GB2520792A

GB2520792A - A bottle

Info

Publication number: GB2520792A
Application number: GB1413067.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Gooch; Max Franz Wehebrink; Richard Smith; David Richard Stonehouse
Original assignee: PA Knowledge Ltd
Current assignee: PA Knowledge Ltd
Priority date: 2013-11-29
Filing date: 2014-07-23
Publication date: 2015-06-03
Also published as: GB201413067D0; GB201321074D0; WO2015079255A2; WO2015079255A3

Abstract

The present invention provides a bottle having a lid that is directly engagable with a container through a push-fit engagement. The lid and container have correspondingly shaped contact or engagement surfaces (Figure 6, 24 and 14 respectively) and that provide a frictional and fluid-tight seal between the lid and the container to keep the lid and container in contact with one another during use. The bottle may also comprise a cap that can be used to pick up the lid and also can be used to aid with placing the lid over the container. The bottle can be used as a babies bottle, with the lid either comprising a spout or a teat. The bottle may include a removably engageable collar 51 for friction engaging with at least a portion of the outer lid skirt 22. This collar may comprise one or more handles 61, and also it may urge the lid skirt into a fluid-tight engagement.

Description

A Bottle

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to bottles, and in particular to bottles for containing liquids, for example for feeding infants, or br containing drinks for older children and adults.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Bottles, particularly those for use in feeding infants, have existed for many years, and the design has not changed significantly since their inception. Figure 1 shows a typical example of a modern reusable bottle with a teat.

Present bottles comprise of a container 1, thread-type teat collar 3, teat 4, and cap 6.

Once the liquid (for example formula or breast milk) has been placed into the container 1, the flexible teat 4 is placed over the top of the container 1. The teat 4 has a teat skirt 5, which is a portion of the teat that extends radially outwardly to allow the teat to be placed on top of an upper lip edge of the container 1. With the teat skirt 5 resting on the container, a teat collar 3 is then placed over the teat 4 and screwed onto the top of the container using the thread 2 (and corresponding thread on the inside surface of the teat collar 3, not shown). Once the collar 3 is secured, the teat 4 is secured and the bottle may be used to provide feed to an infant, or may be stored for short periods (possibly covering the teat 4 with a cap 6).

However, such bottles with teats and teat collars are prone to collecting debris on which bacteria grows, despite careful handling, due to their construction, and the manner in which the items are assembled prior to giving the bottle to an infant.

For example, the user needs to pick up and balance a teat on the top of the container prior to the collar being placed over the teat and screwed down to secure the teat.

Whilst the user is advised to use a pair of sterile tongs or tweezers to pick up and place the teat on the container, this only introduces another item into the assembly that the user needs, and has to keep sterile. As such, many users do not use tongs to handle the teat, so the teat may no longer be sterile after handling.

Furthermore, external screw threads 2 on the container are extremely difficult to clean and to remove all traces of contamination during uses. Likewise, the internal screw threads on the collar 3 component are even harder to clean reliably. Any threads, sharp corners, blind gaps or severe undercuts present high risk of bacterial contamination that can lead to serious infection in the infant. Similarly, bottles for older children and adults (that is bottles without teats, but with a sealable end comprising a straw or spout to dispense liquids) often also comprise external screw thread and other features from which it is extremely difficult to remove all traces of contamination.

Traditional screw thread assemblies can also be difficult to assemble correctly, which may lead to cross threaded applications that are not secure or sealed, and can damage the bottle. Such traditional screw thread assemblies are also difficult to assemble and disassemble one-handed which would be advantageous for situations such as a parent holding a baby.

We have therefore appreciated the need for a new bottle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention therefore provides a bottle comprising: a container for containing liquids, comprising a body for containing liquids and an upper lid engaging portion for receiving and engaging with a lid, the upper lid engaging portion comprising a lip projecting downwardly from an upper lip edge of the container, the lip having an outer surface that tapers radially outwardly from the upper lip edge of the container to a lower portion of the lip; and a lid removably engageable with the upper lid engaging portion of the container to provide a frictional engagement between the lid and the container when engaged, the lid comprising: a lid body; and a lid skirt extending from the lid body for engaging with the lid engaging portion of the container, the lid skirt comprising an engagement surface on an inner surface of the lid skirt, the engagement surface tapering radially inwardly from a lower portion of the lid skirt to an upper portion of the lid skirt; wherein the tapered engagement surface of the lid and the tapered lip of the container have substantially the same profiles to provide a frictional engagement between the lid and the container when engaged.

The tapered surfaces advantageously provide surfaces of the lid and the container that create a frictional interface between the lid and the container that is resistant to pulling forces on the lid, whilst still enabling the lid to be separated from the container using a suitable action. As the lid is pulled away from the container, the lid skirt engagement surface stretches over the container lip and contracts to grip more firmly onto the container lip. The tapered surfaces may additionally provide a fluid-tight seal between the lid and the container.

