With Vent Or Valve For Air Patents (Class 215/11.5)
  • Patent number: 8464882
    Abstract: A venting assembly for a closed container having a lid and a container portion with a neck and a rim. The assembly comprises a venting unit having a substantially rigid ring having a lid-interfacing surface; and a resilient annular valve member having a one-way valve disposed at the inner wall of the neck. The assembly further comprises at least one air passageway leading from the ambient atmosphere to the one-way valve member; and a fixing mechanism adapted to prevent planar movement between the venting unit and the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Tamir Tirosh
  • Patent number: 8459450
    Abstract: A formula bottle includes two separate sealed chambers, a liquid chamber and a formula chamber. A first seal seals the two chambers from one another and a second seal seals the formula chamber from the nipple on the formula bottle. Rotation of the liquid chamber counterclockwise opens the seal between it and the formula chamber, allowing the formula powder and the liquid to mix. Shaking of the bottle causes the two components to mix completely. In order for the mixed formula to be dispensed to a feeding infant, a bottle collar, which secures the nipple to the formula bottle, is rotated counterclockwise to open the second seal to allow an infant to feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventors: Kevin Whitaker, Juergen Dold
  • Publication number: 20130119008
    Abstract: A teat unit has a flexible teat, a receiving head and a dimensionally stable base part. The teat is arranged on the receiving head. The receiving head and the base part are connected to each other by a releasable plug connection, and the receiving head has a securing element for securing the teat unit on a drinks container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: MEDELA HOLDING AG
    Inventor: MEDELA HOLDING AG
  • Patent number: 8408408
    Abstract: Nipple assemblies including nipples which attach to a threaded nipple adapter which can be attached to feeding containers with threaded spouts are disclosed. Mounting tools are also disclosed, to aid in attaching the elastic nipples to the adapters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Richard H. Dumm
  • Patent number: 8403164
    Abstract: A cap is described for closing a liquid beverage container for allowing the beverage to be sucked out of the container through a spout, while preventing spillage when no suction takes place. A demand valve is incorporated into the cap, which has an inlet port communicating with the interior of the container, a discharge port communicating with the spout and a control port communicating with the ambient atmosphere through a hole in the cap. The valve has a valve seat and a closure element controlling the flow from the inlet port to the discharge port urged to move into an opening position in dependence on the excess of the control pressures over that in the discharge ports, this movement being in the direction opposed to the flow and urged by the pressure in the container in a direction to seal against the valve seat. In the invention, the demand valve is formed by two members that are mounted on the inner surface of the cap. The first member is rigid and defines the valve inlet port and the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Ilan Samson
  • Publication number: 20130056435
    Abstract: A bottle teat comprising: A nipple sleeve having a hollow nipple and a through-hole connected at the bottom to a hollow nipple sleeve which is connected at the bottom to a nipple flange that is connected to the nipple sleeve to be fastened to a bottle by a fastening ring which serves at the bottom with an annular disc-shaped ring flange overlapping the nipple flange, A contact area projecting downward or upward from the nipple flange, or from the nipple sleeve above the nipple flange outward into the area for placing a ring flange, and A lip valve that is opened when the nipple flange is not fastened to a bottle arranged in a deforming area next to the contact area so that the deformation of the nipple flange that arises from pressing the fastening ring against the contact area closes the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: MAPA GMBH
    Inventor: Eckhard Itzek
  • Publication number: 20130048591
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a venting baby bottle that includes an outer container, and an inner container, adapted to fit within the outer container, wherein the inner container has a base, a tapered neck, and a vent tube projecting upwardly into the inner container. The baby bottle of the present invention also includes a gasket having a gasket base adapted to fit the neck of the inner container, one or more gasket channels, and a lip. A reservoir is defined between the neck of the inner container and the wall of the outer container. The venting baby bottle of the present invention has an air passage, when inverted and filled with liquid, from a point outside the baby bottle to a point inside the inner container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph Morrone
  • Patent number: 8371462
    Abstract: A teat unit has a flexible teat, a receiving head and a dimensionally stable base part. The teat is arranged on the receiving head. The receiving head and the base part are connected to each other by a releasable plug connection, and the receiving head has a securing element for securing the teat unit on a drinks container. This teat unit permits a great many possible configurations of the individual parts and, therefore, an optimization of their individual functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Medela Holding AG
