Abstract:
Nipple assemblies including nipples which attach to a threaded nipple adapter which can be attached to feeding containers with threaded spouts are disclosed. Mounting tools are also disclosed, to aid in attaching the elastic nipples to the adapters.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to Applicant&#39;s copending application Ser. No. 12/584,552 for “FLEXIBLE HEAT TREATMENT AND STORAGE BAG,” filed simultaneously with the present application, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The embodiments disclosed herein pertain to nipple assemblies for dispensing liquids to mammals such as young animals, including means for attachment to containers of such liquids and to tools for mounting nipples to nipple adapters to form a nipple assembly. 
     2. Description of the Relevant Art 
     Applicant&#39;s prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,276,264 (PORTABLE DAIRY PASTEURIZER) and 7,401,546 (BATCH PASTEURIZER) and pending application U.S. Ser. No. 11/519,758 for a HEAT EXCHANGER UNIT, published as US 2008/0063771 and now abandoned, all pertain to the heat treatment or pasteurization of dairy products for the feeding of young animals, and are incorporated herein by reference. 
     Prior art patents disclose numerous containers and systems for storing, handling and dispensing liquids such as dairy products, particularly systems for feeding calves and other young animals. 
     For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,190,420 discloses a calf feeder with a nipple, hanger and check valve, made of rubberized canvas. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,329,347 discloses a calf feeder with a hanger and nipple, made of sheet rubber. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,708,421 discloses a collapsible dispensing/feeding device made of waterproof fabric, rubber, etc., having a nipple and a funnel-type filler. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,280,410 discloses a collapsible nursing bag for calves or other young animals, having multiple teats with anti-leak valves and made of sheet rubber. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,748,047 discloses collapsible bags made of flexible plastic which can be used as nursing bags or for carrying/storage. 
     Even though a variety of containers for the storage and dispensing of liquids, including the feeding of dairy products to young animals, have been patented and produced, numerous problems remain to be solved and improvements are needed in the field. As stated in Applicant&#39;s previous patents, significant improvements in the health of young animals such as calves can be achieved by ensuring that any waste milk, colostrum or other dairy products are pasteurized prior to feeding. However, pasteurizing such products may be insufficient; for example, if a product is pasteurized and then transferred via unsanitary means it will be recontaminated with pathogenic microbes, or if a calf is able to remove the nipple from a feeding container while suckling, the contents will be wasted and/or contaminated. With conventional processing, small quantities of dairy products may be kept in non-refrigerated conditions awaiting adequate volumes to accumulate for a batch to be pasteurized; such problems could be eliminated by collecting the product in small, sealed containers for prompt pasteurization or cooling. Also, since most containers are difficult to clean thoroughly after containing dairy products, it would be desirable to have sanitary, convenient containers which can be configured for one-time use in storing and feeding such products. Further details of such problems in he dairy industry are provided in the background section of Applicant&#39;s copending application RHD-5. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosed embodiments is feeding attachments such as nipples for removable attachment to feeding containers for nursing young animals. Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is apparatus and methods for efficiently attaching and detaching such nipples to and from the feeding containers. Still another aspect of these embodiments concerns methods of connecting the nipples to the containers using threaded connections which minimize the possibility of leakage. A further aspect is the use of the containers disclosed in Applicant&#39;s copending application RHD-4 for feeding dairy products or other liquids, which may be pasteurized, to young animals such as calves using feeding fixtures such as nipples. 
     A general embodiment is a connector and feeding fixture assembly, comprising a connector component forming a liquid conduit and having on one end means for connection to a spout of a liquid container and on the opposite end, means for connection to a feeding fixture, plus a feeding fixture adapted for connection to the outer end of the connector component. A version of this embodiment comprises a female-threaded receptacle for connection to male threads on the spout of a container and a male barb fitting adapted to connect to a female receptacle affixed to the base of a feeding fixture. The feeding fixture can be a nipple, and the nipple can comprise handling means attached to the base thereof which have at least two portions which are grippable for the connection of the nipple base to the connector component or removal therefrom. 