The lower portion of the lid skirt may terminate in an end portion extending radially inwardly of the lid skirt, a boundary between the lower portion of the engagement surface of the lid skirt and the end portion defining a step portion. The lower portion of the lip of the container may also terminate in a recessed portion having an outer surface that extends radially inwardly of the lower portion of the lip, a boundary between the recessed portion and the lower lip portion defining an undercut portion.

Furthermore, the step portion and undercut portion may be configured and arranged to abut one another when the lid is engaged with the container.

This arrangement further helps to retain the lid on the container. The step portion provides an abutment against the undercut portion, which provide an inifial resistance to the separation of the lid from the container, which enables the lid skirt to begin to stretch and contract over the container lip.

The end portion and the recessed portion may be configured and arranged to contact one another when the lid is engaged with the container. This provides a more flush finish to the lid when engaged with the container.

When engaged, the engagement between the lid skirt and the lid engaging portion may be a fluid tight engagement.

The bottle may also comprise a removably engageable collar for frictionally engaging with at least a portion of the outer surface of the lid skirt. Such an arrangement provides additional means for greater retention of the lid on the container when engaged.

When engaged, an inner surface of the collar may contact at least a circumferential portion of the outer surface of the lid skirt and applies a compressive force on the at least a portion of the lid skirt, thereby urging the at least a portion of the lid skirt into engagement with the lid engaging portion of the container. Furthermore, when engaged, the collar urges the at least a circumferential portion of the lid skirt in contact with the collar, which may provide a fluid-tight engagement with the respective lid engaging portion of the container.

When engaged, the collar may be located on the lid skirt such that at least a portion of the lid skirt is between and in contact with the collar and the lid engaging portion of the container.

The collar may be an annulus and wherein, when engaged, an inner surface of the collar engages along a circumference of the lid skirt. Alternatively, the collar may extend around only a portion of the circumference of the lid skirt.

Additionally, the bottle may be provided with one or more handles. The one or more handles may, for example, be provided as handles projecting from the collar.

An inner surface of the upper portion of the lid skirt may comprise an endstop feature or lip extending radially inwardly of the lid skirt, the endstop feature or lip being configured to contact the upper lip edge of the container when the lid is engaged with the container to provide a fluid-tight seal between the teat and the container. This endstop feature or lip prevents the lid being pushed too far down onto the container. It also may provide a fluid-tight seal between the lid and the container upper edge when engaged. The endstop lip may also extends radially inwardly and downwardly of the lid skirt.

The lid skirt may also comprise one or more lid tabs extending from a portion of a lower edge of the lid skirt. Such lid tabs enable easier removal of the lid from the container when desired, since lifting the tab more easily separates the lid skirt from engagement with the container.

The tapered engagement surface of the lid skirt is preferably concavely tapered, and wherein the tapered outer surface of the lip of the container is preferably convexly tapered.

The bottle may also comprise a cap being configured to be removably attachable to the lid. The cap may comprise an inner lip extending radially inwardly of the cap for contacting the lid to provide a frictional engagement between the cap and lid when the cap and lid are engaged. Such lip enables the cap to be retained on the lid by frictional forces.

An outer upper portion of the lid skirt bordering the lid body may comprise a lid skirt upper edge, the lid skirt upper edge being defined by a change in outer radial dimension of the lid between the lid skirt and the lid body. Furthermore, the inner lip of the cap contacts the lid skirt upper edge when the cap and lid are engaged.

The cap may also comprise a cap lip lower surface extending below the inner lip of the cap and having an inner surface that tapers radially outwardly from the cap lip to a lower portion of the cap lip lower surface. Preferably, the tapered cap lip lower surface of the cap has substantially the same profile as at least a portion of the tapered engagement surface of the lid or the tapered lip of the container. Such a tapered cap lip may additionally provide a cap that creates a seal when engaged with the id.

Furthermore, the cap may be arranged such that at least a portion of an inner surface of the cap contacts a portion of the lid body when the cap and lid are engaged to provide a frictional engagement between the cap and lid. This provides an additional frictional surface to further strengthen the grip between the cap and the lid.

In any of the above, the lid skirt may be configured such that the lid skirt contracts over the tapered lip of the container when a pulling force is exerted on the lid in a direction away from the container, so as to increase the frictional forces between the tapered engagement surface of the lid and the tapered lip of the container. This aids with retention of the lid on the container when it is engaged.

The lid may comprise an opening in the lid body for accessing contents in the container.

In one embodiment, the opening comprises a spout extending upwardly away from the lid body. Such bottles may be used, for example, by children and adults for consuming drinks.

In an alternative embodiment, the lid is a teat, the lid skirt is a teat skirt and the lid body is a teat body, and wherein the opening in the lid body comprises a teat nipple having an opening for releasing liquid contained in the container, the teat nipple extending upwardly from the teat body. Such bottles may be used, for example, by infants for feeding milk or other suitable liquids.

When the lid is a teat, the teat may comprise an anti-colic means.

In any embodiment, the lid is preferably resiliently deformable. Furthermore, the lid skirt is preferably semi-rigid and deformable, which provides a suitably firm surface on which a force may be applied when bringing the lid and container into engagement.