    Inventors: Erich Pfenniger, Alex Stutz, Mario Rigert, Peter Vischer
  • Patent number: 8366697
    Abstract: The present invention provides a one-piece bottle containing enteral feeding material and having a top end with a threaded section and a bottom end comprising a funneled connector port; and a threaded cap dimensioned to mate with the threaded section of the one-piece bottle; wherein the funneled connector port connects to an enteral feeding assembly; wherein the threaded cap provides a leak proof seal such that there is no exposure point until it is used for feeding, thereby preventing contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Codan US Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas F. Knight
  • Publication number: 20120315353
    Abstract: Breast milk collection, storage, and feeding apparatus comprising a first storage bottle and first and second differently sized feeding bottles, each of the three bottles having a mouth portion of the same diameter and a common external thread structure, and first and second dual port caps each sized and threaded to attach to each of the three bottles, each dual port cap further having a drip port and a draw port, a pressure relief vent formed therein; and a tethered closure plug unit attached thereto, each tethered closure plug unit having first and second tethered plugs shaped and dimensioned to plug or close a respective one of the drip and draw ports. The apparatus may be used in various manners to transfer milk from the storage bottle to a feeding bottle and to thereafter feed an infant by nipple, syringe, or a gravity/bolus technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Steve Becsi, Keith Rooks
  • Patent number: 8308001
    Abstract: Feeding bottle (10) comprising a neck to which a teat (14) is attached, characterized in that it comprises at least two visual marks (20, 22) located on one and the same circumference near the neck or near the teat and separated from one another about the axis of the feeding bottle, one of these marks (20) defining one angular position of the feeding bottle (10) about its axis for which the other mark (22) indicates a point through which the free surface (24) of the liquid contained in the feeding bottle needs to pass in order for the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid at an outlet orifice (16) of the teat (14) to be substantially zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventors: Chantal Lau, David Nahmias
  • Publication number: 20120267334
    Abstract: An artificial nipple can include a nipple tip section that can sufficiently reach the sucking fossa and can be appropriately squashed The artificial nipple can have a base section that widens to match an attachment object, an areola section formed contiguously to the base section and that extends while narrowing gradually, and a nipple section that extends from the areola section and that narrows more than the areola section. A flange section can be provided in the base section with a predetermined thickness. A check valve can be formed with a valve body so as to be entirely accommodated within the thickness dimension of the flange, and provided in the base section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Daisuke Yamashita, Norio Kimura, Masakazu Yoshida, Mitsuo Tashiro
  • Publication number: 20120248056
    Abstract: A teat unit has a teat with a suction opening, a support body, and a securing part for securing the teat unit on a drinking vessel. The securing part and the support body are fixedly connected to each other indirectly or directly, and they cannot be detached from each other without being destroyed. The support body has a surface with recesses, which are covered by the teat. The teat is overmoulded over the support body, wherein the teat covers the recesses. This teat unit permits a sucking action that is as natural as possible. It is of a simple construction and can be produced inexpensively, which means that it can be disposed of after one use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: MEDELA HOLDING AG
    Inventors: René FISCHER, Etienne FURRER, Bernhard EMMENEGGER
  • Patent number: 8256642
    Abstract: A sippy cup assembly including a valve insert having a sheath and a stabilizing core is disclosed. The sippy cup assembly generally includes a container, a lid releasably coupled to and enclosing the container, and an annular seal for preventing liquid from leaking out of the container. The valve insert maintains form while permitting repeated removal and insertion, in addition to washing and long-term use, by providing that the stabilizing core has a rigidity greater than that of the sheath formed over the stabilizing core. The valve insert may be installed in the lid to correspond with a spout and air exchange aperture to permit egress of liquid and ingress of air upon application of suction by a user. When no suction is applied to the spout, the valve insert prevents leakage of liquid from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Conor McNamara, Boris Kontorovich
  • Patent number: 8251234
