to the said flange, and a wedge vent provided through an approximate opposite surface of the said flange to vent any developed vacuum formed within the bottle during formula consumption so that the rate of delivery of formula flow from the nursing bottle can be varied while the bottle is simultaneously vented during application.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0135] In referring to the drawings,
[0136] FIG. 1 demonstrates one typical size of the container, although any container may be utilized.
[0137] FIG. 2 demonstrates another typical size and shape of a typical feeding bottle.
[0138] FIG. 3 demonstrates another possible size and shape of a feeding container.
[0139] FIG. 4 demonstrates another possible size and shape of the container.
[0140] FIG. 5 demonstrates still another variation of the size and shape of the container.
[0141] FIG. 6 demonstrates another embodiment of the current invention.
[0142] FIG. 7 demonstrates an exploded view of the assembled container, with its components, as noted in FIG. 6.
[0143] FIG. 8 demonstrates, an oblique view of the current invention.
[0144] FIG. 9 demonstrates a top view of the current invention.
[0145] FIG. 10 demonstrates an elevated view of the current invention.
[0146] FIG. 11 demonstrates an oblique view of the current invention with a cross-sectional view of both the collar and bottle of the invention.
[0147] FIG. 12 demonstrates an elevated view of the current invention.
[0148] FIG. 13 demonstrates a cross-sectional view of the invention seen in the elevated view of FIG. 12.
[0149] FIG. 14 demonstrates the current invention, in cross-section, showing air entering the container, from outside the container.
[0150] FIG. 15 demonstrates an embodiment of the current invention not utilizing a collar and showing the venting mechanism on the lateral aspect of the invention.
[0151] FIG. 16 demonstrates the airflow of the embodiment, during usage, of the embodiment of FIG. 15.
[0152] FIG. 17 demonstrates an oblique view of the assembled current invention.
[0153] FIG. 18 demonstrates a two-piece embodiment of the current invention, in an elevated view.
[0154] FIG. 19 demonstrates the two-piece embodiment of FIG. 18, in a cross-sectional view.
[0155] FIG. 20 demonstrates the closed position of the air vent mechanism of the current invention.
[0156] FIG. 21 demonstrates the open position of the air vent mechanism of the current invention.
[0157] FIG. 22 demonstrates the current art valve position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0158] The present art overcomes the prior art limitations by providing a container with a simultaneous and individually infinitely adjustable flow or flows by one or more users, utilizing and ensured by a necessary venting means utilizing a minimal linear or curvilinear, nonplanar surface area, with leaking prevented by multiple flexible material gradients, allowing for on-demand, vented container flow utilizing only a container, dispenser, and optional joining component. In referring to the drawings, and in particular.
[0159] FIGS. 1,2,3,4, and 5 demonstrate various sizes and shapes of the container, demonstrating that various convex, concave and straight surfaces may be seen. The containers have ample volumetric capacity therein. Formula, or another liquid is added to the container, to the desired level, and the feeding dispenser, or nipple, is added to the superior aspect of the container, using a collar to join the two to prevent leakage. The container is then inverted for feeding. Since the system is a closed system, when any liquid is withdrawn, an immediate and forceful vacuum is formed in the container. The liquid container must then be removed from the mouth of the infant, and air enters the container through the liquid aperture in the feeding nipple to relieve the vacuum that has formed. The bottle is then reintroduced to the infant and the above vacuum formation recurs, with the cycle repeating every time the infant feeds. The entire feeding is unhealthy and unphysiological for the infant.
[0160] FIG. 6 demonstrates another, assembled, variation of the container.
[0161] FIG. 7 demonstrates an exploded view of the assembly of the current invention, as in FIG. 6. The exploded view, FIG. 7, shows the feeding nipple, or dispenser, 22, the attaching collar 23, and the container holding the fluid 24.
[0162] FIG. 8 shows the current invention. The air channel 31 is shown, which receives air from the space between the threads 67 of the container 24, and the threads 69 of collar 23 of the invention. 33 is the venting channel of the invention. 34 is the primary aspect of the nipple that is intraoral. 35 is the aperture of the nipple, where formula exits. 36 is a small tab, that holds the nipple firmly to the collar at all times. 37 is the lateral and superior wall of the invention. The wall ensures a patent air channel is always present on the superior aspect of the flange 38 of the nipple, when the nipple is viewed in the upright position. 30 simulates female breast tissue as it transitions from the intraoral aspect 34 to the flange 38 of the nipple.
