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Publication Number
US-7472797-B2
Publication Date
2009-01-06
Expiration Date
Abstract
A container for collecting and storing breast milk. More particularly, one embodiment provides a container for collecting and storing breast milk obtained using a breast pump, comprising: a body, wherein the body has an open end with a lip, a closed end and a cavity between the open end and the closed end for receiving therein the breast milk; a cap; a hinge disposed adjacent the open end of the body for connecting the cap to the body; a sealing mechanism disposed on the cap, wherein the sealing mechanism provides a resealable, watertight seal between the cap and the lip of the body when the cap is placed thereon; and at least one thread disposed at the open end of the body, wherein the thread is configured to provide a screw-on connection between the body and the breast pump.
Core Innovation
A breast-milk collection/storage container is described for collecting and storing breast milk obtained using a breast pump. The container includes a body with an open end having a lip, a closed end, and a cavity between the open end and the closed end for receiving breast milk, and the body includes at least one thread disposed at the open end configured to provide a screw-on connection.
The container further includes an unthreaded cap integrally connected to the body by a hinge disposed adjacent the open end, such that the body, hinge and cap are a unitary structure. A sealing mechanism disposed on the cap provides a resealable, watertight seal between the cap and the lip of the body when the cap is placed thereon.
The disclosed structures include example sealing mechanisms and geometries for forming a sealing interface, including a sealing groove configured to form an interference fit with the lip and a cap skirt portion for covering threads. The embodiments also reference helical or multiple threads, performance definitions using a blue crystal dye test and moisture ingress tests, and optional features including calibration markings, a writing area, and manufacturability/sterilization and freezable/microwavable/autoclavable aspects.
Claims Coverage
The document provides two independent claims that share the same core container structure: a body with an open end lip and cavity, an integrally hinged unthreaded cap with a resealable watertight seal, and at least one thread at the open end configured for screw-on connections.
Integrated hinged unthreaded cap on container body
An unthreaded cap integrally connected to the body by a hinge disposed adjacent the open end so that the body, hinge and cap are a unitary structure.
Resealable watertight sealing mechanism between cap and lip
A sealing mechanism disposed on the cap providing a resealable, watertight seal between the cap and the lip of the body when the cap is placed thereon.
Threaded open end providing screw-on connection
At least one thread disposed at the open end of the body configured to provide a screw-on connection.
Dual screw-on connections for collection and feeding
At least one thread disposed at the open end configured to provide a screw-on connection between the body and the breast pump when collecting the breast milk and a screw-on connection between the body and the feeding nipple when feeding the breast milk.
Helical thread geometry
At least one thread is a helical thread running along the body from a first position adjacent the open end to a second position between the open end and the closed end.
Cap groove forming interference fit with lip
The sealing mechanism includes a groove in the cap configured to form an interference fit with the lip of the body.
Hinge holding cap in open position
The hinge is configured to be capable of holding the cap in an open position such that the cap does not cover the open end of the body.
Polypropylene components
Each of the body, the hinge and the cap comprises polypropylene.
Across the independent claims, the inventive subject matter centers on a breast-milk container body with an open end lip and cavity, an integrally hinged unthreaded cap carrying a resealable watertight sealing mechanism, and at least one thread at the open end enabling screw-on connections. Dependent features further specify sealing mechanisms, thread geometry, hinge open-position behavior, and polypropylene material constraints.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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