Abstract: A valve for use with a cap for a spill resistant cup, the cap including a spout to dispense the liquid and a valve mount extending from the spout to engage with the valve. The valve includes a generally cylindrical valve tower extending from a valve base to sealingly engage the valve mount and having an interior bore for the passage of liquid and a valve face sloping across an upper end of the valve tower bore from a higher first point on a first side of the valve tower and to a lower second point on a diametrically opposite second side of the valve tower. A valve mechanism is located in the valve face for controlling a flow of the liquid through the valve mechanism dependent upon a pressure differential across the valve face. The valve mechanism is a valve slit extending through the valve face perpendicular to a mouth opening in the spout and is S-shaped or straight.

Abstract: A cap (12) for a beverage bottle (14) includes a passage (22) through which beverage in the bottle may flow from the bottle. A first portion (24) surrounds the passage (22) and is engageable with the lips of a child adapted to consume the beverage that flows through the passage. A second portion (34) clamping engages the beverage bottle (14) to hold the cap (12) on the bottle. The cap (12) is made of an elastic material and the second portion (34) stretches to clamping engage the bottle (14). At least one manually engageable pull tab (40, 42) is for pulling the second portion (34) onto the bottle (14) while the second portion stretches.

Abstract: A modified multi-chambered container including a container body defining a central (e.g., liquid) chamber, a neck defining an opening to the central chamber, a flange extending upward from the neck, and a groove formed in the neck around the first opening. A collared O-ring includes an annular base mounted in the groove, and a ring-shaped collar extending from an upper portion of the base toward the opening. A hollow ball member is mounted on the neck such that an outer wall of the ball member contacts the O-ring collar. A housing is attached to the container body that pushes the ball member against the collared O-ring.

Abstract: A container assembly system for storing multiple components of a formulation in separate individual container assembly units (10, 30, 30?, 130, 130?, 230, 230?) that can be assembled easily into a single multi-compartment container. The components of a formulation may be stored in each assembly units (10, 30, 30?, 130, 130?, 230, 230?) and then assembled into a m can be mixed into a formula just prior to use. The assembly units, each containing a component of a formulation, can also be assembled into a single multi-compartment container first and then stored until ready for use.

Abstract: An infant care apparatus including a nipple having a nipple passage for drawing fluid therethrough. A fitting is adapted to secure the infant care apparatus on a closure adapted to regulate flow between the infant care apparatus and a container. A valve is adapted to regulate flow between the nipple passage and the closure.

Abstract: Improved no-spill drinking products including a nipple or soft spout having a valve incorporated therein. The valve is designed to provide an enhanced no-spill function providing an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the nipple or spout when the user is not drinking therefrom.

Abstract: A flow control element (e.g., a baby bottle nipple or a child sippy cup flow control valve) that includes a tube-like wall section defining a flow channel, and a substantially flat membrane supported by the wall section such that membrane impedes flow through the flow channel to an external region. The membrane punctured to form multiple, substantially round pinholes arranged in a two-dimensional pattern that remain closed to prevent fluid flow under normal atmospheric conditions, and open and to facilitate fluid flow rate through the membrane under an applied pressure differential (e.g., when sucked on by a child). The wall section has a greater rigidity than the membrane (which is formed from a relatively highly elastic material). Different sized pinholes are produced using different sized pins, thereby facilitating different flow rates in response to different applied pressure differentials. The pinholes are generated while stretching the membrane in a radial direction.

Abstract: A nipple configuration for use on baby bottles and in breast shields particularly adapted for feeding and nursing newborns. The configuration includes body and nipple portions integrally formed of a soft flexible material and defining raised ridges or other surface irregularities thereon so as to provide the feel of a mother's breast and nipple. The nipple projects outwardly from the body portion and defines a fluid passageway extending axially therethrough and a plurality of discharge openings in the extended end thereof. A flexible reinforcing tube extends through the passageway communicating the fluid openings with the interior of the body portion and preventing the nipple from collapsing upon being sucked by a newborn. The device can also be used on a pacifier for developing the sucking reflex and, in a modified form, for feeding and nursing newborns having a cleft-lip or palate.

