Patent ID: 12186271

While the disclosure will be described in connection with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to that embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be further appreciated when considered with reference to the following description of the following embodiments and accompanying drawings. In describing the following embodiments of the disclosure illustrated in the appended drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. The disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terms used, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Numerous specific details, examples, and embodiments are set forth and described to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to provide a concise discussion of embodiments of the present disclosure.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, 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. Any examples of operating parameters and/or environmental conditions are not exclusive of other parameters/conditions of the disclosed embodiments. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “certain embodiments,” or “other embodiments” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, reference to terms such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “front,” “back,” or other terms regarding orientation are made with reference to the illustrated embodiments and are not intended to be limiting or exclude other orientations.

The present disclosure is directed to an infant gavage feeding apparatus100, for example as illustrated inFIG.1. The infant gavage feeding apparatus100can include an infant feeding bottle105, a gavage milk delivery component115, a retaining ring160, and a cord component125, according to an embodiment. The infant feeding bottle105, for example, can be a standard or universal infant feeding bottle, which may be compatible with a variety of infant feeding nipples, depending on individual infant ages and other physiological needs. As further illustrated in the embodiment ofFIG.1, the nipple120of the infant feeding bottle105may be secured to the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105in order to facilitate nipple feeding.

FIG.2illustrates a perspective view of an infant gavage feeding apparatus100. As illustrated inFIG.2, the nipple120of the infant feeding bottle105has been removed from the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105in order to allow attachment of the gavage milk delivery component115and the retaining ring160to the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the gavage milk delivery component115can include a frustoconical portion155having an elongate tube portion150connected to and extending outwardly and distally from the frustoconical portion155. The elongate tube portion150can be positioned to connect with an enteral feeding tube165when positioned adjacent thereto, in order to facilitate gavage feeding, for example as further illustrated inFIG.4.

In various embodiments, the enteral feeding tube165can be selected from any of a nasogastric (NG) tube, an orogastric (OG) tube, a nasoduodenal (ND) tube, a nasojejunal (NJ) tube, a gastric or gastrostomy (G) tube, a gastrojejunal (GJ) tube, a transjejunal tube, and a jejunal (J) tube, or any other enteral feeding tube as will be readily understood by one having ordinary skill in the art. In addition, in various embodiments the elongate tube portion150of the milk delivery component115can connect or connect to the enteral feeding tube165by any means understood and utilized in the art, such as by a threaded or snap connection, or by simple male-to-female insertion, among others, as will be readily understood by one having ordinary skill in the art.

In some embodiments, for example, the frustoconical portion155and elongate tube portion150of the gavage milk delivery component115can be formed of molded plastic having varying diameters for each portion formed in a stepwise sequence, as illustrated. In other embodiments, the frustoconical portion155and elongate tube portion150of the gavage milk delivery component115can be formed such that the transition between each segment is gradual or continuous. In other embodiments, the frustoconical portion155and elongate tube portion150can be formed as a single, continuous component, formed of the same molded plastic, rubber, silicone, or other appropriate material, as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

In some other embodiments, for example, the frustoconical portion155and elongate tube portion150of the milk delivery component115can be formed of plastic or some other suitable solid or semi-solid material to facilitate flow of milk or formula from the infant feeding bottle105to the enteral feeding tube165, and to allow for secure coupling between the elongate tube portion150and the enteral feeding tube165. In some embodiments, the milk delivery component115and/or the infant gavage feeding device150may be formed of bisphenol-a (BPA)-free plastic. Appropriate materials for formation of the milk delivery component115and the infant gavage feeding device150will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Returning toFIG.1, the infant gavage feeding apparatus100can include a retaining ring160to secure a base of the frustoconical portion155of the gavage milk delivery component115to the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105. In some embodiments, for example, the retaining ring160can include a threaded component on an inner surface thereof for connecting the retaining ring160to the infant feeding bottle105in order to form a liquid-tight seal. In some other embodiments, various other attachment means between the retaining ring160and the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105can be utilized, such as a snap fitting or the like, as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As further illustrated inFIG.2, the infant gavage feeding apparatus100can additionally include a cord component125to releasably connect the gavage milk delivery component115to the infant feeding bottle105in order to transition the infant feeding bottle105from nipple feeding to gavage feeding.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the nipple120of the infant feeding bottle105may be removed from the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105in order to allow attachment of the retaining ring160to the infant feeding bottle105, as illustrated inFIG.2for example.