    Abstract: A teat for connection to a receiving unit of a drink container has a main body and, adjoining the main body and tapered relative to the main body, a mouthpiece with at least one suction opening and a free end. The teat has a first connector element for connection to the receiving unit, and a second connector element for connection to the receiving unit, and a suction channel. The suction channel extends within the mouthpiece, opens via a first end into the suction opening and is directed via a second end towards the main body. This second end forms the first connector element for a substantially leak-tight connection to the receiving unit. The main body is designed such that it can be turned back towards the free end of the mouthpiece. The teat is designed such that it can be turned back at least a second location. The teat according to the invention can be connected to the feeding bottle in a simple and hygienic manner, is easy to clean and permits a feeding action that is as true to nature as possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Medela Holding AG
    Inventors: Mario Rigert, Carmelo Piscitello, Alex Stutz, Erich Pfenniger
  • Patent number: 8231597
    Abstract: The present invention provides a one-piece bottle containing enteral feeding material and having a top end with a threaded section and a bottom end comprising a funneled connector port; and a threaded cap dimensioned to mate with the threaded section of the one-piece bottle; wherein the funneled connector port connects to an enteral feeding assembly; wherein the threaded cap provides a leak proof seal when tightened on the threaded section of the one-piece bottle, and allows venting of the bottle when loosened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Codan US Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas F. Knight
  • Publication number: 20120181245
    Abstract: The nursing bottle nipple has a nipple portion integrally formed with an air-venting tube extending to the bottom of the bottle so that air can enter the bottle without mixing with the milk inside the bottle. An air inlet of the air-venting tube is integrally formed on the base portion of the nipple so that it cannot be covered by the collar that holds the nipple onto the neck of the bottle. A nursing bottle air-venting system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Wai Leung Lam
  • Patent number: 8215519
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing valve is described which includes a valve housing having a wall which defines an internal cavity, and wherein a passageway is formed through the wall of the valve housing; and a valve control element having a continuous and deformable sidewall is coaxially and rotatably received within the internal cavity of the valve housing, and wherein at least a portion of the sidewall of the valve control element deforms when a vacuum is created in the internal cavity of the valve housing so as facilitate the controllable delivery of a source of fluid into the valve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Zak Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff Steininger
  • Patent number: 8215504
    Abstract: A bottle teat of an elastic material includes a hollow suction nipple and a circumferential mounting edge for fixation to the bottle opening of a drinking bottle. A hollow transition zone is disposed between the mounting edge and suction nipple as well as at least one drinking slot oriented in the longitudinal direction of the suction nipple and extending from the outside up to the inside of the suction nipple in an outwardly bulged external end region of the suction nipple. The bottle teat further includes at least one ventilation valve with a valve slot which is extended from the outer wall of the transition zone up to the inner wall of the transition zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: MAPA GmbH Gummi— und Plastikwerke
    Inventors: Gunter Marr, Eckard Itzek, Elke Ladiges, Heinz Lischinsky
  • Patent number: 8196785
    Abstract: An air vent for liquid containers such as baby bottles, flasks, or the like, for containing any liquid easily poured through an upper spout such as a nipple or a hard plastic spout or even a metal spout. The container includes an air vent defined by a system based on the principle of communicating vessels acted upon by equal air pressures, defined by a duct of an adequate diameter placed in a vertical or oblique manner, whose lower end is placed inside and in the bottom of the container, while the upper end defines an external air inlet that is open to external air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: David de Carvalho
  • Patent number: 8181800
    Abstract: According to a first embodiment, a nipple for a feeding bottle or a soother comprises a base portion, a teat portion, an areola portion and a flex region allowing flexing of the teat portion towards and away from the areola portion. According to a second embodiment, a nipple for a feeding bottle or soother is provided with a helical flow formation on the inner face of the teat, which allows continuous flow of liquid even when the teat is collapsed via the helical flow path which allows extension at the teat, in particular rotational or torsional extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Jackel International Limited
    Inventors: Arnold Rees, Ian Webb, Mark Armstrong, Tom Cotton
  • Patent number: 8172874
    Abstract: A nipple simulating the shape, surface geometry and function of a woman's breast is provided. The nipple has a stem and a base. The base has an areola region and a bulbous region. The areola region is positioned between the stem and the bulbous region, and can simulate the areola of a woman's breast. The bulbous region can simulate the region of a woman's breast surrounding the areola. The areola region has a texture or surface geometry that is different from the texture or surface geometry of the stem or bulbous region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Steven Randolph, Charles John Renz, John George Rousso, Brenda O'Grady Liistro
  • Patent number: 8146759