[0163] FIG. 9 demonstrates a plan view of the nipple. 42 is the lateral aspect of the air vent of the invention. A cross-sectional elevated view of the air vent is shown in FIG. 13. The air vent 33 is wedge-shaped, with the superior aspect, as viewed in the elevated view as in FIG. 13, wider than the inferior aspect. The inferior aspect, or apex, of the wedge is located at the inferior aspect of the flange 38. Alternatively, the tapering of the wedge ends just prior to the inferior aspect of the flange, such that approximately 1-2 mm of flange material is left toward the inferior aspect of the flange. In that case, a secondary operation is performed to allow the opening of the inferior aspect of the wedge, so that air may enter the container. The cooperation of the air channel, 31, and the vent channel, 33, allow for complete, automatic, physiological, and healthy venting, without leaking, for the first time, without resorting to expensive bags or other parts. 41 is the smaller slit, or potential aperture, for feeding, which the caregiver typically rotates to the 6 o'clock position for slower feeding. The embossed (or debossed) symbol, 46, may be viewed or felt to ascertain the position of the feeding slits, and more than one symbol may be used, in order to position the feeding slits in the desired position, which the infant then manipulates with the tongue, in order to control the flow of fluid from the container. 44 is the medium liquid flow slit, for medium speed feeding, and 47 is the large slit, for the fastest feeding speed. Therefore, the caregiver can present the desired speed to the infant and the infant can manipulate the potential aperture, as desired, with the tongue, in order to control the flow. Also, the potential apertures, or slits, may be presented offset slightly from the 6 o'clock position to allow to an infinite number of flows to be presented to the infant, and since the infant also controls the flow from the aperture, flow control is further enhanced. Liquid is primarily released from the slit in the 6 o'clock position, but the slits may vary in number and size, and liquid will often exit more than one slit at any time during usage. Both the caregiver and infant may completely control the flow, as in breastfeeding. The caregiver may optimally position the container and nipple to the desired position for all of the feeding slits, for the infant to then control the opening of feeding slits. Furthermore, any combination of potential feeding openings (such as slits) and apertures may be combined to optimize feeding, and any combination of these may be presented, and then changed in real-time, by both the caregiver and infant, for the first time. This complete control of flow by the infant is physiological and is what is seen with breastfeeding. Very critically, physics dictates that complete control of the flow is only possible when there is no obstruction to the flow of the fluid. This is only possible when no negative pressure is present in the container, which the current invention uniquely and completely provides for, without using any extra parts or bags. The above detrimental vacuum is present in the great majority of prior art feeding containers, since the claimed venting is not functional. To obtain truly physiological feeding, with no obstruction to flow and with fully adjustable flow, similar to breastfeeding, both the vacuum inside the container must be prevented and variable, controllable apertures and potential apertures must be provided.
[0164] FIG. 10 shows an elevated view of the current invention. Retaining tab 36 is again seen, along with intraoral portion of the nipple 34, and air channel 31.
[0165] FIG. 11 shows a cross-section of the fluid container and collar, with the current invention shown in an oblique view. Venting channel 33, ensures the necessary venting, by providing a minimal linear or curvilinear, nonplanar surface area, with leaking prevented by multiple flexible material gradients. 62 shows the airflow from the atmosphere 60, between the threads 67 of container 24 and the threads 69 of collar 23 through air channel 31, across the superior aspect of flange 38, through air vent 33, into the interior 63 of container 24. Collar 23 holds nipple 22 onto container 24. Container 24 may be rotated to vary the flow through the various slits 41, 44, and 47, to produce various flows 65. Any number and combinations of potential apertures, such as 41, 44, and 47, and apertures, such as 35, may be supplied. Intraoral section 34 is shown.
[0166] FIG. 12 shows the current invention in an elevated view, with cross-section FIG. 13. FIG. 13 shows the superior wide aspect 71 of air vent 33, and the closed inferior aspect 72 of air vent 33.
[0167] FIG. 14 is a cross-section of nipple 22, with air flow 60 traveling over flange 38 entering the container 24 as at 84.
