阅读说明：本技术 瓶组件 (Bottle assembly ) 是由 马克·D·里德 于 2019-02-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种瓶组件,包括：容器,该容器所具有的敞开端、封闭端、基部部分、以及颈部一起限定在容器内的液体室。颈部具有限定容器的敞开端的边沿。瓶组件还包括卡圈组件,该卡圈组件总体上限定用于容器的封闭件。卡圈组件构造为用于在容器的敞开端上方与容器的颈部可释放地接合。卡圈组件包括卡圈和奶嘴。瓶组件还包括帽,该帽包括封闭端、敞开端和在封闭端与敞开端之间延伸的侧壁,它们一起限定内部。帽构造为用于与卡圈组件可释放地接合,使得奶嘴被接收在帽的内部内。在一些实施例中,瓶组件还包括通气组件,该通气组件至少可部分地定位在容器的边沿上以允许容器在使用期间通气。(A bottle assembly comprising: a container having an open end, a closed end, a base portion, and a neck that together define a liquid chamber within the container. The neck has a rim defining an open end of the container. The bottle assembly also includes a collar assembly that generally defines a closure for the container. The collar assembly is configured for releasable engagement with the neck of the container over the open end of the container. The collar assembly includes a collar and a nipple. The vial assembly further includes a cap including a closed end, an open end, and a sidewall extending between the closed end and the open end that together define an interior. The cap is configured for releasable engagement with the collar assembly such that the nipple is received within an interior of the cap. In some embodiments, the bottle assembly further comprises a vent assembly positionable at least partially on the rim of the container to allow venting of the container during use.)

1. A bottle assembly comprising:

a container having an open end, a closed end, a base portion, and a neck together defining a liquid chamber within the container, the neck having a rim defining the open end of the container, the container having a central axis;

a vent assembly positionable at least partially on a rim of the container to allow venting of the container during use, the vent assembly comprising at least one lateral vent portion extending non-parallel to the central axis of the container when the vent assembly is positioned on the rim of the container, the vent assembly comprising a vent wall defining at least one vent opening and at least partially defining an annular gap extending circumferentially around the vent insert, wherein the at least one vent opening is in flow communication with the at least one lateral vent portion and the annular gap so as to allow air to flow from the annular gap into the lateral vent portion through the vent opening; and

a collar assembly generally defining a closure for the container, the collar assembly being configured for releasable engagement with the neck portion of the container over the open end of the container to retain the vent assembly with the container, wherein the annular gap is defined between the collar assembly and the vent assembly.

2. The bottle assembly set forth in claim 1 wherein the peripheral wall comprises a curved surface defining the annular gap, the curved surface being concave relative to an exterior of the vent assembly.

3. The bottle assembly set forth in claim 1 wherein the collar assembly comprises a collar and a nipple, the collar comprising internal threads for threaded engagement with external threads of the neck of the container, the annular gap being defined between the vent assembly and the collar when the collar assembly and the vent assembly are assembled with a bottle.

4. The bottle assembly set forth in claim 3 wherein the nipple is configured to sealingly engage the vent assembly when the collar assembly and the vent assembly are assembled with the bottle and to engage the rim when the vent assembly is omitted from the bottle assembly, the nipple including at least one vent feature to allow airflow into the container when the nipple is positioned on the rim of the container.

5. The bottle assembly set forth in claim 1 wherein the vent insert comprises an inner portion and an outer portion, the outer portion comprising the peripheral wall, the inner portion comprising a top wall and the transverse vent extending upwardly from the top wall, wherein a gap defined between the peripheral wall and the top wall enables liquid located in the container to flow therethrough toward the gap.

6. The bottle assembly set forth in claim 1 wherein the peripheral wall defines a plurality of vent openings, the lateral vent including a first end and a second end and extending across an entire diameter of the vent insert, each end of the lateral vent in flow communication with one of the vent openings defined by the peripheral wall.

7. A bottle assembly comprising:

a container having an open end, a closed end, a base portion, and a neck together defining a liquid chamber within the container, the container having a central axis, the neck having a rim defining the open end of the container, wherein the neck of the container includes external threads thereon; and

a collar assembly generally defining a closure for the container, the collar assembly configured for releasable engagement with the neck of the container over the open end of the container, the collar assembly comprising a collar and a nipple, wherein the collar comprises a sidewall and an internal thread for threaded engagement with the external thread of the neck of the container, the sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface, the internal thread being disposed on the inner surface, wherein the outer surface comprises a plurality of elongate grooves extending along the central axis of the container when the collar is secured to the container, the elongate grooves configured to provide a grip to a user for removing the collar assembly from the container.