LIST OF FIGURES

Embodments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a prior art bottle with teat, collar and cap; Figure 2 shows a bottle according to the present invention; Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the lid (in the form of a teat) of the bottle of figure 2 from different angles; Figure 4 shows a container of the bottle of figure 2 in two different views (one is in cross-section); Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the container shown in figure 4; Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the bottle of figure 2 with the teat and container engaged; Figure 7 shows the cross-section of figure 6 from a different angle; Figure 8 shows two cross-section views of a cap useable with the bottle of figure 2; Figure 9 shows a cross-section view of the teat of the bottle of figure 2 engaged with the cap of figure 8; Figure 10 shows an alternative cross-section view of figure 9; Figure 11 shows a cross-section view of the cap of figure 8 engaged with the bottle of figure 2; Figure 12 shows an alternative cross-section view of figure 11; Figure 13 shows two different views of an alternative teat for use in the battle of figure 2; Figure 14 shows two different views of the teat of figure 13 when placed on the bottle of figures 4 and 5; Figure 15 shows an alternative lid; Figure 16 shows the lid of figure 15 in cross-section; Figure 1 7 shows a further alternative lid; Figure 18 shows two different views of a bottle comprising a collar; Figure 19 shows two different views of a bottle comprising the collar of figure 18, and also a cap; Figure 20 shows some example arrangements of the engagement between the collar of figure 19 and the lid skirt; Figure 21 shows two different views of a bottle comprising a collar having handles; and Figure 22 shows a bottle comprising the collar having handles of figure 21, and also a cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In brief, the present invention provides a bottle where a lid is directly engagable with a container through a push-fit engagement, removing the need for corresponding threads. When the lid is a teat, this also removes the need for a separate collar to keep the teat in contact with the container. The lid and container have correspondingly shaped contact or engagement surfaces that provide retention between the lid and the container to keep the lid and container in contact with one another during use. The engagement between the lid and the container may also provide a fluid tight seal, either directly when the lid and container are engaged, or when an additonal collar is imposed over the lid. When the lid is a teat, the bottle also comprises a cap that can be used to pick up the teat and also can be used to aid with placing the teat over the container so that the user does not need to handle the teat directly, thereby retaining the sterility of the teat when assembling the bottle.

Advantageously, the new bottle provides a simple push fit assembly operation requiring no threads on the bottle making the bottle very easy to assemble and very easy to clean to remove traces of contamination. In one embodiment there is no collar component, additional embodiments include a collar that is imposed to help retain the lid. The collar may also impart pressure on a portion of the lid in order to help the lid provide a fluid tight seal against the container, however this collar does not require internal threads. The absence of internal threads makes the teat assembly very easy to assemble and to clean to remove traces of contamination. Furthermore, the components are designed to eliminate threads, sharp corners, blind gaps or severe inaccessible and internal undercuts that present high risk of bacterial contamination being retained during and after cleaning that can lead to serious infection to the user of the bottle. When the lid is a teat, whilst a cap may be provided to aid with assembly of the bottle, the teat can also be assembled without the use of the cap, making contact with ony the non-feeding skirt surface. The simple push fit assembly operation ensures the correct assembly of the teat onto the bottle.

The assembly and operation of a bottle will first be described with reference to figures 2 to 7.

In this first example, which is an infant's feeding bottle, the bottle comprises a container 11 for containing a liquid to be fed to, for example, an infant. The liquid may, for example, be formula or breast milk. The container 11 comprises a body and an upper teat engaging portion for receiving and engaging with a lid, in this case a teat. The container upper teat engaging portion comprises a lip 14, projecting downwardly from an upper lip edge 13 of the container 11, a recessed portion 16 and an undercut portion 15. The container may be made from, for example, polypropylene or materials that preferably do not contain BPA.

The lip 14 has an outer surface that tapers radially outwardly from the upper lip edge of the container to a lower portion of the lip 14. The lower portion of the lip 14 terminates in the recessed portion 16, which has an outer surface that extends radially inwardly of the lower portion of the lip 14, which defines the undercut portion 15 at a boundary between the recessed portion 16 and the lower lip portion 14.

In this example, the lid is a teat, which is removeably engageable with the container.

The teat comprises a teat nipple 21, which has an opening (not shown) for releasing a liquid contained in the container 11. Various shapes, sizes and numbers of openings are possible, depending on the application of the bottle (for example teats for older infants require more and/or larger openings than that of younger infants to be able to supply the required flow of liquids from the container). The teat also comprises a teat or lid skirt 22, which engages with the teat engaging portion of the container 11 to provide a retention between the teat and the container 11. The teat also comprises a teat or lid body 20, which is between the teat skirt 22 and the teat nipple 21. The teat may be made, for example, from silicon, or other materials having a suitably high Poisson's ratio.

The teat skirt 22 comprises an engagement surface 24 on an inner surface of the teat skirt 22. The engagement surface 24 tapers radially inwardly from a lower portion of the teat skirt 22 to an upper portion of the teat skirt 22.