[0168] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the current invention 22, without collar 23, using an extension 91 of nipple flange 38. Air enters at air vent 33 and travels in a modified air channel 93 to enter the interior 63 of container 24. The transition 30 between intraoral portion 34 and flange 38, is shown.
[0169] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment, shown in FIG. 15, of the current invention, including extension 91, showing atmospheric air 60, entering modified air channel 93, as at 33, into container 24, at 63. Transition 30 is shown.
[0170] FIG. 17 is an oblique view of the current art, showing collar 23 fastening nipple 22 onto container 24.
[0171] FIG. 18 demonstrates an elevated view of the embodiment, as in FIGS. 15 and 16, of the current invention.
[0172] FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of FIG. 18, with lateral flange 91 and air vent 33 in extension 91.
[0173] FIGS. 20 and 21 demonstrate cross-sectional views of the venting mechanism of the current invention as at 33, for use in a feeding container or for use in another application. FIG. 20 demonstrates the current invention in the resting position, prior to liquid removal, from the container of the current invention. FIG. 21 demonstrates the position of the current invention, when liquid exits the container, and vacuum formation is prevented. The air vent 33 consists of large material gradients from 131 to 132 and 134 to 133, with both gradients ending prior to 135, such that there is a closure at 135. As less silicone, or other material, is present as the gradient approaches 135, it becomes easier for a vacuum in the interior of the current invention, as at 63, to open a very small aperture, as at 139 in FIG. 21, which uniquely allows air in to prevent vacuum formation, and then prevent liquid leakage, when a vacuum is not present, since it returns to the closed position, as in FIG. 20. The aperture at 139 only opens, as at 139 in FIG. 21, as liquid exits the current invention. The aperture 139 spontaneously closes, as at 135, when no liquid is withdrawn from the container, so as to prevent any liquid leakage from the current invention. Thus, as liquid is withdrawn from the current invention, air may enter the current invention, as in FIG. 14, to prevent vacuum formation, and liquid is prevented from exiting vent channel 33 when no liquid is exiting the current invention at an aperture, such as at 35 or at potential apertures, such as 41, 44 or 47. FIG. 21 demonstrates that aperture formation for venting, as at 139, occurs to prevent vacuum formation in the interior the current invention, during feeding. The aperture at 139, for venting, forms due to the invention gradients 131 to 132, and 134 to 133. The space from 131 to 134 favors aperture formation at 139. The large amount of material at 132 to 133, as compared to that from 131 to 134, favors closure, when liquid is not exiting the current invention and when the current invention is not in use. 137 and 138, as well as the other portions of the nipple 22, form the dispenser in the current invention, and this embodiment, as well as any other embodiments of the current invention, are typically flexible.
[0174] FIG. 22 shows the current art, and demonstrates that no aperture will form from 145 to 146, due the lack of material gradients, from 145 to 143 and from 146 to 144. No aperture will form at 145 to 146, due to the lack of a gradient of material from 143 to 145 and from 146 to 144. 141 and 142 can not flex at 140, as 137 and 138 can at 33, and thus, the current art prevents an aperture formation between 145 and 146.
[0175] The present art overcomes the prior art limitations by providing a fully-vented wide rim, or other size, nursing bottle that provides fully adjustable flow, made possible by the full-time, automatic, complete venting, on demand, without any additional components. A nursing bottle, or other container, during usage, is vented to the atmosphere, externally of the bottle, in order to achieve the benefits and results of this embodiment.
[0176] These mechanisms allow for fully adjustable flow, along with complete and continuous venting of the container at all times, and also prevents any leakage.
[0177] This nursing bottle is uniquely capable of full adjustability of the flow, along with eliminating negative pressure, performing continuously, and on-demand, for any bottle or container. This nursing bottle and its various components may be manufactured from many different materials including but not limited to polymers, low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, glass, nylon, ferrous and nonferrous metals, their alloys, silicone, and composites. For an example, the feeding container may be made of polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, or other suitable material. And, the collar for fastening the nipple upon the feeding container may be made of polyethylene, polypropylene, or other material, and the adjacent feeding nipple is preferably made of silicone, or another material.
[0178] Variations or modifications to the subject matter of this invention may occur to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the development as described herein. Such variations, if within the scope of this development, are intended to be encompassed within the principles of this invention, as explained herein. The descriptions of the preferred embodiment, in addition to the depiction within the drawings, are set forth for illustrative purposes only.
