Fully vented nursing bottle with single piece vent tube

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.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This non-provisional application for patent claims priority to the provisional application 60/773,265 which was filed on Feb. 14, 2006, which claims priority to the non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/258,966 which was filed on Oct. 25, 2005, which claims priority to the non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/152,320 which was filed on Jun. 14, 2005, which claims priority to the non-provisional patent application having Ser. No. 10/283,878, which was filed on Oct. 30, 2002; which was filed during the pendency of PCT application Serial No. US2001/014,365 which was filed on May 4, 2001 designating the U.S., and which claimed priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/202,851 filed on May 8, 2000.

This provisional application for patent further claims priority to the design patent application Ser. No. 29/226,482 which was filed on Mar. 29, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The fully vented nursing bottle with integral single piece vent tube relates generally to infant serving products. More specifically, the present invention refers to nursing bottles having an internal venting tube that prevents a vacuum within the bottle and assists any infant, including a premature infant, to suck liquid from the bottle.

A unique aspect of the present invention is the single piece construction of a vented insert and a reservoir that cooperate and fully vent the feeding container while preventing leakage from the container. The present invention also includes an expanding diameter venting tube that expands superiorly to form into the reservoir, which is attached to the insert. The insert rests upon the opening of the feeding container and the entire venting mechanism provides for full venting during both usage.

Newborns and older infants are in need of sustenance in the form of calories, hydration, vitamins, and minerals. Initially, infants require feeding every two to four hours and occasionally more often. Traditionally, breast-feeding has supplied the aforementioned sustenance. Babies have the instinct to suckle milk from their mothers. However, at times, breast milk is inadequate, does not appear, or the infant's mother lacks the ability to breast feed her infant. Also, other factors may interfere with the infant receiving adequate hydration and nutrition. An infant may be premature or have anatomical changes that may interfere with feeding, such as a cleft lip or palate, or have developmental changes that preclude adequate breast feeding.

For a variety of reasons though, babies often drink liquids from other sources. Babies lack the ability to drink from ordinary glasses and cups without spilling. So, liquids are fed to babies using baby or nursing bottles. A nursing bottle features a nipple silicone, latex, rubber or other material with a hole in its tip secured across an opening in the top of the nursing bottle. The current nursing bottle is used by filling the bottle with a liquid, inserting the venting structure, securing the nipple, inverting the bottle, and placing the nipple into the baby's mouth and the baby takes it from there.

Early on, inventors created closed containers to assist feeding infants. The original feeding devices consisted solely of a container with a pliable end that was nipple shaped. With this arrangement, instant and significant negative pressure instantly builds within the interior, or inner space, of the container. An analogous situation occurs when an individual ascends in an airplane and the pressure in the middle ear fails to equalize as the pressure decreases within the airplane, causing a significant amount of ear pain. In a baby bottle, this large vacuum causes a larger negative pressure to form intra-orally in order to withdraw the feeding liquid form the bottle. This is basically identical to the pressure that forms when the infant sucks on its thumb or pacifier, and when airplane travel causes ear pain. All of these pressures have been shown to contribute to the formation of ear fluid, ear infections, speech and motor delay, and delayed cognitive development.

The prior art then introduced a slit, or defect, in the rim of the feeding nipple, to allow air to enter the container as the negative pressure accumulates. This adaptation slowly and partially vents the bottle after a vacuum forms while the infant feeds and exposes the infant to the detrimental effects of negative pressure as previously described. The adaptation also contaminates the feeding liquid as air percolates through the feeding liquid that the infant then swallows, or ingests. The ingested air is known to cause colic, fussiness, reflux, and gas induced abdominal pain.

Currently, other nursing bottles, except those by the inventors, are tightly sealed but for the opening in the feeding end of the nipple and the venting slot, or hole, in the flange of the nipple, the bottom of the container, or other locations on a bottle. In bottles, except those by the inventors, as the baby nurses, the volume of liquid in the bottle decreases and the vacuum in the bottle increases proportionally. Also, the liquid becomes contaminated by the air bubbles percolating through the liquid as it emanates from the venting slit, or hole, in the container. However this invention and the other patented devices of the inventors use vent tubes that allow ambient air to enter the bottle behind the liquid while the baby suckles. This venting structure eliminates any vacuum within the bottle created by the suckling baby. The vacuum is continuously and automatically vented. The vent tube improves the flow of liquid out of the nipple and makes it easier for the baby to suckle. The baby faces less risk of sucking in air and the resulting colic.

The negative pressures, or vacuums, in the unvented and undervented containers previously described and the air introduced into undervented containers are not physiological variables but rather mechanical shortcomings that can cause significant infant morbidity. It is well known that breast feeding involves a positive pressure within the breast. The positive pressure has been measured by inserting canulas into the ducts of a breast.

Infant and infant feeding containers originally had a narrow superior orifice to which the nipple was attached. Caregivers noted that the narrow opening prevented ready access to the interior of the bottle and prevented easy cleaning of the interior of the bottle. Manufacturers then addressed that shortcoming with bottles having larger diameter openings. Those bottles have met with sales success in the marketplace.

The larger openings called for manufacturing and usage of nipples and feeding spouts with larger diameter flanges to mate with the opening of the bottle. The larger diameter flanges prevented leaks where the nipples joined to the bottles. However, the larger diameter nipples, retaining the same distance from the superior to the inferior end of the nipple, have a larger volume of air contained by the nipples.

Further, infants often chew upon nipples though nipples remain designed for suckling to remove fluid from a container. Nipples and other feeding accessories therefore have toughened designs to resist chewing. Chewing of nipples arises more often in infants with feeding problems, such as neurological delays or deficits. The neurological delays induce a frequent chewing motion by the infant upon objects placed in the mouth, often nipples.

During frequent chewing on the feeding nipple, that has a larger diameter and a larger volume of air than nipples of standard size, the infant can compress this air distally into the bottle itself, thereby increasing the pressure upon the interior of the bottle. The increased pressure may possibly force liquid distally into a venting tube located within the bottle. The liquid under pressure may traverse the vent tube and enter the vent insert, and then possibly exit the bottle. The pressurized liquid can only occur when using larger diameter nipples in combination with reservoirs that utilize un-tapered, or straight, venting tubes. Further, when a cylindrical vent tube is replaced with a conical vent tube in the present invention, the incidence of liquid moving up the vent tube can no longer occur as an infant compresses the large volumetric nipple.

A type of feeding container using a collapsible bag has been introduced, but is messy, expensive, and provides a negative feeding pressure in the last two ounces of feeding liquid. A feeding container from Offman, with a vent in the side of the neck of the bottle has been introduced, but its design prevents cleaning and its reservoir leaks. Previously, the Applicants have introduced a vented container using a venting tube and reservoir formed in two pieces. The Applicants' prior inventions consist of a feeding container and a venting mechanism that provides for full and continuous venting, without leaks, and without percolation of air through the feeding liquid.

Other applications requiring fluid distribution without the antagonistic effects of a vacuum and without air contamination of the liquid can benefit from a fully vented container which provides for the egress of fluid at a desired rate.