In some embodiments, for example, the cord component125may be positioned to releasably connect the gavage milk delivery component115to the infant feeding bottle105when the gavage milk delivery component115is not in use. In addition, the cord component125may be detachable from the gavage milk delivery component115when the retaining ring160is secured to the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105. In some embodiments, the cord component125may be made of plastic or like materials. In some embodiments, the cord component125may be designed to be reusable and for multiple uses. In various embodiments, the cord component125may include a breaking point positioned thereon at an appropriate location. The breaking point can allow the cord component125to disconnect into two separate components when sufficient force is applied on the cord component125to allow the cord component125to be detached from the gavage milk delivery component115. The separated portions of the cord component125may be connected at the breaking point by any means understood and utilized in the art, such as by a magnetic, snap on, or male-to-female insertion, among others, as will be readily understood by one having ordinary skill in the art. In other embodiments, the breaking point can include a thinner portion of the material from which the cord component125is formed, such that the strength of the breaking point is weaker than that of the remainder of the cord component125. As pressure is applied to the cord component125, the weaker breaking point can detach.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.4, for example, the cord component125may include a clip130positioned thereon to secure the infant gavage feeding apparatus100in an inverted orientation, for example to a caregiver, to an intravenous pole, to a piece of furniture, or the like, in order to allow hands-free feeding when the cord component125has been detached from the gavage milk delivery component115.

As further illustrated inFIG.4, the cord component125can further include a grip component135positioned at a proximal end of the cord component125in order to removably attach the cord component125to the infant feeding bottle105. In an embodiment, the grip component135of the cord component can125be positioned to slidably move along a longitudinal axis of the infant feeding bottle105after the cord component125is detached from the gavage milk delivery component115in order to allow the infant gavage apparatus100to be stably supported when the infant gavage apparatus100is in an inverted orientation, as illustrated inFIG.5. The grip component135can include one or more ring structures to partially or fully encircle and removably secure the gavage milk delivery component115to the infant feeding bottle105. In other embodiments, various other removable grip component means are contemplated, as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

In some embodiments, for example as illustrated inFIG.2, the infant gavage feeding apparatus100can further include a releasable seal140positioned at a bottom of the retaining ring160. In an embodiment, a perimeter of the releasable seal140is attached to a perimeter of the bottom of the retaining ring160thereby sealing the bottom of the retaining ring160in order to prevent contamination of an interior of the gavage milk delivery component115when the gavage milk delivery component115is not in use. The releasable seal140can be made from polymer materials such as polystyrene or polyethylene, among others, or can be a plastic or foil cover, as will be readily understood by one having ordinary skill in the art. The resealable seal140can be positioned to create a durable seal for repeat use in some examples, or can be disposable after a single use in other examples, and can be ergonomically easy to lift and peel away from the bottom of the retaining ring160.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the infant gavage feeding apparatus100can further include a removable protective cap145positioned to cover the gavage milk delivery component115when the protective cap145is affixed to the retaining ring160, in order to prevent contamination of the elongate tube portion150of the gavage milk delivery component115when the gavage milk delivery component115is not in use. By way of example, the removable protective cap145can include a hemispherical dome cap or a cylindrical cap, among others, as will be readily understood by one having ordinary skill in the art. The removable protective cap145can be formed of opaque, translucent, or transparent medical-grade material. The removable protective cap145can connect to the retaining ring160by means of a snap-fitting connection, by a threaded connection, or by any other means as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

In some embodiments, the gavage milk delivery component115can further include a shoulder portion connected to and positioned between the base of the frustoconical portion155and the retaining ring160. The shoulder portion can be positioned and angled so as to allow a flow of milk from the infant feeding bottle105into the enteral feeding tube165via the gavage milk delivery component115. The angle at which the shoulder portion transitions between the base of the frustoconical portion155and the retaining ring160can help to prevent backup of the flow of milk from the infant feeding bottle105into the enteral feeding tube165, as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The present disclosure is also directed to an infant milk dual-delivery device200to transform an infant feeding bottle105to an alternate nipple feeding and gavage feeding apparatus. In some embodiments, the infant milk dual-delivery device200can be disposable after a single use. In other embodiments, infant the milk dual-delivery device200can be cleaned and sterilized between uses for reuse. The device200, for example, can be fabricated from a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, common non-toxic and resilient polymeric materials, such as polyethylene or polyterephthalate, which are the preferred materials for infant feeding. In addition, the device200may be formed of medical-grade, lightweight, and highly durable thermal shock-resistant borosilicate glass, among others, as will be readily understood by one having ordinary skill in the art. The device200can also include other sturdy materials that are potentially easy to clean and sterilize.