    Abstract: A nursing bottle formed of a large volume container, incorporating a vent tube that extends to vent pressure at all times. The nursing bottle may have a cylindrical shape or other configuration that prevents formula placed therein from blocking the vent tube regardless of its angular disposition. The vent tube extends distally from the vent insert, operatively associated with a collar, that holds the vent structures and the nipple to the wide rimmed opening. In addition, the vent tube has a conical shape of decreasing diameter distally toward the center of the bottom to dissipate the pressure that may cause leakage from the bottle. Further, the vent insert has a major and minor seal that prevents leaks out of the collar and onto an infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: New Vent Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig E. Brown, Robert J. Brown
  • Patent number: 8118182
    Abstract: A disposable or long term use beverage container having a cup portion with an aperture therein and a mating cap portion with a mouthpiece extending therefrom with one of the portions having an annular ridge and the other an annular groove for receiving said ridge therein sealing the disposable beverage container from leakage. Additionally the mouthpiece extending from the cap is designed to anatomically fit the user's mouth and provides that the mouthpiece may be nipple shaped for babies and toddlers. Also provided are nubs protruding from opposing sides of the cap that when squeezed breaks the cup cap seal allowing for removal of the cap for selective refilling as desired. The present invention also provides that the disposable beverage container may be manufactured from microwave safe material for those beverages that may require heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Licari
  • Publication number: 20120037587
    Abstract: A venting assembly for a closed container having a lid and a container portion with a neck and a rim. The assembly comprises a venting unit having a substantially rigid ring having a lid-interfacing surface; and a resilient annular valve member having a one-way valve disposed at the inner wall of the neck. The assembly further comprises at least one air passageway leading from the ambient atmosphere to the one-way valve member; and a fixing mechanism adapted to prevent planar movement between the venting unit and the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Tamir TIROSH
  • Patent number: 8113365
    Abstract: A nursing bottle formed of a small volume container, incorporating a venting tube that extends to dissipate pressure at all times. The nursing bottle may have a cylindrical shape or other configuration that prevents formula placed therein from blocking the venting tube when held at any angle. The venting tube extends distally from the insert portion, operatively associated with a collar that holds the vent structures and the nipple to the neck of the container. The vent opens at the volumetric center of the reservoir above the venting tube. Alternatively, the venting tube has a conical shape of decreasing diameter distally toward the center of the bottom to dissipate the pressure that may cause leakage from the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: New Vent Designs Inc.
    Inventors: Craig E. Brown, Robert J. Brown
  • Publication number: 20120012550
    Abstract: A nipple comprising a teat, a mounting flange coupled to the teat defining a valve cavity therein, and a valve positioned with in the valve cavity, in which the valve is configured to equalize differing pressures. A system and method comprising a container and a nipple configured to be selectively and sealingly coupled to the container, in which the nipple further comprises a valve and valve cavity configured to equalize the pressure differences between the ambient environment and interior of the container, in which the valve cavity has a minimum volumetric capacity of 0.9 cubic centimeters, and in which the valve cavity has a stepped triangular cross-section positioned at the bottom of the valve having a minimum wall thickness of 0.8 millimeters and a minimum height of 3.0 millimeters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: ROYAL INDUSTRIES (THAILAND) PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Pruck Boonprasop
  • Patent number: 8087523
    Abstract: A closure assembly (11) for a baby's bottle (10) comprising a regulator cap (16) which is adapted to be mounted to the bottle (10) and having one or more apertures (22), a teat collar (17) threaded to the bottle and moveable between an open and closed position and a teat (18) coupled to the teat collar (17) and having an outlet (45) for passage of fluid, the teat having (17) a base flange (38) adapted for cooperation with the regulator cap (16) such that in the open position of said teat collar (17) fluid can pass through the one or more apertures (22) and through the teat outlet (45) and air can pass between the base flange (38) and regulator cap (16) into the bottle (10) through one or more of the apertures (22). In the closed position, fluid is prevented from passage through the one or more apertures (22) into the teat (16) and air is prevented from passing between the base flange (38) and regulator cap (16) into the bottle (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Baby Bliss International Limited
    Inventor: Mark William Kiehne
  • Publication number: 20110309047
