FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to baby feeding containers in general, and to a container for feeding premature babies in particular.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Premature babies or preemies are human children that are born after less than 37 weeks of pregnancy, which is more than three weeks before their due date. Premature birth gives the baby less time to develop in the womb, and as a result a preemie's body is often vulnerable, weak, and low in weight. Premature babies, especially those born very early, often have complicated medical problems and require neonatal intensive care. Providing neonatal intensive care to preemies can be a difficult and stressful task for the medical staff charged with providing the care, the families of the babies, and the preemies themselves. The length of stay for a preemie in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in a Hospital can last a relatively long time, until the preemie's physical condition is strong and stable enough for him to be discharged.

One of the critical and frequent occurrences for a preemie in the NICU is feeding time. Breast feeding requires a relatively large amount of physical strength and effort on the part of the preemie, and can be a complex process for a preemie due to his size and capabilities. Accordingly, breast milk, which is favored by doctors, cannot be naturally fed directly from the mother's breast. Instead, breast milk is transmitted from the mother's breast to the preemie using several containers, tools and vessels. Typically a mother will express milk using a pump into a vessel. The milk is then transferred from that vessel into a storage container that is marked and placed in cold storage. During feeding time the storage container is removed from storage and a syringe is used to measure an amount of milk to be fed to the preemie. This milk is then transferred to a bottle and fed to the preemie. Since it is critical for the preemie to feed properly, any milk that remains in the bottle after bottle feeding is given to the preemie directly. The milk is therefore transferred, once again, this time from the bottle to a feed-tube that inputs the milk into the preemie's stomach. Each time the milk is transferred to a different container complicates the feeding process, and more importantly exposes it to possible contamination and loss of nutritional value.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is thus provided a baby feeding kit, wherein the kit is operational in syringe mode, storage mode, feed-bottle mode, and feed-tube mode. The kit includes a container body configured for holding a liquid. The container body includes a tube portion defining a cavity therein, a wide opening disposed at one end of the tube portion, and a narrow opening disposed at an opposite end of the tube portion. The kit further includes a plunger sized to removably and sealingly fit inside the cavity and slidably move there along when the container is in a syringe mode, and to seal the tube portion when the container is in a storage mode. The kit further includes an attachable nipple operational for sealingly attaching to the wide opening, configured for releasing a liquid held in the container body when sucked on when the container is in a feed-bottle mode in which the plunger is removed, and for pressurizing fluids when the container is in a feed-tube mode, and which is removed when the container is in a syringe or storage mode. The kit further includes an attachable cap operational for sealingly attaching to the narrow opening, and is configured to seal the narrow opening of the container when in storage or in feed-bottle mode. The kit further includes a feeding tube operational for sealingly attaching to the narrow opening, and is configured for releasing a liquid held in the container body when the container is in a feed-tube mode.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, at least one of the wide opening and the narrow opening includes an attachment element that corresponds to a complementary attaching element disposed on at least one of: the nipple, the cap, and the feeding tube for attaching thereto.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention the attachment element and the complementary attachment element are screw threads.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention the kit further includes a gripping sleeve configured to slide externally onto and off of the container body, and to provide a grip support facilitating holding of the container body in the feed bottle mode and optionally having an securing element, such as a clip, for securing the gripping sleeve to an object.

The baby feeding kit of claim 4, further comprising a carrier for removably storing and carrying the gripping sleeve. The carrier can include a handle for providing a hanging suspension for the gripping sleeve, and a hanger for hanging the carrier.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention the kit further includes a carrier, wherein the gripping sleeve is configured to be removably stored inside the carrier.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention the kit is operational in a pump vessel mode. The wide opening is configured for attaching to a breast pump, which can be part of the kit, for pumping milk from a breast into the container body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which :

Figure 1 is an exploded plan view of a container, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention ;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 in a syringe mode;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 in a storage container mode;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 in a feed- bottle mode;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 in a feed- tube mode;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the sleeve and carrier of Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 in a feed- tube mode and being held by the sleeve and carrier; and