In one or more embodiments, for example as illustrated inFIGS.6and7, the device can include a nipple receiving component220, a gavage milk delivery component215, and a retaining ring260. In some embodiments, the nipple receiving component220can be positioned to allow the nipple110to be removably connected to the infant milk dual-delivery device200in order to facilitate nipple feeding. In various embodiments, the nipple receiving component220can include a threaded component along an outer perimeter thereof for connecting the nipple110to the nipple receiving component220in order to form a liquid-tight seal. In other embodiments, various other attachment means between the nipple110and the nipple receiving component220may be utilized, such as a snap fitting or the like, as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gavage milk delivery component215can include a frustoconical portion155and an elongate tube portion150connected to and extending outwardly and distally from the frustoconical portion155. The elongate tube portion150can be positioned to connect with an enteral feeding tube165when positioned adjacent thereto in order to facilitate gavage feeding.

As illustrated inFIG.7, the retaining ring260can be positioned to secure a base of the gavage milk delivery component215to a top portion170of an infant feeding bottle105. The nipple120of the infant feeding bottle105is removable from the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105in order to allow attachment of the retaining ring260to the infant feeding bottle105.

In various embodiments, the base of the gavage milk delivery component215can be secured to the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105via various attachment means such as a snap fitting. In another embodiment, the retaining ring261can include a threaded component encircling an outer portion thereof for connecting the retaining ring261to the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105. In other embodiments, various other attachment means between the retaining ring260and the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105may be utilized, such as a snap fitting or the like, as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The nipple receiving component220may be substantially cylindrical and tubular in shape to fit into the bottom of an existing and commercially available nipple receiving portion120. In this way, a standard infant feeding bottle105and a standard nipple110can be utilized with the infant milk dual-delivery device200so as to convert a standard nipple-feeding bottle to a dual-delivery bottle capable of alternate nipple and gavage feedings, without requiring removal of the nipple when transitioning to gavage feeding. This configuration allows for seamless transitions between nipple and gavage feeding, so as to limit any interruption or unsettling of the baby's feeding process.

In the embodiments as illustrated inFIGS.6and7, for example, the gavage milk delivery component215and the nipple receiving component220may be positioned in a branched configuration. The infant milk dual-delivery device200can be positioned in a first position, in which the nipple110is pointed downward and the gavage milk delivery component215is positioned upward, so as to enable nipple feeding via the nipple110. In the first position, milk in the infant feeding bottle105will be allowed to flow by gravity into the nipple110, without entering the elevated gavage milk delivery component215. The infant milk dual-delivery device200may also be rotated to be positioned in a second position, in which the gavage milk delivery component215is positioned to point downward while the nipple110is pointed upward, so as to enable gavage feeding via the gavage milk delivery component215. In the second position, milk in the infant feeding bottle105will be allowed to flow by gravity into the gavage milk delivery component215, without entering the elevated nipple110. In this way, a seamless transition between nipple and gavage feeding can be achieved.

In another embodiment, the infant milk dual-delivery device205can also include a flow closure component225and a controller230. The flow closure component225can be positioned in order to divide a milk flow path from the infant feeding bottle105into a first channel and a second channel. The first channel can include the milk flow path from the infant feeding bottle105to the110nipple, and the second channel may include the milk flow path from the infant feeding bottle105to the gavage milk delivery component215. The first channel may facilitate nipple feeding and the second channel may facilitate gavage feeding. In some embodiments, the flow closure component225, for example, can be a cap, flap, tab, or the like, made of an impermeable material and appropriate dimension to complement the dimension of the interstitial space formed between the outer surfaces of the nipple receiving component220and the gavage milk delivery component215of the infant milk dual-delivery device200, or any other suitable component positioned to block the first channel and prevent liquid, such as milk, from flowing into the first channel to facilitate nipple feeding.