Abstract: A baby bottle assembly including a nipple having a substantially flat membrane defining multiple pinholes for controlling the flow of liquid. The nipple is mounted on a cap that screws onto the bottle body. The nipple is formed from a suitable elastomeric material (e.g., soft rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, or silicone) such that the membrane stretches when subjected to a differential pressure. The pinholes are formed by puncturing the membrane while subjecting the membrane to radial tension, and using one or more pins having a substantially circular cross-section and sized such that each pinhole is closed by the surrounding elastomeric material when the pins are removed.

Abstract: A multi-chambered container assembly including a two-piece adapter having a base and a hollow member that cooperate to open and close a passage between a first chamber provided by a bottle and a second chamber formed in the hollow member. The base defines a first opening and has a substantially semi-spherical concave wall surrounding the first opening, and the hollow member includes a substantially semi-spherical convex wall that pivotably (slidably) fits within the concave wall of the base. The hollow member is snap-coupled to the base using a pair of pins and a pair of cam grooves that facilitate movement of the hollow member between a closed (first) position and an open (second) position. The base can be integrally formed onto the bottle to provide a two-piece multi-chambered container.

Abstract: There is provided a drinking straw assembly. The assembly has a first straw portion and a housing that can be removably secured to the first straw portion. The housing has a housing cavity, and a valve that can be removably connected to the housing cavity. The valve is also adapted to receive a second straw portion.

Abstract: A spill resistant container (e.g., a sippy cup) including a flow control element including a membrane defining multiple pinholes for controlling the flow of liquid through a drinking spout. The flow control element is mounted on a cover that screws onto a cup-shaped body such that the membrane is positioned between liquid stored in the cup-shaped body and the drinking spout, which is formed on the cap. The flow control element is formed from a suitable elastomeric material (e.g., soft rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, or silicone) such that the membrane stretches when subjected to a differential pressure. The pinholes are formed by puncturing the membrane using one or more pins having a substantially circular cross-section and sized such that each pinhole is closed by the surrounding elastomeric material when the pins are removed.

Abstract: A nipple for a baby bottle includes both inner and outer separable members. The inner member defines a valve passage that can be selectively obstructed by a flap of the outer member. The outer and inner members have respective flexible membranes that define a holding chamber having the valve passage as an inlet and an aperture at the tip of the outer member as an outlet. The flap inhibits flow from the holding chamber through the valve passage when the outer member is compressed, and deflects away from the valve passage to allow the holding chamber to receive a fluid through the valve passage when the outer member is released.

Abstract: A nipple insert for insertion into a sipper tube hole of a stopper of a cap assembly of a feed bottle containing a liquid. The nipple insert may include a body having a curved insertion portion, a nipple flange, disposed adjacent to the curved insertion portion, and a nipple extension, disposed adjacent to the nipple flange. The nipple extension may have a nipple extension face; and a feed hole defined, at least partially, in the nipple extension face. The nipple insert may further include a nipple recess inner wall, the nipple recess inner wall defining, in part, a nipple recess, the nipple recess having a depth dimensioned to facilitate cleaning of the recess. The nipple insert may be positioned in the sipper tube hole such that an animal may drink the liquid from the feed hole.

Abstract: A feeding device and a method for facilitating the transition from non-oral tube feeding to oral feeding is disclosed. The device comprises a fluid reservoir having a fluid outlet, a nipple having a fluid outlet, a shield attached to the nipple base, a conduit for conveying fluid from the reservoir to the nipple fluid outlet and a manually adjustable valve that is operable to prevent and control the flow of fluid through the conduit. The method comprises the steps of providing a device of the type just described, acclimating an infant to the device by closing the valve and inserting the nipple into the infant's mouth. The valve is then opened to permit the very slow flow of fluid through the nipple outlet. Additional feeding regimens are provided in which restriction of the flow of fluid is gradually relaxed over a series of feedings until the infant is able to withdraw about sixty cubic centimeters of fluid during a twenty minute feeding without distress.