     The containers of RHD-4 comprise spouts with male threads. Various useful fixtures can be attached to the spout, including specialized pouring means and nipple assemblies. One embodiment usable with such containers is a nipple assembly comprising a nipple and a threaded nipple adapter. An embodiment of such a nipple assembly comprises a nipple having a flexible elastic body which can be provided with a suitable aperture in its tip for dispensing liquid to a nursing animal and a base comprising a beveled interior opening and handle means at the base thereof for forcing the nipple base onto a conical barb fitting forming one end of the nipple adapter. The nipple adapter has a hollow interior forming a liquid conduit and female threads at one end therein designed to attach to the threaded spout of a feeding container to place the nipple in fluid communication with the spout. The nipple adapter can comprise a substantially circular flange on the base hereof to facilitate screwing and unscrewing the adapter to and from a threaded spout. To improve the operators grip, the flange can have a plurality of small finger grip projections along the periphery hereof, or can be knurled or otherwise roughened around the outer edge. A feeding container such as the bags disclosed in Applicant&#39;s RHD-4 can be filled with liquid, then have the screw cap removed and a feeding fixture such as a nipple threaded onto the spout in place of the cap to provide a “nursing bag” ready for feeding a young animal. 
     Mounting tools are provided to facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the components of the nipple assembly described above (a nipple and nipple adapter), comprising means for at least temporary attachment to a surface. The body of such a tool can be any suitable shape, but can be easily produced in a substantially boxy, rectangular form. The tools can have feet or brackets at their bases which contain holes, slots or the like for the insertion of mechanical fasteners such as bolts, sheet metal and/or wood screws, nails, pegs, pins or any fastener suitable to join the mounting tool to a given surface. The tools provide means for the removable attachment of the base of the nipple adapter with its barb fitting facing outward for connection of the base of the nipple to the barb fitting for use. For nipple adapters provided with a flange at the base thereof, the mounting tools can provide at least one slot on the top and/or side surfaces hereof to accommodate such flanges, preferably providing a snug fit so that the flange will remain stationary while the nipple is attached or detached. Such slots can vary in width so that the flange can be wedged into a snug fit. When such slots are defined by a substantially continuous outer portion of the mounting tool and the inner box form of the tool, a semi-circular cutout in the outer portion can serve to accommodate the base portion of the nipple adapter to more effectively retain it in position. If such slot are positioned on at least one side of the mounting tool, a conical centering post having a size and shape designed to accommodate the threaded interior of a nipple adapter can be provided for attachment of the nipple to the adapter. By centering the adapter atop the centering post, the nipple can be attached by simply pressing its base down onto the barb fitting of the adapter, using handles or other handling means to exert suitable pressure to mate the nipple base to the barb fitting. The nipple can be removed by again sliding the flange of the nipple adapter of a nipple assembly into the slot and exerting pressure on one side of the nipple, preferably through handling means which provide some rotational force to begin the separation of the nipple from the barb fitting at one side hereof. A simple form of the slot on the mounting tool can be formed by two or more “lift resistors” formed by sheet portions arching from the sides of the body of the tool over a flat surface hereof to define a slot between the inner surfaces of the arching sheet portions and the flat surface of the tool body. 
     A simplified embodiment of he nipple described above can comprise female threads inside the base hereof in place of the structures designed to affix the nipple base to a barb fitting. The interior threaded nipple can then be screwed directly onto a threaded spout of feeding containers such as those disclosed in Applicant&#39;s RHD-4, or can be sized to be removably attached to any suitable container with a threaded spout or mouth. Such threaded nipples can also be provided with handling means such as the handles described above, or other means to facilitate the process of screwing and unscrewing the nipples onto and from a threaded spout or the like. 
     A further embodiment provides a method or process of feeding a young animal with a dairy product pasteurized using a process described above and in RHD-4, comprising steps of placing a quantity of at least one dairy product in at least one container as described above, pasteurizing the product(s) by immersion in a heat transfer liquid in apparatus which subjects the heat transfer liquid to a temperature-time profile which provides a pasteurization profile for the product(s), cooling the product(s) to suitable feeding temperature(s) and/or heating them to suitable feeding temperature(s) after cold storage, applying a nipple assembly to the spout of the container, tipping it at a suitable angle and inserting the nipple into the animal&#39;s mouth for feeding. The nipples to be used are designed for efficient suckling by the animals to be fed, but in some cases pressure can be exerted on the container to induce flow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete appreciation of the disclosed embodiments and many of the aspects and advantages thereof will be readily obtained by perusal of the following detailed description and appended claims in combination with the accompanying drawings, with the same parts being designated by the same numerals in the several views, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a nipple assembly; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the nipple assembly of  FIG. 1  with the components joined; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded side sectional view of the nipple assembly of  FIG. 2 , with the nipple adapter attached; 
         FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of the nipple assembly of  FIG. 1  positioned above a mounting tool; 
         FIG. 5  is a detail view of the base of the nipple assembly of  FIG. 1  being slid into a flange slot of the mounting tool of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the nipple assembly of  FIG. 5  attached to the mounting tool of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7A  is a side perspective view of an alternative mounting tool; 
         FIG. 7B  is a top view of the mounting tool of  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 7C  is a face view of the mounting tool of  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of a nipple assembly positioned above the mounting tool of  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of the nipple assembly attached to the top of the mounting tool of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a side perspective view of a nipple assembly positioned adjacent the face of the mounting tool of  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 11  is a side perspective view of a nipple assembly attached to the face of the mounting tool of  FIG. 10 ; and 
         FIG. 12  is a detail view of the threaded spout area of a feeding bag with a nipple assembly attached for feeding young animals. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a nipple with a threaded interior. 
