User controllable noncollapsible variable stream physiological dispenser in the form of a patterned nipple

A user controllable noncollapsible variable stream physiological dispenser for a container is disclosed which comprises a nipple having a top nipple portion which extends to an intermediate concave section which extends to a lower dome-shaped body and to a flange, the flange used for being held to a bottle by a collar, the nipple having openings formed in the top nipple portion, an open bottom provided at the flange with the nipple having a hollow body through which liquid may pass from the open bottom through the body and out the openings.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure generally relates to an artificial nipple for use with a nursing bottle and more particularly to a user controllable noncollapsible variable stream physiological dispenser for use with such a bottle.

BACKGROUND

Humans are composed of 70% water and individuals need to consume liquids every day in order to prevent dehydration. This is especially important with infants. Infants can lose a significant amount of water through their skin and also through respiration. Any significant loss of fluids is magnified with an elevated temperature or anything else that causes fluid losses from the body. Individuals of all ages consume liquids from containers. The feeding nipples on nursing bottles that infants use contain one or more apertures for liquid delivery. The feeding nipples frequently contain holes or other apertures for liquid delivery which are not exactly as advertised, causing further feeding problems. Some flow formula too freely and others require too much sucking. Both can cause problems for the infant. Apertures very frequently do not dispense at a predictable rate. Dispensing of liquid may be inconsistent, too rapid, or too slow. Delivery of liquid in such inconsistent rates is a problem when the liquid is being delivered to small infants and particularly to very small premature infants.

Frequently, especially with infants and small children, the fluid from the container flows out too quickly and leads to choking or spilling liquid on themselves. If an infant uses a nipple that releases liquid too quickly then the infant can choke or even aspirate the liquid. This may lead to pneumonia or suffering other medical sequela. Occasionally, the individual may want to consume liquid at a faster flow rate. However, because the aperture of the dispensing mechanism is too small this may not be possible. If a dispenser delivers a liquid too slowly, then the user, particularly an infant, can suck so vigorously that air is ingested into the gastrointestinal tract from around the dispenser or nipple during sucking, with adverse results.

If a nipple being used is found to be unsatisfactory, then the nipple must be changed and feeding has to be tried again. This process may have to be repeated a few times until a nipple having a desired flow rate is obtained. In addition, infants also require changed feeding speeds frequently as they grow, and this can only be done through changing of nipples, on the nursing bottles, through a trial and error practice. The current disclosure obviates this procedure. A common problem associated with the use of a nipple is the nipple collapsing during use or sucking by the infant. Nipple collapse does not occur during breast feeding. However, nipple collapse with use of an artificial nipple can impede feeding and be frustrating for the infant. Also, the nipple may easily be compressed, which results in the dispenser becoming unusable. If a container spout is being used, one or more new containers have to be obtained and tried. If an adult is using a sports bottle with the typically vertically adjustable spout, the bottle has to be removed from the mouth and readjusted until the rate of flow of the liquid becomes satisfactory.

Infants feed much more easily and efficiently when breast feeding. It is also known that use of the applicant's vented continuously positive pressure bottles can feed an infant similar to breast feeding. There are several reasons for this. It is known that breast milk is ejected with a positive pressure. This is why women have to wear breast pads in-between feedings. The applicant's bottles provide the feeding liquid with a positive pressure during the entire feeding process.

Currently, different sized holes in feeding nipples and various slits and combinations of slits are used to allow the release of feeding liquid. There are numerous problems encountered with these arrangements. When current nipples and apertures are used, the flow characteristics of the nipple cannot be modified or adjusted by the infant. Further, producing nipples having a uniformly very small aperture is extremely difficult. Also, of note, is that the current slits present in some nipples, which are called “cereal nipples” or “juice nipples,” exhibit an inconsistent pattern. The flow may be significantly too rapid with the slits orientated in one direction. When the slits are orientated in another direction, there is frequently no flow. This is a particularly significant problem with newborns and smaller infants because they require controlled and controllable flow rates. If the flow is too rapid, then they can choke, gag, and aspirate the liquid. On the other hand, if the flow is too slow, then they do not obtain enough nourishment. This causes infant and caregiver frustration and should be avoided.

The flow rate provided by these nipples is unphysiological for multiple reasons. Normally breast milk is ejected from the breast with a positive pressure and is under the control of the infant during feeding. This is demonstrated during feeding and all other times, since women frequently have to wear breast pads to remain dry. All of the known nipples have a negative pressure and dispensers do not ever allow the infant to control the flow. The liquid is regulated by the negative pressure of the container and the size of the aperture in the nipple.