Abstract: A nipple configuration for use on baby bottles and in breast shields particularly adapted for feeding and nursing newborns. The configuration includes body and nipple portions integrally formed of a soft flexible material and defining raised ridges or other surface irregularities thereon so as to provide the feel of a mother's breast and nipple. The nipple projects outwardly from the body portion and defines a fluid passageway extending axially therethrough and a plurality of discharge openings in the extended end thereof. A flexible reinforcing tube extends through the passageway communicating the fluid openings with the interior of the body portion and preventing the nipple from collapsing upon being sucked by a newborn.

Abstract: A drinking cup having a spill proof lid and a container. The lid fits to the container. The container has a place to write information, such as a medication dosage. The container also scaled gradations to determine the volume of fluid in the container.

Abstract: A drink container for small children includes a container, a lid joined to an upper opening of the container, and a drip prevention element. The lid has a sucking portion for allowing a young child, to suck on to draw out drink contents of the container with the mouth. The lid is formed with a passage for allowing drink contents of the container to pass through. The drip prevention element is arranged in a passage of the lid to block the passage when there is no external sucking force exerted on the sucking portion, and which can bend to effect opening of the passage when there is external sucking force exerted on the sucking portion. Thus, liquid contents can't drip through the lid when a young child is learning to grasp objects with the drink container.

Abstract: A modified multi-chambered container including a container body defining a central (e.g., liquid) chamber, a neck defining an opening to the central chamber, a flange extending upward from the neck, and a groove formed in the neck around the first opening. A collared O-ring includes an annular base mounted in the groove, and a ring-shaped collar extending from an upper portion of the base toward the opening. A hollow ball member is mounted on the neck such that an outer wall of the ball member contacts the O-ring collar. A housing is attached to the container body that pushes the ball member against the collared O-ring.

Abstract: A drink container for small children includes a container, a lid joined to an upper opening of the container, and a drip prevention element. The lid has a sucking portion for allowing a young child, to suck on to draw out drink contents of the container with the mouth. The lid is formed with a passage for allowing drink contents of the container to pass through. The drip prevention element is arranged in a passage of the lid to block the passage when there is no external sucking force exerted on the sucking portion, and which can bend to effect opening of the passage when there is external sucking force exerted on the sucking portion. Thus, liquid contents can't drip through the lid when a young child is learning to grasp objects with the drink container.

Abstract: A nursing bottle (1) formed of a large volume container, incorporating a vent tube (3) that extends inwardly of the container, having a vent port (4) arranged approximately at the volumetric midpoint (12) of the container, so as to allow for venting of pressure, whether of excessive or vacuum, to the atmosphere, at all times. The volumetric capacity of the nursing bottle container may be formed of a spherical shape (1), hemispherical shape (40), cylindrical shape (18), or to other configurations that provide for the internal volumetric capacity so that any formula placed therein will be prevented from blocking the vent port (4), the vent tube (3), regardless of the angular disposition undertaken by the nursing bottle during usage.

Abstract: A drinking vessel includes a cover and a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece having at least a flexible portion which in its unflexed state engages a plug extending up through the mouthpiece. When the flexible portion is flexed, for example by suction or pressing or biting with lips or teeth the flexible portion flexes out of engagement with the plug, forming a liquid passage. As a result a self-sealing drinking vessel is provided which provides liquid on user demand.