In some embodiments, the controller230can be positioned to transition the flow closure component225between a first position to facilitate nipple feeding via the first channel and a second position to facilitate gavage feeding via the second channel. In some embodiments, the controller can include any controlling means to transition the flow closure component between a first position and a second position, such as a knob, a button, a handle, or a crown, among others, as will be readily understood by one having ordinary skill in the art. The controller230can be ergonomically designed and varied in size, shape, and materials. The controller230, for example, can also be externally threaded or grooved for ease of grip while operating the controller, as will be readily understood by one having ordinary skill in the art. The controller230can be actuated by exerting sufficient force, such as by a rotation, sliding, or the like, to cause the flow closure component225to open the first channel and allow milk to flow from the infant feeding bottle105into the nipple110. Similarly, the controller230can be actuated by exerting sufficient force, such as by a rotation, sliding, or the like, to cause the flow closure component225to open the second channel and allow milk to flow from the infant feeding bottle105into the gavage milk delivery component215.

In another embodiment of the infant milk dual-delivery device300as illustrated inFIG.8, the gavage milk delivery component315and the nipple receiving component320can be positioned in series, in a stacked configuration in order to allow milk to flow through the gavage milk delivery component315and the nipple110when nipple feeding. Similarly, the stacked configuration can allow milk to flow through the gavage milk delivery component315when the nipple110is removed from the nipple receiving component320in order to facilitate gavage feeding. According to an embodiment, the gavage milk delivery component315and the nipple receiving component320, for example, can be formed as a single and lightweight structure in that they are inseparable portions of an integrally formed structure, as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

In some embodiments, the upper portion of the nipple receiving component320may include a threaded component positioned on an outer surface thereof for receiving and connecting the nipple120to the nipple receiving component320in order to form a liquid-tight seal. In various embodiments, the nipple120can be connected to the nipple receiving component320by any means understood and utilized in the art, such as by a threaded or snap connection.

As illustrated inFIG.9, for example, the infant milk dual-delivery device300can further include a funnel365. The apex345of the funnel365can include an elongated portion that is complementary to and insertable into a distal end of the elongate tube portion150of the gavage milk delivery component315. In an embodiment, the base350of the funnel365can be positioned to circumvent a base of the nipple110when positioned thereon in order to allow milk in the nipple110to flow back into the infant feeding bottle105through the elongate tube portion150of the gavage milk delivery component315when the infant feeding bottle105is positioned in an upright position in order to avoid loss of milk. For example, milk may flow through the gavage milk delivery component315into the nipple110when the infant feeding bottle110is in an inverted position. When the infant feeding bottle110is rotated to an upright position, any milk remaining in the nipple110that has not been drained from the nipple by the baby will flow back downward toward the gavage milk delivery component315. In the absence of the funnel365, the milk may be trapped around the interstitial space formed between the elongate tube portion of the gavage milk delivery component315and the nipple receiving component320. With the presence of the funnel365, however, the milk may be directed to flow back through the gavage milk delivery component315and into the infant feeding bottle105. In this way, loss of milk can be avoided. The funnel365, for example, can be formed of medical-grade and non-toxic sheet or film plastic, such as polyethylene or the like, as will be readily understood by one having ordinary skill in the art.

In some embodiments, the enteral feeding tube165can be inserted into a distal end of the elongate tube portion150of the gavage milk delivery component315when the funnel365is removed from the gavage milk delivery component315in order to facilitate gavage feeding, as illustrated inFIG.9, for example.

As illustrated inFIG.12, the infant milk dual-delivery device300can further include a flow closure component330positioned to divide a milk flow path from the infant feeding bottle105into a first channel and a second channel. The first channel can include the milk flow path from the infant feeding bottle105through an area circumventing an opening340in the base of the gavage milk delivery component315and into the nipple110. The second channel can include the milk flow path from the infant feeding bottle105through the opening310in the base of the gavage milk delivery component315. The gavage milk delivery component315can be attached to the retaining ring360by a plurality of supporting components335positioned around an outer perimeter of the gavage milk delivery component315in order to secure the gavage milk delivery component315to the retaining ring360, while still allowing milk to flow along the first channel in the through an area circumventing an opening340in the base of the gavage milk delivery component315and into the nipple110.

In some embodiments, the flow closure component330can include a plurality of moveable overlapping covers that fit together in a circular arrangement. As illustrated inFIG.13, milk flows from the infant feeding bottle105through the gavage milk delivery component315when the flow closure component covers an area340circumventing an opening310in the base of the gavage milk delivery component315and exposes the opening310in the base of the gavage milk delivery component315.

