Patent ID: 7210591
Filing Date: 2007-05-01
Classification: A61J

Abstract:
1. A nipple for use with a baby bottle, the nipple comprising: an outer member with an annular securing flange and a flexible central membrane portion extending from the securing flange to define an aperture at a nursing end thereof, the central membrane portion comprising an inner surface and a flexible flap extending inwardly from the inner surface; and an inner member having a flexible inner membrane positioned at least partially within the central membrane portion of the outer member, the inner member defining a valve passage therethrough arranged to be selectively obstructed by the flap; wherein the outer member and the inner member define therebetween a holding chamber having the valve passage as an inlet and the aperture as an outlet, the holding chamber comprising a first section in hydraulic communication with the inlet, and a second section in hydraulic communication with the outlet, a compromisable seal being disposed between the first section and the second section to isolate the first section of the holding chamber from the outlet when the central membrane portion is not deformed, and wherein the flap inhibits flow from the holding chamber through the valve passage when the central membrane portion is compressed to collapse the holding chamber, and allows flow into the holding chamber through the valve passage when the outer membrane is released.