EP2285338B1 - Suction teat - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a suction nipple according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

State of the art

Ideally, an infant drinks from the mother's breast. However, there are several reasons why this is not always possible. For many years, therefore, attempts have been made to develop nipples for baby bottles, which allow the infant as possible a nature-inspired sucking. The infant should be able to switch back and forth between mother's breast and feeding bottle without any confusion. Among other things, emphasis is placed on the fact that the infant can not interrupt the flow of milk unintentionally by pressing the mouthpiece of the teat too tightly. In the beginning of the targeted development of teat nipples was also in the foreground that the teat does not cause permanent damage in baby mouth.

For that reason, teaches US 1 590 152 to replace the previously used long nipple teat with a nipple, which can hardly be extended by the infant. It is also mentioned in this publication that teat nipples are known, which have a hollow nipple, wherein the mouthpiece is provided with a thicker wall, so that it does not completely collapse when sucking. US 1 605 427 discloses a teat, the mouthpiece with a hollow cylindrical Insert part is reinforced. The insert has radial ribs on its inside. This insert is intended to prevent the mouthpiece from being pressed together so that milk can no longer flow.

U.S. 4,586,621 shows a teat with a semi-rigid inner membrane and a thin elastic outer membrane. This outer membrane is filled with milk when sucking over the opening in the semi-rigid membrane and therefore swells.

US 5,101,991 shows a teat, the mouthpiece is double-walled. The inner wall forms a hollow cylinder, which runs concentrically to the central axis of the mouthpiece and hangs down freely. Downwards, against the suction bottle, this hollow cylinder is formed closed except for a small passage opening.

In JP 2002011076 Ultrasound images were used to examine how the natural sucking behavior of an infant looks effectively. It is proposed to provide a suction nipple whose mouthpiece has zones of increased extensibility. This nipple thus gets deeper into the palate area of the child, similar to the nipple in the natural breastfeeding of the infant. In a first variant, the mouthpiece is provided in addition to these zones of increased extensibility with axially extending ribs, which allow a milk flow even with squeezed nipple. In a second variant, instead of the ribs at the tip of the mouthpiece, an inner hollow cylinder projecting in the direction of the milk bottle is formed.

US Pat. No. 6,966,904 discloses a teat with a milk channel running in the teat, which is formed by a separate tube. In US 7 320 678 a variant is disclosed in which the inner milk channel is formed integrally with the teat. Both teat cups have a valve to regulate the flow of milk.

GB 2 418 867 . GB 7179 and GB 934 534 disclose teat cups with an outer and inner wall, between which two walls a hollow, self-contained Chamber is formed. The nipple and the chamber change their shape during sucking. These nipples are to avoid later deformities of the child's teeth or convey the same elasticity as the mother's breast.

Presentation of the invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a teat which allows a lifelike as possible.

This object is achieved by a suction nipple with the features of patent claim 1.

Studies during breastfeeding have shown that not only the extensibility of the mouthpiece during the suction process and the avoidance of the closure of the milk duct are essential elements. Equally important is the interaction of teat, palate and tongue. The inventive nipple takes into account the natural interaction of the palate, tongue and nipple. Since the teat has an air space or a chamber which inflates cyclically during suction, the teat similar to the nipple of the mother can follow the tongue and / or palate movement of the infant and optimally fill the mouth similar to the nipple of the mother.

In a preferred embodiment, the air space does not only inflate in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the suction nipple. Thanks to its three-dimensional enlargement, the mouthpiece of the teat is extended and extends to the soft palate of the child.

The inventive teat nipple allows a lifelike reproduction, so that Saugverwirrung can be avoided when changing from teat to the natural mother's breast.

The teat according to the invention has a main body with an inlet opening and a mouthpiece with a suction opening and with at least one suction channel extending from the inlet opening to the suction opening. Through the suction channel of the infant suck a liquid, especially milk. The mouthpiece has at least one expandable zone, which runs separately from the at least one suction channel and which lies in use between the palate and the tongue of an infant.