8. The bottle assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein the grooves are equally spaced circumferentially around the sidewall.

9. The bottle assembly set forth in claim 7 wherein each groove comprises an open first end at the bottom of the sidewall and a closed second end defined by the sidewall at a point between the bottom and the top of the sidewall.

10. The bottle assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein each groove extends from the bottom of the sidewall beyond the midpoint of the sidewall.

11. The bottle assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein the width of each groove decreases from the first end to the second end such that the open first end defines a maximum width of each groove and the closed second end defines a minimum width of each groove.

12. The bottle assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein the collar comprises a top plate configured to hold the nipple with the collar, the sidewall depending from the top plate.

13. A bottle assembly comprising:

a container having an open end, a closed end, a base portion, and a neck portion together defining a liquid chamber within the container, the neck portion having a rim defining the open end of the container;

a collar assembly generally defining a closure for the container, the collar assembly configured for releasable engagement with the neck portion of the container over the open end of the container, the collar assembly comprising a collar and a nipple; and

a cap comprising a closed end, an open end, and a sidewall extending therebetween, the closed end, the open end, and the sidewall together defining an interior and an exterior of the cap, the cap configured for releasable engagement with the collar assembly such that the nipple is received within the interior of the cap, the sidewall comprising a curved surface defining a recess for removing the cap from the collar assembly, wherein the curved surface is concave relative to the exterior of the cap and the recess is closer to the closed end of the cap than to the open end of the cap.

14. A bottle assembly comprising:

a container having an open end, a closed end, a base portion, and a neck together defining a liquid chamber within the container, the neck having a rim defining the open end of the container, the container having a central axis; and

a vent assembly positionable at least partially on a rim of the container to allow venting of the container during use, the vent assembly comprising:

a vent insert comprising an inner portion and an outer portion, wherein the outer portion is configured to at least partially rest on a rim of the container, and wherein the inner portion comprises an inner vent tube and a lip that is cylindrical and extends along the central axis, the lip comprising a plurality of projections that extend circumferentially around the lip; and

a cannula portion comprising a top portion and a tube, wherein the top portion is configured to receive the lip of the vent insert, and wherein the plurality of projections are configured to engage the top portion of the cannula portion to form a seal between the vent insert and the top portion.

15. The bottle assembly set forth in claim 14 wherein the vent insert comprises a peripheral wall and a lateral vent extending non-parallel to the central axis of the container when the vent assembly is positioned on the rim of the container, the lateral vent being in flow communication with the internal vent tube, wherein the peripheral wall defines at least one vent opening and at least partially defines an annular gap extending circumferentially around the vent insert, wherein the at least one vent opening is in flow communication with the lateral vent and the annular gap so as to allow air to flow from the annular gap into the lateral vent through the vent opening.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to bottle assemblies and, more particularly, to a bottle assembly including a container, a nipple, a collar for securing the nipple to the container, and a cap for covering the nipple when the container is not in use.

Background

Bottle assemblies, such as those for infants or nursing, typically have a number of components including a bottle, a nipple, a collar for securing the nipple to the bottle (the nipple and collar sometimes collectively define the collar assembly), and a cap for covering the nipple when the bottle is not in use. The teat is typically provided with one or more openings for the liquid contained within the bottle to exit through the teat and into the mouth of the infant for consumption by the infant (or young child). During use, the infant places the end of the teat in their mouth and sucks on the teat to extract the liquid contained within the bottle.

Conventional bottle assemblies require two hands to prepare the bottle for use and can be difficult to assemble. For example, a preparer may hold a bottle with one hand and remove a cap with the other hand so that the nipple is uncovered. Further, the user may have to grasp and twist the collar to secure or remove the collar assembly from the container. However, the collar may be uncomfortable and/or difficult for the preparer to grasp and twist. These problems are exacerbated because the hands of the preparer may be limited in use. For example, a preparer may hold a crying baby and attempt to prepare the bottle at the same time.