In addition, breast milk, which is an extremely valuable commodity, and formula, which is very expensive, are both sensitive and subject to nutritional breakdown, especially over time and if exposed to unphysiological amounts of elements, such as air. In particular, air that is allowed into a container may degrade Vitamins C, A, E, and lipids, and may affect other essential components of nutrition. The contamination of the liquid through one or more holes also introduces air into the liquid, the stomach, and the rest of the gastrointestinal tract, which may lead to gas, bloating, vomiting, colic, fussiness, and other infant maladies. Also, nipple confusion may easily occur typically due to collapsing nipples, excessive sucking pressures needed by the infant, air entrainment through and around the nipple, vacuum not relieved by the nipple arrangement, irregular and unregulated fluid flow, and other etiologies.

With known prior art unphysiological nipples and other dispensers, along with their containers, a large vacuum must be generated in the oral cavity of the infant and that vacuum must be transmitted to the nipple of the container. The need to generate this large vacuum is another nonphysiological aspect of the known bottles and nipples. This can cause abnormal mouth, including tooth, development, and ear and hearing problems with their attendant developmental delays, and also ear fluid and infections.

When a fully vented container is used, in order to simulate normal breast physiology, and a positive pressure is present in the container, fluid is released similarly to the breast, for the first time. Since there is a positive pressure, but no sphincters, as are present in normal breast milk ducts, to regulate the flow of liquid, the fluid exits the container very quickly, even when small holes are used in the nipple. Historically, these holes were lased, punched, and molded into the nipple. However, a hole that was imprecise very frequently resulted in feeding times that were significantly too long. Further, if the hole was too large then the infant might choke on the feeding liquid. The liquid may even dispense so quickly as to pour out of the mouth. Also, the orientation of the nipple and the bottle may change during feeding and result in very slow feeding in one position and very rapid feeding in another position or even change during feeding in the same position. This is obviously very frustrating, uncontrollable, and unphysiological. To compensate, the hole was purposefully made too small in an effort to reduce the flow to the infant so that the infant did not receive too much liquid at any time. This problem occurs with all dispensers, for all ages, but is exponentially worse with smaller infants due to their extremely small oral cavities. In light of that, manufacturers frequently made one hole and a smaller drip rate than desired for use. This resulted in feedings frequently lasting more than forty-five minutes, which is much longer than normal breast feeding. Another problem encountered with fully vented containers is that of forceful streams of liquid coming out of the container. This stream of fluid can easily choke an infant, especially if placed in the center of the nipple or dispenser, where it can easily be aspirated and cause medical problems, especially in the infant. Also, the infant cannot squeeze the feeding nipple like the nipple of the breast, in a variable pattern, and control the flow of liquid from the breast in a predictable manner.

When breast feeding, the infant can put pressure on the milk ducts in the breast and can generate a physiologically small amount of negative pressure in the mouth when more milk is needed. The milk ducts of the breast and the nipple will release more milk due to these negative pressures generated by the infant. However, present nipples do not allow for any regulation of the flow of liquid through a feeding nipple by the infant.

Bottles are frequently squeezed and turned upside down by infants, at all ages, and can cause a mess. This is due to the holes that are currently used in the nipples. A dispenser that does not leak or cause a mess would be desirable.

The present disclosure is designed to obviate and overcome many of the disadvantages and shortcomings experienced with prior nipple dispensing devices. The present disclosure is related to a user controllable noncollapsible variable stream physiological dispenser for use with a bottle. It would be desirable and advantageous to have a nipple dispenser that does not collapse during use. It would also be beneficial to have a nipple dispenser that can be used with a vented container to prevent any air from contaminating the liquid or formula stored in the container.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one form of the present disclosure a user controllable noncollapsible variable stream physiological dispenser for a container is disclosed which comprises a nipple having a top nipple portion which extends to an intermediate concave section which extends to a lower dome-shaped body and to a flange, the flange is used to be held to a bottle by a collar, the nipple having openings formed in the top nipple portion, an open bottom provided at the flange with the nipple having a hollow body through which liquid may pass from the open bottom through the body and out the openings.

In another form of the present disclosure, a user controllable noncollapsible variable stream physiological dispenser for a vented container comprises a nipple having a top nipple portion which extends to an intermediate concave section which extends to a lower dome-shaped body and to a flange, the nipple having openings formed in the top nipple portion, an open bottom provided at the flange with the nipple having a hollow body through which liquid may pass from the open bottom through the body and out the openings, and a vented container having an opening for receiving the nipple and for containing the liquid.