         FIG. 14  is a side sectional view of the nipple of  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Although a preferred embodiment has been designed for dispensing pasteurized milk and other dairy products to young animals such as calves on dairy farms and the like, and the invention will be discussed in that context, systems within the scope of the invention can be used for the dispensing or feeding of all sorts of liquid materials. The fluids will normally be liquids of low to moderate viscosity such as milk, but can also be more viscous dairy products such as colostrum, cream or dairy beverages. 
     Naturally, the characteristics of the materials to be dispensed or fed to young animals must be studied and understood before effective dispensing can begin. For example, it is necessary for each product to determine the temperatures for heat treatment, storage and feeding, as well as the size and shape of the aperture in the tip of the nipple through which the product must flow. 
     In the present application, the contraction “and/or” is used in the conventional sense, with “A and/or B” meaning that A, B or A+B may be present. The embodiments described herein use earth as a frame of reference, wherein “up” is a direction opposite the gravitational force and the “top” or “bottom” of an object being described relate to the normal position in which the object is used. “Outer” and “inner” and “distal” and “proximal” may be used in similar ways to denote the portions farther or nearer from the point of description. 
     Turning now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3  illustrate the components of a nipple assembly  60 , including nipple  64  and a nipple adapter  62  with internal threads  75  a one end for attachment to the threaded spout  23  of a container  10  (no shown here; see  FIG. 12 ). Nipple adapter  62  can be made of a harder rubber or a suitable synthetic polymer such as ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), filled or unfilled. Nipple  64  has a round, slightly tapered shaft with a wall  74  of flexible rubber or other suitable polymer (as described above), a rounded tip beginning at transition line  76  and at least one aperture  78  at the tip for dispensing the liquid. The aperture  78  can be cut into the molded nipple by cutting at least one single, crossed or crescent-shaped slit with a knife or similar tool to facilitate liquid flow requirements for various liquid products. The nipple wall  74  has a thickened transition  73  from the sealing area  72  and at least one sealing recess  70  to mate with projecting sealing edge  77  of the barb fitting end  81  of nipple adapter  62 . 
     The nipple portion  64  of nipple assembly  60  includes an integral pair of handles  66 , attached to a thickened structural base  83 , with raised thumb grip ridges  68  on each side for the operator&#39;s use in forcing the beveled interior portion  80  of the nipple base  72  over the barb fitting  81  and sealing ledge  77  of the barb fitting of adapter  62  to ensure a tight, secure attachment, as shown in  FIG. 2 . Nipple adapter  62  has internal threads  75  designed to screw onto the threads  25  of spout  23  of a feeding container (not shown here.) Flange  85  of nipple adapter  62  includes a plurality of projections  85 A along its periphery. 
       FIG. 3  shows the interior structure of nipple adapter  62 , including threads  75  and integral seal  79 , designed to prevent liquids from escaping around the threads. Seal  79  is formed as a tapered cylindrical component inside threads  75  so that it enters the inside neck of spout  23  when nipple adapter is screwed thereon. This type of fitting is a preferred version because it minimizes leakage. 
       FIG. 4  shows the nipple  60  of  FIGS. 1-3  positioned above a nipple adapter  62  which has been inserted into a flange slot  102  of a nipple assembly mounting tool  90 . Mounting tool  90  features a bridge support  92  attached to two vertical supports  94 , each of which have two mounting hardware slots  98  or the like. These feet and slots, holes or the like to accommodate mounting hardware, are used to secure the tool  90  to a suitable flat surface for use. A representative fastener, in this case a lag bolt  99 , is shown, but any suitable mechanical means can be used to secure the tool&#39;s base to a surface for working. For example, combinations of hook-and-loop fabrics, strong magnets and any type of mechanical fastener capable of securing the base to a surface can be used. A nipple adapter flange slot  102  is formed by the space between bridge support  92  and two lift resistors  100  which arch inward from both sides of the tool to form a slot adapted to snugly fit nipple adapter flange  85  of nipple adapter  62 . In the nipple adapter  62  shown here positioned in flange slot  102 , sealing ledge  77  and internal threads  75  of adapter  62  are visible. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the process of sliding flange  85  of nipple adapter  62  into the nipple adapter flange slot  102  of mounting tool  90 . While this structure has been found to be effective in securing a nipple adapter  62  in place for the installation of nipple  60 , any suitable mechanical means including such a flange, clamps or the like can be employed. 