At least some bottle assemblies include a removable vent assembly positioned within the bottle. Some examples of vented vial assemblies include those available from the processing Company (Handi-Craft Company) under the trade name brown's (dr. brown's). Other examples are shown in U.S. patent application No. 5,779,071, granted on 7/14/1998, U.S. patent No. 7,828,165, granted on 11/9/2010, U.S. patent No. 8,113,365, granted on 2/14/2012, and U.S. patent No. 8,146,759, granted on 4/3/2012, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. In these bottle assemblies, the vent assembly allows air to enter the bottle as the baby consumes liquid through the nipple, thereby mitigating or reducing the formation of a vacuum within the bottle during nursing. The vent assembly typically sits at least partially on the rim of the bottle and a collar assembly including a collar is threadably secured to the external threads of the neck of the bottle above the vent assembly together with the teat. The vent assembly can vent the bottle to the atmosphere via a vent port in the vent assembly located adjacent to the threads of the collar assembly. However, the amount of space available between the vent assembly and the collar assembly may inhibit gas flow into the vent.

Accordingly, there is a need for a bottle assembly that can be easily and quickly assembled (even when use of the preparer's hands is limited). Further, there is a need for a vent assembly that provides improved airflow into the bottle assembly and prevents leakage during use.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, a vial assembly includes a container having an open end, a closed end, a base portion, and a neck portion that together define a liquid chamber within the container. The neck has a rim defining an open end of the container. The container has a central axis. The bottle assembly also includes a vent assembly at least partially positionable on the rim of the container to allow venting of the container during use. The vent assembly includes at least one transverse vent portion that extends non-parallel to a central axis of the container when the vent assembly is positioned on the rim of the container. The vent assembly includes a vent insert including at least one lateral vent and a peripheral wall. The peripheral wall defines at least one vent opening and at least partially defines an annular gap extending circumferentially around the vent insert. The at least one vent opening is in flow communication with the at least one lateral vent and the annular gap such that air is permitted to flow from the annular gap through the vent opening into the lateral vent. The bottle assembly also includes a collar assembly that generally defines a closure for the container. The collar assembly is configured for releasable engagement with the neck of the container over the open end of the container to retain the vent assembly with the container. An annular gap is defined between the collar assembly and the vent assembly.

In another aspect, a vial assembly includes a container having an open end, a closed end, a base portion, and a neck portion that together define a liquid chamber within the container. The container has a central axis. The neck has a rim defining an open end of the container. The neck of the container includes external threads thereon. The bottle assembly also includes a collar assembly that generally defines a closure for the container. The collar assembly is configured for releasable engagement with the neck of the container over the open end of the container. The collar assembly includes a collar and a nipple. The collar comprises an outer surface, an inner surface, an internal thread for threaded engagement with an external thread of the neck of the container. The internal thread is provided on the inner surface. The outer surface comprises a plurality of elongate grooves which extend along the central axis of the container when the collar is secured to the container. The elongate recess is configured to provide a grip to a user to remove the collar assembly from the container.

In yet another aspect, a vial assembly includes a container having an open end, a closed end, a base portion, and a neck portion that together define a liquid chamber within the container. The neck has a rim defining an open end of the container. The bottle assembly also includes a collar assembly that generally defines a closure for the container. The collar assembly is configured for releasable engagement with the neck of the container over the open end of the container. The collar assembly includes a collar and a nipple. The vial assembly further comprises a cap comprising a closed end, an open end, and a sidewall extending between the closed end and the open end. The closed end, the open end, and the sidewall together define an interior and an exterior. The cap is configured for releasable engagement with the collar assembly such that the nipple is received within an interior of the cap. The sidewall includes a curved surface defining a recess for removing the cap from the collar assembly. The curved surface is concave relative to the exterior of the cap. The recess is closer to the closed end of the cap than to the open end of the cap.

In yet another aspect, a vial assembly includes a container having an open end, a closed end, a base portion, and a neck portion that together define a liquid chamber within the container. The neck has a rim defining an open end of the container. The container has a central axis. The bottle assembly also includes a vent assembly at least partially positionable on the rim of the container to allow venting of the container during use. The vent assembly includes a vent insert including an inner portion and an outer portion. The outer portion is configured to at least partially rest on a rim of the container. The inner portion includes an inner vent tube and a lip. The lip is cylindrical and extends along a central axis. The lip includes a plurality of projections extending circumferentially around the lip. The vent assembly also includes a cannula portion including a tip and a tube. The top portion is configured to receive a lip of a vent insert. The plurality of projections are configured to engage the top of the cannula portion to form a seal between the vented insert and the top.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a feeding bottle assembly comprising a cap.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the feeding bottle assembly of fig. 1, with the cap omitted.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the bottle assembly of fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a nipple of the bottle assembly of fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the nipple of fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a bottom view of the nipple of fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the collar of the bottle assembly of fig. 1.