In still another form of the present disclosure, a user controllable noncollapsible variable stream physiological dispenser for a container comprises a nipple having a top nipple portion which extends to an intermediate concave section which extends to a lower dome-shaped body and to a flange, the flange used to be held to a bottle by a collar, the nipple having designed and patterned openings or slits formed in the top nipple portion, an open bottom provided at the flange with the nipple having a hollow body through which liquid may pass from the bottom through the body and out the openings, and a rib that spans from the bottom to the top nipple portion, with the rib for preventing the nipple from collapsing during use.

In light of the foregoing comments, it will be recognized that the present disclosure provides a user controllable noncollapsible variable stream physiological dispenser for use with a container.

The present disclosure provides a user controllable noncollapsible variable stream physiological dispenser for use with a container that can be easily employed with highly reliable results.

When providing nutrition to an infant it is important to provide the nutrition in a physiological pleasing and stimulating manner. In order to provide liquid or formula physiologically to infants, it is beneficial to provide a positive pressure to the liquid so that it is spontaneously released, and such release may be increased by the suction provided by the infant. This is exactly what physiologically occurs when an infant is breast feeding. When the contents of a container or bottle are under positive pressure, especially a thin liquid such as a feeding liquid for infants, even a very small aperture in the container results in an extremely fast and copious release of liquid from the container. This may be too much for the infant to handle. This may result in the infant choking and loss of liquid from the mouth of the infant and the container. Physiological release may also be desirable with other releases of the contents of the container.

The present disclosure relates to a nipple with one or more variably sized and variably placed infant or other user controllable leak-resistant apertures for the release of the contents of a container. If desired, the apertures can be patterned so that the infant or user can rotate the container to change the flow of the liquid contents of the container. Also, the apertures may be angled with respect to the surface of the nipple to control the flow from the container. The apertures may be orientated such that flow patterns are consistently able to be regulated on demand, for the first time, regardless of the orientation of the container, for the first time. The apertures may be positioned so that one or more are relatively vertical, one or more are relatively horizontal, and one or more are relatively diagonal. The apertures may be placed perpendicular to or tangentially to the surface of the material and even be irregularly shaped, such as what happens when the apertures are made by a drill, screw, or other irregular device or tool. This slows the flow of the liquid, which is especially helpful to premature and small infants. The present nipple or dispenser also may contain one or more ribs or other formation of material to prevent collapse of the nipple during use. Such provides for a reinforcement of the nipple.

The nipple of the present disclosure may be configured to aerosolize or atomize the contents of the bottle, if desired, when turned to a certain position. This provides for any combination of dripping and spraying of the contents of the container or bottle. Also, the nipple or dispenser may be provided with an irregularly shaped dispensing end to mimic the surface texture of the female breast during lactation.

It is also desirable to combine the nipple of the present disclosure with a single or double venting mechanism that prevents air from mixing with the contents of the container. A single venting mechanism contains a venting tube leading from the superior aspect of the container to the inferior aspect of the container. The double venting mechanism consists of a flange on the inferior aspect of the container closure which accepts a liquid reservoir and its distal end venting tube which extends to the inferior aspect of the container. The closure also has an inferiorly directed internal venting tube which extends into the volumetric center of the reservoir, with the closure containing an aperture through its wall in contact with the above internal venting tube. This allows for continuous venting from the atmosphere to the inferior and inferior aspect of the container. Another venting mechanism consists of using an insert typically sitting on the superior aspect of the container that conducts airflow from the atmosphere to the internal venting tube mentioned above and then into the inferior aspect of the container. All of these venting mechanisms allow for continuous, automatic, and on-demand venting of the container. The nipple may also contain a narrowing and/or extra material in the neck region between the distal dispensing end and the proximal end that mates with the container. This allows for physiological elongation of the dispenser.

If used for an infant, the surface of the nipple dispenser may be irregular to mimic the surface of the female breast and the apertures may be introduced into the surface of the nipple at any angle. The dispensing portions of all embodiments discussed herein may be of any texture and may be a soft material, such as silicone used for infant feeding nipples. A firmer material, such as a spout for a drinking cup for older children may also be used. The nipple dispenser of the present disclosure may also be used with a sports bottle. The apertures may be located in any position on the nipple. A rib may be internally provided that extends longitudinally in the dispenser which prevents the closure or collapsing of the dispenser during use. The nipple may have a cover for maintaining the hygiene of the dispenser when not in use.

