METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR  SANITARY AND CONVENIENT FEEDING

An apparatus for feeding a person viscous food includes a food container including a food storage portion containing viscous food and a first connector on an open end of the food storage portion. The food storage portion being compressible. A feeding device includes a feeding surface and a second connector removably attachable to the first connector. A method for feeding the person includes removably connecting a food container containing viscous food to a feeding device and expelling an amount of the viscous food from the food container. At least a portion of the amount of expelled viscous food flows onto a feeding surface of the feeding device. The method further includes providing the portion of the viscous food on the feeding surface of the feeding device to the person.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus to support convenient and hygienic feeding of a young child (or physically inhibited adult) that is capable of ingesting viscous food. The apparatus may include designs of food containers and connection apparatus for holding a feeding device such as a modified spoon.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Modern families are much more mobile than traditional family units that often enjoyed regular and consistent mealtimes and at home meals. Families are now forced to take meals on the go as they are able, and in places that are not conducive to traditional family meals. Just as the shift to an industrial society created a need for prepared foods such as cereal (currently one of the largest volume food types), there is now a need for portable viscous foods that may be hygienically stored, carried, dispensed, and fed to a young person that is at stage of development where they can ingest viscous foods as an addition or alternative to formula (or mother's milk).

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides methods and apparatus for feeding a person incapable of feeding themselves, the method including the steps of connecting a food pouch or other food container containing viscous food in an interior of the food container to a spoon or other receiving device suitable for feeding. The feeding device may include a feeding surface exterior to the food pouch. A compressive force may be applied to the exterior surface of the food pouch (or other food containing receptacle) to expel the viscous food out of the food pouch onto the feeding surface.

Examples may also include disconnecting the food pouch from the feeding device and closing a one-way valve thereby sealing the viscous food interior to the food pouch from contaminants exterior to the food pouch. Preferably a cap may also be placed on the one-way valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides generally for apparatus and methods for feeding a young or physically inhibited person by dispensing viscous food directly from a food container onto a feeding device including a spoon or other feeding surface. The viscous food container may be removably attached to the feeding device such that during a meal the feeding device remains attached to the food container and following the meal, the spoon may be detached from the container and the food container may be sealed.

In preferred embodiments, the viscous food passes through at least one one-way valve that only permits the viscous food to pass in a single direction of travel and prevents contaminants from entering into the food container. Still further, some embodiments may include multiple one-way valves that use a small quantity of viscous food dispensed between the multiple valves to act as a seal and further prevent contaminants from entering the food container.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a method of feeding a person incapable of feeding themselves, the method including the steps of connecting a food container containing viscous food in an interior of the food container to the feeding device including the feeding surface exterior to the food container. Embodiments may also include applying compressive force to an exterior surface of the food container.

Embodiments may also include using the compressive force to expel an amount of the viscous food from the interior of the food container through a one-way valve to an exit path from the food container. At least some of the expelled viscous food will be caused to flow onto the feeding surface of the feeding device. The viscous food on the feeding surface may then be fed to the person for consumption. Following a meal provided during a feeding session, the food container may be disconnected from the feeding device and the food remaining in the food container can be sealed in the food container with a cap.

Referring now toFIGS.1and2, illustrations are shown depicting the main components of a feeding apparatus100for implementing some embodiments of the present invention. The feeding apparatus100includes a food container110and a feeding device130. The food container110and the feeding device130are removably attachable to each other by a connector150. As described in additional detail below, during use, a person, for example using the person's hand or thumb170, can compress the food container110and expel viscous food116onto a feeding surface134of the feeding device130.

The food container110includes a food storage portion112that forms a cavity114and has an exterior surface118. The cavity114of the food storage portion112is configured for containing the viscous food116. The food container110further includes a food container end connector152. The food container end connector152is arranged on an open end of the food storage portion112and can be understood to be one component of the connector150.

The food storage portion112may be a food pouch, or other compressible container that forms the cavity114, and allows compressive force to be applied such that viscous food116, contained in the cavity114, is expelled by the compressive force. In an example, the compressive force can be applied by a person, for example, by squeezing or pressing down on the exterior surface118of the food storage portion112with a hand or thumb170.