Figure 8 is a side view of the collar of figure 7.

Fig. 9 is a bottom view of the collar of fig. 7.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the collar shown in figure 8.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the vial assembly of FIG. 1 including a vent assembly therein.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the vial assembly of fig. 1 with the vent assembly omitted.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the cap of the vial assembly of fig. 1.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the cap of fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a bottom view of the cap of fig. 13.

Fig. 16 is an exploded view of the vial assembly of fig. 1.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a vent insert of the bottle assembly of figure 1.

Figure 18 is a side view of the vent insert of figure 17.

Figure 19 is a top view of the vent insert of figure 17.

Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the vent insert shown in figure 18.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the vent tube of the bottle assembly shown in fig. 1.

Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a vent assembly including the vent insert of figure 17 and the vent tube of figure 21.

Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the bottle assembly of fig. 1 including a collar assembly that retains the vent assembly of fig. 22 on a container of the bottle assembly.

Corresponding reference features indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Detailed Description

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to fig. 1-3, a bottle assembly, generally designated 100, includes a container 102 (such as a bottle, more particularly a feeding bottle in the illustrated embodiment) and a collar assembly, generally designated 104, for normally closing the bottle. The container 102 includes a liquid cavity 106 defined therein and is adapted to hold a quantity of liquid for consumption by a user, such as a nursing infant. It should also be understood that the container 102 may be configured in ways other than that shown herein, and may be configured for use other than as a nursing bottle assembly, such as a sports bottle, a beverage cup, a training cup, a commuter cup, and the like. The container 102 may be made of any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, glass, polypropylene or other plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel. The container 102 may also be made in any desired color or colors and may be transparent, translucent, or opaque.

The container 102 has a closed bottom 108, an open top 110, and a generally cylindrical sidewall 112 extending between the closed bottom 108 and the open top 110. The cylindrical sidewall 112 includes a base portion 114 and a neck portion 116 that is narrower relative to the base portion 114. That is, as best shown in fig. 16, the neck portion 116 has a smaller diameter than the base portion 114. It is understood that in other embodiments, the diameter of the neck 116 may be only slightly smaller than the diameter of the base portion 114, or even equal to the diameter of the base portion, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The neck 116 includes an annular rim 118, an externally threaded portion 120, a shoulder 122 defined at a transition region between the neck 116 and the base portion 114. The threaded portion 120 includes threads 124 for assembling the container 102 to the collar assembly 104, as described below.

The collar assembly 104 of the bottle assembly 100 is adapted to be removably attached to the container 102 to selectively retain the nipple 130 on the container 102. The illustrated collar assembly 104 includes a nipple 130 and a collar 132. The nipple 130 and collar 132 may be made of any suitable material. In one embodiment, for example, the nipple 130 is made of a very soft material, such as at least one of a rubber material, a silicone material, and a latex material, and the collar 132 is made of polypropylene. The nipple 130 and collar 132 may be made in any desired color or colors and may be transparent, translucent, or opaque.

Referring to fig. 4-6, in the illustrated embodiment, the nipple 130 includes a nipple portion 135 and a laterally extending flange 134. The nipple flange 134 includes a bottom surface 136 that extends from a generally circular outer edge 138 to a generally circular inner edge 140. In the illustrated embodiment, a circumferentially extending lip 142 projects upwardly from the flange generally adjacent the circular outer edge 138. In at least some alternative embodiments, the nipple 130 does not include a peripherally extending lip 142. The nipple portion 135 extends from the flange 134 generally adjacent the circular inner edge 140 of the flange. As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the nipple portion 135 includes an annular outer projection 144 that projects radially outward. The nipple portion 135 also includes an outlet end 146 that includes an aperture 148 for dispensing liquid to a user. However, it is contemplated that the nipple 130 may have a shape and size that is different from that illustrated and described herein without departing from the present invention.