Many other attempts have been made to provide a nursing bottle with an air vent to reduce the creation of a vacuum during suckling. An early patent to Roderick, U.S. Pat. No. 598,231 has a nursing bottle with a U shaped tube. However, the average baby, upon uplifting a bottle, had some liquid retained in the U shaped tube. The retained liquid blocked the tube and prevented ambient air from releasing any vacuum within the bottle. Other patents show related types of technology, and provide means for venting air from the interior of a container, as can be seen in the U.S. patent to Van Cleave, U.S. Pat. No. 927,013. In addition, the patents to Davenport, U.S. Pat. No. 1,441,623 and to Perry, U.S. Pat. No. 2,061,477, show other means for venting air from within a nursing bottle.

In the preceding work of these applicants, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,779,071 and 5,570,796, venting and internal tubes prevent the formation of partial vacuums during suckling and also resisted spills. The '071 patent provides a venting tube that extends into a bottle and a reservoir. The venting tube has a hollow cylindrical shape projecting sufficiently downwardly into the bottle. The '796 patent provides a reservoir located above a mark on the bottle. The reservoir communicates with a conduit system to replace suckled liquid with air from the exterior of the feeding container by allowing air to enter the reservoir thus to the bottom of the container, preventing a partial vacuum in the bottle when in the feeding position. Nursing bottles of a multitude of designs are available in the prior art. In all instances, except for the patented devices of the inventors, a vacuum will be generated within the bottle during dispensing of its contents, as when nursing an infant. A vacuum is believed to cause various physiological impairments to the infant when subjected to this type of condition. The vacuum generated within the bottle, due to the infant's sucking, can cause pressure imbalance at the location of various parts of the body, such as in the ear canal, which may lead to fluid, ear infection, speech delay, motor delay, developmental delay, illness, and other impairments. Thus, the presenting of a nursing bottle that incorporates air venting means, so as to prevent the creation of a vacuum inside the bottle, has been considered a desirable development in the field of infant serving products. Such can be seen in the inventors' prior patents '071 and '769, when the feeding bottle is inverted, or in the feeding position, external air enters around the threads of the bottle, into the insert, into the reservoir tube, through the venting tube to the bottom of the bottle, thereby completely eliminating all vacuum and air bubbles entrained.

The current invention provides means for venting of any vacuum within any feeding, or other container, angled, straight, wide neck or other shape, and to prevent the generation of any vacuum or pressure therein, regardless whether the nursing bottle is being used when partially or fully inverted as during consumption of its contents.

Nevertheless, the prior art containers and methods suffer from significant disadvantages except for the inventions of the Applicants. Such disadvantages include:

1 The formation of vacuums that prevent oral feeding by infants with cerebral palsy, cleft lip, cleft palate, and other feeding difficulties.

2 The formation of vacuum within a container that prevents or delays premature infants from going home promptly when the premature infants have a poor sucking reflex or require weaning from a feeding tube.

3 The formation of vacuum within a container that prevents or suppresses close bonding contact between caregivers and premature infants that have a poor sucking reflex or require weaning from a feeding tube.

4 The formation of vacuum within a container that prolongs hospitalization and increases costs for premature infants that have a poor sucking reflex or require weaning from a feeding tube.

5 Manufacturing for prior art containers has a high cost for the components including the container, vent parts, and collapsible bags.

6 Because of cost, reusable feeding containers are used repeatedly thus incurring sterilization and handling costs.

7 In the hospital environment where many infants are present in one location and because of government rules and regulations, costly not intended for disposal are used and then disposed after each feeding.

8 As infants require multiple feedings per day, repeated use of prior art feeding containers increases the incidence of an infant receiving a feeding container previously used by another infant or an ill infant.

9 Because hospital staff, including nurses, use and reuse a small number of containers and keep each infant on the same type of container first used by the infant, again the incidence rises of an infant receiving a feeding container previously used by another infant or an ill infant.

10 Also, the parents of an infant will likely reuse a small number of containers and keep their infant on the same container that the infant likes, which again increases the incidence of their infant receiving a feeding container previously used in a hospital nursery by another well or ill infant.

11 Often, ill infants with varying severity of illness, require feedings not just multiple times per day but also multiple times per hour which increases the possibility of contamination when non-disposable containers are reused.

12 The prior art bottles, except those of the inventors, do not provide an internal vent system and mechanism for containing fluids which keeps the air vent ports clear of feeding liquid. Therefore the prior art bottles, except those of the inventors, often leak when held improperly.

13 Parents, hospital staff, nurses, and relatives report that leakage from vent holes in prior art bottles, other than those of the inventors, causes problems.

14 When prior art bottles release feeding liquid, a vacuum, or negative pressure occurs in non-vented or partially vented bottles.

15 Any vacuum existing in a prior art bottle, except those by the inventors, induces a vacuum in the intra-oral cavity of an infant which spreads into the ears and leads to accumulation of ear fluid, ear infections, speech and motor delays, and cognitive delay among other unhealthy maladies.

16 Prior art bottles, except those of the inventors, that cause a vacuum have a difficult and irregular release of the feeding liquid.

17 Vacuum formation in prior art bottles, except those of the inventors, prevents an infant from feeding on demand, the preferred method of feeding.

18 Frequently, prior art bottles, except those of the inventors, introduce air into the feeding liquid that gets ingested by an infant. The ingested air contributes to colic, irritability, fussiness, and abdominal gas pain.

19 Further, vacuum formation prevents the use of a feeding liquid container without a positive pressure liquid source powered by a pump to overcome the negative pressure within prior art bottles, except those of the inventors. Such pumps burden parents and hospital staff with mechanical devices and higher cost.

20 To overcome the vacuum in prior art closed containers, except those of the inventors, a vent hole can be placed in the body of the fluid filled container. The vent hole, particularly its location, creates a void through which feeding liquid readily escapes, or leaks, and contaminates the immediate area along with decreasing the amount of feeding liquid remaining in the container.

21 In prior art bottles, except those of the inventors, precise release of feeding liquid has proven difficult as the release is irregular due to the gradual rise of the negative pressure.

22 Additionally, vent holes in prior art containers, except those of the inventors, ostensibly for leakage prevention, prove difficult to keep clean thus fostering contamination of feeding liquid by bacterial growth.

The present art overcomes the limitations of the prior art, that is bottles that vent through a void in the flange of the nipple, or container, where a need exists for reducing vacuum inside nursing bottles. That is, the art of the present invention, a single piece tube with laterally vented insert allows air to exit rapidly and distally from a tube into the bottom of the bottle and liquid to flow promptly into a reservoir thus eliminating the formation of a vacuum within a nursing bottle. The enlarged proximal portion of the vent tube minimizes the incidence of leakage from the bottle. The present invention cleans easily, endures inadvertent chewing, and dissipates pressure generated by chewing. The present invention prevents leaks and continuously vents a bottle, thus eliminating any air bubbles in the vent tube.

Additionally, the present invention presents the following advantages:

1 The elimination of vacuums fosters oral feeding by infants with cerebral palsy, cleft lip, cleft palate, and other feeding difficulties.

2 The elimination of a vacuum within a container cuts days off the time before premature infants can go home because they reinforce their sucking reflex and are weaned more quickly from a feeding tube.

3 The complete elimination of vacuum within a container fosters close bonding contact between caregivers and premature infants that have a poor sucking reflex or require weaning from a feeding tube, leading to happier infants.

4 The complete elimination of vacuum within a container shortens hospitalization and reduces costs for premature infants that can be weaned more quickly from a feeding tube.