    Abstract: An improved vent unit for a container such as a bottle, and a bottle assembly utilizing same. The vent unit includes a vent insert having an upper portion capable of sealingly engaging an opening in an upper region of the container and having a lower portion including a vent tube communicating with the atmosphere through at least one air passage in the upper portion. The upper portion defines at least one channel for liquid in the container to flow past the opening in the container. The vent unit also includes a vent conduit having upper and lower ends and defining a vent passage there-between. The upper end of the vent conduit is connectable with the vent insert to communicate with the vent tube, and at least a portion of the vent conduit is flexible. At least one buoyant element is associated with the vent conduit to enable the lower end of the vent conduit to float in liquid within the container at least when the container is realigned from a vertical position to a horizontal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Dominick J. Fucito
  • Patent number: 8079482
    Abstract: A teat for connection to a receiving unit of a drink container has a main body and, adjoining the main body and tapered relative to the main body, a mouthpiece with at least one suction opening. The teat has a first connector element for connection to the receiving unit, a second connector element for connection to the receiving unit, and a suction channel. The suction channel extends within the mouthpiece, extends and opens via a first end into the suction opening and is directed via a second end towards the main body. This second end forms the first connector element for leaktight connection to the receiving unit. The main body is designed such that it is adapted to be turned back towards the suction opening of the mouthpiece. This teat is adapted to be connected to the feeding bottle in a simple and hygienic manner and is easy to clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Medela Holding AG
    Inventors: Erich Pfenniger, Peter Vischer, Mario Rigert
  • Publication number: 20110303629
    Abstract: An anti-colic baby feeding bottle (10) includes a bottle body (16) having a bottle neck (18), a cap (14) removably fastened to the bottle neck (18), and an elastic teat (12). The teat (12) includes a nipple portion (24) having a fluid-dispensing through-hole (26) and an annular base (28), an annular flange (30) extending radially outward from the annular base (28), a plurality of apertures (32) formed 360° around the annular flange (30), and an annular skirt (40) depending from the annular base (28). The annular skirt (40) is spaced radially inward apart from an inner surface (42) of the bottle neck (18) to define an annular passage (44) having an outer end (46) in air communication with the apertures (32) and an inner end (48) which is normally closed by biasing force of a free end (50) of the annular skirt (40) that presses against the inner surface (42) of the bottle neck (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: Fu Hong Industries Limited
    Inventor: Chung-Lun Wong
  • Publication number: 20110266245
    Abstract: An oral feeding system using anti-drip visual positioning markers and a unidirectional, anti-vacuum valve to simultaneously and rapidly eliminate the hydrostatic pressure and vacuum build-up, respectively, normally occurring in conventional feeding bottles. In one version, the anti-drip visual positioning markers and valve are part of the same bottle (standard or ergonomically-shaped). In another version, a nipple is held by a nipple crown that screws onto an adaptor with anti-drip visual positioning markers and a hole into which the anti-vacuum valve is inserted. The adaptor screws onto a standard or ergonomically designed feeding bottle. The anti-vacuum valve can have one or more extended tabs that make it easier to grip when removing the valve. The use of an ergonomically shaped, hard-wall bottle optimizes caregivers' comfort and minimize potential hand and/or wrist injury. Transparent materials can be used for the components of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Chantal Lau
  • Patent number: 8016142
    Abstract: A vent valve, and a vent valve assembly, for a liquid dispensing container, employ a vent disc having small open vent holes in cooperation with an overlying thin flexible flap that covers and closes the vent holes to limit liquid pressure on the holes when the container is upright, yet require little suction pressure to move the flap to draw liquid or vent through the holes. The vent valve can be used in a bottom cap that is attachable to the bottom open end of the container. The vent valve assembly includes such a bottom cap, a sealing member for sealing the bottom cap to the container, and a vent valve. The vent valve and/or bottom cap have an elevated vent disc and a top portion having the thin flexible flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Renz
  • Publication number: 20110192817
    Abstract: A bottle assembly including a bottle, a top closure member adapted for releasable engagement with a top portion of the bottle, and a bottom closure member adapted for releasable engagement with a base portion of the bottle. The bottom closure member has a base panel with at least one aperture therein. A diaphragm is positionable between the bottom closure member and the base portion. The diaphragm has at least one sealing element for sealingly engaging the base panel of the bottom closure member and an air passage extending through the at least one sealing element. The diaphragm is moveable between a sealed position and an unsealed position. The air passage is configured to inhibit liquid contained within a liquid chamber of the bottle from entering the air passage when the diaphragm is in its sealed position by trapping air within the air passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: SIMPLISSE, INC.