The tapered engagement surface 24 of the teat and the tapered lip 14 of the container 11 have substantially the same profiles to provide an engagement between the teat and the container 11 when engaged (for example as shown in figures 6 and 7). The engagement between the tapered engagement surface 24 of the teat and the tapered lip 14 of the container may also advantageously provide a fluid-tight engagement.

As can be seen in the figures, the tapered engagement surface 24 of the teat skirt 22 is concavely tapered, and the tapered outer surface of the lip 14 of the container 11 is convexy tapered. This is a preferable shape, but these shapes are not essential for the invention to work. For example, the tapers may be linear or straight.

It is the frictional engagement between the tapered engagement surface 24 and the tapered lip 14 that provides the secure attachment and engagement between the teat and the container 11 (as will be described below).

The lower portion of the teat skirt 22 terminates in an end portion 26 extending radially inwardly of the teat skirt 22. A boundary between the lower portion of the engagement surface 24 of the teat skirt 22 and the end portion 26 defines a step portion 25. The step portion 25 in the teat skirt 22 and the undercut portion 15 in the container 11 are configured to abut one another when the teat is engaged with the container 11.

The end portion 26 and the recessed portion 16 are configured and shaped to contact one another when the teat is engaged with the container 11 (again as shown in figures Band 7).

The inner surface of the upper portion of the teat skirt 22 comprises an endstop lip 23 extending radially inwardly of the teat skirt 22, the endstop lip 23 may also extend downwardly as well as inwardly. The endstop lip 23 is configured to contact the upper lip edge 13 of the container 11 when the teat is engaged with the container 11 this contact surface may additionally provide a fluid tight seal with the container. The endstop lip 23 may also act to prevent the teat being pushed too far down onto the container 11, which may make it more difficult to remove the teat from the container 11, and may not provide a fluid tight seal.

With reference to figures 8 to 12, the bottle also may comprise a cap 31, which can be placed over the teat when the bottle is not being used, for example to protect the teat from contamination. The cap 31 is removably attachable to the teat. As can be seen, the cap 31 is designed to encase the teat and designed to grip the teat when engaged with sufficient friction so as to prevent the cap 31 separating from the teat easily, but also enabling a user to separate the cap 31 and teat when required.

To this end, the cap 31 is provided with an inner lip 32, which extends radially inwardly of the cap for contacting the teat to provide a frictional engagement between the cap and teat when the cap and teat are engaged.

To provide a suitable engagement surface, an outer upper portion of the teat skirt 22 bordering the teat body 20 comprises a teat skirt upper edge 27. The teat skirt upper edge 27 is defined by a change in outer radial dimension of the teat between the teat skirt 22 and the teat body 20. The inner lip 32 of the cap 31 contacts the teat skirt upper edge 27 when the cap 31 and teat are engaged.

The cap 31 may also comprise a cap lip lower surface 33, which extends below the inner lip 32 of the cap 31. The cap lip lower surface 33 has an inner surface that tapers radially outwardly from the cap lip 32 to a lower portion of the cap lip lower surface 33.

The cap lip lower surface 33 is designed to have substantially the same profile as at least a portion of the tapered engagement surface 24 of the teat or the tapered lip 14 of the container 11.

Having the cap lip 32 and the cap lip lower surface 33 enables the cap 31 to grip the teat with sufficient force that the teat (when not engaged with the container 11) may be picked up and moved around whilst engaged the with cap 31. Furthermore, by providing the cap lip lower surface 33 having substantially the same profile as at least a portion of the tapered engagement surface 24 of the teat or the tapered lip 14 of the container 11, the sealing engagement between the cap 31 and teat may provide a fluid-tight seal to prevent any leakage from the teat escaping from the bottle through the lid cap junction.

To ensure a sufficiently tight enough seal between the cap 31 and the teat, the cap 31 may be designed such that at least a portion of an inner surface of the cap 31 contacts a portion of the teat body 20 when the cap 31 and teat are engaged (for example see figure 9, where a portion of the teat body 20 contacts the inner surface of the cap 31 above the cap lip 32).

We will now describe how the teat is affixed to the container 11. There are two main methods of affixing the teat to the container: (i) using the cap 31; and (H) without the cap3l.Wewilltakeeach inturn.

(i) Installing the lid/teat with the cap 31 The cap 31 (which preferably has an inner surface that has been sterilised beforehand) is placed over a teat (which also preferably has been sterilised beforehand) in engagement with the teat (as shown in figures 9 and 10). In this position, the cap lip 32 engages with the teat skirt upper edge 27, and/or a portion of the lid body 20 engages with an inner surface of the cap 31. Once engaged, the cap 31 and teat move in unison.

The user then places the cap 31 and teat assembly over the open end of the container 11 and pushes the unit down onto the open end of the container 11. Since the teat is made from a resiliently deformable material, the inner surfaces of the lid skirt 22 can be encouraged (by applying a downward force) over the lip 14 of the container until the teat comes to rest in the position shown in figures 6, 7, 11 and 12.