As shown in fig. 7-12, collar 132 has an annular top plate 150 and depending side walls 152. The top plate 150 includes an annular projection 156 that extends downwardly from the underside of the top plate proximate an annular nub or radially inner edge boundary 154 of the top plate 150. The rim border 154 and the annular projection 156 facilitate assembly of the nipple 130 on the collar 132. To assemble the collar assembly 104, the teat 130 is pulled, the nipple portion 135 is first pulled up through the central opening in the top plate 150 of the collar 132 until the edge boundary 154 is positioned below the annular outer protrusion 144 of the teat 130 and the annular protrusion 156 of the collar 132 is positioned radially inward relative to the peripheral lip 142 of the teat 130. However, it should be understood that the nipple 130 and collar 132 may be configured in other configurations than that shown and still be configured to be assembled together for further assembly onto the container 102. It is also contemplated that in other embodiments, nipple 130 and collar 132 need not be held together for assembly to container 102 together.

The sidewall 152 of the collar 132 has an inner surface 162 with suitable internal threads 164 for threaded engagement with the external threads 124 of the neck 116 of the container 102 to releasably secure the collar, and thus, the collar assembly 104, to the container 102. In some embodiments, the number of threads 164 on the inner surface 162 of the collar sidewall 152 exceeds the number of external threads 124 on the container neck 116. In one embodiment, for example, the collar 132 has about twice the number of internal threads 164 as the number of external threads 124 on the neck 116 of the container 102.

As best shown in fig. 8 and 10, the sidewall 152 of the collar 132 has an outer surface 163 opposite the inner surface 162. The outer surface 163 includes a plurality of grooves 165. The grooves 165 are elongate, i.e. they have a length greater than their width, and extend along a central axis 166 (shown in fig. 1) of the container 102 when the collar 132 is secured to the container. Thus, the groove 165 is substantially perpendicular to the internal threads 164. The grooves 165 are equally spaced circumferentially around the collar 132. In the illustrated embodiment, collar 132 includes eight grooves 165. In other embodiments, collar 132 may include any suitable groove 165 without departing from aspects of the present disclosure.

The grooves 165 assist the preparer in grasping and rotating the collar 132 to adjust the threaded engagement of the container 102 with the collar to secure the collar to the container or remove the collar from the container. Specifically, groove 165 is configured to receive a portion of a hand or other object for grasping collar 132. The grooves 165 increase the contact area between the object and the collar 132 and resist sliding of the object relative to the collar. Thus, groove 165 may provide improved grip as compared to at least some known collars. Further, a user may feel less discomfort in gripping collar 132 than at least some known collars because the collar includes grooves 165 rather than protrusions or other gripping structures that may cause high stress points on the gripping object.

In the illustrated embodiment, each groove 165 extends from the bottom of the sidewall 152 beyond a middle position of the sidewall. Each groove 165 includes a first end 169 at the bottom of the collar 132 and a second end 171 defined by the sidewall 152 at a point between the bottom and top of the collar. The second end 171 is at least partially rounded. First end 169 is open and defines a maximum width of each groove 165. The width of each groove 165 decreases from the first end 169 to the second end 171. Thus, the second end 171 defines a minimum width of each groove 165. In other embodiments, the groove 165 can be any shape so long as the groove is capable of functioning as described herein. In some embodiments, the groove 165 may be a different shape.

As shown in fig. 1 and 13-16, the vial assembly 100 further includes a cap 101 for covering the nipple 130 when the vial assembly 100 is not in use. The cap 101 includes an open end 103, a closed end 105, and a sidewall 107 extending between the open end 103 and the closed end 105. The sidewall 107 and closed end 105 define an interior space 109 that is sized and shaped to receive a nipple 130 therein. In the embodiment shown, the cap 101 is a dome. In particular, the side wall 107 is generally curved along the extension between the open end 103 and the closed end 105, such that the open end 103 has a larger diameter than the closed end 105. Thus, the side wall 107 has a substantially convex curve when viewed from the outside of the cap 101. In other embodiments, cap 101 may have any shape so long as cap 101 is capable of functioning as described.