In another embodiment, milk flows from the infant feeding bottle105through an area340circumventing an opening310in the base of the gavage milk delivery component315and into the nipple110when the flow closure component covers the opening310in the base of the gavage milk delivery component315and exposes the area340circumventing an opening310in the base of the gavage milk delivery component315. In other embodiments, various other means of alternately covering the base of the gavage milk delivery component315and exposing the area340circumventing the opening310in the base of the gavage milk delivery component315, and uncovering the base of the gavage milk delivery component315while covering the area340circumventing the opening310in the base of the gavage milk delivery component315may be used, such as rotating or sliding covers, flaps, or closures, as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

In the embodiments illustrated inFIGS.12and13, the infant milk dual-delivery device300can further include a removable protective cap370positioned to cover the gavage milk delivery component315when the flow closure component330is positioned in order to divert milk along the first channel. The removable protective cap370can also be positioned to prevent contamination of the elongate tube portion150of the gavage milk delivery component315when the gavage milk delivery component315is not in use.

Additionally, the removable protective cap370, for example, can be connected to the flow closure component330in order to cause the movement of the plurality of moveable overlapping covers and thereby control the diversion of milk flow between the first and second channel. For example, rotating the removable protective cap370may cause the flow closure component330to rotate, causing the individual flaps or components of the flow closure component330to either dilate or fan out, or constrict or fold inward, depending on the directionality of the rotation. In other embodiments, other methods of transitioning the flow closure component330are contemplated, as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The present disclosure is also directed to a method to operate an infant gavage feeding apparatus100. In some embodiments, for example, the method can include attaching a gavage milk delivery component115to an infant feeding bottle105as illustrated inFIG.1. The cord component125is positioned to releasably connect the gavage milk delivery component115to the infant feeding bottle105when the gavage milk delivery component115is not in use.

In some embodiments as illustrated inFIG.4, the gavage milk delivery component115can include a frustoconical portion155and an elongate tube portion150connected to and extending outwardly and distally from the frustoconical portion155. The elongate tube portion150can be positioned to connect with an enteral feeding tube165when positioned adjacent thereto in order to facilitate gavage feeding.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the method to operate an infant gavage feeding apparatus100can also include removing a nipple120from a top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105. The nipple120can be a standard baby nipple of any appropriate size, shape, or material as required for the needed purpose. As further illustrated inFIG.2, the nipple120can be secured to the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105via various attachment means such as snap fitting or screw fitting. In some embodiments, removing the nipple portion120can include, for example, rotating the nipple portion120on a threaded portion of the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105. In other embodiments, the nipple portion120can be removed from the infant feeding bottle105by any other acceptable means, such as by unsnapping or the like, as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure and illustrated inFIG.2, the nipple120is removable from the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105in order to allow attachment of a retaining ring160to the infant feeding bottle105. In an embodiment, for example, the retaining ring160can be positioned to secure a base of the frustoconical portion155of the gavage milk delivery component115to the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105.

In some embodiments, for example, the method can further include replacing the removed nipple120with the gavage milk delivery component115as illustrated inFIG.3. The gavage milk delivery component115can be secured to the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105by a screw, snap, or other suitable connection, as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As further illustrated inFIG.3, the attachment of the retaining ring160to the infant feeding bottle105may be positioned such that tightening the retaining ring160to the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105breaks the cord component125in order to disconnect the gavage milk delivery component115from the grip component135. As the retaining ring160is rotated on the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105, the cord component125may be stretched and extended such that the weakest point of the cord component125is caused to break, thereby separating the gavage milk delivery component115from the infant feeding bottle105.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the method can also include fluidly connecting a distal end of the elongate tube portion150of the gavage milk delivery component115to a proximal end of the enteral feeding tube165and inverting the infant feeding bottle105to initiate a flow of milk from the infant feeding bottle105into the enteral feeding tube165via the gavage milk delivery component115in order to facilitate gavage feeding.