In some preferred embodiments, the food container end connector152will be in fluid communication with one or more one-way valves202,204(FIG.2) that allow the viscous food116to flow out of the food storage portion112but prevents material (including contaminants) from entering into the food storage portion112. Pressure from the person dispenses the viscous food116out of the food storage portion112via the food container end connector152and onto the feeding surface134of the feeding device130. In this way, the food storage portion112in the food container110is in fluid communication with the feeding surface134.

The feeding device130includes a feeding portion132and a feeding device end connector154. The feeding portion132includes a feeding surface134. The feeding device130is configured to be removably attachable to the food container110via the feeding device end connector154. During use, the viscous food116expelled from the food container110passes through the feeding device end connector154(which may be wholly or in part overlapping with the food container end connector152) and onto the feeding surface134of the feeding portion132.

The connector150includes the food container end connector152and the feeding device end connector154. The food container end connector152and the feeding device end connector154are configured to be easily attachable and detachable. The connector150will preferably be a quick connect device, such as a Luer lock connector, or almost any other fluidic quick disconnect apparatus.

Following a meal, the feeding device130may be disengaged (detached) from the food container110and a cap160may be attached to the food container end connector152to seal any viscous food remaining in the food storage portion112. Subsequently, the feeding device130may be reconnected to the food container110for a next meal.

In some preferred embodiments, two (or more) one-way valves202,204may be positioned to trap viscous food116within the connector portion such that the trapped viscous food becomes a seal against any contaminants from entering the food storage portion112of the food container110. The trapped viscous food116may then be expelled and discarded at the start of a next subsequent feeding session. In this manner, a more secure seal is made and maintained in between meals.

Referring now toFIG.3, an alternative feeding apparatus300includes a food container310and a feeding device330.

The food container310can be a syringe style container including a food storage portion312and a plunger316. The food storage portion312forms an interior cavity314. The plunger316is configured to respond to compressive force to move the plunger316into the food storage portion312and expel the viscous food116from the cavity314. An end318of the food container310can be configured to be removably attachable to the feeding device330via a connector354on an end of the feeding device330.

The feeding device330is like the feeding device130and includes a feeding portion332and a feeding device end connector354. The feeding portion332includes a feeding surface334. The feeding device end connector354is configured to be removably attachable to the end318of the food container310.

During use, the viscous food116expelled from the food container310by application of force on the plunger316passes through the end318of the food container310and onto the feeding surface334of the feeding portion332.

Preferably the syringe type food container310will include one or more one-way valves202,204as described in reference to the food container110, that prevent contaminants from entering the food storage portion312. For example, the one or more one-way valves202,204may be included in the end318of the food container310.

After use, the feeding device330can be removed from the food container310, and a cap360can be attached to the food container310to seal the food container310from outside contaminants.

Referring now toFIG.4, an exemplary viscous material sealing area404is incorporated into a connector such as the food container end connector152operative to connect a food storage container (e.g., the food storage container110ofFIG.1) with a feeding device (e.g., the feeding device130ofFIG.1). The viscous material sealing area404will preferably include two or more one-way valves202a,204ato contain a fixed amount of the viscous food116in a viscous material sealing area404between the one-way valves202a,202b. The viscous food116contained in the viscous material sealing area404during storage can act as a barrier to contaminants from passing through the one-way valves202a,202band entering into the food storage area (e.g., the food storage portion112inFIG.1). The sealed viscous food116may be expelled prior to a next meal being dispensed from the compressible food storage container. As shown inFIG.4, the one-way valves202a,204amay be realized with valve flap seals402.