A slit or slits are provided through the surface of the nipple of the present disclosure and are located distally from the traditional dispensing center of the nipple. The slits may be perpendicular or tangential in nature and orientation. If a slower flow is desired, then the slits may be tangential. The tangential slits provide a smaller aperture than compared to slits that are perpendicular to the surface of the nipple when compressed. Due to the small size of the aperture when the slits are tangential, a slower physiological dripping or streaming of liquid is produced. Also, the apertures or slits are larger and more easily manufactured than currently available apertures which are 0.012 in. This is particularly useful when the material used to construct the nipple dispenser of the present disclosure is a food grade silicone which is very difficult to produce apertures in due to its physical nature. Furthermore, any configuration, shape, combination, and number of apertures may be used, and when coupled with a tangential nature of the apertures, an infinite number of flow characteristics and speeds are possible and obtainable. For example, the apertures may be arranged intersecting each other, which allow for even more combinations of flow.

The degree of the tangential cut of the slits to their surface allows for variably and adjustable formed streams and adjustable flow characteristic patterns for the liquid exiting the nipple. The tangential pattern may be made so as to produce liquid that exits in a helical pattern, a pulsing pattern, liquid that exits and clings to the nipple for a short distance, a fine mist of liquid or spray, or multiple other patterns. The desired patterns and amount of flow is quickly and easily selectable by the user by rotating the position of the dispenser and the infant may also change the pattern and flow amount by compressing the dispenser by different amounts and in different places with the tongue, lips, and other portions of the oral cavity. This is similar to breast feeding since the milk glands have muscles within them that are constantly varying the presentation of liquid to the infant and the infant is sucking in different amounts and patterns. One very useful pattern consists of five slots approximately 2 mm long, circularly arranged around the upper end of the nipple. Another consists of 6 radial slots extending from just distal from the center of the end of the nipple and radially arranged, and are typically approximately 2.8 mm in length. When the slots are symmetrically placed, the flow is similar in any position and typically flows approximately 1 to 3 drops per second. When the slits are asymmetrically arranged, it is easy to adjust the arrangement of the bottle to produce a typical 1 drop per second flow, or the bottle can be turned slightly, to make the flow 2 or 3 drops per second. This way, the flow rate of the formula from the bottle can be easily controlled by the mother. Furthermore, various indicia may be imprinted on the bottle, or even on the sides of the nipple, to indicate a desired flow rate, depending on the orientation of the nipple when delivered to the infant's mouth. A particular useful pattern is one that consists of three non-contiguous apertures slightly distal to the traditional aperture of a nipple. The three apertures have one that is vertically oriented, one horizontally oriented, and one diagonally oriented around the distal aspect of the feeding nipple. Another desirable pattern consists of one horizontal aperture and one vertical aperture. Both of these arrangements provide for consistently regulated infant flow patterns in all positions of the bottle. A further desirable pattern comprises apertures or slits of varying lengths with the longest slit being substantially opposed to the shortest slit to control the flow rate from the fastest flow rate to the slowest flow rate. In particular, the fastest flow rate may be about one ounce per minute and the slowest flow rate may be about one ounce per one minute and forty-five seconds.

These and other advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like items, number10identifies a preferred embodiment of a noncollapsible nipple constructed according to the present disclosure. With reference now toFIG. 1, the noncollapsible nipple10comprises a nipple bulbous end portion12which extends to an intermediate concave section14which extends to a lower dome-shaped body16and then to a flange18. The flange18is used to be held to a bottle (not shown) by a collar (not shown), as will be explained further herein. The nipple10has openings, apertures, or slits20formed in the nipple end portion12. An open bottom22is also provided at the flange18. The nipple10also has a generally hollow body24through which a liquid may pass from the bottom22through the body24and out the openings20. The nipple10may be placed in a mouth of an infant for feeding purposes. The nipple10may be constructed from any suitable material such as silicone or latex.

FIG. 1Ashows a top view of the nipple end portion12of the nipple10. The opening20is shown to have a plus or cross shape26. The shape26may have any desired length. One slit may be longer than the other. All of the slits forming the opening may have a length that may be equal, or different, and may be arranged symmetrical, or asymmetrical, in order to regulate formula flow.

FIG. 1Bdepicts a top view of another embodiment of an opening30that may be formed in the nipple end portion12. The opening30comprises four plus or cross shaped openings32. The openings32are used to regulate formula flow when used by an infant.

FIG. 1Cis another embodiment of an opening34which comprises four tilde shaped openings36. The tilde shaped openings36may be variably arranged and sized as desired.

FIG. 1Dshows another top view of an opening38that may be used in the nipple end portion12of the nipple10. The opening38comprises four X shaped openings40that are spaced symmetrically about the nipple end portion12.

With reference toFIG. 1E, another top view of an opening configuration42is shown that has four slit shaped openings44formed in the nipple10. The slits44are spaced symmetrically around the nipple end portion12in a squared configuration.