Abstract: An air venting apparatus for a milk bottle having a soft teat for a baby to suck, a bottle for containing milk, and a fixing frame for fixing the soft teat to the bottle without leakage. In the air venting apparatus, an upper plate is disposed between the top of a body of the bottle and the base of the teat and has at least one air inlet groove for guiding external air into the bottle body. A lower plate is combined with the upper plate and has at least one thorough hole and an air control valve to control the amount of the introduced air and discharges a gas generated from high-temperature milk outside the bottle body. An annular connection member is combined with the lower plate and provides the amount-controlled air into the bottle body.

Abstract: A spill resistant container (e.g., a sippy cup) including a flow control element including a membrane defining multiple pinholes for controlling the flow of liquid through a drinking spout. The flow control element is mounted on a cover that screws onto a cup-shaped body such that the membrane is positioned between liquid stored in the cup-shaped body and the drinking spout, which is formed on the cap. The flow control element is formed from a suitable elastomeric material (e.g., soft rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, or silicone) such that the membrane stretches when subjected to a differential pressure. The pinholes are formed by puncturing the membrane using one or more pins having a substantially circular cross-section and sized such that each pinhole is closed by the surrounding elastomeric material when the pins are removed.

Abstract: A pacifier nipple (2) including a shaft member (3) with a fastening portion (4) to fix the nipple (2) to a pacifier shield (5), and a head member (6) which is located opposite the fastening portion (4) and wide relative to the shaft member (3), wherein the head member (6), on its external side, comprises at least one thickened region (7) forming at least one raised part (7′; 7a; 7b; 7c), and that at least one saliva flow channel (8) is provided in the thickened region (7).

Abstract: An infant cup includes a cup body 12, a cover 16, a flexible mouthpiece 24 and a valve element 26. The valve element 26 includes a sealing face 70 which closes an orifice 44 in the mouthpiece in a relaxed position. The valve element includes an angled face cooperating with an internal angled face of the mouthpiece such that when pressure is applied the valve element moves downwardly, opening the mouthpiece orifice 44. The valve element is resiliently biased upwards such that when relaxed it springs back to close the mouthpiece orifice 44 once again, and is biased upwards in the closed position.

Abstract: A nursing bottle with a vent located in its base. The vent is positioned so that the user can easily open it by pressing on it with a finger or thumb. The vent remains open only so long as it is pressed. Once released, a spring returns the vent to its closed position. The user may therefore set the bottle down without having to do anything to close the vent. The vent assembly may be easily removed from the bottle for thorough cleaning. An access notch is provided so that the user does not have to strain to reach the vent. Mounting features are included to position the notch in a right-handed or left-handed configuration.

Abstract: A leak-proof closure (10) for dispensing liquid beverages from a container. The closure (10) contains a outlet passage (14) which is open at both ends. Within outlet passage (14) there is a membrane (13) which denies communication between the interior of the container and the flow opening (15). When external suction is applied to the end of outlet passage (14), membrane (13) sealingly disengages from circumferential seal member (12). This allows the contained beverage to egress through the flow opening (15). When the external suction is removed, membrane (13) automatically sealingly engages with circumferential seal member (12).

Abstract: An easy to use, squeezable device with a soft, flexible tube for feeding liquid nutrition to a person, includes:

Abstract: A valve for preventing the flow of fluid when the temperature of the fluid is above a predetermined threshold, the valve including: a body having at least one opening for allowing the fluid to pass when the temperature of the fluid is below the predetermined threshold; and a shape memory or bi-metal actuator for substantially closing the at least one opening when the temperature of the fluid is above the predetermined threshold to prevent the fluid from passing.

Abstract: A leak-free drinking beaker comprises a container as well as a lid closing the container, a drink opening which opens into the interior of the container, and a valve extending over the drink opening, which valve is held in the closed position under a certain pretension and can be released against said pretension under the influence of a pressure difference. The valve is a double-acting non-return valve and comprises a flexible valve element and two separate valve seats, the valve element and one of the valve seats has a blocking action in a direction opposed to the direction in which the valve element has a blocking action with the other valve seat.