FIGS.4A and4Billustrate different valve types that may be in fluid communication with a food storage portion (item112inFIG.1).FIG.4Aillustrates a plated one-way valve406.FIG.4Billustrates multiple types of silicon one-way valves408that may be included in various implementations of the present invention. A one-way valve is preferably operational to allow viscous food to exit a compressible food container when compressive pressure is applied to a connected compressible food storage container sufficient to generate an expelling (outward) force on the viscous food that exceeds a predetermined threshold force to traverse a one-way valve in fluid communication with the compressible food storage container. The expelling force opens the one-way valve, into an open position, and moves at least a portion of viscous food from within the compressible food storage container through the one-way valve and onto a feeding surface. As the expelling force is relieved, the one-way valve will close into a closed position.

With the one-way valve in a closed position, the one-way valve preferably hygienically seals the viscous food from a potentially contaminating ambient environment and simultaneously impedes the viscous food from escaping the compressible food storage container.

Referring now toFIG.5, according to the present invention, a single source of viscous food116(e.g., the food container110ofFIG.1) may be attached to multiple different feeding devices. For example, the feeding devices130may be of different sizes, such as the feeding devices130aand130b.

The feeding device130aincludes a connector154, a feeding portion132aand feeding surface134a, and may be large and configured for use by an adult. The feeding device130bincludes the connector154, a feeding portion132band a feeding surface134b, and may be smaller than the feeding device130aand configured for use by an infant or small child. The feeding devices130may further include different shapes, types, and materials.

With feeding devices130of different sizes and shapes, persons of different sizes and needs may hygienically share a single source of food. For example, a child and an adult may attach disparate feeding devices130in a serial fashion to the food container110and each have a meal from the single source without exchanging germs, viruses or other contaminants.

In another aspect, a single person may use disparate feeding devices130at subsequent meals such that each meal may be had with a clean feeding device130. For example, each feeding device130may be individually packaged and kept sterile (or at least very clean) up until a time of use. Following a meal, the feeding device130may be discarded or set aside for cleaning at a subsequent time and a new (clean) feeding device130may be used for a current meal.

As discussed above, preferred embodiments include a connector150including with two or more one-way valves202,204configured to secure viscous food116in between the one-way valves202,204and form a temporary seal. For example, the connector150may include a food container end connector152and the two or more one-way valves may be included in the food container end connector152. The viscous food116forming the seal can be expelled and discarded prior to a subsequent feeding involving the food container110dispensing viscous food116onto the feeding surface134.

Referring now toFIG.6, a flowchart illustrates an exemplary method600of feeding a person, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. At step602, the method600includes removably connecting a food container containing viscous food in a cavity of the food container to a feeding device comprising a feeding surface exterior to the food container. For example, the food container110containing the viscous food116in the cavity114can be removably connected to the feeding device130.

At step604, the method may include applying compressive force to an exterior surface of the food container, for example, the food container110.

At step606, the method600may include, responsive to the compressive force, expelling an amount of the viscous food from the cavity of the food container through a one-way valve through a connector. For example, the viscous food116can be expelled from the cavity114of the food container110through a one-way valve204included in that connector150.

In some embodiments, at step608, the method600may include flowing at least some of the expelled the viscous food onto feeding surface, for example the viscous food116onto the feeding surface134.

At step610, the method600may include providing the viscous food116on the feeding surface134to the person.

At step612, the method600may include disconnecting the food container from the feeding device, for example, disconnecting the food container110from the feeding device130.

At step614, the method600may include closing the one-way valve thereby sealing the viscous food in the cavity of the food container from contaminants exterior to the food container. For example, the one-way valve204may seal the viscous food116in the cavity114of the food container110.

At step616, the method600may include capping the one-way valve and protecting the viscous food interior to the food container from contamination from an outside source. For example, the food container110may be capped with the cap160, thereby protecting the viscous food116in the cavity114of the food container110.

The method600is described above in reference to the feeding apparatus100. This is only by way of example and not intended to be limiting. The method600can be similarly applied to other embodiments of the feeding apparatus.