FIG. 1Fillustrates another possible configuration46having three slits48formed in a triangular fashion.

FIG. 1Gdepicts a configuration50having three inner slits52formed in a triangular shape and three outer slits54formed in a triangular shape with the outer slits54being offset from the inner slits52.

FIG. 1Hshows another configuration56that has a horizontal slot58and three angular slits60positioned below the horizontal slit58.

FIG. 1Iillustrates a configuration62having three slits64, with one of the slits64being arranged horizontally, a second one of the slits64being positioned vertically, and the final one of the slits64being positioned inclined or diagonally arranged.

FIG. 1Jshows a configuration66having a horizontal slit68and a vertical slit70. The horizontal slit68is above the vertical slit70and has a T shaped formation.

With reference now toFIG. 1K, a configuration72is shown which provides a no drip nipple74. The configuration72comprises slits76,78,80,82,84, and86distributed about the nipple74. The slit76is at the zero degree position, the slit78is at the 60 degree position, the slit80is at the 120 degree position, the slit82is at the 180 degree position, the slit84is at the 240 degree position, and the slit86is at the 300 degree position.

FIG. 1Lillustrates a configuration88that has five slits90formed in the shape of a pentagon. This configuration88may be used to provide a nipple92that does not drip liquid or formula out of the nipple92.

FIG. 1Mdepicts a nipple94having a configuration96consisting of five X shaped slits98positioned about the nipple94. The slits98are also arranged in an X-like pattern on the nipple94.

As can be appreciated, the various configurations20,30,34,38,42,46,50,56,62,66,72,88, and94provide orally activated apertures or openings which release liquid at any desirable rate when pressure is applied to the nipple. The various configurations provide for consistently regulated flow patterns of liquid in all positions of orientation of the bottle or container in which the liquid is stored. Further, the various configurations provide adjustable and optimal flow from the bottle or container. These configurations may be made more or less symmetrical and adjusted for amounts of flow desired depending on the positioning of the nursing bottle and its nipple.

Referring now toFIG. 2, a cross-sectional interior view of another embodiment of a nipple150is shown. The nipple150comprises a nipple end portion152which extends to an intermediate concave section154which extends to a lower dome-shaped body156and then to a flange158. The concave section154allows for elongation of the nipple150, which is similar to a mammal nipple. The nipple150also has an open bottom160and a rib162that spans from the bottom160to the nipple end portion152. The rib162prevents the nipple150from being collapsed during use. The flange158is used to secure the nipple150in place between a collar (not shown) and a top of a bottle (also not shown). The nipple150also has openings, apertures, or slits164formed in the nipple end portion152. Any liquid within a bottle may flow through the nipple150at a desired rate.

FIG. 3shows a cross-sectional view of a nipple200constructed according to the present disclosure being secured in placed over an opening202of a container or a bottle (not shown) by use of a closure device206, such as a threaded collar. Although not shown, the bottle may contain a liquid, such as infant formula or milk. The closure device206has incorporated therein a vent opening208and a venting tube210. The venting tube210extends into the interior of the bottle204and through the vent opening208. The venting tube210prevents air from mixing with the contents of the bottle. The venting tube210is preferably approximately one-third the size of the region of release of the container contents or any size that provides air into the bottle at a sufficient rate. The venting tube210should have a diameter that is large enough that air preferentially enters the bottle through the vent opening208, and not so large that liquid escapes through the vent opening208itself. The vent opening208and the venting tube210allow for continuous, automatic, and on-demand venting of the bottle. The type of vent structure shown in our U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,071 may be employed, and its teachings may be incorporated herein by reference. As can be appreciated, any of the nipples disclosed herein may be used with the device206.

With reference now toFIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a nipple220is shown secured in place over an opening222of a container or a bottle224by use of a threaded collar closure device226. The closure device226has incorporated therein a vent opening228and an internal vent230. A circumferential flange232extends downwardly from the closure device226and the flange232has an exterior surface234upon which a liquid reservoir236having a reservoir extension238is placed. The internal vent230extends into the volumetric center of the liquid reservoir236. The vent opening228allows for continuous venting from the atmosphere to the inferior aspect of the bottle224. This is similar to what is shown in our U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,071. The current art does not utilize an insert. Again, any of the nipples disclosed herein may be used in combination with the device226.