5 Manufacturing for the present invention has a low cost for the components including the container and vent parts.

6 Because of the low cost, the components of the present invention are disposable.

7 In the hospital environment where infants receive care in groups, the inexpensive, fully-vented, non-aerating infant feeding container of the present invention is designed to be discarded following each feeding.

8 As infants require multiple feedings per day, the present invention can be discarded due to its low cost, which decreases the incidence of an infant receiving a feeding container previously used by another infant or an ill infant.

9 As hospital staff, including nurses, have a small number of containers, some prepackaged with formula. The present invention allows use of any type of preferred formula.

10 The parents of an infant likely have a limited number of containers, some prepackaged with formula, are able to keep their infant on its preferred container, which again decreases the incidence of an infant receiving a feeding container previously used by another infant in a hospital nursery or an ill infant.

11 The present invention does not call for reuse as a durable item because it can be discarded. Without repeated use, the incidence decreases of an infant receiving a feeding container previously used by another infant or an ill infant.

12 Often, ill infants with varying severity of illness, require feedings not just multiple times per day but also multiple times per hour which the disposable feature of the present invention supports and thus decreases contamination formerly caused by reuse of bottles.

13 An internal vent system and mechanism for containing fluids is included in the present invention which keeps the air vent ports clear of feeding liquid regardless of improper holding of the container.

14 Parents, hospital staff, nurses, and relatives will benefit from a marked reduction in leaks from bottles as the present invention has no need to use vent holes.

15 When the present invention releases feeding liquid, no vacuum, or negative pressure occurs.

16 The lack of a vacuum within the present invention prevents the existence of a vacuum in the intra-oral cavity of an infant which decreases the incidence of accumulation of ear fluid, ear infections, speech and motor delays, and cognitive delay among other maladies.

17 The present invention has easy and regular release of the feeding liquid to the infant as a result of the absence of a vacuum.

18 The present invention, because there is no vacuum, encourages an infant to feed on demand, the preferred method of feeding.

19 The present invention does not introduce air into the feeding liquid that gets consumed by an infant and therefore greatly reduces the possibility of colic, irritability, fussiness, and abdominal gas pain.

20 Further, no pump is required by the present invention as no vacuum has to be overcome. Such pumps are a burden on parents and hospital staff and increase the cost of care.

21 Since, the present invention has no vacuum, vent holes are not needed in the body of the fluid filled container. The present invention has no need of a vent hole through which feeding liquid could leak, contaminate the immediate area, and also decrease the amount of feeding liquid remaining in the container.

22 The present invention provides for precise release of feeding liquid as the release is regular due to the constant positive pressure.

23 The present invention has no holes in the wall of the container as in the prior art containers, except those of the inventors, thereby making the container easier to clean and reducing the possibility of contaminating the feeding liquid with air and bacteria.

The present invention with the advantages described and avoiding the disadvantages of the prior art containers, except those of the inventors, provides infants and their care givers a container for feeding liquid with virtually no leaks, no vacuum, and little, if any, air ingested by the infant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Previously, infant feeding bottles, except those of the inventors, had a non-vented, or partially vented container with the previously described disadvantages. The cost of prior art bottles did not allow for easy disposal. The prior art bottles also served poorly in hospitals where they were not physiological and posed health risks that typically increased infant morbidity.

The present invention provides for an economical container that permits full and continuous venting of a container of feeding liquid, and that completely eliminates formation of vacuum with the container. The present invention allows for the ready flow of feeding liquid as demanded by the infant without leaks from the container or the mixing of air within the feeding liquid. The present invention provides a feeding container that fosters normal oral, ear, respiratory, and digestive physiology; and encourages hygienic nutrition along with optimizing the feeding abilities of all infants.

Accordingly, the present invention improves the conical vent tube and reservoir within a nursing bottle by combining it with an insert into a single piece venting mechanism. The vent tube has a contoured shape generally and preferably attains a conical shape with the diameter of the cone larger superiorly and smaller inferiorly away from the reservoir portion. The conical shape admits air distally into a bottle while immediately emptying liquid itself into the reservoir of the vent tube while in the feeding position. The conical shape prevents entry of liquid into the insert portion thus venting the bottle immediately and preventing leakage of liquid from the bottle.

Additionally, the present invention provides an improved shape of the vent tube to lower internal pressures of liquids and air. Decreased transmission of pressure from wide-nipple compression is noted at the widened proximal end of the vent tube. When pressure is exerted upon the liquid in the bottle, and it rises up into the vent tube, the liquid loses its force due to the widening characteristics of the conical vent tube at its upper wider reaches. The larger diameter of the conical shape prevents the liquid in the bottle from being propelled proximally into the tube of the insert, which may cause leaks. This is due to the larger diameter of the conical shape, at the proximal end of the tube as compared to the distal end, which dissipates the pressure of the compressed air and allows the liquid to gently flow into the reservoir. This prevents propulsion of liquid into the insert, thus the conical shape prevents leaks from the bottle.

Further, the larger diameter of the conical shaped section increases the capacity of the reservoir. As the infant empties the bottle and the liquid level drops below the maximum, the liquid occupying the reservoir now, more rapidly and effectively exits the reservoir. When a caregiver or infant holds the bottle upright in the rest position, liquid promptly exits the reservoir into the larger diameter of the conical shaped tube and returns the remaining liquid to the bottle.

When the infant chews on the wide neck, large volume nipple and the cylindrical vent tube of the prior art is replaced with a conical vent tube, the possibility of the liquid being propelled up the vent tube can no longer occur. The liquid flows quickly and gently into the reservoir. The present invention allows for instant, complete, and unimpeded movement of any air bubble, present in the venting tube, to immediately exit from the distal end of the vent tube into the distal end of the bottle when the bottle is placed in the feeding position. The vent tube hereby functions in an automatic and continuous fashion as intended by the inventors.

This invention establishes a structured relationship between the container or vessel and the formula within a nursing bottle. The nursing bottle has sufficient size so that as the formula is prepared and deposited within the container, the formula's surface will be at a level below the vent port or the vent leading towards the exterior of the container, for venting purposes. In addition, even when the vessel is inverted, by the infant or caregiver, during feeding, the liquid formula still will not approach the distal insert vent in any position. Thus, the concept of this invention is to provide a container with sufficient bulk and volume, so that the formula or milk as supplied therein, whether it be in the four ounce or any size category, will always leave the identified vent port exposed to attain the attributes of venting, for the nursing bottle, at all times.

Thus, no appreciably positive pressure can occur when the bottle is being warmed for feeding and no negative pressure can build up in the container, since the vent port is always open, so as to allow for the venting of any negative pressure, internally generated within the container, that may occur as a result of the sucking action of the infant.

Some attributes of the embodiments of this invention employ features of providing sufficient internal volumetric size to the container achieved through usage of containers that are of excessive dimensions, such as being large and spherical in shape, or cylindrical in shape and flattened upon each surface, or which has a size equivalent to that of a Mason jar. In one instance, the container may be shaped in a spherical form. In another embodiment, the container will be of a cylindrical shape, but be flattened on the sides. In a further embodiment, the container may be of the jar shape, or even contain some concavity upon its sides, to facilitate its lifting. In addition, where the spherical or cylindrical type of container is used, it may have a flattened bottom, to add stability to the nursing bottle, when rested upon a surface.