This zone is designed so that it expands, in particular inflates, at a negative pressure which is produced by the infant during its sucking in its mouth.

This expansion is preferably reversible, so that the zone expands cyclically during suction and in accordance with the suction rhythm and reduces its volume again.

Preferably, the mouthpiece, in particular the suction channel, formed bendable soft. Preferably, the suction channel is approximately as soft as or even softer than the outer wall of the mouthpiece. This soft or flexurally soft training allows optimal adaptation of the radial nipple shape to the sucking process of the infant, since the mouthpiece of the tongue and / or palate movement can follow optimally. Furthermore, this design allows the mouthpiece to extend even while sucking. Preferably, the extension of the mouthpiece during and after the suction cycle is reversible.

In a preferred embodiment, the mouthpiece, in use, has an upper side facing an infant's palate and a lower side facing a tongue of the infant, having at least one double walled wall on its upper side and at least one zone between them two walls is arranged.

This zone is preferably a chamber which is open or closed with respect to the main body or a space which is filled with air, a gas, a liquid or a foam. If the chamber is filled with foam, then it is either itself expandable under reduced pressure or it has gas, in particular air, filled chambers which expand under reduced pressure.

The inventive suction nipple according to a preferred embodiment has a base body, a mouthpiece with a suction opening and at least one extending from the base body to the suction opening suction or milk channel. The mouthpiece has an outer wall closed in the circumference and an inner wall adjoining the outer wall in the region of the suction opening and closed on the circumference, wherein the inner wall forms the at least one milk channel on its inner side directed towards its longitudinal center axis. According to the invention, the at least one air space extends separately from the at least one suction channel, wherein it has spacers.

The inventive nipple takes into account the interaction of the palate, tongue and teat. In particular, it allows the teat to lie fully against the infant's palate during its sucking phase, in which the posterior region of the tongue is lowered, with virtually its entire upper surface. Furthermore, during the sucking phase, in which the posterior region of the tongue is raised, the teat nipple abuts virtually the entire lower surface of the tongue of the infant.

Ultrasound scans of a breast-fed baby have shown that the baby is cyclically switching back and forth between two sucking phases. In a phase A, the back of the baby's tongue is raised and presses against the hard palate. In a phase B, this rear tongue area is lowered. The ultrasound images have also shown that the nipple is stretched to just before the transition from the hard to the soft palate. The infant creates a negative pressure in the mouth by moving its tongue downwards in phase B in phase B. The upper lip on the one hand and either the tongue and / or the lower lip on the other hand form a sealing closure against the outside. The soft palate of the baby helps to maintain the negative pressure during sucking. The soft palate forms a throat-side seal to maintain the vacuum in the oral cavity. In phase A, the nipple has a coronal cross-section in the shape of an ellipse, with the major half-axis aligned. In phase B, the nipple is preloaded by the maximum vacuum and has an approximately round cross-section. The cyclic movement of the tongue up and down thus changes the diameter of the nipple in the same cycle. The coronal cross section cyclically changes its shape, the cross-sectional area in phase B being rather reduced compared to phase A. This effect forms the inventive Teat now after.

The at least one air chamber of the suction nipple, which preferably has atmospheric pressure, inflates at an external negative pressure. This enlarges the outer diameter like the nipple. The air chamber changes its volume in the same cycle as the baby raises and lowers the tongue. If at least the upper side of the teat is provided with such an air chamber, it is ensured that the teat during phase B rests like the nipple on the hard palate of the baby.

The air space, or in the case of several air chambers at least one of these air chambers, may be formed open to the main body. This embodiment is simple and therefore inexpensive to produce. However, at least one or all of these air chambers may also be formed closed relative to the main body. This embodiment ensures that in any case the balloon effect is fully achieved, i. the chamber inflates.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one air space extends annularly around a longitudinal central axis of the mouthpiece and is therefore also located on the lower, the tongue of the baby facing side of the teat.