    Inventors: Bernard J. Kemper, Charles H. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110180508
    Abstract: A dual opening nursing bottle includes a bottle body having a top opening and a bottom opening, a nipple attached to the top opening of the bottle body, a top cap fastened to the top opening of the bottle body to hold down the nipple in place, a bottom cap fastened to the bottom opening of the bottle body and having a center through hole, a pad detachably mounted inside the bottom cap to seal the bottom opening of the bottle body, and a one-way air valve installed in the pad for allowing outside air to be sucked into the inside of the bottle body and prohibiting the contained fluid from flowing out of the bottom body through the bottom opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: CHIN-LONG FONG
  • Patent number: 7984817
    Abstract: A combined pacifier and beverage container assembly includes a beverage container that has a hollow chamber and a top opening in fluid communication with the hollow chamber. A cap is coupled to the top opening and has a first tubular conduit that has a bottom end seated within the chamber and a top end protruding upwardly away from the cap. A second tubular conduit is attached to the first conduit. A pacifier section is coupled to the second conduit. The pacifier section includes a protective cover tethered to a rear end that has a body spaced from the pacifier section and is provided with a cavity coextensively shaped with the rear end of the pacifier section. The pacifier section is provided with an axial bore that travels along its entire length. The bore is in fluid communication with the second conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Shanina T. Everett
  • Patent number: 7984818
    Abstract: An improved bottle assembly consisting of a container 1100, a vent unit 1200, a nipple 1300, and collar 1400, wherein the vent unit 1200 geometry allows air to enter the assembly to prevent development of a partial vacuum, yet will not allow liquid to escape through said vent unit when assembly is rotated into a horizontal or inverted position during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Dominick Joseph Fucito
  • Publication number: 20110155684
    Abstract: A vented baby bottle assembly and a baby feeding system having a plurality of vented baby bottle assemblies is provided. The baby bottle assembly includes a bottle with at least one venting notch in the mouth of the bottle, and an artificial feeding nipple fastened thereto. When the feeding nipple is fastened to the mouth of the bottle, a sealing region on the feeding nipple forms one or more, one-way, negative-pressure, relief valves at the location of the venting notch(es) for allowing air to enter the bottle when suction is applied to the nipple-tip by a child. The feeding system includes a plurality of stages with a separate bottle assembly corresponding to each successive stage. At each successive stage, the volume of the bottle in the assembly is equal to or greater than the bottle from the assembly in the preceding stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Craig Sirota
  • Patent number: 7967163
    Abstract: A pre-filled disposable container has a rigid tubular body, a flexible bag positioned within the rigid tubular body, a cap, and a base sealing element. The rigid tubular body has an open-ended top and an open-ended bottom. The flexible bag has a top portion with a dispensing aperture, a bottom portion, and an outwardly extending annular flange. An annular retaining ring is adapted to lock the outwardly extending annular flange of the flexible bag against a top rim of the rigid tubular body. The cap is adapted to fit over the top portion of the flexible bag. A tear strip removably connects the cap and the annular retaining ring. The base sealing element is adapted to engage the open-ended bottom of the rigid tubular body to seal a vacuum aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: George E. Martin
  • Publication number: 20110139740
    Abstract: A feeding bottle for infants includes a hollow flexible body that defines an internal volume for holding liquids. A neck is positioned at an upper portion of the body and is adapted for receiving a sealing ring and a nipple thereon. The neck is more rigid than said body. A flexible bottom encloses a lower portion of the body and a lower portion of the feeding bottle defines a plurality of vents therethrough. Each vent defines an opening therethrough operable to allow airflow into the liquid retaining internal volume while preventing leakage of liquid from the internal volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Nouri E. Hakim
  • Patent number: 7959021
    Abstract: An air inlet is mounted in a baby bottle and has a valve and an air-inlet tube. The valve has a body, an outer ring and an inner ring. The body has a chamber, multiple separating blocks and multiple liquid channels. The separating blocks are formed on the body and each has a vent. The liquid channels are formed through the body between the separating blocks and communicate with the chamber. The outer ring is formed around the chamber to separate the chamber and the vents. The inner ring is formed on an inner end of the body around the vents and has multiple air inlets. The air-inlet tube is mounted detachably on the inner ring of the valve. Therefore, liquid flows through the liquid channels and the chamber, but air flows through the air inlets and the vents to the air-inlet tube to ensure smooth operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Hsiao-Chen Liang
  • Publication number: 20110114590