In the preferred embodiment, the venting port within the insert portion cooperates with a vent tube, and at least one lateral vent aperture, that are built into the insert portion that secures to the top of the container by means of its associated threaded collar that holds the combined insert and vent tube within the vessel, or container, and the conventional nipple, in place. The vertical vent port of the insert opens directly and downwardly into the reservoir. The insert may have lateral ports to either side to allow venting as the container is being inverted during usage.

In a further embodiment, the container, collar, and nipple may be of the conventional type, but having the volumetric sizes from the shaped containers as previously explained, but the vent tube and port within the insert may extend to the exterior surface of the container, rather than cooperate with the collar, in the manner as previously described in the '071 patent.

Nevertheless, the orientation of the vent port, at its entrance point, leading from its distal end to the reservoir, can be arranged somewhere centrally of the configured container, regardless what shape or structures the containers may possess, so as to allow the liquid to be below the vent port aperture as the nursing bottle is either at rest, or being inverted as during usage, in the manner as previously explained.

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a new and improved venting tube for nursing bottles of infants.

It is a further object of the present invention to dissipate the pressure upon liquid within the nursing bottle, preventing introduction of liquid into the insert portion, thus preventing leaks.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide immediate exit of air bubbles in the venting structure to the bottom of the bottle as a bottle is inverted.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an apparent increase in volume of the reservoir caused by the larger diameter of the conical shape and thus immediately emptying liquid into the reservoir when the bottle is placed in the feeding position.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a volumetric sized container for use as a nursing bottle, and which incorporates a vent tube with a reservoir combined with an insert portion that is arranged approximately centrally thereof, so that the vent port within the insert avoids coverage from any of the formula or milk contained therein, either during usage when feeding the infant, or during nonusage when the bottle has been set on its base, as during storage, while heating, or when at rest.

It is an even still further object of this invention is to provide for structured means within a nursing bottle that provides for full and continuous venting of any pressure or vacuum generated within its container, regardless of usage or nonusage of the subject bottle.

Lastly, it is another object of this invention is to provide for the structure of a wide rimmed, or other size, collar for use with a standard wide mouth container as structured into a nursing bottle, and useful for feeding formula to an infant.

These and other objects may become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the invention as described herein, and upon undertaking a study of the description of its preferred embodiment, when viewed in conjunction with the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present art overcomes the prior art limitations by providing a fully vented wide rim, or other size, nursing bottle that provides a conical vent tube to eliminate vacuum within the container and prevent leakage from the container. In referring to the drawings, and in particularFIGS. 1 and 2, the fully vented, wide rim, or other size, nursing bottle preceding this invention is disclosed. It includes a spherical shaped container1that has ample volumetric capacity therein, so as to achieve the sought after results for this invention. That is, when a formula, such as at2, is applied into the container, with the formula being applied at an amount that normally furnishes a feeding for the infant, it will only fill the container up to a level that is yet below the bottom of the vent tube3, and more specifically distally to the insert and its vent port4, as can be noted.

Thus, any vacuum built up within its container will be immediately vented to the atmosphere, because of the openness of the vent port4of the distal insert, to absorb any generated vacuum, no matter how slight, and allow it to be vented to the atmosphere, externally of the shown nursing bottle. The nipple5, the threaded collar6, and the vent insert7, that are threadedly applied to the upper edge of the container1, are all fabricated in the manner as previously described in the '071 patent with the exception that these components may also be fabricated of a wider dimension, so as to fit upon a wide rim style of opening for the shown container1, thereby providing the type of ample volumetric capacity for the nursing bottle, an any appropriate size of nipple may be employed, to achieve the relationship between its structure, such as the insert and its vent port, and the level of any standard amount of formulation applied therein, during usage, to achieve the benefits of this invention. In addition, when the nursing bottle of this invention is inverted for feeding an infant, the formula may flow to the opposite side of the inverted container1, but yet will have a surface level that will still be below the distal insert and its vent port4, so that any sucking action generated by the infant, during feeding, and the formation of any vacuum, or partial thereof, within the container, during feeding, will be continuously vented by its vent port4, through the vent tube3, and out of the vent insert7, as previously reviewed. It should be noted that the container1of this invention will obviously include a minor flattened surface, as at8, at its bottom, to allow the free standing of this nursing bottle, as when not in use, when stored, or when being warmed or heated in preparation for consumption of its formula contents.

FIG. 2Ashows the container1and its nursing bottle when inverted, as during a feeding, to disclose how the fluid level2will yet remain below the opened vent port4, so as to not obstruct the venting of any partial vacuum generated therein, during the feeding process.

FIGS. 3 and 4disclose a modification to the shape of the container9for the shown nursing bottle, with the further modification that the vent tube10will be integrally structured with the bottom11of the shown container, disposing its vent port generally centrally of the container, as can be noted at12. Thus, regardless at what position the container9of this nursing bottle may undertake, the surface level13of the formula will not obstruct the entrance of any air flow into the vent port12, for venting purposes, in this case, out of the bottom opening14of the shown vessel. This is so regardless whether the container9, as during storage, or feeding, may be positioned vertically, as shown inFIG. 3, or inverted, as can be understood. In this particular instance, the threaded collar15and nipple16are conventional, and threadedly engage to the wide rim1, or alternatively a narrow rim, of the container9, which enhances the volumetric capacity of the nursing bottle, during usage, and to attain the results desired and required for this particular development. In addition, the structure of a wide rim container9, or alternatively a narrow rim, is generally spherical, as can be noted inFIG. 3, but flattened on its front and back surfaces, as disclosed inFIG. 4, and yet attains the volumetric capacity for the formula, as desired and required for this development.

FIGS. 5 and 6provide both a back view, and top view, of the modified nursing bottle as previously described inFIGS. 3 and 4.

FIGS. 7 through 9show a further modified nursing bottle of this invention, wherein its container18has a Mason jar style of configuration, thereby affording the wide rimmed19style of opening, at its upper end, for accommodating the vent tube20, reservoir or receptacle portion25, the vent insert21, the nipple22, and the threaded collar23, that all threadedly engage onto the threads24of the shown container. These components20through23and25are very similar in structure to that as previously described in the '071 patent with the exception that the components may be fabricated to a wider dimension, in order to be accommodated upon the wide rimmed opening19of the shown container18.

The vent tube communicates with its upper inner receptacle portion25, forming the reservoir-like configuration as noted, and which positions thereon and locates therein the internal vent tube26of the vent insert21, to function in the manner as previously explained in the '071 patent. But in this particular instance, it should be noted that the vent port27of the vent structure, as all mounted to the wide rim of the volumetric container18, when inserted, is disposed approximately at the center of the internal space of the shown container18, in order to achieve the benefits and results as explained for this embodiment. Hence, the surface level28of the formula applied therein will always be below the entrance to the vent port27, so as to avoid its blockage, regardless whether the container18is maintained in its rest position, as shown inFIG. 7, or when the container is tilted to any angle, or should it be inverted, placed on its side or any position, as during the feeding process. This allows the vacuum generated within the container, during feeding with the nursing bottle, to always be vented, to the atmosphere. In addition, it is to be noted, particularly upon review of the '071 patent, that wherever these vent tube and vent insert configurations are inserted upon the wide rim and held in position by means of the collar23, that the distal insert and vent tube26internally communicate with the lateral vent passages29and opens to atmosphere internally of the collar23, to provide venting thereof, at all times, to achieve the purposes and advantages of this invention.