The air space may extend only over part of the length of the mouthpiece. Preferably, however, it extends over the entire length. It is also possible that several air spaces are distributed over the length of the mouthpiece arranged one above the other, these air spaces are completely separated from each other and do not allow mutual exchange of air. However, they can also be designed so that an air exchange is possible.

There may be several milk channels. Preferably, however, there is a single milk channel which runs coaxially along the longitudinal central axis of the mouthpiece.

In a preferred embodiment, spacers, for example ribs, are arranged in the air space, which retain this air space in a reduced form when the mouthpiece is compressed. This prevents the walls of the mouthpiece from sticking to one another and the air space from being unable to inflate during the next cycle. Preferably, the spacers are projections which are arranged on at least one of the walls of the mouthpiece and directed towards the air space. But it can also be grooves. The projections can run at a constant height. Preferably, however, its longitudinal direction extends in the axial direction. In a preferred embodiment, they extend over approximately the entire length of the air space.

The inventive, easy to manufacture and easy-to-clean embodiment has an outer wall closed in the periphery, one in the region of the suction opening to the outer wall subsequent, circumferentially closed inner wall and a subsequent to the free end of the inner wall flange. The inner wall forms on its side directed towards its longitudinal central axis inside the at least one milk channel. The flange is directed radially outwardly away from the inner wall. He is, for example, sealingly suspended in an opening of a receiving head of a Saugnippeleinheit to form the at least one separate air space between the outer wall and inner wall.

Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Figur 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Babymunds während des Saugens an einem erfindungsgemässen Saugnippel;

Figur 2a

eine schematische Darstellung des erfindungsgemässen Saugnippels und des Gaumens während der Saugphase B, wenn der hintere Bereich der Zunge des Babys abgesenkt ist;

Figur 2b

eine weitere Darstellung des Saugnippels in der Saugphase B;

Figur 3a

der Saugnippel und der Gaumengemäss Figur 2 während der Saugphase A, wenn der hintere Bereich der Zunge angehoben ist;

Figur 3b

eine weitere Darstellung des Saugnippels in der Saugphase A;

Figur 4

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Längsschnitts durch den erfindungsgemässen Saugnippel;

Figur 5

einen Längsschnitt durch den Saugnippel gemäss Figur 4;

Figur 6

eine Seitenansicht einer Saugnippeleinheit mit dem erfindungsgemässen Saugnippel und einer Milchflasche in einer Explosionsdarstellung;

Figur 7

einen Längsschnitt durch die Saugnippeleinheit und Milchflasche gemäss Figur 6;

Figur 8

eine perspektivische Darstellung der Saugnippeleinheit und Milchflasche gemäss Figur 6;

Figur 9

eine Längsschnitt durch die Saugnippeleinheit mit montiertem Saugnippel gemäss Figur 6 und

Figur 10

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Längsschnitts gemäss Figur 9.

In the following, the subject invention will be explained with reference to preferred embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1

a schematic representation of a baby mouth while sucking on a teat according to the invention;

FIG. 2a

a schematic representation of the inventive nipple and the palate during the suction phase B, when the rear portion of the tongue of the baby is lowered;

FIG. 2b

a further illustration of the suction nipple in the suction phase B;

FIG. 3a

the teat and the palate FIG. 2 during the suction phase A, when the rear portion of the tongue is raised;

FIG. 3b

a further illustration of the suction nipple in the suction phase A;

FIG. 4

a perspective view of a longitudinal section through the inventive nipple;

FIG. 5

a longitudinal section through the teat according to FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6

a side view of a teat unit with the inventive teat and a milk bottle in an exploded view;

FIG. 7

a longitudinal section through the teat unit and milk bottle according to FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 8

a perspective view of the teat unit and milk bottle according to FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 9

a longitudinal section through the teat unit with mounted nipple according FIG. 6 and

FIG. 10

a perspective view of the longitudinal section according to FIG. 9 ,

Ways to carry out the invention

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of the sucking behavior of a baby. The reference numeral 9 denotes the mouth of the baby, 90 shows his upper lip. 91 denotes its hard palate and 92 its soft palate. The baby's tongue is labeled 93.