Referring now toFIG.7, a cutaway view and a perspective view are provided of some embodiments of a feeding device730that include a reed valve736to control a flow of viscous food116from a food channel738onto a feeding surface734of a feeding device732. The reed valve736is functional to be in a default closed state that prevents food from flowing without additional pressure applied to the flow of food, such as, by way of example, compressive pressure on a food container (not illustrated) attached to a connector754. The feeding device730includes a feeding device end connector752that removably attaches to the connector754. As pressure is applied to the viscous food116to flow through the reed valve736, the reed valve736opens, and viscous food116is pushed onto the feeding surface732. When pressure is released from the viscous food116, the reed valve736closes.

Viscous food116may be consumed off of the feeding surface732, such as via feeding a child or disabled person (or other consumer, including an animal). Additional viscous food116may be pushed through the reed valve736and onto the feeding surface734for additional feeding cycles. A cycle of pushing viscous food116through the reed valve736, causing the reed valve736to open, ceasing to push the viscous food116thereby sealing the reed valve736, removing viscous food116from the feeding surface732, and pushing additional viscous food116through the reed valve736to repeat the cycle may be accomplished multiple times.

In the preceding sections, detailed descriptions of examples and methods of the disclosure have been described. The description of both preferred and alternative examples though thorough, are exemplary only, and it is understood that to those skilled in the art that variations, modifications, and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to be understood that the examples do not limit the broadness of the aspects of the underlying disclosure as defined by the claims.

CONCLUSION

A number of embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. While this specification contains many specific implementation details, they should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosures or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the present disclosure. While embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein by way of example using several illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments or drawings described. It should be understood the drawings and the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the form disclosed, but to the contrary, the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

For example, the present invention may include an apparatus for feeding a person viscous food and methods of use of the apparatus. The apparatus may include a food container with a food storage portion, which may be a compressible food storage container, containing a viscous food and a first connector on an open end of the food storage portion. The food storage portion may be compressible; and a feeding device according to the present invention may include a feeding surface and a second connector removably attachable to the first connector.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The apparatus where the food container is configured such that, when the second connector is attached to the first connector, application of compressive pressure on the food storage portion expels the viscous food through the first connector and second connector onto the feeding surface of the feeding device. The food container is configured such that the compressive pressure can be applied by a person to an exterior surface of the food storage portion. The feeding device includes a feeding surface including a spoon shaped area. The first connector includes a one-way valve flow to impede flow of viscous food through the first connector. The one-way valve may include a silicon valve. The first connector includes two one-way valves. The two one-way valves form a sealing area in the first connector. The apparatus may include a cap removably attachable to the first connector, for closing the food container when disconnected from the feeding device. The food container may include a syringe and a food channel; and the food container may be configured such that, when a second connector is attached to the first connector, application of pressure on the food storage portion expels viscous food through the first connector and second connector through the food channel in the feeding device, and onto the feeding surface of the feeding device.

In some embodiments, a food channel may be in fluid communication with a one way valve, such as, for example a reed valve. Pressure applied to a compressible food storage portion, causes viscous food to apply sufficient pressure on the reed valve to open the reed valve and allow the viscous food to pass through the reed valve out onto the feeding surface. When pressure is released from the food storage portion, the reed valve closes. The apparatus may include: multiple interchangeable feeding devices.

One general aspect includes a method for feeding a person. The method includes removably connecting a food container containing viscous food to a feeding device; expelling an amount of the viscous food from the food container, where at least a portion of the amount of expelled viscous food flows onto a feeding surface of the feeding device; and providing the portion of the viscous food on the feeding surface of the feeding device to the person.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The method may include: applying compressive force to an exterior surface of a food storage portion of the food container, where the expelling of the amount of the viscous food contained in the food container is in response to the compressive force. A connector on an end of the food container connected to the feeding device includes a one-way valve and the amount of the viscous food is expelled through the one-way valve. The method may include: disconnecting the food container containing the viscous food from the feeding device and/or closing the one-way valve following disconnecting the food container from the feeding device.

In some embodiments, the method may include: removably attaching a cap to the connector on the end of the food container after closing the one-way valve. At least a portion of the second amount of expelled viscous food may flow onto the feeding surface of the feeding device.

Similarly, while method steps may be depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.

Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order show, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed disclosure.