FIG. 5illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a nipple250. The nipple250is placed over an opening252of a container or a bottle254by use of a threaded collar256. An insert258is associated with the bottle254. The insert258has a channel260and an internal vent tube262. A reservoir264having a reservoir extension266is connected to the insert258. The channel260and the internal vent tube262conducts airflow from the atmosphere into the inferior aspect of the bottle254. This provides for continuous, automatic, and on-demand venting of the bottle254. Any of the nipples disclosed and described herein may be used as the nipple250.

Referring now in particular toFIG. 6, a cross-sectional view of another nipple300constructed according to the present disclosure is shown. The nipple300is used to provide atomization of the contents of a bottle upon which the nipple300is placed. Some infants may prefer that the liquid being dispensed from a bottle be atomized. The nipple300comprises a nipple end portion302which extends to an intermediate concave section304which extends to a lower dome-shaped body306and then to a flange308. The flange308is used to be held to a bottle (not shown) by a collar (not shown). The nipple300has openings, apertures, or slits310formed in the nipple end portion302. An open bottom312is also provided at the flange308. The nipple300also has a generally hollow body314through which a liquid may pass from the bottom312through the body314and out the openings310. The nipple300may be placed in a mouth of an infant for providing atomization of the liquid contained within a bottle.

FIG. 7depicts an enlarged top view of the nipple300. The nipple300has the nipple end portion302and the slits310formed therein. The slits310are made at various angles tangentially to the surface. This facilitates variation of the flow of liquids from within a bottle. Any number of configurations of slits310may be used and are variably configurable.

Referring toFIG. 8, another embodiment of a nipple320constructed according to the present disclosure is illustrated. The nipple320comprises a top nipple portion322having irregular shaped ridges324and various openings326. The openings326may be placed at an angle on the nipple320. The nipple320also comprises an intermediate concave section328which extends to a lower dome-shaped body330and then to a flange332. An open bottom334is provided in the nipple320. The nipple320also has a generally hollow body through which liquid may flow from the bottom334to the openings326. The irregular shaped ridges324may be preferred by some infants due to the ridges324mimicking the surface of a natural breast.

FIG. 9shows a top view another embodiment of a nipple350constructed according to the present disclosure. The nipple350comprises a top nipple portion352having various openings354positioned about the top nipple portion354. The openings354are configured in a triangular shape and are formed by slicing though the top nipple portion352at a forty-five degree angle. The nipple350further comprises an intermediate concave section356which extends to a lower dome-shaped body or section358and then to a flange360. Although not shown in this particular view, the nipple350has an open bottom and a generally hollow body. As can be appreciated, liquid, such an infant formula, may flow through the open bottom, the hollow body, and out through the openings354.

With reference now toFIG. 10, a side view of the nipple350is shown. The nipple350has one of the openings354positioned into view in this figure. The nipple350also has the top nipple portion352, the intermediate concave section356, the dome-shaped body358, and the flange360.

FIG. 11depicts the nipple350in a rotated position relative to the position shown inFIG. 10so that the other openings354are displayed. The nipple350has two of the openings354positioned into view in this figure. The nipple350also has the top nipple portion352, the intermediate concave section356, the dome-shaped body358, and the flange360.

With reference now toFIG. 12, another embodiment of a nipple370is illustrated. This nipple370is similar to the nipple360with the exception of having less openings; In particular, the nipple370only has two openings formed in the nipple370. The nipple370comprises a top nipple portion372having two openings374positioned about the top nipple portion372of which only one of the openings374is shown in this figure. The openings374are configured in a triangular shape with one of the legs of the triangle missing. The openings374and are formed by slicing though the top nipple portion372at a forty-five degree angle. The nipple370further comprises an intermediate concave section376which extends to a lower dome-shaped body or section378and then to a flange380.

FIG. 13shows the nipple370rotated to depict the other opening374that is formed in the top nipple portion372. The concave section376, the dome-shaped body378, and the flange380are also shown. As can be appreciated, the flange380has an opening and the nipple370has a hollow body though which a liquid may flow through and out the openings374.

Referring now toFIG. 14, a top view of another embodiment of a nipple400is shown. The nipple400comprises a top nipple portion402having a first set of openings404and a second set of openings406positioned about the top nipple portion402. The first set of openings404are configured in a triangular shape and the second set of openings406also configured in a triangular shape. The first set of openings404are interior to the second set of openings406and the first set of openings404are offset from the second set of openings406. The openings404and406are formed by slicing though the top nipple portion402at a forty-five degree angle. The nipple400further comprises an intermediate concave section408which extends to a lower dome-shaped body or section410and then to a flange412. Although not shown in this view, the nipple400has an open bottom and a generally hollow body. Liquid, such an infant formula, may flow through the open bottom, the hollow body, and out through the openings404and406.