A mouthpiece 12 of a teat 1 according to the invention is located in the mouth 9 of the baby. The front part of the tongue 93 and / or the lower lip on the one hand and the upper lip on the other hand surround the teat 1 sealingly against the outside. The mouthpiece 12 protrudes almost into the mouth 9 until the transition of the hard palate 91 into the soft palate 92. The front part of the tongue 93 presses from below against the mouthpiece 12, wherein the rear part of the tongue 93 is lowered. It creates a cavity 94 in the rear, whereby a negative pressure in the mouth 9 is generated.

An upper portion of the mouthpiece 12 forms an expandable zone 14 which abuts the hard palate 91. This zone 14 is preferably a chamber filled with a fluid or an air space. The following is spoken of airspace instead of zone. Other types of zones are equally feasible. In particular, instead of being filled with air, the space may be filled with another gas, with a liquid or with a foam.

The air space 14 is located on the hard palate 91 substantially over its entire length. In the example shown here, since the air chamber 14 extends substantially over the entire length of the mouthpiece 12, the mouthpiece 12 lies on the hard palate 91 over its entire length.

The lower portion of the double-walled mouthpiece 12 is compressed, wherein Here, too, a front airspace 15 is present. However, this does not necessarily have to be present. As in FIG. 1 can be seen, the bottom of the mouthpiece 12 preferably hugs the tongue 93.

A running in the mouthpiece 12 milk channel 18 is shown here almost completely closed. This does not necessarily have to be the case. However, the milk flow is largely interrupted in this situation. A suction opening of the suction nipple 1 is provided with the reference numeral 13.

The same situation is in the FIGS. 2a and 2 B shown.

In the FIGS. 3a and 3b Now the situation is shown in which the tongue 93 is raised back. The lower air space 15 is reduced or disappears depending on the design of the mouthpiece 12 completely. The pressure on the lip-side part of the mouthpiece is slightly reduced. The upper air space 14 is compressed, but still exists with reduced volume. Reason for this are spacers, which are arranged in the air space 14. These spacers will be described later in the text. The upper air chamber 14 and the upper part of the mouthpiece 12 are still on the hard palate 91 at. The same applies to the lower part of the mouthpiece 12, which also bears against the tongue, not shown.

When sucking on the nipple 1 now changes the baby between the in the Figures 2 and 3 shown positions, which pump-like cyclically creates a negative pressure and then the milk channel is opened. The upper and optionally also the lower air space 14, 15 expand due to the vacuum, similar to a balloon, which is placed in a vacuum chamber. The change in volume of the air spaces 14, 15 takes place cyclically with the change in the negative pressure prevailing in the mouth. This ensures that the mouthpiece 12 of the teat 1 behaves similar to a natural nipple.

Preferably, at least on the top of the mouthpiece 12 at least one upper air space 14 is present. Preferably, however, is also on the bottom of the mouthpiece 12 at least one lower airspace 15 available. On both sides also several air spaces can be present. The upper and lower air spaces 14, 15 may be connected to each other or even formed by the same space, so that the mouthpiece 12 is rotationally symmetrical.

The air spaces 14, 15 preferably have atmospheric pressure. They may be open and thus communicate with the outside of the teat 1. As in the FIGS. 1 and 2 can be seen, the lip 90, the hard palate 91 and the tongue 93 closes off the air spaces 14, 15 preferably to the outside.

However, the air spaces 14, 15 may also be formed closed. In this case they may also have an overpressure relative to the atmospheric pressure or a negative pressure as long as this underpressure is substantially smaller (i.e., closer to atmospheric pressure) than the negative pressure generated in the baby's mouth.