In this position, engagement surface 24 is engaged with the container lip 14, endstop lip 23 rests on the container upper surface 13, step portion 25 abuts undercut portion and end portion 26 rests in recess 16. The endstop lip 23 creates a fluid-tight seal with the container upper surface 13, and/or as does the engagement surface 24 with the container lip 14. The engagement surface 24 and the container lip 14 are in frictional engagement in this position.

During the above process, the user may additionally encourage the teat into engagement with the container 11 by deforming manually the teat skirt 22, since the teat is deformable.

Once seating the engaged position as shown in figures 6, 7, 11 and 12, the user may remove the cap 31 (by pulling upwards with a force great enough to overcome the frictional forces between the cap 31 and the teat 20) and the bottle used.

In the engaged position, the step portion 25, undercut portion 15, engagement surface 24 and container lip 14 provide a suitably strong engagement between the teat and the container 11. Surprisingly it has been found that this engagement is capable of withstanding large forces that would otherwise cause the teat to separate from the container 11. For example, it has been found that the engagement is capable of withstanding pull forces on the teat nippe 21 that are greater than 90N in an upwards direction (away from the container 11), and a pull force on the teat nipple 21 at an upward 45° angle that is greater than eON. Both of these requirements enable the bottle and lid to conform to the EN14350-1 standard (for example when the lid is a teat).

When assembled into the engaged position, the teat skirt 22 is held in contact over the container lip 14. When a pull force is exerted on the teat nipple 21, the step portion 25 provides an abutment against the undercut portion 15, which provide an initial resistance to the separation of the teat from the container. As the teat is pulled further, the deforming teat causes the engagement surface 24 to stretch and contract over the container lip 14, thereby strengthening the frictional grip between the two surfaces.

Releasing the teat nipple 21 causes the teat to retract back to its original assembly position, in which the teat and container 11 are still engaged and provided with fluid-tight seals between the teat and the container 11.

(iD Installing the lid/teat without the ca 31 In this method, where the cap 31 is not present, the user handles the teat only by contacting the teat skirt 22. By gripping the teat skirt 22, the user may place the teat on top of the container 11 and either pull or push (or a combination of both) the teat skirt 22 downwards over the container lip 14 until the teat is seated correctly on the container lip 14. During this process, the user may need to deform the teat skirt by pulling outwardly from the container 11 in order to seat the teat correctly.

The method using the cap is preferred, since there is no risk of the teat nipple 21 coming into contact with a user's hand, thereby affecting its sterility. However, as discusses above, it is still possible to affix the teat to the container 11 without the use of the cap 31.

Removal of the lid/teat Once the bottle is finished with, the user may place the cap 31 back onto the teat for storage for later cleaning and refilling. During removable of the teat from the container 11, the cap 31 may be engaged with the teat, or it may be separated from the teat.

In order to remove the teat from the container 11, the teat skirt end portion 26 is lifted from the recess 16 in the container 11 (for example by rolling or lifting the teat skirt end portion 26 upwards using a thumb or fingers) and pushed upwards past the container lip 14. The container 11, teat and cap 31 may then be washed and sterilised before refilling as described above.

In order to aid the user in the removal of the teat from the contain 11, a teat tab 28 may be provided on the teat skirt 22 (as shown in figure 13 and 14). The teat tab 28 extends from a portion of a lower edge of the teat skirt 22, and provides an easier surface for the user to grip to deform the teat skirt 22 so as to enable the user to remove the teat from the container lip 11.

It is noted that the teat may comprises an anti-colic means, that is the teat nipple 21 and/or teat body 20 may comprise an anti-colic means as known in the prior art. The present invention is not limited for use with any particular anti-colic means.

In further examples of the present invention, the lid may be a sealing lid i.e. a lid that seals the contents of the container 11 for storage. Alternatively, the lid may be lid that enables drinking of liquid contents stored within the container (for example by older children or adults, who do not require teats) or the lid may have an interface to which other devices may be connected in order to enable liquids to be deposited into the container (for example breast pumps attached to the lid to enable breast milk to be deposited into the container), in which case the lid comprises an opening through which liquids in the container are accessible. The opening may comprise a drink-through spout or straw extending from the lid, may be a suitably shaped and sized hole in the surface of the lid, or may be an adapted interface to enable other devices to be connected to the lid in fluid engagement. The opening, drink-through straw or spout may be sealable to prevent liquids leaving the bottle when not desired.

Some of the above further examples are shown in figures 15 to 17, which will be described below.

The lid shown in figures 15 and 16 is similar to the lid shown in figure 17, only that the lid in figure 17 does not comprise an opening. The lid of figure 17 may therefore be used to seal contents in the container. However, the principle of operation with regards to engagement of the lid with the container is the same for the lids shown in figure 15 and 16, and 17, so the lids will be discussed together. It should also be noted that the principle of operation of the lids of figures 15 to 17 with regards to the engagement of the lid with the container is the same for the lid or teat shown in figures 2 to 7. The lids of figures 15 to 17 engage with a container as described with reference to figures 2 to 7, and are also able to receive a cap as described with reference to figures 8 to 12.