With reference now toFIG. 15, a side view of the nipple400is shown. The nipple400has the openings404and406positioned into view in this figure. The first set of openings404are higher than the second set of openings406on the top nipple portion402. The nipple400also has the top nipple portion402, the intermediate concave section408, the dome-shaped body410, and the flange412.

FIG. 16depicts the nipple400in a rotated position relative to the position shown inFIG. 15so that the other openings404and406are displayed. Again, the first set of openings404are positioned higher on the top nipple portion402than the second set of openings406. The nipple400also consists of the top nipple portion402, the intermediate concave section408, the dome-shaped body410, and the flange412.

Referring now toFIG. 17, another embodiment of a nipple420is illustrated. This nipple420is similar to the nipple400with the exception of having less openings. In particular, the nipple420only has two openings formed as the first set of openings422and tow openings formed as the second set of openings424in a top nipple portion426of the nipple420. The openings422and424are formed in the top nipple portion426by slicing through the top nipple portion426at a forty-five degree angle. The nipple420further comprises an intermediate concave section428which extends to a lower dome-shaped body or section430and then to a flange432. The first set of openings422are higher than the second set of openings424. Also, the first set of openings422are offset from the second set of openings424.

FIG. 18shows the nipple420rotated to depict the other openings422and424that are formed in the top nipple portion426. The concave section428, the dome-shaped body430, and the flange432are also shown. As can be appreciated, the flange432has an opening and the nipple420has a hollow body though which a liquid may flow through and out the openings422and424.

FIGS. 19 and 20illustrate another embodiment of a nipple440constructed according to the present disclosure. The nipple440comprises a top nipple portion442having openings444,446,448,450, and452. The openings444,446,448,450, and452are radially emplaced and having varying lengths with the length of the opening444being the longest and the length of the opening452being the shortest. In this particular embodiment, the opening444is next to the opening452. The nipple440further comprises an intermediate concave section454which extends to a lower dome-shaped body or section456and then to a flange458. Although not shown in this view, the nipple440has an open bottom and a generally hollow body. Liquid, such an infant formula, may flow through the open bottom, the hollow body, and out through the openings444,446;448,450, and452. As will be discussed in more detail herein, although only the openings444,446,448,450, and452are shown, it is contemplated and possible to have more or less openings with each of the openings having a different length than the other openings.

FIG. 21depicts a side view of the nipple440in which the openings446and448are visible. The nipple440is also shown to have the top nipple portion442, the concave section454, the dome-shaped body456, and the flange458. This particular orientation of the nipple440shows how the nipple440may be orientated toward the bottom of a mouth of an infant.

FIG. 22shows another side view of the nipple440in which the openings444,450, and452are visible. The opening444is shown to be longer in length than the opening452. Also, the opening450is longer in length than the opening452. Other portions of the nipple440, such as the top nipple portion442, the concave section454, the dome-shaped body456, and the flange458, are illustrated.

With particular reference now toFIGS. 23 and 24, another embodiment of a nipple460is illustrated. This nipple460is similar to the nipple440with the exception that one of the openings, such as the opening448, has been not been formed in the nipple460. In particular, the nipple460has a top nipple portion462having openings464,466,468, and470. The openings464,466,468, and470each have different and varying lengths with the length of the opening464being the longest and the length of the opening470being the shortest. The nipple460further comprises an intermediate concave section472which extends to a lower dome-shaped body or section474and then to a flange476.

FIG. 25is yet another embodiment of a nipple480constructed according to the present disclosure. The nipple480has a top nipple portion482having openings484,486,488,490, and492formed therein. The openings484,486,488,490, and492each have different and varying lengths. The length of the opening484being the longest and the length of the opening488being the shortest. One difference between the nipple480and the nipple460is that in the nipple480the longest opening484is not next to the shortest opening488. The nipple480also has an intermediate concave section494which extends to a lower dome-shaped body or section496and then to a flange498.