The inventive teat 1 and in particular its mouthpiece 12 with the at least one air space 14 can have a wide variety of shapes. In the FIGS. 4 to 10 exemplified an embodiment of an inventive nipple 1 is shown. However, the inventive teaching is not limited to such a teat. In particular, the double walls and the air space 14 can also be formed in other ways. Spacers or non-adhesive surface design is an advantage, but not absolutely necessary. Furthermore, the type of attachment described herein is preferred, but is not the only way that such a nipple can be mounted on a feeding bottle. In particular, it is also possible to use the types of fastening known from the prior art.

The FIGS. 4 and 5 It is preferably made of silicone, of a silicone-based plastic, of rubber, of TPE or another suitable material. Preferably, it is integrally formed. He has a dome-shaped base body 10, which is a cylindrical or frusto-conical mouthpiece 12 tapers with a free end. In the mouthpiece 12 extends at least one, here exactly a suction or milk channel 18 which is rectilinear and ends in a suction opening 13 at the tip of the mouthpiece 10. From this suction opening 13, the liquid flows out of the suction nipple 1 to the outside. The main body 10 is preferably made hollow. At its lower, the mouthpiece 12 opposite wide end an inwardly projecting mounting flange 11 is formed.

The mouthpiece 12 is double-walled. It has a circumferentially completely encircling and closed trained outer wall 120. An inner wall 121, which is preferably made in one piece with the outer wall 120, adjoins the upper end of this outer wall 120. However, it can also be welded or otherwise tightly connected to it. The inner wall 121 is also formed circumferentially completely closed and closed. It protrudes downwards towards the main body 10, wherein it extends at least over the entire length of the outer wall 120. Preferably, it projects with its lower end partially into the base body 10. At the lower end of the inner wall 121, a flange 123 connects, which is also preferably manufactured in one piece with this or subsequently connected to it.

Base 10, outer and inner walls 120, 121 may have the same wall thickness or different wall thicknesses and / or a different extensibility. The individual parts 10, 120, 121 may have varying wall thicknesses or distensibilities in themselves. Preferably, the inner wall 121 is formed approximately the same bending soft as the outer wall 120. It may also be softer or stiffer than the outer wall 120. It should not lead in any case to a substantial stiffening of the mouthpiece.

Between the outer wall 120 and the inner wall 121, an air space 14 is formed, which surrounds the entire milk channel 18, but runs separately from it. This means that no milk flows through the air space 14.

In this air space 14 spacers are at least in a region, preferably evenly distributed over the circumference of the milk channel 18, arranged, which prevent that at external pressure, the outer wall 120 and the inner wall 121 may lie against each other over their entire common length. As a result, the air space at minimum pressure on a minimum volume, which is not equal to zero. In addition, the outer wall 120 and the inner wall 121 do not stick to each other even after elimination of the external pressure.

In this example, the spacers are formed by ribs 122, 17, which protrude into the air space 14. They can be arranged either on the inner wall 121 or on the outer wall 120, in particular integrally formed. In this example, inner ribs 122 are radially outwardly projecting on inner wall 121 and outer ribs 17 are radially inwardly disposed on outer wall 120. They are preferably distributed over the circumference offset from each other, wherein they are arranged distributed uniformly over the circumference. The ribs 122, 17 also reinforce the walls.

The longitudinal direction of the ribs extends in this example in the direction of the longitudinal center axis of the mouthpiece 12 and the milk channel 18. However, the ribs can also be the milk channel 18 circumferentially arrange, for example, by running at a constant height or unwind spirally. Instead of ribs and knobs, grooves or other elevations and depressions are used, which interrupt the flat and smooth surface of the inner wall 121 and / or the outer wall 120.

In the FIGS. 6 to 10 It is shown how such a teat can be integrated into a teat unit and this can be attached to a suction bottle. In the FIGS. 6 to 8 is a suction or milk bottle 4 exemplified. Other types and shapes of drinking vessels may also be used with the teat units according to the inventive teaching. Preferably, however, they have a container neck with an external thread.

The Saugnippeleinheit consists of the teat 1 and the here two-part Saugnippelverbinder, which comprises a base part 3 and a receiving head 2. The base part 3 is preferably made of polypropylene (PP) or a polyamide, the receiving head 2 made of PP or a polyamide or a combination of PP or a polyamide with silicone, rubber or TPE.