It can also be noted inFIG. 8that the sides of the container18may be integrally concaved, as at30, for the gripping and holding of the larger sized bottle, during its usage.

FIGS. 10 through 13disclose a larger volumetric sized nursing bottle, having a container31that is generally of a rectangular configuration. It may have a wide rimmed opening, as at32for accommodating the shown collar33, its supported nipple34, the vent tube35, and the vent insert36when installed. The vent insert is shown more carefully inFIGS. 14 and 15, and it can be seen that the bottom of the vent port37is open, and venting is achieved through the lateral port38that extends to the front and back of the insert, to attain internal venting. In addition, the lateral port38is arranged above the neck of the bottle. In addition, the lateral ports38permit the entrance of air into the feeding container as when the nursing bottle is inverted during a feeding. Nevertheless, as can be seen inFIG. 13, the level of the liquid, or formula, will always be at a location spaced from the bottom of the vent tube35, to attain the purposes of this embodiment. Furthermore, as can be seen inFIG. 15, and as noted from the '071 and '796 patents, the vent insert36has the lateral vents38that communicate with the vent35, for allowing the free flow of air, thus relieving any vacuum buildup, generated within the nursing bottle during usage, to the atmosphere, externally of the bottle, in order to achieve the benefits and results of this embodiment.

FIG. 16shows a nursing bottle that incorporates a semi-spherical container40, and having mounted onto its integral wide rim41the collar42, nipple43, and the vent insert44as noted. In addition, the vent tube45extends downwardly into the container40, with the bottom46of the vent tube being arranged approximately, once again, at the approximate midpoint of the volumetric capacity of the nursing bottle, to achieve the benefits of this invention.

FIG. 17discloses a spherical form of nursing bottle wherein its container61has mounted to its standard, or wide, rim62by threaded engagement the collar63and the nipple64, as noted.

The vent tube, in this instance, as at65, extends integrally upwardly from the bottom of the container61, and internally vents to the atmosphere, out the bottom of the bottle, and has at its upper end the lateral vent ports66as noted. Again, these vent ports are arranged at the approximate midpoint of the volumetric capacity for the shown container, to achieve the benefits of this invention.

FIGS. 18 and 19disclose a modification to the nursing bottle of this invention, wherein its container51is generally rectangular of configuration in one dimension, but has an oval shape52along its vertical disposition. Its collar53secures the nipple54, and the vent insert55to the standard or wide rim56of the integral container51, for the nursing bottle. The distal insert and its vent tube57extend downwardly, and include an extended vent tube58, whereby its vent port59at its bottom end is disposed approximately, once again, at the volumetric midpoint of the shown container51for the nursing bottle. Thus, any formula60contained therein for feeding, will always be below the disposition of the vent port59, regardless whether the nursing bottle is rested upright, as shown inFIG. 18, or inverted, as during feeding.

FIG. 20shows a similar style of nursing bottle, to that ofFIG. 16, but in this instance, its container47has integrally formed of its flattened bottom48an upwardly extending vent tube49, whose upper end50, forming the vent port, is arranged once again at the approximate volumetric midpoint of its shown container.

FIGS. 21 through 25show variations upon the arrangement of the vent tube of this embodiment. As noted, inFIG. 21the shown nursing bottle has its container67mounting upon its wide rim68, its threaded collar69, and the shown nipple70. For venting purposes, in this particular embodiment, the vent tube71is integrally formed of the container67, and extends radially inwardly, along an oblique angle, into the approximate midpoint of the shown container, having its vent port72disposed approximately at this location, as noted.

Thus, any formula73provided therein, of the amount normally fed to an infant, will always be below the entrance to the vent port72, and not cause any leakage thereof. This is so regardless whether the nursing bottle is being stored, or inverted as during usage.

FIG. 22shows the hemispherical style of container74for the shown nursing bottle. The bottle has a standard, or wide, rim75, to which the threaded collar76and the nipple77are attached.

In this instance, similar to that of the bottle as described inFIG. 21, the vent tube78is integrally formed of the container, and is arranged obliquely within it, to dispose its vent port, as at79, and more specifically its lateral vents80, internally at the approximate volumetric midpoint of the shown container, to achieve the benefits of this invention.

FIG. 23is similar to the structured nursing bottle as described inFIG. 21, but in this instance, as can be noted, the container81has its vent tube82arranged further down the side of the shown container, opening to atmosphere as at83, and having its vent port84provided at the approximate midpoint of the shown container81.

FIG. 24shows a structure for a nursing bottle similar to that as previously explained inFIG. 22, but in this particular instance, the container85has its vent tube86integrally formed further down the side of the shown container, as can be noted at87. This may be integrally formed, or structurally applied thereto, as by adherence of the flanges88to the opening89provided through the wall of the container85. The inner end of the vent tube86, has its vent port90, arranged, once again, at the approximate volumetric midpoint of the shown container, in order to achieve the results and benefits of this embodiment.

FIGS. 25 and 26disclose a further modification to the nursing bottle of this invention, wherein its rectangular configured container91has an oval appearance along the vertical, as can be noted inFIG. 26, as at92.

It provides sufficient volumetric capacity so that the surface of the formula added thereto, as at93, will always be below the vent tube94, and its vent port95, regardless of the position undertaken by the nursing bottle, when used. In accordance with the structure of the venting characteristics of this development, and as can be seen inFIGS. 25 and 26, the vent tube94has lateral vents96that extend laterally to the sides of the vent insert97, and which provides venting of any pressure or vacuum developed within the container91to the atmosphere, by passing through the configured threads101, as can be understood from our prior patents.

As known from the '071 and '796 patents, the vent insert97includes a series of supporting vanes98that provide intermediate spacing, as at99, and through which the formula may flow, when the nursing bottle is inverted, as during a feeding. But, the lateral vents96communicate with the vent tube94, to allow passage of air eliminating the possibility of any vacuum formation. The air passes through the imperfect seal formed of the threaded connection between the collar100, and the threads101through the vents of the standard or wide rimmed structure of the container91, of the shown nursing bottle. Nevertheless, the criticality regarding the location of the vent port95, at the approximate volumetric midpoint of the shown container91, is essential so as to prevent any leakage from it, when formula is applied therein, so that venting can effectively occur, regardless whether the nursing bottle is being used, stored, heated, or inverted, as during feeding.