In some embodiments, for example, the method can further include attaching a retaining ring160to the infant feeding bottle105, the retaining ring160securing a base of the frustoconical portion155of the gavage milk delivery component115to the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105. As illustrated inFIG.2, prior to replacing the removed nipple112with the gavage milk delivery component115, the method can further include removing a releasable seal140from a bottom of the retaining ring160to expose the base of the frustoconical portion155of the gavage milk delivery component115in order to allow the gavage milk delivery component115to be fluidly connected to the infant feeding bottle105. The releasable seal140can be positioned at the bottom of the retaining ring160and a perimeter of the releasable seal140can be attached to a perimeter of the bottom of the retaining ring160thereby sealing the bottom of the retaining ring160in order to prevent contamination of an interior of the gavage milk delivery component115.

In some embodiments as illustrated inFIG.3, prior to replacing the removed nipple112with the gavage milk delivery component115, the method can also include removing a removable protective cap145from the retaining ring160to expose the elongate tube portion150of the gavage milk delivery component115in order to allow coupling of the elongate tube portion150of the gavage milk delivery component115to the enteral feeding tube165when the removable protective cap145is removed. The removable protective cap145can be positioned to cover the gavage milk delivery component115when the removable protective cap145is affixed to the retaining ring160in order to prevent contamination of the elongate tube portion150.

In some embodiments, for example, the method can also include attaching a grip component135to the infant feeding bottle105. A proximal end of the cord component can secure the gavage milk delivery component115to the infant feeding bottle105. The grip component135may be positioned at a distal end of the cord component125, so as to connect the gavage milk delivery component115to the infant feeding bottle105. The grip component135can include a stiff or flexible component that partially or wholly encircles the outer diameter of the infant feeding bottle105. Additionally, the method can include attaching the retaining ring160to the infant feeding bottle105, thereby breaking the cord component125when the retaining ring160is attached to the infant feeding bottle105in order to disconnect the gavage milk delivery component115from the grip component135. The method can further include sliding the grip component135of the cord component125downwardly along a longitudinal axis of the infant feeding bottle105after the cord component125is detached from the gavage milk delivery component115in order to allow the infant gavage feeding apparatus100to be stably supported when the infant gavage feeding apparatus100is in an inverted position, as illustrated inFIG.4.

As illustrated inFIG.5, the method can further include attaching a clip130positioned on the cord component to a user560to secure the infant gavage feeding apparatus100in an inverted orientation in order to allow hands-free feeding. In other embodiments, the clip130can be used to attach the infant feeding bottle105to an IV pole, stand, or other furniture of device.

The present disclosure is also directed to a method to operate an alternate nipple feeding and gavage feeding apparatus in which a gavage milk delivery component and a nipple receiving component are arranged in a branched configuration.

In some embodiments, for example, the method can include removing a nipple120from a top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105. The nipple120is removable from the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105in order to allow attachment of an infant milk dual-delivery device200to the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105. The method can also include attaching the infant milk dual-delivery device200to the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105.

The infant milk dual-delivery device200can include a gavage milk delivery component215. The gavage milk delivery component215can include a frustoconical portion155and an elongate tube portion150connected to and extending outwardly and distally from the frustoconical portion155. The elongate tube portion150, for example, can be positioned to connect with an enteral feeding tube165when positioned adjacent thereto in order to facilitate gavage feeding. The infant milk dual-delivery device200can also include a retaining ring260to secure a base of the gavage milk delivery component215to the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105. The infant milk dual-delivery device200can further include a nipple receiving component positioned to allow the nipple110to be removably connected to the infant milk dual-delivery device200in order to facilitate nipple feeding. In some embodiments, the gavage milk delivery component215and the nipple receiving component220can be positioned in a branched configuration in order to alternately facilitate nipple feeding and gavage feeding.

The method can also include connecting the nipple112to the nipple receiving component220in order to facilitate nipple feeding and inverting the infant feeding bottle105to initiate a flow of milk from the infant feeding bottle105alternately into the nipple112in order to facilitate nipple feeding and into the gavage milk delivery component215in order to facilitate gavage feeding. For example, the infant feeding bottle105may be inverted and positioned such that the nipple112is positioned downward, while the gavage milk delivery component215is positioned upward, such that milk is allowed to flow by gravity from the infant feeding bottle105into the nipple112, without escaping through the gavage milk delivery component215. Alternately, the infant feeding bottle105may be inverted and positioned such that the gavage milk delivery component215is positioned downward, while the nipple112is positioned upward, such that milk is allowed to flow by gravity form the infant feeding bottle105into the gavage milk delivery component215, without escaping through the nipple112.