The base part 3 is dimensionally stable and consists of a rigid material. It consists essentially of a ring body 30 with a circumferential, closed outer shell, which preferably has a sufficient grip to serve as a rotary ring when mounting and removing the teat unit to or from the container 4.

In the peripheral edge of the annular body 30 at least one slot 31 is arranged. The slot is formed bent according to the radius of the annular body 30. The slot 31 extends to the inner wall of the annular body 30. The distance between opposite wall regions (measured through the center of the annular body 30) is equal to or preferably greater than the outer diameter of the thread of the container 4th

On the side facing away from the container neck top of the base ring 3, a circumferential outer sealing edge 37 is present, which protrudes upward. This is preferably formed by the uppermost peripheral edge of the base ring 3. Spaced to the outer sealing edge 37, an inner circumferential sealing edge 38 is present, which also protrudes upwards. The slot 31 is thus located between the first and the second sealing edge 37, 38. Preferably, this sealing edge 38 is interrupted by at least one ventilation opening 381, which leads to the outside. The way to the outside, for example, lead via a non-tight threaded connection with the milk bottle 4 or extend between the base part 3 and recording head 2.

In the base part 3, an inner truncated cone 35 is integrally formed within the inner sealing edge 38 and in the upper region. Its flanks can be formed straight or curved. It projects beyond the annular body 30 and extends upwards to the receiving head 2. The passage opening 34 is preferably in the uppermost region, preferably in the flattened top, arranged. This tip may have a cylindrical shell and extend over the passage opening 34 so as to form an upper sealing edge 340. In the interior of this sealing edge 340 is a flat surface 341. In the lower region of the inner truncated cone 35 and the inner sealing edge 38 adjacent a circumferential inner sealing surface 380 is present. It preferably runs perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the base part 3.

This base part 3 can be placed on the container neck, but without it already fixed in position relative to it, in particular twist is secured. There is a bottom stop 39 which limits how far the container neck can pass through the base part 3, i. how far the base part 3 on the container neck can slide down. In the examples shown here, the abutment is an inner bearing surface 39 in the upper region of the base ring 3. Other types of abutments 39, such as projecting lugs or ribs, are also possible.

The receiving head 2 is also annular and preferably rotationally symmetrical and has a central passage opening 22. It basically consists of two areas. The lower region is formed by at least one plug-in element 20. The plug-in element 30 has on its inside an internal thread 201. Instead of an internal thread and an external thread may be present if the drinking container 4 is provided with a corresponding internal thread.

The receiving head 2 can be inserted into the base part 3, wherein the plug element 20 engages in the slot 31. Snap-in lugs of the plug element 20 and / or the slot 31 can prevent a subsequent falling out of the receiving head 2 from the base part 3. Preferably, the length of the plug element 20 is dimensioned such that it extends approximately to the lower edge of the base part 3, but this does not protrude.

At the plug-in element 20 diametrically opposite side of the receiving head 2, a hinge 202 is arranged, which engages in a corresponding recess 300 of the base part 3. Thus, a releasable connector is present without the recording head 2 and base 3 must be completely separated from each other. she can be cleaned together but in an open position.

By slightly pulling apart of the receiving head 2 and the base part 3 in the direction of their common longitudinal central axis, however, the resistance of latching ribs can be overcome and these move past each other. If the plug-in element 20 is designed to be slightly resilient, detachment is facilitated. For example, suspension may be provided by suitable choice of the thickness of the male member 20, i. the material thickness can be achieved. However, the two parts can preferably only be separated from one another if they are not screwed onto the container 4.