The cap 101 can be positioned on the collar assembly 104 such that at least a portion of the collar assembly extends through the open end 103 and into the interior space 109. Specifically, when cap 101 is positioned on collar assembly 104, nipple 130 is arranged to extend into interior space 109. When the cap 101 covers the nipple, a plurality of projections 111 extend downward from the center of the closed end 105 to engage the nipple 130 and inhibit displacement of the nipple. In addition, the sidewall 107 of the cap 101 includes a latch 113 that extends along the open end 103 that engages the collar 132. Latch 113 extends radially inward from an inner surface of sidewall 107 and is sized to extend into annular groove 115 (shown in fig. 10) along a base of annular top plate 150 of collar 132. Thus, when cap 110 is positioned on collar assembly 104, edge 117 of sidewall 107 rests on top of sidewall 152, and latch 113 engages collar 132.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 101 and the collar 132 are configured for releasable snap-fit engagement. Specifically, to secure cap 101 to collar assembly 104, the preparer positions cap 101 on collar assembly 104 and presses toward collar 132. Due to the pressing force, cap 101 deforms slightly and allows latch 113 to engage with collar 132. To remove cap 101 from collar assembly 104, the preparer presses or pulls cap 101 away from collar assembly 104, and latch 113 disengages from collar 132. In other embodiments, cap 101 may be secured to collar 132 by any means so long as bottle assembly 100 is capable of functioning as described herein.

The cap 101 also includes a recess 119 defined by the sidewall 107 and arranged for a preparer to grasp the cap 101 and position the cap 101 relative to the collar assembly 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the sidewall 107 includes a curved surface 121 that defines a recess 119. The radius of curvature of the curved surface 121 is different from the radius of curvature of the rest of the sidewall 107. Specifically, curved surface 121 curves inwardly from sidewall 107 such that recess 119 is concave relative to the exterior of cap 101. The recess 119 is sized and shaped to receive a thumb or finger. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the curved surface 121 includes a peripheral rim 123 that defines an oval shape. Further, the recess 119 is spaced from the open end 103 by a distance corresponding to the average finger length and closer to the closed end 105 relative to the opening 103. When cap 101 is secured to collar assembly 104, the distance between open end 103 and recess 119 allows one hand to grasp collar 132 while fingers of the same hand are positioned in the recess. Thus, the recess 119 enables one to use one hand to remove the cap 101 from the collar assembly 104. For example, a person may grasp collar 132 of vial assembly 100 with one hand and press a finger of the hand located in recess 119 against cap 101, thereby removing cap 101 with the same hand.

Suitably, the recess 119 is shaped and positioned to take advantage of the leverage of a person's fingers and to allow the cap 101 to be more easily positioned relative to the collar assembly 104. For example, the periphery of the recess 119 includes two circumferentially extending parallel portions 126 connected by two axially extending arcs 128. The parallel portion defines the outer edge of the middle portion of the generally U-shaped recess 119. The two arcs define a partial bowl-shaped outer edge of the side portion. Thus, the recess 119 has an overall stadium shape, i.e., a rectangular shape with semi-circles at opposite ends. The recess 119 is shaped for enabling a user to apply a force at a substantially center of the recess 119. Further, the center of the recess 119 is closer to the closed end 105 than to the open end 103. Thus, when a finger is placed in the recess and applies a force to the recess 119, a moment equal to the distance between the center of the recess 119 and the pivot point is created at the center of the recess 119, facilitating removal of the cap. In the illustrated embodiment, the entire recess 119 is located substantially above the mid-plane of the cap 101.

Referring to fig. 16-21, the vial assembly 100 further includes a vent assembly 180 to allow venting of the vial assembly during use. Vent assembly 180 includes a vent insert 182 and a cannula portion 184. The cannula portion 184 is releasably attached to the vented insert 182. Cannula portion 184 includes a top portion 186, a middle portion 188, and a vent tube 190. The top 186 includes a generally cylindrical sidewall 192 defining a reservoir 194 therein. The vent tube 190 includes a generally cylindrical sidewall 196 having a smaller diameter than the sidewall 192 of the top 186. The sidewall 196 of the vent tube 190 defines a passage 198 in fluid communication with the reservoir 194. The intermediate portion 188 includes a tapered sidewall 200 extending between the sidewall 196 of the vent tube and the sidewall 192 of the roof. The vent tube 190 also includes an air outlet 202 at an end of the passage 198 proximate the closed bottom 108 of the container 102.