    Abstract: An infant feeding system. An infant feeding system comprising a bottle with a closed first end and an second end comprising an aperture that is configured to receive a liquid or semi-liquid substance into the bottle, a nipple comprising a vent system, a ring configured to enable the nipple to couple to the second end of the bottle, and a cap configured to couple to the second end of the ring and configured to couple to the first end of the bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Bijal Ajmera
  • Patent number: 7938281
    Abstract: A leakproof bottle for feeding a child includes a first external thread around a bottle opening, and a lower closure ring having a first internal thread, which is screwed onto the first external thread and has at least one first throughflow hole. An upper closure ring has a second external thread on which the lower closure ring sits in a sealing manner and which has at least one second throughflow hole which, by rotation of the upper closure ring relative to the lower closure ring, can be brought into coinciding and non-coinciding positions relative to the first throughflow hole. Locking elements can rotate the lower closure ring and upper closure ring relative to each other and releasable lock them, with a drinking teat and a screw ring having a second internal thread, which is screwed onto the second external thread of the upper closure ring, releasably securing a lower edge region of the drinking teat to upper closure ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: MAPA GmbH Gummi- und Plastikwerke
    Inventors: Günter Horntrich, Eckhard Itzek
  • Publication number: 20110100945
    Abstract: A vent system for a bottle dispenser. The vent system including a nipple, a ring and a capillary tube. The ring is disposed adjacent to the nipple and secured to the dispenser by a collar. The capillary tube disposed in an aperture that allows atmospheric air to pass into the dispenser, and prevents moisture from escaping out of the dispenser. The aperture may be disposed within a thickness in a wall of the nipple or the ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Henry Alfonso Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 7934612
    Abstract: A bottle has a closed bottom, an open top and a peripheral cylindrical side wall. A nipple has a lower section in the shape of a truncated hemisphere, an intermediate section in the shape of a cylindrical, and an upper section in the shape of a hemisphere. The nipple has a hole, an interior surface and an exterior surface. The exterior surface includes a plurality of spaced hemispherically shaped projections including a plurality lower projections on the lower portion, a plurality of upper projections on the upper portion, and a plurality of intermediate projections on the intermediate portion. An adaptor removably couples the nipple to the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Miriam B. Mullen
  • Patent number: 7928178
    Abstract: The production of a protein free synthetic polyisoprene which has both low levels of chemical impurities and good physical properties has yet to be realized. It has now been envisioned that the use of neodymium catalyzed polyisoprene will offer the combined advantages of both a clean, as well as, high cis-1,4 polymer. Synthesis of polyisoprene rubber using a neodymium based catalyst system is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Michael Lester Kerns, Michael Joseph Rachita
  • Publication number: 20110079570
    Abstract: A fully and continuously vented drinking cup or container for infants and children, which consists of a vessel or container for containing a liquid or formula, having a resilient spout which rests upon its uppermost edge. The interior aspects of the feeding spout, and the feeding diaphragm, are all molded so as to arrange the diaphragm slit, or opening through which the liquid flows, in a position that will be vertically aligned between the lips of the infant feeding, to thereby allow the infant to open the spout and allow the liquid to flow, just as if the child is drinking from a cup. The diaphragm may be shaped concavely, with respect to the structure of the feeding spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Craig E. Brown, Robert J. Brown
  • Publication number: 20110068078
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Craig E. Brown, Robert J. Brown
  • Publication number: 20110062105
    Abstract: A bottle teat made of a soft elastic material, comprising: a hollow suction nipple, a circumferential mounting edge for fixation to the bottle opening of a drinking bottle, a hollow transition zone between the mounting edge and the suction nipple, and two drinking slots extending from the outer side to the inner side of the suction nipple in an end region of the suction nipple, which are aligned in parallel to each other and whose distance from each other decreases from the outer side towards the inner side of the suction nipple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: MAPA GmbH GUMMI- UND PLASTIKWERKE
    Inventor: Eckhard Itzek
  • Patent number: 7896180
    Abstract: An improved drinking container for soft drinks, flavored drinks as well as other similar nutritional and energy supplement drink products which allow the end user to control the amount of flavor, mix, nutritional or energy supplement or any other additive added to the liquid drink product. The drinking container and method associated therewith permits an end user of the drinking container to controllably inject an additive into the liquid drink product to attain a desired ratio of additive in the drink product via a dispenser having measurement units marked or formed thereon to provide controlled amounts of the additive to the main liquid drink product such as water or carbonated water for flavoring, calorie control and/or nutritional supplements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Kenney