The upper portion of the receiving head 2 has peripherally arranged support body 24, which cooperate with the above-described suction nipple 1. In this example, the peripheral support structure 24 is formed by support wings 240, which are evenly distributed over the circumference and arranged in the peripheral region. They protrude like petals obliquely inward upward. In this example, they each have a substantially rectangular basic shape, with their edges being rounded. Preferably, these support wings 240 are rigid. They can be resilient, non-resilient or barely resilient. They are in particular made in one piece with the rest of the receiving head by injection molding or other suitable manufacturing process. However, the support wings 240 may also be formed of a softer material than that of the plug-in elements 20. Preferably, however, even if they are relatively soft, dimensionally stable. Instead of the petals, for example, completely filled knobs can be used as a support structure.

Below the support wings 240, i. in the transition region from the upper to the lower part of the receiving head 2 is on the bottom, which faces the base part 3 and the container 4, a protruding circumferential fastening edge 21 with a peripherally encircling outer sealing surface 210 is present. It is planar and extends approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis of the receiving head. 2

The receiving head 2 has in the interior an upwardly projecting towards the suction nipple 1 outer truncated cone 25, in the flattened tip of the passage opening 22 is arranged. The uppermost region of the truncated cone 25 is surrounded by a bead, which delimits a peripheral groove 250.

Inside the tip of the outer truncated cone 25, a valve may be arranged. This is not mandatory. In the example shown, a valve diaphragm 220 is shown. It closes the relatively small passage opening 22.

The main body 10 of the teat 1 is bent as described above with its lower edge inwards, so that the radially inwardly directed flange 11 is formed. The suction nipple 1 can be with its base 10 over the support wings 240 of the receiving head 2, wherein the upper part of the receiving head 2 from the nipple 1 is included. The flange 11 engages behind the projecting edge between the upper and lower regions of the receiving head 2 and lies flat against the outer sealing surface 210 of the same.

The teat 1 can thus be attached to the receiving head 2 or partially put over him. Subsequently, the recording head 2 can be inserted into the base part 3. The recording head 2 can be stuck in the base part 3, if this is free but also if it is already on the container neck. Since the base part 3 in the axial direction with respect to the receiving head 3 can still move easily, the teat 1 can optionally be slipped over the former only when plugged recording head 2 and base part 3.

Now, if the teat 1 is slipped over the recording head 2, so its radially outwardly projecting and circumferentially formed flange 123 engages the opening 22 of the recording head 2 and establishes a liquid-tight connection. This hooking of the flange 123 is in the Figures 9 and 10 good to see.

If the receiving head 2 is inserted into the base part 3, then the outer truncated cone 25 surrounds the inner truncated cone 35, wherein the two through-openings 34, 22 are preferably aligned with one another in the longitudinal central axis. The suction opening 13 is in mounted state through the through holes 22, 34 of the receiving head 2 and the base part 3 connected to the container interior, so that the baby through this opening his drink, such as tea, water or milk can drink.

If a valve membrane is present, then the surface 341 of the base part 3 forms the valve seat for the membrane 220. A circumferential gap 5 arises between the two truncated cones 25, 35, which is formed by the fact that the two truncated cones 25, 35 do not have the same inclination , This intermediate space forms a ventilation chamber 5. Preferably, at least one ventilation or discharge opening 381 leads from this chamber 5 to the outside.

Between suction nipple 1 and recording head 2, a support space 6 is formed, which deforms depending on the stress of the nipple 1 by the infant. The outer truncated cone 25 protrudes to the mouthpiece 12 and forms a central support body. As a result, the mouthpiece 12 is optimally supported.

By turning the base part 3 or the receiving head 2 on the container neck, the two threads, external thread and internal thread 201 engage with each other. The pickup head 2 runs down the thread along. With him, the base part 3 is pulled down to its lower stop. This means in the embodiments described here that it rests with its upper inner stop surface 39 on the upper edge of the container neck. Base part 3 and receiving head 2 are now mounted on the container 4 and secured relative to each other twist. As a result, the outer sealing surface 370 of the base part 3 is now pressed relative to the outer sealing surface 210 of the receiving head 2. They clamp the flange 11 of the suction nipple 1 and thus ensure a liquid and airtight connection between the nipple 1, receiving head 2 and base part 3. Depending on the configuration, a differently shaped lower edge 11 of the teat 1 between the two parts 2, 3 are clamped sealing.