The bottle components shown inFIG. 27share similarities with those shown assembled previously inFIGS. 13-15.FIG. 27shows an exploded view of the components less the liquid container or bottle. A nipple115extends out from a collar116that secures to the bottle1as later also shown inFIG. 31. Between the collar and the bottle, a vent insert117grasps the rim of the bottle1. The vent insert has a generally hollow cylindrical shape with a low height perimeter wall123. Across the diameter, the vent insert117has a lateral vent119with a centered hole towards the direction of the bottle as shown inFIGS. 27A,27B. The lateral vent has two opposed openings118that generally communicate air between the bottle1and the atmosphere. The insert117has a major lip121and a minor lip122concentric and slightly below the major lip121as then shown inFIG. 27B. The vent insert117on its lateral surface has the major lip121. The major lip is also a hollow cylindrical shape contiguous, but of slightly lesser diameter, than the vent insert. In this manner, the vent insert can be applied in a tight seal within the rim of the bottle, during its installation, and thereby prevent any leakage from the vent insert other than the air venting desired from the structure of the insert and its applicable usage in a nursing bottle. The aperture providing air to the bottom of the bottle, as at114, for the contoured vent tube113, shown here in the preferred embodiment as conical though other shapes are possible as later shown inFIG. 28. In addition, the bottom of the vent tube typically ends, in this instance, proximate to the internal bottom of any container upon which the venting structure of this invention applies, regardless of whether it be the standard bottle, a wide rim bottle, or the like. In an alternate embodiment, the aperture114has a circumferential rib extending around it to stiffen the exit of the reservoir. The major lip has a circumferential bulge124of slightly larger diameter than the major lip. The bulge of the major lip seals the insert to the inner diameter of the bottle. The major lip has an outer diameter that of the inner diameter of the bottle. Depending from the lateral vent119, the vent insert117has the minor lip122as a hollow cylindrical shape of lesser diameter than the major lip. The minor lip122has a circumferential bulge125of slightly larger diameter than the minor lip. The minor lip has an outer diameter of the inner diameter of the reservoir. The minor lip seals the reservoir126of the vent tube of the present invention to the vent insert117.

The vent tube113has a reservoir126having a generally hollow cylindrical shape with an open top127and a partially closed bottom128. The bottom is smoothed and rounded as it descends distally from the top. At the center of the bottom128, an aperture129provides passage to the vent tube113joined to the bottom. The vent tube then attains a hollow truncated conical shape with the larger diameter130located towards the reservoir126and the narrow diameter131located distally.

Coaxial with the vent tube113, the vent insert117has the distal insert or internal vent tube120centered upon the hole in the lateral vent119and perpendicular to the lateral vent119within the insert wall123. The internal vent tube120is a hollow cylinder of a length in excess of its diameter. The internal vent tube120communicates air, but not feeding liquid in the current invention, from the lateral vent119into the reservoir126of the vent tube113.

FIG. 28shows the vent tube113alone and having a large diameter130distal to and similar in diameter to the bottom128of the reservoir126. The vent tube113then tapers distally towards the narrow diameter131. In the preferred embodiment, the larger diameter130is approximately twice that of the narrow diameter131, in a minimum ratio of about 2:1.

FIG. 29again shows the vent tube113but with the larger diameter130substantially less than previous embodiments. In this embodiment, the larger diameter130attains at least one eighth more than the diameter of the narrow diameter131. Towards the narrow diameter131, the vent tube113tapers distally as before. In this embodiment, the large diameter130is greater than the narrow diameter131, in the range of approximately 3:1 to approximately 1:1 ratio, here shown in a ratio of about 1.1:1.0.

FIG. 30shows an aberration that can possibly occur with a prior art bottle in use by a chewing infant with the bottle lowered below a horizontal orientation for ready grasping by the infant. This bottle1has a cylindrical tube of constant diameter. With a down inclined bottle, the tube contacts the feeding liquid. When the nipple is quickly compressed, as during chewing, the compressed air above the liquid pressurizes the liquid briefly within the container. The compressed air advances from the nipple through the vanes of the insert and into the container, pressurizing it. The pressurized air can possibly force the liquid up into the prior art vent tube having straight and constant diameter walls, but only when the inferior end of the venting tube is submerged in the liquid. The liquid in the vent tube can possibly enter the insert where it may possibly exit the bottle through the lateral ports of the insert.

FIG. 30Athen shows an embodiment of the present invention, demonstrating that no leakage will occur in the conditions of a narrow neck container, small volume of compressible air in the nipple, cylindrical vent tube terminating below the surface of the liquid, and the rapid compression of the small volume nipple.

The conical vent tube of the present invention, shown inFIG. 31, dissipates the feeding liquid induced into the vent tube. A conical shaped tube dissipates the pressure upon the liquid within the tube as the tube diameter expands and the feeding liquid gently flows into the reservoir instead of the lateral tube of the insert which rarely occurs in the prior art. Again, this aberration in the prior art, except that of the inventors, can only occur with a combination of a cylindrical vent tube being submerged in the feeding liquid, wide necked nipple having a large volume of compressible air, and the infant quickly compressing the air in the large volume nipple. Then as later shown inFIG. 31A, no leaks occur with a feeding container with a narrow or standard neck bottle, small volume nipple, conical vent tube terminating below the surface of the liquid, rapid compression of a small volume nipple.

Where a bottle1inFIG. 31has a vent tube of a conical shape and increasing diameter from the narrow distal end131to the wider proximal end130, an infant chewing on the nipple5could pressurize the liquid2but the increasing diameter of the conical vent tube increases the incremental volume inside the tube and deters feeding liquid2from entering the insert119, as shown inFIG. 30, and leaking out of the collar6. The increasing conical vent tube diameter limits any pressure increases within the bottle1and thus the possibility of leaks from the bottle are prevented by the present invention. Thus, the propulsion of liquid to the insert cannot occur in a narrow neck bottle, seeFIGS. 30A,31A, with either a cylindrical or conical venting tube due to the smaller amount of compressible air in the smaller nipple. The movement of liquid into the insert in the wide neck bottle with the larger diameter nipple, that is a greater volume of compressible air, can only occur, rarely, when a cylindrical venting tube is used and is submerged in the liquid while in the resting position and only with rapid compression of the wide necked nipple as inFIG. 30. When a conical shaped venting tube is used at any time, as inFIGS. 31,31A, or when a narrow, or standard, bottle diameter is used, as in FIGS.30AA,31A, this phenomenon can never occur.

The bottle components shown inFIG. 32share similarities with those shown previously inFIG. 27. This embodiment of the invention appears as an exploded view of the components less the liquid container or bottle. A nipple115extends out from a collar116that secures to the bottle1, as shown earlier inFIG. 31. Between the collar and the bottle, a vent insert117grasps the rim of the bottle1. The vent insert has a generally hollow cylindrical shape with a low height perimeter wall. Across the diameter, the vent insert117has a lateral vent119with a centered hole towards the bottle. The lateral vent has two opposed openings that generally communicate air between the bottle1and the atmosphere. The insert117has the lips and other features thereof as previously described. In this manner, the vent insert can be applied in a tight seal within the rim of the bottle as its first seal, with the second seal achieved by mating on the top edge of the feeding container, during its installation, and thereby preventing any leakage of liquid from the vent insert, however, the desirable air venting from the structure of the insert and its applicability and usage in a nursing container is preserved. The internal vent tube120descends from the vent insert117into the reservoir126when the present invention is assembled. The internal vent tube120is a hollow cylinder of a length in excess of its diameter. The internal vent tube120communicates air, but not feeding liquid in the current invention, from the lateral vent119into the reservoir126of the vent tube132. The internal vent tube120is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reservoir.

The vent tube132has a reservoir126with a generally hollow cylindrical shape with an open top127and a partially closed bottom128as before. The bottom is smoothed and rounded as it descends distally from the top. At the center of the bottom128, an aperture129provides passage to the vent tube132joined to the bottom. The vent tube then attains a hollow truncated conical shape at an angle to the plane of the aperture. Generally the vent tube is bent or canted unlike the previous embodiments. The cant of the vent tube matches the angle of the nursing bottle later shown inFIG. 35. The vent tube132is also at an angle to the internal vent tube120. The larger diameter133of the vent tube is located towards the reservoir126and the narrow diameter134located distal from the reservoir. The vent tube132has an aperture135at the narrower diameter through which air vents to the bottom of the bottle.