The vent insert 182 includes an inner portion 210 and an outer portion 212. Inner portion 210 includes an inner vent tube 214, a lip 216, and a top wall 218 extending between inner vent tube 214 and lip 216 and oriented orthogonally. The internal vent tube 214 defines a passage 220 in flow communication with the reservoir 194. The inner portion 210 of the vent insert 182 also includes a transverse vent 234 extending upwardly from the top wall 218 to define a passageway 236 within the vent insert 182. The outer portion 212 of the vent insert 182 includes a peripheral wall 240. A gap 250 defined between the peripheral wall 240 and the top wall 218 flows liquid in the liquid chamber 106 toward the nipple 130. A plurality of ribs 251 extend through gap 250 and connect peripheral wall 240 to top wall 218. The lateral vent 234 extends to the peripheral wall 240 having at least one vent opening 249 that allows the passageway 236 to extend through the peripheral wall 240. As best shown in fig. 20, in the illustrated embodiment, the lateral vent 234 extends through the entire diameter of the vent insert 182 and is in flow communication with two vent openings 249 defined on opposite ends of the lateral vent 234 by the peripheral wall 240.

The peripheral wall 240 includes an inner edge 242, an outer edge 244, a top 246, and a bottom 248. The peripheral wall 240 also defines an annular gap 252 that extends circumferentially around the vent insert 182 and is in flow communication with the passageway 236 via the vent opening 249. Specifically, curved surface 254 extends radially inward from outer edge 244 toward inner edge 242 to define annular gap 252. The curved surface 254 is concave relative to the outer edge 244 and is disposed between the top 246 and the bottom 248. Accordingly, the thickness of peripheral wall 240 defined between outer edge 244 and inner edge 242 is greater than the thickness of peripheral wall 240 defined between curved surface 254 and inner edge 242. Thus, annular gap 252 provides increased space between vent insert 182 and collar assembly 104 to allow gas flow 253 (shown in fig. 23) from the atmosphere through the collar assembly into passageway 236.

Referring to fig. 22, to assemble vent insert 182 to cannula portion 184, lip 216 is inserted into top 186 of cannula portion 184 such that sidewall 192 contacts lip 216. The lip 216 is configured to engage the sidewall 192 of the cannula portion 184. For example, the lip 216 includes a plurality of annular ribs or projections 222 that engage the sidewall 192. In the illustrated embodiment, the lip 216 is cylindrical and extends along the central axis 166 (shown in fig. 3) of the vial assembly 100. The projection 222 extends circumferentially around the lip 216. The projections 222 are axially spaced along the lip 216. The projection 222 is continuous and provides a seal between the lip 216 and the sidewall 192. Further, the seal between the lip 216 and the sidewall 192 is improved because the lip 216 includes two or more projections 222. In addition, a projection 222 extends radially outwardly from the outer surface of the lip 216 to engage the sidewall 192 when the lip is inserted into the cannula portion. In other embodiments, the vent insert 182 may engage the cannula portion 184 by any means that enables the vent assembly 180 to function as described herein. For example, the tab 222 may extend from an inner surface of the lip 216 and the cannula portion 184 may be inserted in the lip 216. In some embodiments, cannula portion 184 may include a projection 222 that engages with vent insert 182. Alternatively, the vent insert 182 and the cannula portion 184 may be integrally formed with one another.

The lip 216 includes an outer surface 224 and an inner surface 226 opposite the outer surface 224. The inner surface 226 is substantially smooth and defines a post hole through the lip 216. The thickness of the lip 216 is defined between the inner surface 226 and the outer surface 224. Each projection 222 has a triangular cross-section and comprises two equally inclined sides extending outwardly from the lip 216 and joined at an apex. Thus, the lip 216 has a maximum thickness at the peak of the projection 222.

When the vent insert 182 and cannula portion 184 are assembled, the projections 222 are positioned to engage portions of the sidewall 192 that are spaced from the edges of the sidewall 192. The lowermost one of the projections 222 is located at the edge of the lip 216. The upper projection 222 is positioned end-to-end with the lower projection 222 and spaced from the edge of the lip 216 by the width of the lower projection 222. The ridges or peaks of the projections 222 are spaced apart by a distance equal to or less than the width of one projection 222. In the illustrated embodiment, the lip 216 includes two projections 222 that cover a majority (i.e., greater than 50%) of an outer surface 224 of the lip 216, and the lip 216 is devoid of any additional projections or sealing features.

However, it is contemplated that the components of the vent assembly 180 may have different shapes and sizes than those shown and described herein without departing from some aspects of the present invention. Similar vent assemblies are known in the art, such as those used on bottle assemblies disclosed in U.S. patent No. 5,779,071 issued on 7/14/1998, U.S. patent No. 7,828,165 issued on 11/9/2010, U.S. patent No. 8,113,365 issued on 2/14/2012, and U.S. patent No. 8,146,759 issued on 4/3/2012.