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 in a pump vessel mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a kit with a container that simplifies the feeding process for preemies. The container can be adapted for use as a syringe, storage container, feed-bottle or feeding tube. Optionally, the container can be used as a pump vessel, connecting directly to a breast pump. The container can be used as a syringe to measure the exact amount of milk given to the preemie, a critical step in the feeding process for preemies that need to feed properly to develop properly. The term "milk" herein refers to any liquid, including artificial substitutes, water, medical preparations, and the like, which is intended for feeding. The container can be sealed for further storage. The container is readily adapted for use as a feed-bottle which allows a parent or caregiver to feed the preemie without having to transfer the milk. Additionally, the container can be adapted for use as a feeding tube to input the milk into the stomach of the preemie. The milk remains in the container from its filling (syringe phase or as a pump vessel) until its consumption by any of the modes (syringe, storage, feed-bottle, feeding tube), without requiring its transfer into further vessels.

Reference is now made to Figure 1 , which is an exploded plan view of a container kit 1 00, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The invention present concerns a kit, however, add-on elements may be utilized in conjunction with existing elements to receive the kit. Accordingly reference herein below to "container 100" is made for convenience purposes and is synonymous to "kit 100". Container 100 includes a body 102, a plunger 104, a nipple 106, a cap 108, a feeding tube 1 10, an optional gripping sleeve 501 , and an optional carrier 601 . Feeding tube 1 10 incorporates an adapter portion (designated 1 10 for the sake of simplicity) as in Figures 1 , 5 and 7, while a tube portion 51 0 appears hanging therefrom in Figure 5.

Body 1 02 includes a tube portion 1 03 featuring an interior cavity 1 1 6 for holding a liquid. At one end of tube portion 1 03, body 1 02 includes a wide opening 1 1 1 with external screw threads 1 12. At the opposite end of tube portion 103, body 1 02 includes a narrow opening 1 13 with external screw threads 1 14. Narrow opening 1 13 has a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of tube portion 103, and wide opening 1 1 1 has a diameter substantially equal to or greater than the diameter of tube portion 103. Body 102 also includes a scale mark or graduation mark 130 printed or etched onto container 100 for measuring an amount of liquid inside container 100. Scale 1 30 is written in a direction that makes it easy to read while narrow opening 1 13 is pointed downwards and wide opening 1 1 1 is pointed upwards as is further demonstrated in Figures 2, 5, and 7. A second scale mark or graduation mark 132 is printed or etched onto container 100 in the opposite direction of scale 1 30, so that it is easy to read while wide opening 1 1 1 is pointed downwards and narrow opening 1 13 is pointed upwards, as in Figure 4. Plunger 1 04 is sized so that it can sealingly and slidably fit inside cavity 1 16 of body 102, wherein a seal 105 of plunger 1 04 is fitted to slide along the internal walls of tube portion 103. Plunger 104 can be inserted into tube portion 103 through wide opening 1 1 1 with its seal 105 proximate to narrow opening 1 13, allowing the sucking up of liquid through narrow opening 1 13, as a typical syringe is operated. Nipple 1 06 includes internal screw threads 1 18 that correspond to external screw threads 1 1 2 on body 1 02. Cap 108 and feeding tube 1 10 each include internal screw threads 120 and 122, respectively, that correspond to external screw threads 1 14 on body 102. In place of corresponding screw threads 1 12, 1 14, 1 18, 120 and 122 other corresponding complementary attachment elements, arrangements or configurations may be provided on the respective parts of container 100, such as corresponding snap fit or mounting rail and track elements. Optional gripping sleeve 501 has two open ends and is configured to selectively embrace container 100 by sliding externally onto and off of body 102 of container 100. Gripping sleeve 501 has widened external dimensions configured to facilitate holding of container body 102 in feed bottle mode 400. Gripping sleeve 501 has an optional clip 502 or other securing element, for securing to an object, such as an article of clothing of the feeder (mother or nurse), or hanging by further means, such as those described below with reference to carrier 601 and to Figure 6, which is a perspective view of the sleeve and carrier of Figure 1 . Carrier 601 is a case or a box configured to open and close and has an interior fitted to encapsulate gripping sleeve 501 . Carrier 601 may be opened to allow Gripping sleeve 501 to be placed inside and then closed again to store Gripping sleeve 501 inside (see Figure 6). Carrier 601 also has a handle 602 and a hanger 604. Handle 602 is configured to be attached to clip 502 of gripping sleeve 501 and provide hanging suspension thereto (see Figure 7). Hanger 604 is configured to be hung on an object, such as a hook or a suspension rack (which are often already nearby) (see Figure 7). Carrier 601 may be opened to remove gripping sleeve 501 and then closed again to be attached to gripping sleeve 501 , using the clip 502 and handle 602, and used to help hang container 1 00 from an object, such as a piece of medical or other structural equipment, hook or suspension rack (see Figures 6 and 7).