     As discussed above in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , nipple  64  can be joined to nipple adapter  62  to form nipple assembly  60  by pressing the nipple downward onto sealing ledge  77  of the barb fitting  81  of the adapter. Securing nipple adapter  62  in mounting tool  90  facilitates this process, allowing the operator to press downward on nipple  64  using handles  66  and thumb grips  68 .  FIG. 6  shows the nipple  64  thus mounted on nipple adapter  62  to form a nipple assembly  60 , which can then be removed by sliding flange  85  of the nipple adapter out of slot  102 . As discussed in Applicant&#39;s copending RHD-4 and below with regard to  FIG. 12 , the nipple assembly can then be attached to a threaded spout of a heat treatment, storage and feeding bag or any suitable container having a screw spout of the proper size and threads. Nipple  64  can be removed from nipple adapter  62  by again sliding flange  85  into slot  102  and using handles  66  to pull nipple  64  away from adapter  62 . 
       FIGS. 7A ,  7 B and  7 C illustrate an alternative embodiment of the mounting tool,  90 A, forming a rather boxy base, with flange mounting slot  102 A placed on one side  106  (the “face”) of the tool rather than on top as in tool  90 . Lift resistors  100 A on either side of face  106  form the slot  102 . A half-round cutout portion  110  of lift resistors  100 A allows the base of nipple adapter  62  to seat therein, retaining the nipple assembly more firmly, as seen in  FIG. 10 . A curved cutout  108  at the base of face  106  serves as a debris drain and cleaning port for slot  102 . Horizontal feet  96 A contain holes  98 A for mechanical fastening means to secure mounting tool  90 A to a surface. A solid conical nipple adapter centering post  104  can be used to seat the nipple  64  on nipple adapter  62  by centering the nipple adapter atop centering post  104 , then applying pressure to seat the nipple base on the conical portion of the adapter, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIGS. 8 and 10  disclose details of certain embodiments of nipple adapter  62 , including small finger grip projections  85 A on the periphery of adapter flange  85  to facilitate screwing and unscrewing the adapter on threaded spouts or the like. Flange  85  can be molded of plastic materials as an integral part of nipple adapter  62 . This embodiment of the adapter employs longitudinal buttress support guides  81 A on the conical portion ( 81 ) of the adapter. This configuration can be easier to mold than a solid conical form, and effectively guides the nipple base onto the sealing ledge  77  of the adapter. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate the process of removing nipple  64  from adapter  62  after use. With the nipple adapter flange  85  of the complete nipple assembly inserted into flange slot  102  of mounting tool  90 A, pressure can be applied to handles  66  of nipple  64 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , mainly on the most accessible top handle, to snap the nipple off so that it can be cleaned or recycled. Nipple adapter  62  can then be slid out of slot  102 A. 
     Both embodiments of the mounting tools described above can be molded of suitable strong plastics, but if greater strength is desired, can be cast from metals, metal alloys, composites or other stronger materials. 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view showing a nipple assembly  60  (comprising a nipple  64  and nipple adapter  62 ) applied to the threaded spout (not visible here) of a feeding bag  10  such as those disclosed in Applicant&#39;s copending application U.S. Ser. No. 12/584,552. This figure represents a bag  10  or other container having a compatible threaded spout which is filled with a liquid such as a diary product and fitted with a nipple assembly. Nipple  64 , described further above as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , has a slightly tapered round trunk shaped for proper suckling purposes and constructed of a flexible elastomer such as rubberized PVC, GLS 2701, a Dynaflex® styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer manufactured by GLS Corporation (with Shore Hardness about A-65), Texin® 285 (a polyester-based thermoplastic polyurethane produced by Bayer Materials) or suitable natural or synthetic rubbers or the like. The distal (nursing) tip of nipple  64  begins to round off at circular transition line  76  and the center of the tip includes at least one aperture  78  for dispensing the product as the calf or other animal sucks the nipple  64 . The nipple  64  is attached to a self-seating base or nipple adapter  62  which contains internal threads  75  (not seen here) to mount and properly seal with the spout threads  25  of spout  23 . This combination is employed to provide a nipple which is flexible and durable enough to respond well to animal feeding and last for at least one feeding, while the stiffer nipple base  72 , which is firmly applied to the sealing edge  77  of nipple adapter  62 , which is in turn screwed onto the spout  23  of bag  10 , ensures that the nipple will be held firmly in place. More details re the nipple assembly are provided in the discussion of  FIGS. 1 to 3  and in the copending application cited above. 