Referring now toFIGS. 26 and 27, another embodiment of a nipple500constructed according to the present disclosure is shown. The nipple500has a top nipple portion502having radial openings504,506,508,510, and512surrounding a central opening514. The central opening514may be similar to the310illustrated inFIG. 7. The central opening514is made at various angles tangentially to the surface. This facilitates variation of the flow of liquids from within a bottle. In this particular construction, the longest opening504is across from the shortest opening512. Thus, the cluster of slots or radial openings adjacent to the longest opening504is what provides for the greatest flow of formula from the nursing bottle. And, the cluster of slots or radial openings adjacent to the shortest opening512, provides for the lesser flow of formula from the nursing bottle. These flows are generally in the capacity of that as stated hereinafter. The nipple500also comprises an intermediate concave section516which extends to a lower dome-shaped body or section518and then to a flange520. Thus, with the shortest slit opening in the nipple, as at512, being opposite from the longest slit opening504, more of the formula will flow from the bottle when the slit504is located downwardly of the nipple when it is inserted into the infant's mouth. But, when the bottle is rotated approximately 180°, and the slit512, the shortest, is located at the bottom of the nipple as inserted, a much lesser flow of fluid will occur. As previously reviewed, and as summarized, when the larger or longest slit is located at the bottom of the nipple, it has been found that there occurs a faster flow rate of a formula from the bottle during usage. That flow rate, through testing, has been the fastest flow rate encountered, and it may be about one ounce per minute of flow of formula from the bottle. But, when the shorter slit112is located downwardly of the nipple, when inserted into the infant's mouth, it has been found that a slower rate of flow of formula occurs. It has been determined, through testing, to be at about a one ounce per minute and 45 seconds, for its flow rate. Thus, the flow of formula from the bottle can be controlled depending upon its positioning within the infant's mouth. And, it is just as likely, as previously reviewed, that indicia may be applied either upon the nipple, in association with these various lengths of slits, to indicate when a fast flow rate may be obtained, or a slow flow rate may be obtained, depending upon the location and positioning of the nursing bottle within the infant's mouth. Or, such indicia may be placed upon the bottle itself, and the nipple properly aligned when assembled, with formula therein, to indicate when the desired flow rate can be obtained, depending upon the positioning of the nursing bottle within the infant's mouth.

FIG. 28depicts the nipple500orientated so that the openings506and508and the central opening514are visible. The nipple500is also shown to have the top nipple portion502, the concave section516, the dome-shaped body518, and the flange520.

FIG. 29illustrates the nipple500being orientated to show the openings504,510, and512and the central opening514. The top nipple portion502, the intermediate concave section516, the dome-shaped body518, and the flange520are also shown in this particular view.

With reference now toFIGS. 30 and 31, another embodiment of a nipple530is illustrated. This nipple530is similar to the nipple500with the exception that one of the openings, such as the opening508, has not been formed in the nipple530. In particular, the nipple530has a top nipple portion532having openings534,536,538, and540and a central opening542. The openings534,536,538, and540each have different and varying lengths with the length of the opening534being the longest and the length of the opening540being the shortest. The nipple530further has an intermediate concave section544which extends to a lower dome-shaped body or section546and then to a flange548.

FIG. 32shows still another embodiment of a nipple560constructed according to the present disclosure. The nipple560has a top nipple portion562having openings564,566,568,570, and572and a central opening574formed therein. The openings564,566,568,570, and572each have different and varying lengths. The length of the opening564being the longest and the length of the opening568being the shortest. One difference between the nipple500and the nipple560is that in the nipple560the longest opening564is not next to the shortest opening568. The nipple560also has an intermediate concave section576which extends to a lower dome-shaped body or section578and then to a flange580. The central opening574is what is identified as the teaser opening or slit, and it provides for an initial and slow drippage of only drops of the formula from the nipple when the bottle is inverted. This is what is identified as the teaser type of opening for the nipple to initiate the incentive for the infant to accept and begin to manipulate the nipple to receive formula. This type of slit provided centrally of the nipple are generally formed tangentially, through a radial type of cut, normally performed with a razor edge cutting instrument.

With reference now toFIG. 33, another embodiment of a nipple600constructed according to the present disclosure is shown. The nipple600has a top nipple portion602having radially disposed openings604,606,608,610, and612surrounding a central opening614formed of two T-shaped openings616and618. The openings616and618may be similar to the310illustrated inFIG. 7. The openings616and618are made at various angles tangentially to the surface. This facilitates variation of the flow of liquids from within a bottle. In this particular construction, the longest opening604is next to the shortest opening612. The nipple600also comprises an intermediate concave section620which extends to a lower dome-shaped body or section622and then to a flange624.

Although all of the various nipples or dispensers have been shown and described, it is also possible and contemplated that the dispensers may be a spout for a drinking cup for older children. The dispensers may also be used for a sports bottle. The dispensers may be located in any position on the closure. Also, a cover may be provided for the dispensers to maintain the hygiene of the dispensers. All of these features enable the emulation of a nipple portion of a natural breast during breast feeding.

From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has thus been shown and described herein a user controllable noncollapsible variable stream physiological dispenser. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of the subject user controllable noncollapsible variable stream physiological dispenser are possible and contemplated. All changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the disclosure, which is limited only by the claims which follow.