An optional breast pump 802 (see Figure 8) with internal screw threads 804 that correspond to external screw threads 1 1 2 on body 102 may be provided. Breast pump 802 is configured for pumping milk from a breast into the container body 1 02, as a typical breast pump is operated. Breast pump 802 may be provided together with container 100 as part of the kit, or it may be any breast pump that container 1 00 is configured to attach to. Container 100 has a plurality of modes or configurations: a syringe mode, a storage mode, a feed-bottle mode, a feed-tube mode, and optionally a pump vessel mode.

Reference is now made to Figure 2, which is a perspective view of the container 100 of Figure 1 , in a syringe mode 200, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In syringe mode 200, plunger 1 04 is sealingly and slidably located in cavity 1 1 6 of tube portion 1 03 of body 1 02, so that it seals one end of container 100 adjacent wide opening 1 1 1 and is capable of creating a vacuum in cavity 1 16 when pulled towards that end. In syringe mode 200 container 100 is capable of sucking up a liquid by inserting narrow opening 1 1 3 of the container 100 in a liquid and pulling out plunger 1 04 (pulling plunger 104 away from narrow opening 1 13 and towards wide opening 1 1 1 ). Syringe mode 200 also provides for application of the milk contained in body 1 02 through narrow opening 1 13, by pushing plunger 104, for direct feeding of the baby (or for a further vessel if a simple syringe functioning of the multi-functional kit 100 satisfies the user).

Reference is now made to Figure 3, which is a perspective view of the container 100 of Figure 1 , in a storage mode 300, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Plunger 104 remains inserted (perforated line denotes the position of plunger seal 105) and the narrow opening 1 13 is sealed by cap 1 08 thereby sealingly enclosing tube portion 1 03 so that liquid contained therein (within enclosed cavity 1 16) can be safely stored. An optional plastic bag wrapper 302 with an ID or quick response (QR) barcode can be used to help store and identify container 100.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the container 100 of Figure 1 in a feed-bottle mode 400, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In feed-bottle mode 400 nipple 106 is connected to body 1 02 at wide opening 1 1 1 using corresponding screw threads 1 12 and 1 1 8. Cap 108 is connected to body 102 at narrow opening 1 13 using corresponding screw threads 120 and 1 14. In feed-bottle mode 400, container 100 is closed at both ends 1 1 1 and 1 13 so that a liquid in container 100 is released only by sucking on nipple 106 when nipple 106 is used for feeding (nipple 106 is pointed downwards directly or at an angled posture so that liquid that settles downwards can pour from nipple 106). Optional gripping sleeve 501 is slid externally around tube portion 1 03 of container 100 allowing comfortable gripping in a feeding posture. Clip 502 can be used to hold container 100 in an upright manner (with nipple 106 facing upwards) when attached to an article of clothing (such as a shirt collar) in between bottle feedings. This makes container 100 easy to carry from place to place, and helps prevents a user from misplacing container 100. Reference is now made to Figures 5 and 7. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the container 100 of Figure 1 in a feed-tube mode 500, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 in a feed-tube mode and being held by the sleeve and carrier. In feed-tube mode 500 nipple 106 is connected to body 1 02 at wide opening 1 1 1 using corresponding screw threads 1 12 and 1 18. Feeding tube 1 1 0 is connected to body 102 at narrow opening 1 13 using corresponding screw threads 122 and 1 14. Tube portion 510 of feeding tube 100 hangs therefrom towards the fed infant. In feed-tube mode 500 container 100 is capable of expressing a liquid through feeding tube 1 10 by pumping or depressing nipple 106 (pushing nipple 106 towards narrow opening 1 1 3). Optional gripping sleeve 501 is preferably slid externally around tube portion 103 of container 100 so that clip 502 can be attached to any hook or rack, or to handle 602 of carrier 601 and used to hold container 100 in an upright manner (with nipple 106 facing upwards) when attached to a piece of structural equipment using hanger 604, especially during tube feedings, as best seen in Figure 7. Hanger 604 makes container 100 easy to hang from a corresponding hook (Figure 7).