FIG. 33shows the vent tube132separated from the other components of the nursing bottle. The vent tube132has a large diameter133proximate to and similar in diameter to the bottom128of the reservoir126. The vent tube132then tapers distally towards the narrow diameter134and outwards and away from the centerline or longitudinal axis of the reservoir. In the preferred embodiment, the vent tube has an angle of about approximately 15 to about approximately 25 degrees.

FIG. 34shows the vent tube132again without the vent insert and other components of the nursing bottle. In this embodiment, the vent tube has a cant as before but has a spout133A that connects to the reservoir. The spout is generally a hollow cylinder and of similar diameter to the aperture129of the reservoir. The spout is also coaxial with the reservoir and spaces apart the larger diameter133of the vent tube from the reservoir. The spacing apart aids in fitting the canted vent tube within an angled nursing bottle. As before, towards the narrow diameter134, the vent tube132tapers distally and angles outward from the centerline. In this embodiment, the large diameter133is greater than the narrow diameter134, generally in the range of 2:1 to 3:1.

The tapered vent tube of an embodiment, shown inFIG. 35, dissipates the pressure of the feeding liquid induced into the vent tube of an angled bottle. A conical shaped tube at an angle to the centerline of the bottle dissipates the pressure upon the liquid within the tube as the tube diameter expands and the feeding liquid gently flows into the reservoir instead of possibly flowing into the venting tube of the insert. The cant of the vent tube also keeps it spaced apart from the wall of the bottle. The angle of the container or bottle eases grasping of the bottle by an infant with developing motor skills and reminds the caregiver to keep the head of the infant in a more raised position. Where an angled bottle1′ inFIG. 35has a vent tube132including a conical shape and increasing diameter from the narrow distal end134to the wider proximal end133, an infant chewing on the nipple5may cause pressure to be applied to the liquid2but the increasing diameter of the vent tube increases the incremental volume inside the tube and deters feeding liquid2from possibly entering the insert119, as shown inFIG. 30, and leaking out of the collar6. The increasing vent tube diameter dissipates any pressure increases occurring within bottle1′ when it is a wide neck bottle utilizing larger nipples that have a greater volume of compressible air, and thus the possibilities of leaks are prevented by the present invention.

Another embodiment appears upright inFIG. 36. The angled bottle1′ has a nipple5secured upon the bottle with a collar6. The reservoir126, as seen inFIG. 32, connects to the vent insert120opposite from the nipple. The canted tube132used in this embodiment descends from the upper portion of the bottle1′ into the feeding liquid2here shown in the lower portion of the bottle. This bottle has an angle that extends the nipple away from the centerline of the bottle. The extended nipple and connecting parts move the center of gravity of the bottle away from the center of the bottle. If feeding liquid rises to the upper portion of the bottle, the center of gravity of the bottle moves in the horizontal direction of the nipple. With the center of gravity moved far enough outwards, the bottle1′ has a risk of tipping. The present invention has a foot like stabilizing base136joined to the bottom of the bottle that extends also in the horizontal direction of the nipple. The stabilizing base extends the tipping point from the edge of the bottle to the edge of the stabilizing base. An extending tipping point reduces the risk of a full or nearly full angled bottle1′ tipping over when placed in an upright position.

FIG. 37shows the angled bottle1′ from the bottom with the stabilizing base136installed. The stabilizing base136joins to the bottom of the bottle1′ and provides a flat and continuous surface upon which the bottle1′ stands. In this embodiment, the stabilizing base is crescent shaped with the widest part of the crescent located upon a line between the center of the bottle, shown by the narrow diameter135of the vent tube, and the nipple shown obscured by the collar6. The stabilizing base tapers in width until the stabilizing base approaches the bottle tangentially at two opposed points. The stabilizing base136itself has a generally flat planar shape with two curved, crescent shaped edges, an outer convex edge and an inner concave edge. The concave edge of the stabilizing base joins to the bottom of the bottle1′ as previously described.

The fully vented wide rim bottle with a single piece insert140, combining the reservoir and venting tube, is shown inFIG. 38. In this exploded view, the present invention releases feeding liquid to an infant with any vacuum in the container being eliminated through the single piece insert140, particularly the venting tube portion143later described, to the atmosphere. As before, the present invention has a container, generally cylindrical but of a length approximately one third more than the diameter. This container is designed for holding approximately 60 ml or 2 fl. oz. of feeding liquid, a suitable volume for a small infant. This container volume may easily be increased or decreased for convenience or preference. The container has a neck141upon one end. The container of feeding liquid has a generally cylindrical shape and is approximately 130 mm in height, 50 mm in diameter, and has a uniform wall thickness of approximately 3 mm. The superior end, or neck, of the bottle has circumferential external threads that cooperate with a collar116. The collar, as before, is a hollow cylinder with flutes upon the edge for grasping. One end of the cylinder is partially closed with a flange that has a central opening for admitting a nipple115. The nipple has a distal end with a hole for releasing feeding liquid.

Generally, a feeding nipple is approximately 20 mm in diameter and 40 mm in height. The nipple has a small, precisely manufactured hole in its distal end to allow for the release of feeding liquid from the container, through the nipple. The inferior surface of the nipple is a generally flat round flange so as to mate in a flush manner with the superior surface of the insert portion that itself rests upon the neck of the container. In one embodiment, the releasing device for the fluid container is shaped as a nipple, the superior aspect of the nipple has a generally cylindrical shape, approximately 14 mm in diameter and 21 mm in height. A circular collar having internal female threads holds the nipple, or other device, in place upon the insert which rests upon the neck of the container as its threads engage the male threads141upon the neck. When the collar is turned completely upon the neck, the nipple or other device, is firmly secured to the superior aspect of the insert portion.

Between the collar and the container, the present invention has the single piece insert with its reservoir and conical venting tube, generally coaxial with the center of the container. The single piece venting structure begins with a conical venting tube143that opens at the internal bottom of the container. The venting tube is hollow and has a conical shape. The venting tube typically has a length of at least two diameters and joins to a reservoir144. The reservoir has a constant diameter that is larger than that of the venting tube. The reservoir is at least two diameters in length and has the general form of a hollow cylinder. The reservoir has a volume with a volumetric center, an upper end affixed to the insert and an opposite lower end from which the venting tube extends. The upper end of the reservoir joins to an insert portion145that spans the neck of the container. The lower end joins to the venting tube previously described. In addition, a vent148proceeds inferiorly from the horizontal aperture of the insert and terminates in the volumetric center of the reservoir.

The venting tube has a hollow tapering shape, as at143, with the smaller diameter151at the internal bottom of the container and a larger diameter152where the venting tube joins to the reservoir.