In the examples shown in figures 15 to 17, the lid is removeably engageable with the container 11. The lid comprises a lid body, which may (figures 15, 16) or may not (figure 17) comprise an opening for accessing contents of the container (for example a liquid contained in the container 11). As shown in figures 15 and 16, the opening may comprise a spout 41. The lid also comprises a lid skirt 42, which engages with the lid engaging portion of the container 11 to provide retention between the lid and the container 11. As with the examples given above, the lid may be made, for example, from silicon, or other materials have a high Poisson's ratio.

The lid skirt 42 comprises an engagement surface 44 on an inner surface of the lid skirt 42. The engagement surface 44 tapers radially inwardly from a lower portion of the lid skirt 42 to an upper portion of the lid skirt 42.

The tapered engagement surface 44 of the lid and the tapered lip 14 of the container 11 have substantially the same profiles to provide a frictional engagement between the lid and the container 11 when engaged (for example similar to that as shown in figures Sand 7).

As can be seen in the figures, the tapered engagement surface 44 of the lid skirt 42 is concavely tapered, and the tapered outer surface of the lip 14 of the container 11 is convexy tapered. This is a preferable shape, but these shapes are not essential for the invention to work. For example, the tapers may be linear or straight.

It is the frictional engagement between the tapered engagement surface 44 and the tapered lip 14 that provides the secure attachment and engagement between the lid and the container 11 (as will be described below).

The lower portion of the lid skirt 42 terminates in an end portion 46 extending radially inwardly of the lid skirt 42. A boundary between the lower portion of the engagement surface 44 of the lid skirt 42 and the end portion 46 defines a step portion 45. The step portion 45 in the lid skirt 42 and the undercut portion 15 in the container 11 are configured to abut one another when the lid is engaged with the container 11.

The end portion 46 and the recessed portion 16 are configured and shaped to contact one another when the lid is engaged with the container 11 (again similar to that as shown in figures 6 and 7).

The inner surface of the upper portion of the lid skirt 42 comprises an endstop lip 43 extending radially inwardly of the lid skirt 42, the endstop lip 43 may also extend downwardly as well as inwardly. The endstop lip 43 is configured to contact the upper lip edge 13 of the container 11 when the lid is engaged with the container 11 to provide a fluid-tight seal between the lid and the container. The endstop lip 43 also acts to prevent the lid being pushed too far down onto the container 11, which may make it more dfficult to remove the lid from the container 11, and may not provide a fluid tight seal.

With reference to figure 8, the bottle when used with the lids of figures 15 to 17 may also comprise a cap 31, which can be placed over the lid when the bottle is not being used, for example to protect the lid from contamination. The cap 31 is removably attachable to the lid. The cap 31 is designed to encase the lid and designed to grip the lid when engaged with sufficient friction so as to prevent the cap 31 separating from the lid easily, but also enabling a user to separate the cap 31 and lid when required.

To this end, the cap 31 is provided with an inner lip 32, which extends radially inwardly of the cap for contacting the lid to provide a frictional engagement between the cap and lid when the cap and lid are engaged.

To provide a suitable engagement surface, an outer upper portion of the lid skirt 42 bordering the lid body 40 comprises a lid skirt upper edge 47. The lid skirt upper edge 47 is defined by a change in outer radial dimension of the lid between the lid skirt 42 and the lid body 40. The lead radius of the lid being preferably larger than the bottle, providing a tapered lead in to allow easy assembly of the lid. The inner lip 32 of the cap 31 contacts the lid skirt upper edge 47 when the cap 31 and lid are engaged.

As with the above examples, the cap lip lower surface 33 may be designed to have substantially the same profile as at least a portion of the tapered engagement surface 44 of the lid or the tapered lip 14 of the container 11.

Having the cap lip 32 and the cap lip lower surface 33 enables the cap 31 to grip the lid with sufficient force that the lid (when not engaged with the container 11) may be picked up and moved around whilst engaged the with cap 31. The lid may further include a radial column of silicone to allow transmission of forces whilst engaging with the container. Furthermore, by providing the cap lip lower surface 33 having substantially the same profile as at least a portion of the tapered engagement surface 44 of the lid or the tapered lip 14 of the container 11, the sealing engagement between the cap 31 and lid may provide a fluid-tight seal to prevent any leakage from the lid escaping from the bottle.

The lid of figures 15 to 17 is affixed to the container the same as described above with reference to the embodiment where the lid is a teat (with and without the cap 31). The removal procedure is also the same as described above with reference to the embodiment where the lid is a teat.

Whilst the embodiments of the lid shown in figures 15 to 17 show a lid tab 48, we also envisage lids without the lid tab 48.

Furthermore, a lid is also envisaged similar to that shown in figures 15 and 16 where the opening is significantly wider, whereby the lid body forms a lip bordering the opening (a lip for example from which a user may consume the contents of the container).