Reference is now made to Figure 8, which is a perspective view of the container 100 of Figure 1 , in a pump vessel mode 800, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In pump vessel mode 800 a breast pump 802 is connected to body 102 at wide opening 1 1 1 using corresponding screw threads 1 12 and 804. Cap 108 is connected to body 102 at narrow opening 1 13 using corresponding screw threads 1 20 and 1 14. In pump vessel mode 800 milk may be pumped from a breast directly into the container body 1 02, thereby eliminating the transfer of milk from another vessel.

The operation of container 100 will now be further discussed. Reference is now made to Figures 1 to 5, and 8. After milk has been expressed or pumped by a mother into an external vessel (not shown), container 100 is assembled or configured into syringe mode 200 by placing plunger 1 04 into body 1 02 and used to suck up and measure an amount of milk for feeding to the baby by inserting narrow opening 1 13 into the milk and pulling plunger 104 towards wide opening 1 1 1 (Figure 2). Container 100 is now converted into storage mode 300 by connecting cap 1 08 over narrow opening 1 13 and used to store the milk until feeding time (Figure 3). If no storage is required, container 100 can also be converted from syringe mode 200 directly into feed-bottle mode 400, or feed-tube mode 500, as desired. When it is feeding time, container 100 is then converted, either from syringe mode 200 or storage mode 300, into feed-bottle mode 400 by pulling plunger 104 through wide opening 1 1 1 until its entire removal from body 102 and connecting nipple 106 over wide opening 1 1 1 (Figure 4). Optionally, gripping sleeve 501 is sled over container 100 to an embracing position there over, providing a comfortable grip for a feed-bottle posture (Figure 4) or a clasp. After feeding milk to the baby using feed-bottle mode 400, if any milk remains to be fed to the baby, or in case the baby could not be fed by using feed- bottle mode, the container 100 is converted into feed-tube mode 500 by removing cap 108 and replacing it with feeding tube 1 10 (Figures 5 and 8). Optionally, gripping sleeve 501 is slid over container 100 to an embracing position there over, providing a clip 502 for temporary clipping or hanging of container 1 00 in between continuous feeding sessions. Feed-tube mode 500 can be also selected directly after milk is inserted into container 100 at the syringe mode 200 or at the pump vessel mode 800. In feed-tube mode 500, pumping or depressing nipple 106 (or pushing nipple 1 06 towards narrow opening 1 1 3) will pressurize air and liquids enclosed within cavity 1 1 6 and cause milk in body 102 to be expressed from the container 100 through feeding tube 1 10.

Alternatively, container 1 00 may initially be configured in pump vessel mode 800 by connecting breast pump 802 over wide opening 1 1 1 and cap 108 over narrow opening 1 1 3 and used to pump milk from a breast into the container body102 by placing breast pump 802 on a breast. Container 100 can then be converted from pump vessel mode 800 into any of the other modes (e.g., storage mode 300, feed-bottle mode 400, or feed-tube mode 500) as desired, in the manner described in detail above.

The container of the present invention simplifies the process of feeding a preemie by reducing the number of vessels through which the milk is transferred before it is delivered to the baby. This reduction in amount of transfers helps preserve the quality of the milk and its essential components by reducing the milk's exposure to possible infection or contamination, and reducing the amount of milk and milk components loss due to transfer between vessels.

The various elements of the container may be provided as a baby feeding kit.

While certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter have been described, so as to enable one of skill in the art to practice the present invention, the preceding description is intended to be exemplary only. It should not be used to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter, which should be determined by reference to the following claims.