[0001] Field

[0002] The present subject matter relates to hydration and feeding devices.

[0003] Background

[0004] Dehydration occurs when the amount of water leaving the body exceeds the amount taken in. People lose water routinely by breathing, sweating, and other bodily functions. Even in a normal day, a person has to drink a significant amount of water to replace these routine losses. The inability to drink adequate amounts of water to replace what is lost, due to a lack of strength or inability to drink adequate amounts, increases the risk of dehydration.

[0005] Existing devices to help prevent dehydration have fluid filled bladders with flexible dispensing tubes and bite valves to deliver fluid to the user. These devices are either designed to be used while seated, however, or fail to mitigate the risk of fluid aspiration during drinking and swallowing while supine. To avoid this, users must keep the head elevated in order to preserve breathing and swallowing coordination, thus decreasing swallowing apnea duration and lowering the risk of fluid aspiration (Kelly et al., Integrating Swallowing and Respiration: Preliminary Results of the Effect of Body Position, The Journal of Medical Speech-Language Pathology, 21-1-2007).

[0006] While devices exist that support the head and neck of the user, they fail to accommodate for positional, anatomic and functional elements in drinking and swallowing actions while supine. Existing head supports, for example, generally fail to address the issue of compromised breathing / swallowing coordination and consequent lack of airway protection while lying supine. Additionally, fluid dispensing tubes in prior devices are generally too flexible, and thus incapable of being affixed to a user's lips if the user is unable or has difficulty grasping the tube.

SUMMARY

[0007] The present subject matter relates to hydration and feeding devices. In a first exemplary embodiment, a hydration device includes at least one tillable bladder in fluid communication with a first end of an adjustable semi-rigid tube. A first valve connects to a second end of the adjustable semi-rigid tube, and a rigid base is configured to transmit at least a portion of a user's weight as a positive pressure to the at least one fiUable bladder, with the support structure connecting to the rigid base and the adjustable semi-rigid tube.

[0008] In certain exemplary embodiments, the adjustable semi-rigid tube is at least partially comprised of gooseneck tubing. In still other exemplary embodiments, the adjustable semi-rigid tube is at least partially comprised of segmented tubing. In some exemplary embodiments, the support structure is a crescent-shaped bar, and in others, the support structure is at least partially comprised of flexible segmented tubing.

[0009] Certain exemplary embodiments further include further at least one pillow at least partially encompassing the rigid base and support structure, and having a pouch configured to receive at least a portion of the tillable bladder. The pillow can be wedge-shaped, with the wedge at least partially enclosed, and can be configured such that the base inserts in a top, back, or side portion of the pillow.

[0010] Still further exemplary embodiments include a second tillable bladder in fluid communication with a first end of a second adjustable semi-rigid tube, with the second bladder configured to receive at least a portion of the user's weight as a positive pressure transmitted via the rigid base. A second valve connects to a second end of the second adjustable semi-rigid tube, and the support structure connects to the rigid base and the second adjustable semi-rigid tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] A description of the present subject matter including various embodiments thereof is presented with reference to the accompanying drawings, the description not meaning to be considered limiting in any matter, wherein:

[0012] Fig. 1 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a tillable bladder;

[0013] Fig. 2 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of a tillable bladder;

[0014] Fig. 3 illustrates a cutaway view of an exemplary embodiment of multiple tillable bladders;

[0015] Fig. 4 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a base and support structure;

[0016] Figs. 5A and 5B illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of a hydration device incorporating the first exemplary base and support structure;

[0017] Fig. 6 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of a hydration device incorporating the first exemplary base and support structure;

[0018] Fig. 7 illustrates a third exemplary embodiment of a hydration device incorporating the first exemplary base and support structure;

[0019] Figs. 8A and 8B illustrate a fourth exemplary embodiment of a hydration device incorporating the first exemplary base and support structure;

[0020] Figs. 9A and 9B illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of a base and support structure;

[0021] Fig. 10A and 10B illustrate first and second exemplary embodiments of a hydration device incorporating the second exemplary base and support structure; and [0022] Fig. 11 illustrates a third exemplary embodiment of a hydration device incorporating the second exemplary base and support structure.

[0023] Similar reference numerals and designators in the various figures refer to like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Fig. 1 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a fillable bladder 100. The fillable bladder 100 can hold one or more liquid, gel, liquid nutrients, solutions, or similar substances, generically referred to as a liquid. In the embodiment shown, the fillable bladder 100 is in fluid communication with a first end 105 of an adjustable semi-rigid tube 110, with a first valve 120 connecting to a second end 115 of the adjustable semi-rigid tube 110. Having an adjustable tube helps in positioning the first valve 120 at or near the user's lips or other desired position, and helps facilitate placement of the fillable bladder 100 in a variety of locations, allowing some or all of the user's weight to maintain a positive pressure in a fluid column. The tube can be in other positions (as a feeding tube, for example).