Abstract: A nursing bottle having a rigid body, an open end, and an aperture, a flexible liner suspended from the open end of the body, a feeding nipple attachable to the open end of the body. An attached, slidably engagable, pump for pumping air into the chamber between the liner and body. The pump pressurizes the chamber and expels air from the liner. An air regulating device permits airflow in and out of the chamber in restricted quantity, so when pressure is applied to the pump, there is an increase of pressure within the chamber to force out the air trapped within the liner. The pump, also fashioned to be the protective storage hood for the nipple.

Abstract: An ergodynamic bottle top (10) has a push button bottle top post (14A) having a push button bottle top doughnut (14B). The push button bottle top doughnut (14B) is slidably positioned therearound. The ergodynamic bottle top (10) further has a handle (12) having a left handle (12L) which is securely attached to a right handle (12R) by a center handle (12C). The center handle (12C) has a center handle opening (12CA) therethrough. The center handle (12C) is securely attached to the push button bottle top doughnut (14B). The center handle opening (12CA) comprises a similar or greater diameter than a diameter of the push button bottle top post (14A). The center handle opening (12CA) could comprise a smaller diameter than a diameter of the push button bottle top post (14A) functioning to increase pressure to an eminating stream.

Abstract: A baby bottle (10) having a dispensing member (20) and a sealing membrane (14) disposed between the dispensing member (20) and an open end (15) of the container (10). A threaded collar (26) engages the open end and a shoulder (34) extends laterally adjacent an extent of the thread. The sealing membrane (14) includes ports (42) for communicating fluid therethrough. The sealing membrane (14) moves from a sealing position with a sealing surface (24) in bearing contact with the open end (15) and a dispensing position with the sealing surface (24) spaced apart from the open end for fluid flow through the ports (42). The sealing membrane moves in response to the shoulder (34) moving as the collar (26) is rotated and moved longitudinally outwardly relative to the end (15) by the camming action of the thread on the bottle (10).

Abstract: A drinking vessel includes a cover and a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece having at least a flexible portion which in its unflexed state engages a plug extending up through the mouthpiece. When the flexible portion is flexed, for example by suction or pressing or biting with lips or teeth the flexible portion flexes out of engagement with the plug, forming a liquid passage. As a result a self-sealing drinking vessel is provided which provides liquid on user demand.

Abstract: A nursing bottle nipple provides controlled and limited liquid flow by providing an opening in the nipple of fluid flow restricting small size and a partition diaphragm in the nipple cavity with a second opening also for restricting liquid flow. The two openings cooperate to limit liquid flow in response to the suction created by a baby. The partition opening is larger than the nipple opening to permit the desired fluid flow due to the reduced pressure drop across the partition created by the restricted opening size in the nipple body. The partition forms a small chamber in the nipple to limit the volume of liquid that a baby can withdraw at a time. Different embodiments are disclosed wherein the opening in the partition may be a hole of different shapes or a slit, or it may be a separate element attached to the nipple by the ring cap. The slit opens into an opening of a desired magnitude by flexure of the partition in response to the suction pressure differential thereacross.

Abstract: A method of feeding an infant utilizing a nursing bottle, having a resilient shell body with at least one aperture, a flexible liner, and a feeding nipple that utilizes air pressure to expel trapped air from a liner. That when the aperture or apertures are covered by the operator's finger or hand, and pressure is applied to the shell body, air trapped in the liner can be expelled prior to feeding the infant.

Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against a valve member near the spout having an opening therein, causing the valve member and opening to move off of a protruding member, thereby unblocking the opening in the valve. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve and spout. When not in use, the valve sits in a resting, closed position, with the opening in the valve sitting on a protruding member and pressed against the protruding member's base, sealing off the opening in the valve assembly. The closed position provides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage, such that inadvertent spills or even deliberate attempts to force liquid outside of the cup, such as by turning the cup upside down, or shaking the cup, are ineffective.