If the bottle 4 is no longer needed, the base part 3 can be rotated again, so that the rotation between the base part 3 and recording head. 2 solves. Due to the axial displaceability of the base part 3, the flange 11 is released and the teat 1 can be removed from the receiving head 2. Subsequently, the plug connection between receiving head 2 and base part 3 can be released. The three parts can now be cleaned as individual parts and sterilized if necessary.

The teat according to the invention makes possible an interaction of the palate, tongue and teat which is modeled on natural breastfeeding.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Suction nipple 10 basic body

110

mounting flange

12

mouthpiece

120

outer wall

121

inner wall

122

inner rib

123

flange

13

suction opening

14

upper airspace

15

lower airspace

17

outer rib

18

milk duct

2

Up head

20

plug-in elements

201

inner thread

202

hinge

21

attachment edge

210

outer sealing surface

22

Through opening

220

valve membrane

24

peripheral support structure

240

support wings

25

outer truncated cone

3

base

30

ring body

300

recess

31

slot

34

Through opening

341

plane surface

35

inner truncated cone

37

outer sealing edge

38

inner sealing edge

381

ventilation opening

39

bottom stop

4

container

5

aeration chamber

6

support space

9

Mouth of the baby

90

upper lip

91

Hard palate

92

soft palate

93

tongue

94

vacuum chamber

Claims (13)

1. Teat having a main body (10) with an inlet opening, a mouthpiece (12) with a suction opening (13), and at least one suction channel (18), wherein the mouthpiece (12) has at least one extensible zone (14) which extends separately from the at least one suction channel (18) and which, during use, lies between the palate and tongue of a baby, and wherein this zone (14) is designed in such a way that it expands in the presence of an underpressure generated in the baby's mouth during sucking, characterized in that the mouthpiece (12) has a peripherally closed outer wall (120), a peripherally closed inner wall (121) adjoining the outer wall (120) in the area of the suction opening (13), and a flange (123) adjoining the free end of the inner wall (121), wherein the inner wall (121), on its inner face directed towards its longitudinal centre axis, forms the at least one suction channel (18), and wherein the flange (123) is oriented radially outwards from the inner wall (121), such that it can be hinged sealingly into an opening (22) of a receiving head (2) of a teat unit.
2. Teat according to Claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece (12), in particular the suction channel (18), is flexible.
3. Teat according to one of Claims 1 and 2, wherein the mouthpiece (12), during use, has an upper side directed towards a palate of a baby, and a lower side directed towards the baby's tongue, and wherein the mouthpiece (12) is designed, on its upper side, at least double-walled with two walls, and the at least one zone (14) is arranged between these two walls.
4. Teat according to one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the zone is a chamber which is open or closed with respect to the main body (1) and which is filled with air, a gas, a liquid or a foam.
5. Teat according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the suction channel (18) extends coaxially along a longitudinal centre axis of the mouthpiece (12).
6. Teat according to one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one zone (14) extends in a ring shape about a or the longitudinal centre axis of the mouthpiece (12).
7. Teat according to one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the zone (14) contains spacers (122, 17) which, when the mouthpiece (12) is pressed together, preserve this zone (14) with a reduced volume.
8. Teat according to Claim 7, wherein these spacers (122, 17) are projections that are arranged on at least one of the walls (120, 121) of the mouthpiece (12) and are oriented towards the zone (14).
9. Teat according to one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one zone (14) extends in the axial direction of the teat (1) along almost the entire length of the mouthpiece (12).
10. Teat according to Claim 1, wherein the inner wall (121) extends along at least the entire length of the outer wall (120) of the mouthpiece (12).
11. Teat according to one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the inner wall (121) is longer than the mouthpiece (12) and extends into the main body (10).
12. Teat according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the zone (14) extends along the entire length of the mouthpiece (12).
13. Teat according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the inner wall (121) is formed like a hollow cylinder which inner diameter corresponds to the suction opening (13).

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