The insert portion has sufficient diameter to reach the neck and to cover the circumference of the neck. A rib146spans across the diameter of the insert portion and has two ends that connect with the annular, or ring like, insert portion. An aperture147forms the aperture portion of the insert of the present invention. Later shown inFIG. 39C, the aperture portion has a continuous aperture that has one end terminating to the outside air and the opposite end terminating in the volumetric center of the reservoir. Upon one end, a horizontal aperture147extends from the outer edge of the insert portion and through the rib to the center of the rib. At the center of the rib, the horizontal aperture connects to a vent148. The vent extends below the rib, perpendicular to the insert portion, and into the reservoir. The insert vent is generally a hollow cylinder of lesser diameter than the reservoir. The vent extends to approximately half of the length of the reservoir. Preferably, the horizontal aperture147extends across the entire diameter of the insert portion and again meets the vertical aperture149in the center of the horizontal section of the aperture, such that a T shaped connection of apertures is formed.

Between the insert portion and the neck, the present invention includes a gasket149. The gasket is generally round, planar in shape, and has a central opening150to admit the reservoir through the neck. The gasket compresses and fills voids between the neck141and the insert portion145when the collar116secures the insert portion and the nipple upon the neck. Alternatively, the gasket is removed from the invention.

The venting mechanism has a component, the insert portion145, that rests upon the gasket atop neck of the bottle, or container, a reservoir144and a conical venting tube143generally perpendicular and centered below the insert and reservoir portions. The insert portion, reservoir, and the conical venting tube are combined into a single piece insert, generally of T shape shown in a detailed view inFIG. 39A. The insert portion145has a generally round shape with a rib (not shown) spanning across the insert portion and a vent148depending below the rib. The inferior aspect of the vent148terminates in the volumetric center of a cylindrical reservoir144. The reservoir is preferably formed as a single piece including the venting tube143, vent148, and the insert portion145. Alternatively, the reservoir is joined to the insert portion by sonic welding, thermal welding, solvent or chemical welding, spin, or rotational welding, friction or snap fitting, and like means of securing the insert portion to the reservoir thus forming a single piece venting mechanism. Extending toward the bottom of the container from the lower end of the reservoir144, the conical venting tube143terminates slightly above the interior bottom of the container and has a conical shape through its length. Alternatively, a differently shaped tube may be used that also terminates near the bottom of the container.

Turning the single piece vent tube providesFIG. 39B. Here the insert portion has a generally round shape with a horizontal aperture147upon the circumference that continues through a rib146, also shown inFIG. 39D, across the diameter of the insert portion. Generally centered in the rib, a hole149communicates with the horizontal aperture and the vent148connects below the rib at the hole. The reservoir144itself also connects to the central portion of the rib, outwards of the vent. The flow path for air through the single piece vent tube is shown inFIG. 39C. The insert portion has a horizontal aperture147that opens at the circumference of the insert portion. The horizontal aperture continues through the rib146to the center where it communicates to a hole149centered in the lower surface of the rib where the vent148connects.

Viewing the single piece vent from above inFIG. 39D, the insert portion is shown where the insert portion145has a generally round, annular shape, with a central rib146spanning the diameter of the insert portion. The rib has a horizontal aperture147as before that opens upon the edge of the insert portion for communicating with the atmosphere. The horizontal aperture continues through the rib along a radius of the insert portion, here shown in phantom. The horizontal aperture connects to a hole149partially through the thickness of the central portion150of the rib and then to the vent148.

Having described the components and arrangement of them, the present invention is used by an infant in cooperation with a caregiver as shown inFIG. 40. With the container in a feeding position, raised to an angle above the horizontal, venting air flows through the threads of the neck and into the horizontal aperture, through the hole in the rib and into the vent, down into the reservoir, and then into the adjoining conical venting tube where it exits at the bottom of the container. The entrance of air through the venting tube eliminates the formation of a vacuum within the container and its associated adverse transfer into an infant's oral cavity and associated structures.

The venting mechanism of the present invention permits an uninterrupted flow of air into the container, thereby eliminating any vacuum formation in the container. This airflow occurs without mixing any air into the feeding liquid or without any feeding liquid escaping, that is leaking, from the container. Additionally, when the container is held in an inverted feeding position, the feeding liquid now flows through the openings in the insert portion between the annular edge and the rib, and then into the nipple or other liquid dispensing attachment. Furthermore, the liquid in the tapering venting tube flows quickly and gently into the reservoir. The liquid becomes trapped within the reservoir below the volumetric center and the inferior end of the venting tube. Any air that remains in the venting system readily enters into the container bottom similar to the air entering the venting mechanism through the neck of the container.

When the container is returned to a vertical position, as when the neck is deviated upwardly, the liquid trapped in the reservoir now flows down into the venting tube to pool with the remaining liquid in the container, again, without mixing air into the liquid or liquid leaking from the container. In the preferred embodiment of the venting tube, the superior end increases the effective volume of the reservoir.

Returning to an inverted position, the tapered embodiment of the venting tube allows liquid to flow quickly and easily into the reservoir and allows air initially within the reservoir to quickly enter the bottom space of the container. In a vertical position, the tapered venting tube increases the overall volume capacity of the reservoir.

The usage of the present invention is similar to that of the inventors' previously patented feeding containers. The present venting mechanism, here a single piece, is inserted, venting tube first, into the container where the insert portion rests upon a gasket upon the neck. Alternatively, no gasket is present. Upon the insert, a feeding nipple is generally placed though other devices may attach as well. The feeding nipple is held firmly to the neck via the insert and by a collar threadily engaging the neck. The nipple has an aperture, or hole, for release of feeding liquid, with the size of the aperture determining the rate of flow of the liquid from the container, where a larger hole leads to faster flow of liquid.

The present invention has a unique simultaneous operation of the container with both air and feeding liquid. Airflow proceeds around the threads of the neck of the fluid filled container, through the insert portion, into the vent tube depending from the center of the insert portion, into the cylindrically shaped reservoir, then into the preferred conically shaped venting tube, or alternatively a cylindrically shaped venting tube, and exits at the internal bottom of the container. This airflow eliminates contamination of the liquid within the container with air. The conical shape of the venting tube of the reservoir eases the release of air from the vent tube into the inferior aspect of the feeding container when inverted during feeding time.

When inverted, the feeding liquid in the reservoir venting tube, now flows gently into the large diameter portion of the reservoir and remains there until the bottle, or container, is again placed upright when the liquid exits the reservoir downward and pools with the remainder of liquid within the bottle. The reservoir prevents the liquid from reaching the vent tube depending from the insert portion, located in the volumetric center of the reservoir, by several mechanisms when the bottle is inverted. First, the reservoir, with its conical venting tube, reduces the force of the liquid approaching the vent tube of the insert portion. Second, the preferred embodiment of the conical venting tube allows the feeding liquid therein to move more quickly and easily into the reservoir. During such movement, the air in the conical venting tube more easily exits to the inferior, or bottom of the bottle. Third, the reservoir increases its effective volume as the taper of the preferred embodiment of the venting tube temporarily stores feeding liquid.

These mechanisms allow for complete and continuous venting of the container at all times without contamination of the liquid with air and also prevents any leakage. The container accommodates the liquid that remains in different parts of the venting mechanism at different times during usage. These mechanisms allow the present invention to function as a vent and accommodate fluid, separate air and fluid at all times, and prevent leaks from the container when in any position.

From the aforementioned description, a fully vented wide rim, or other diameter, nursing bottle with a single piece insert has been described. This nursing bottle is uniquely capable of eliminating negative pressure continuously and automatically in a 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 non-ferrous 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.

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.