In some embodiments, for example, the method can further include positioning a flow closure component225in a first position in order to facilitate nipple feeding. The flow closure component225can be positioned in order to divide a milk flow path from the infant feeding bottle105into a first channel and a second channel. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first channel may form the milk flow path from the infant feeding bottle105to the nipple110. The method can further include positioning a flow closure component225in a second position in order to facilitate gavage feeding. The second position may open the second channel forming the milk flow path from the infant feeding bottle105to the gavage milk delivery component215. A controller230may be positioned to transition the flow closure component225between the first position and the second position. Such transition can include any of rotation, sliding, switching, or the like, as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The present disclosure is also directed to a method to operate an alternate nipple feeding and gavage feeding apparatus whereby a gavage milk delivery component and a nipple receiving component are arranged in series, in a stacked configuration.

In one or more embodiments, the method an include removing a nipple112from a top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105. The nipple120is removable from the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105in order to allow attachment of an infant milk dual-delivery device300to the infant feeding bottle105. The method can further include attaching the infant milk dual-delivery device300to the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle105.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the infant milk dual-delivery device300can include a gavage milk delivery component315. The gavage milk delivery component315can include a frustoconical portion155and an elongate tube portion150connected to and extending outwardly and distally from the frustoconical portion155. The elongate tube portion150can be positioned to connect with an enteral feeding tube165when positioned adjacent thereto in order to facilitate gavage feeding. In some embodiments, for example, the infant milk dual-delivery device300can include a retaining ring360to secure a base325of the gavage milk delivery component315to the top portion170of the infant feeding bottle. The infant milk dual-delivery device300can further include a nipple receiving component320positioned to allow the nipple110to be removably connected to the infant milk dual-delivery device300in order to facilitate nipple feeding. In an embodiment, the gavage milk delivery component315and the nipple receiving component320can be positioned in a stacked configuration in order to alternately facilitate nipple feeding and gavage feeding.

In some embodiments, for example, the method can further include inserting the apex of a funnel345into a distal end of the elongate tube portion150of the gavage milk delivery component315. As illustrated inFIG.8, for example, the base350of the funnel365can be positioned to circumvent a base of the nipple110when positioned thereon in order to allow milk in the nipple110to flow back into the infant feeding bottle105through the elongate tube portion150of the gavage milk delivery component315when the infant feeding bottle105is positioned in an upright position in order to avoid loss of milk. As illustrated inFIG.10, the method can also include connecting the nipple110to the nipple receiving component320in order to facilitate nipple feeding. The method can further include inverting the infant feeding bottle105to initiate a flow of milk from the infant feeding bottle105into the nipple110in order to facilitate nipple feeding.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.9, for example, the method can further include disconnecting the nipple110from the nipple receiving component320. As further illustrated inFIG.9, the method an also include removing the funnel365from the gavage milk delivery component315and fluidly connecting the distal end of the elongate tube portion150of the gavage milk delivery component315to a proximal end of the enteral feeding tube165. The method can additionally include inverting the infant feeding bottle105to initiate a flow of milk from the infant feeding bottle105into the enteral feeding tube165in order to facilitate gavage feeding, for example as illustrated inFIG.5.

In some embodiments, the method can further include connecting the nipple110to the nipple receiving component320in order to facilitate nipple feeding, as illustrated inFIG.12. The method can also include positioning a flow closure component330in a first position to open a first channel in order to allow the milk to flow from the infant feeding bottle105through an area circumventing an opening340in the base325of the gavage milk delivery component315and into the nipple110. In addition, the method can include inverting the infant feeding bottle105to initiate the flow of milk from the infant feeding bottle105into the nipple110in order to facilitate nipple feeding. As illustrated inFIG.14, for example, the method can additionally include disconnecting the nipple110from the nipple receiving component320and fluidly connecting a distal end of the elongate tube portion150of the gavage milk delivery component315to a proximal end of the enteral feeding tube165. In some embodiments, the method can also include positioning the flow closure component330in the second position to open the second channel in order to allow milk to flow from the infant feeding bottle105through the opening310in the base325of the gavage milk delivery component315, as illustrated inFIG.13. The method can further include inverting the infant feeding bottle105to initiate the flow of milk from the infant feeding bottle105into the enteral feeding tube165in order to facilitate gavage feeding.