As shown in fig. 11 and 12, the collar sidewall 152 and container neck 116 are sized relative to each other to allow the bottle assembly 100 to operate in two different configurations: a first configuration (fig. 11) including the vent assembly 180 and a second configuration (fig. 12) omitting the vent assembly. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the length (or height in orientation in the figure) of the neck 116 of the container (e.g., from the rim 118 to the shoulder 122 of the container 102 where the neck widens outwardly until the base portion 114 of the container) is sufficient to accommodate the sidewall 152 of the collar in the second configuration (i.e., when the vent assembly is omitted, as shown in fig. 12).

Thus, as shown in fig. 11 and 23, in the first configuration (in which the bottle assembly 100 includes the vent assembly 180), the vent assembly 180 is inserted into the container 102 such that the bottom 248 of the peripheral wall 240 is seated downwardly against the rim 118 of the container. After the vent assembly 180 is inserted into the container 102, the collar assembly 104 is attached to the container 102 by threadably engaging the internal threads 164 of the collar with the external threads 124 of the neck 116 and rotating the collar 132 to rotate the collar down onto the container. When collar 132 is secured to container 102, bottom surface 136 of nipple 130 is urged against top portion 246 of peripheral wall 240 of vent assembly 180 to seal the nipple against the vent assembly (and, therefore, collar assembly 104 against the vent assembly). At the same time, the bottom 248 of the peripheral wall 240 of the vent assembly 180 pushes against the rim 118 of the container 102 to seal the vent assembly against the container.

In this configuration, some of the lower threads 164 of the collar engage the threads 124 of the neck, while the uppermost threads of the collar are opposite the peripheral wall 240 of the vent assembly. As shown in fig. 23, the collar sidewall 152 is sufficiently long that, in the first configuration, a lower end of the collar sidewall extends below the lowermost thread 124 of the neck 116 such that none of the external threads are visible when the collar assembly 104 is secured to the container 102. Further, an annular gap 252 is defined between a peripheral wall of the vent assembly 180 and an inner surface of the collar that includes the threads 164. Thus, air is allowed to flow along the threads 124 of the collar 132 and through the annular gap 252. Airflow is allowed to flow through the annular gap 252 and into the channel 220 through the vent opening 249. Thus, the annular gap 252 provides increased space for airflow and is believed to provide smoother airflow into the breather assembly 180.

In a second configuration shown in fig. 12, the vent assembly 180 is omitted from the vial assembly 100. When in this configuration, collar assembly 104 is tightened down to container 102, threads 164 of the collar engage threads 124 of neck 116 of the container, and collar 132 is rotated to twist the collar down onto the container until nipple 130 pushes against rim 118 of the container to seal the nipple directly against the container. In this configuration, the lower thread set of the collar is disposed below the outer threads 124 of the lowermost portion of the neck 116. In this manner, the lower end of collar 132 is disposed directly below the lowermost external thread 124 and closer to shoulder 122. Further, in the second configuration, the nipple 130 is configured to vent the container 102 to atmosphere, thereby omitting the vent assembly 180. Specifically, the nipple 130 includes at least one venting feature 256 that allows airflow into the container 102 when the nipple 130 is positioned on the rim 118 of the container 102.

Embodiments of the vial assemblies described herein provide advantages over at least some known vial assemblies. For example, the bottle assembly described is simpler and more convenient for assembly by the preparer, and may be at least partially assembled when there is a limit to the use of the preparer's hands. Further, the collar assembly and the cap of the vial assembly may reduce discomfort during assembly and during use of the vial assembly, as the collar assembly and the cap may reduce pressure points on the hands of the preparer and provide the preparer with increased grip. Further, in some embodiments, the vial assembly includes a vent assembly that provides for increased gas flow from the atmosphere into the container as compared to known vented vials. Furthermore, the vent assembly may include a dual seal, which allows for simpler assembly and reduced leakage compared to known vent assemblies.

When introducing elements of the present invention or various versions, embodiments, or aspects thereof, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Terms indicating a particular orientation (e.g., "top," "bottom," "side," etc.) are used for ease of description and do not necessarily refer to any particular orientation of the article being described.

As various changes could be made in the above without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.