     A method for feeding infant livestock employs the bag  10  of Applicant&#39;s RHD-4 application with the nipple assembly  60  attached, from which the calf or other animal can nurse through the nipple at will. Although the bags disclosed in the RHD-4 application are preferred, the nipple assemblies disclosed herein can be applied to filled containers of any type provided they have suitable threaded spouts. 
     Special equipment can be used in mounting the nipple  64  on the nipple adapter  62 , as described below and illustrated in  FIGS. 4 to 11 . These special mounting tools can be used by mechanically securing the nipple adapter flange  85  thereto while the nipple  64  is applied to the barb fitting portion  81  of nipple adapter  62 . 
     To assemble a fresh bag of colostrum, milk or other dairy product, the operator first secures the nipple  64  to the nipple adapter  62  using the mounting tool ( 90  or  90 A) provided, combining the nipple  64  and nipple adapter  62  as shown in FIG.  2 . He then removes the screw cap  24  of bag  10  (not shown here) and screws the nipple assembly  60  onto a threaded spout of a bag such as those disclosed in Applicant&#39;s RHD-4 application. This configuration allows a liquid-tight, secure connection of the nipple assembly to the bag, and easy cleaning or recycling of the nipples after use. The entire nipple is then placed into the mouth of the calf for feeding as the bag is inverted to allow the contents to empty. 
     An alternative embodiment of nipple  64 A is illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . The nipple form and materials, including handles  66 , are substantially the same as in he embodiments disclosed above, but the inner contours designed to engage with a barb fitting are replaced by female threads  75  inside the base of nipple  64 A. The materials used for molding the nipple and the thickness and contours of the nipple base are tailored to allow for durable threads to be molded as an integral part of the nipple. This permits the nipple to be simply screwed onto the threaded spout of a suitable feeding container. Handles  66  can be used to assist in the process of installing and removing such nipples, or optionally the handles can be omitted from the nipple and the nipple structural base  83  or other device for gripping he nipple base employed instead. 
     The qualities of the embodiments disclosed above are further illustrated by the following working examples. A delicate balance must be engineered so that the nipple assembly can be put together and taken apart with ease, while having a strong enough frictional connection to prevent the nipple from being pulled off during feeding. Various materials of varying stiffness qualities and thicknesses were tested thoroughly to achieve these objectives in the embodiments disclosed above. 
     Clearly, numerous modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein for preferred embodiments. 
     PARTS LIST, RHD-5 (NIPPLE ASSEMBLY) U.S. Ser. No. 12/584,551 
     
         
           10  Heat treatment/storage bag 
           23  Threaded spout of bag 
           24  Screw cap 
           25  Threads of spout  23   
           60  Nipple assembly 
           62  Nipple adapter 
           64  Nipple 
           64 A Threaded nipple 
           66  Nipple Base Handles 
           68  Thumb grips 
           70  Sealing recess 
           72  Nipple base 
           73  Transition from sealing area 
           74  Nipple wall 
           75  Internal threads 
           76  Nipple tip transition line 
           77  Sealing ledge 
           78  Aperture or slit at tip of nipple 
           79  Integral seal inside nipple adapter  62   
           80  Starting bevel inside nipple adapter  62   
           81  Barb fitting, nipple adapter 
           81 A Buttress support guides 
           82  Nipple mounting base 
           83  Nipple structural base 
           85  Nipple adapter Flange 
           85 A Projections on Nipple Adapter Flange 
           90  Nipple Assembly mounting tool 
           90 A Alternative (A) Nipple Assembly mounting tool 
           92  Bridge Support 
           94  Vertical Supports 
           96  Horizontal Attachment feet 
           96 A (A) Horizontal Attachment feet 
           98  Mounting Hardware slots 
           98 A (A) Mounting Hardware holes 
           99  Mechanical Fastener 
           100  Lift Resistors 
           100 A (A) Lift Resistors 
           102  Nipple Adapter Flange slot 
           102 A (A) Nipple Adapter Flange Slot 
           104  Nipple Adapter centering post 
           106  Face of tool  90 A 
           108  Cutout for drain 
           110  Cutout in Lift Resistors