In all of the embodiments of the lids and teats described above, the lid or teat is resiliently deformable. Furthermore, the teat skirt 22 or lid skirt 42 are semi-rigid portions that may also be resiliently deformable.

It has been found that the above-described arrangements of lids and containers (whether sealed lids, lids with spouts, or lids as teats), when first assembled together may provide an audible hiss or "burp" as some of the air under pressure between the lid and container escapes out of the container. Such an audible indicator is useful to alerting the user that the lid is sealed on the container.

Figures 18 to 20 show various views of a bottle comprising a removably engageable collar 51, which may be used to help retain the lid in pace on the container 11. Whilst figures 18 to 20 show the lid as a teat (with and without a cap 31), it is envisaged that the collar 51 may be used with any of the lids described above, including the lids as shown in figures 15 to 17. Furthermore, whilst figures 18 to 20 show the lid having tab 28, the collar 51 may also be used with lids having no tab 28.

The container 11 and lid are assembled as described above with reference to figures 8 to 12 and 15 to 17. The user then may place the collar over the outer surface of the lid skirt 22 so that it contacts and engages in a frictional engagement with the lid skirt 22.

Once seated in the correct position, the collar 51 may provide a compressive force on the lid skirt 22, which encourages the lid skirt 22 into tighter engagement with the container lip 14. Once in place, the collar 51 sits on top of the lid skirt 22 that is in a position where the collar at least partially overlaps with the position of the lid engaging portion 14 of the container. As such, at least a portion of the lid skirt is between and in contact with the collar and the lid engaging portion of the container.

The collar 51 is preferably made from a material such as polypropylene (or other similar materials that preferably do not contain BPA). Other materials may be chosen so long as they are sufficiently rigid to be able to maintain frictional engagement with the lid skirt 22 and impart a compressive force on the lid skirt 22.

By virtue of the compressive force imparted on the lid skirt 22 by the collar 51, the collar may additionally enable the engagement between the lid skirt 22 and the container lip 14 to be a fluid-tight seal (for example in the case where the engagement between the lid skirt 22 and the container lip 14 is not a fluid-tight seal ordinarily). In the case where the lid skirt 22 and container lip 14 are already in a fluid-tight engagement, the provision of the collar 51 reinforces this engagement.

Since the collar 51 relies on frictional engagement between the inner surface of the collar 51 and the outer surface of the lid skirt 22, there is no requirement for a threaded engagement to keep the collar 51 in engagement with the lid skirt 22 during use. As such, the collar does not comprise engagement surfaces that may be difficult to clean after use.

Figure 20 shows various examples of different profiles of the outer surface of the lid skirt 22 and the collar 51 to help retain the collar 51 in frictional engagement with the lid skirt 22.

A first example shows the lid skirt 22a and collar 51a being substantially flat. In this case, the frictional engagement between the surface is sufficient (by choice of the appropriate materials) to keep the collar Slain place during use.

In a second example, the outer surface of the lid skirt 22b bugles outwardly to contact the collar Sib. In a third example, the inner surface of the collar Sic bulges inwardly to contact the lid skirt 22c. In this third example, the lid skirt 22c may have a relatively flat profile. Alternatively, the lid skirt 22c may contain a detent in which the inwardly bulging inner surface of the collar 51c sits.

In a fourth example (not shown), the inner surface of the collar 51 may bulge inwardly, and the outer surface of the lid skirt 22 may bulge outwardly.

In any of the above examples and configurations, the collar 51 may fully encircle the lid skirt 22. Alternatively, the collar 51 may only partially encircle the lid skirt 22 (e.g. the collar 51 may be horse-shoe shaped, or be provided in sections).

Figures 21 and 22 show a version of the collar 51 that also comprises one or more handles 61. Whilst these figures show the lid as a teat, the collar 51 comprising one or more handles 61 may be used in conjunction with the bottles and lids described with reference to figures 2 to 7 and 15 to 17. Furthermore, whilst figures 21 and 22 show the lid having a tab 28, the collar 51 of figures 21 and 22 may be used with lids having no tab 28. The collar 51 comprising the handles 61 is assembled with the bottle as described with reference to the collar shown in figures 18 to 20.

The handles 61 extending from the collar 51 may be integral with the collar 51, or may be removably attachable to the collar 51 (for example by the use of suitable engaging interfaces between the collar 51 and handles 61).