Abstract: An artificial infant feeding nipple is disclosed comprising a hollow tubular fluid conduit having first and second open ends and a substantially transverse membrane closing the conduit. In the preferred embodiment, the membrane is perforated by a plurality of minimal diameter fluid apertures fully penetrating the membrane and extending beyond one face of the membrane within integrally formed hollow nubs having closed ends. Each closure nub is removable to permit fluid flow through the related aperture. Additionally, the recessed membrane provides reinforcing against collapse of the nipple tube while permitting the delivery end of the nipple to be plugged to prevent leakage when not in use.

Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against a valve near the spout, causing the valve to invert which unblocks an opening in the valve. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve and spout. When not in use, the valve sits in a resting, closed position, with the valve pressed against a center seal-off, sealing off the opening in the valve assembly. The closed position provides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage, such that inadvertent spills or even deliberate attempts to force liquid outside of the cup, such as by turning the cup upside down, or shaking the cup, are ineffective. The cup assembly further allows liquid flow to be regulated between regular or maximum flow and minimal flow levels or rates by rotating the position of the valve assembly in the cover of the cup.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a drinking vessel comprising a lid (2) with a spout (3). A diaphragm valve (14) is mounted on a central spigot (7) of an insert which protrudes from the bottom of the spout (3) and has an enlarged head (8) which provides a sealing surface (9) which cooperates with a bead (16) around a central hole (22) in the diaphragm. The diaphragm (14) has an annular flap (18) at its periphery which normally closes a breather hole (4) in the lid (2) but opens when a user sucks on the spout (3) to allow air to enter container (1) to equalize the internal and external pressure when liquid flows past the diaphragm (14).

Abstract: This invention relates to an infant feeding device comprising a mouthpiece adapted to deliver liquid feed to an infant, a grip member shaped to be easily grasped by an infant and means for connecting the mouthpiece to a feed reservoir. A kit for feeding an infant which comprises an infant feeding device as described above, a feed reservoir and a tube which communicates with both the reservoir connection means and the feed reservoir is also provided together with a feed reservoir for use in such a kit.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus for a patient having a surgically created stoma in the stomach. The apparatus enables feeding liquids of varying viscosities without a suction pump. The simplified, replaceable feeding bottle design makes the apparatus useable by hospital personnel and by patients at home. A decorative cover provides additional privacy.

Abstract: A drink dispenser includes a dispenser body having an opening which permits passage of a fluid to be consumed therethrough, a rigid guide tube extending from the body opening, and a flexible fluid container which is supported relative to the guide tube. The flexible fluid container is adapted to extend away from the guide tube relative to the body opening when filled with the fluid to be consumed, and fully collapse into the guide tube as the fluid is withdrawn therefrom. A mouthpiece is provided which is in fluid flow communication with fluid contained within the flexible fluid container, and a valve prevents air-flow from the mouthpiece into the flexible fluid container.

Abstract: The improved baby bottle device includes a liquid holding container having a flexible liquid flow tube engaged thereto. A nipple is engaged to the distal end of the liquid flow tube, and a liquid flow control device is disposed within an adaptor that serves to engage the nipple with the liquid flow tube to control the flow of liquid from the bottle to the nipple, such that liquid neither leaks from the nipple when the nipple is disposed below the container nor drains from the nipple when the nipple is disposed above the container. In the preferred embodiment, the liquid flow control device includes a spring loaded check valve. A bottle attachment device, generally including two velcro straps joined at their midpoints is used to attach the bottle device to adjacent structural support members.

Abstract: A feeding-bottle teat comprising a flexible and pierced endpiece (8) designed to be put in the mouth of a child, and a fixing portion (10) for fixing the teat to the body (1) of a bottle; a tubular inner wall (12) lining its outer wall (7) and defining an annular chamber (15) which terminates in the vicinity of the base of the endpiece (8) and which is in permanent communication with the atmosphere via at least one orifice (11) formed through the outer wall (7) of the teat at the base of the annular chamber (15).