No doubt many other effective alternatives will occur to the skilled person. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments and encompasses modifications apparent to those skilled in the art lying within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A bottle comprising: a container for containing liquids, comprising a body for containing liquids and an upper lid engaging portion for receiving and engaging with a lid, the upper lid engaging portion comprising a lip projecting downwardly from an upper lip edge of the container, the lip having an outer surface that tapers radially outwardly from the upper lip edge of the container to a lower portion of the lip; and a lid removably engageable with the upper lid engaging portion of the container to provde a frictional engagement between the lid and the container when engaged, the lid comprising: a lid body; and a lid skirt extending from the lid body for engaging with the lid engaging portion of the container, the lid skirt comprising an engagement surface on an inner surface of the lid skirt, the engagement surface tapering radially inwardly from a lower portion of the lid skirt to an upper portion of the lid skirt; wherein the tapered engagement surface of the lid and the tapered lip of the container have substantially the same profiles to provide a frictional engagement between the lid and the container when engaged.
2. A bottle according to claim 1, wherein the lower portion of the lid skirt terminates in an end portion extending radially inwardly of the lid skirt, a boundary between the lower portion of the engagement surface of the lid skirt and the end portion defining a step portion, wherein the lower portion of the lip of the container terminates in a recessed portion having an outer surface that extends radially inwardly of the lower portion of the lip, a boundary between the recessed portion and the lower lip portion defining an undercut portion, and wherein the step portion and undercut portion are configured and arranged to abut one another when the lid is engaged with the container.
3. A bottle according to claim 2, wherein the end portion and the recessed portion are configured and arranged to contact one another when the lid is engaged with the container.
4. A bottle according to claims 1 * 2 or 3, wherein, when engaged, the engagement between the lid skirt and the lid engaging portion is a fluid tight engagement.
5. A bottle according to any preceding claim, comprising a removably engageable collar for frictionally engaging with at least a portion of the outer surface of the lid skirt.
6. A bottle according to claim 5, wherein, when engaged, an inner surface of the collar contacts at least a circumferential portion of the outer surface of the lid skirt and applies a compressive force on the at least a portion of the lid skirt, thereby urging the at least a portion of the lid skirt into engagement with the lid engaging portion of the container.
7. A bottle according to claim 6, wherein, when engaged, the collar urges the at least a circumferential portion of the lid skirt in contact with the collar into a fluid-tight engagement with the respective lid engaging portion of the container.
8. A bottle according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein, when engaged, the collar is located on the lid skirt such that at least a portion of the lid skirt is between and in contact with the collar and the lid engaging portion of the container.
9. A bottle according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the collar is an annulus and wherein, when engaged, an inner surface of the collar engages along a circumference of the lid skirt.
10. A bottle according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the collar comprises one or more handles projecting from the collar.
11. A bottle according to any preceding claim, wherein an inner surface of the upper portion of the lid skirt comprises an endstop lip extending radially inwardly of the lid skirt, the endstop lip being configured to contact the upper lip edge of the container when the lid is engaged with the container to provide a fluid-tight seal between the lid and the container.
12. A bottle according to claim 11, wherein the endstop lip extends radially inwardly and downwardly of the lid skirt.
13. A bottle according to any preceding claim, wherein the lid skirt comprises one or more lid tabs extending from a portion of a lower edge of the lid skirt.
14. A bottle according to any preceding claim, wherein the tapered engagement surface of the lid skirt is concavely tapered, and wherein the tapered outer surface of the lip of the container is convexly tapered.
15. A bottle according to any preceding claim, comprising a cap being configured to be removably attachable to the lid.
16. A bottle according to claim 15, wherein the cap comprises an inner lip extending radially inwardly of the cap for contacting the lid to provide a frictional engagement between the cap and lid when the cap and lid are engaged.
17. A bottle according to claim 16, wherein an outer upper portion of the lid skirt bordering the lid body comprises a lid skirt upper edge, the lid skirt upper edge being defined by a change in outer radial dimension of the lid between the lid skirt and the lid body, and wherein the inner lip of the cap contacts the lid skirt upper edge when the cap and lid are engaged.
18. A bottle according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the cap comprises a cap lip lower surface extending below the inner lip of the cap and having an inner surface that tapers radially outwardly from the cap lip to a lower portion of the cap lip lower surface, and wherein the tapered cap lip lower surface of the cap has substantially the same profile as at least a portion of the tapered engagement surface of the lid or the tapered lip of the container.
19. A bottle according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein at least a portion of an inner surface of the cap contacts a portion of the lid body when the cap and lid are engaged to provide a frictional engagement between the cap and lid.
20. A bottle according to any preceding claim, wherein the lid skirt is configured such that the lid skirt contracts over the tapered lip of the container when a pulling force is exerted on the lid in a direction away from the container, so as to increase the frictional forces between the tapered engagement surface of the lid and the tapered lip of the container.
21. A bottle according to any preceding claim, wherein the lid comprises an opening in the lid body for accessing contents in the container.
22. A bottle according to claim 21, wherein the opening comprises a spout extending upwardly away from the lid body.
23. A bottle according to claim 21, wherein the lid is a teat, the lid skirt is a teat skirt and the lid body is a teat body, and wherein the opening in the lid body comprises a teat nipple having an opening for releasing liquid contained in the container, the teat nipple extending upwardly from the teat body.
24. A bottle according to claim 23, wherein the teat comprises an anti-colic means.
25. A bottle according to any preceding claim, wherein the lid is resiliently deformable.
26. A bottle according to any preceding claim, wherein the lid skirt is semi-rigid and deformable.
27. A bottle substantially as herein described with reference to figures 2 to 21.