[0025] The fillable bladder of Fig. 1 optionally includes an intake / flush port 130, and is configured to receive at least a portion of a user's weight. In this exemplary embodiment, the bladder 100 is configured to receive weight from one or more of a portion of a user's upper or lower torso, head, neck and/or shoulder girdle, for example, which compresses the bladder 100 to create a pressure in a fluid column (not shown). This pressure forces at least a portion of the fluid (not shown) into the semirigid tube adjustable tube 110 toward the first valve 120. In this non- limiting example, first valve 120 is shown as a bite valve. In embodiments incorporating a bite valve, a user is able to apply a negative pressure to the valve, creating a sucking action. This negative pressure can be in addition to the pressure created on the fluid column, but need not be. The first valve 120 is optionally positioned at or near the user's lips. Other positions of the first valve 120 can be selected without departing from the scope of the present subject matter.

[0026] In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1, the tube 110 includes material 140 giving the tube 110 its semi-rigid structure, while still allowing the tube 110 to be adjustably positioned. The tube 110 is fixable at or near a user's lips, even if the head is elevated and/or angled to facilitate or allow swallowing and protection of a user's airway from liquid aspiration into the lungs. Any tubing material known to those of skill in the art may used to provide the rigidity, as long as the tube can hold its position after adjustment. In certain embodiments, this material 140 is least partially comprised of gooseneck tubing. In a certain aspect, the material 140 comprises gooseneck tubing. In other embodiments, the material 140 is at least partially comprised of segmented tubing. In another certain aspect, the material 140 comprises segmented tubing.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 1, the fillable bladder may optionally be placed in a receiving pocket 150. In the non-limiting example of Fig. 1, the receiving pocket 150 is shown in a pillow 160. The pocket 150 is positioned relative to where a user's head and/or upper torso would lie in order to take advantage of at least a portion of the user's body weight to force liquid from bladder 100 toward tube 110. The pillow 160 can be constructed of any material that pillows are made of, including known conforming pillows. The pillow 160 is shown as having a wedge shape, but can have other shapes without departing from the scope of the present subject matter.

[0028] Fig. 2 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of a fillable bladder 200. The fillable bladder 200 in the non-limiting example of Fig. 2 is shown partially filled with liquid, but need not be. This non-limiting embodiment further includes at least one shutoff valve 210 and an insulation sleeve 220. The insulation sleeve 220 is shown internal to the tillable bladder 200, but can be on the outside without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiment shown. The bladder 200 of Fig. 2 also optionally includes a second tube 230 attached to intake / flush port 130.

[0029] Fig. 3 illustrates a third exemplary embodiment having multiple tillable bladders. Fig. 3 is a cutaway view illustrating an embodiment similar to the similar shown in Fig. 2, but includes a second tillable bladder 300 in addition to tillable bladder 200. The bladders 200 and 300 are shown in a pouch 350 in pillow 160. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, second tillable bladder 300 is in fluid communication with a first end 305 of a second adjustable semi-rigid tube 310. The second bladder 300 is also configured to receive at least a portion of the user's weight to create a pressure in a fluid column (not shown). Second bladder 300 has a second valve 320 connected to a second end 315 of the second adjustable semi-rigid tube 310.

[0030] Fig. 4 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a rigid base 400 and support structure 405. The base 400 and support structure 405 are shown separately, but in their assembled configuration the base 400 is configured to help transmit and/or distribute at least a portion of a user's weight as a pressure to the at least one tillable bladder 100, with the support structure 405 connecting the base 400 and gooseneck tubing 410. In this exemplary embodiment, tube 110 is not shown, as it is at least partially enclosed by gooseneck tubing 410 connected to the support structure 405. In this non- limiting example, the gooseneck tubing 410 and support structure 405 are both shown in a crescent shape. The gooseneck tubing 410 may be formed from one piece, or from multiple pieces connected by any connecting means such as a bolt, screw, or other means known to those of skill in the art. The support structure 405 is shown in a crescent shape, but can be in other shapes if desired. The support structure 405 can also be a single piece, or multiple pieces connected together.

[0031] The base 400 supports at least a portion of the gooseneck tubing 410, support structure 405 and bladder 100. The base 400 shown in Fig. 4 is constructed of rigid lightweight material and can be positioned under pillow 160 (not shown) and/or bladder 100. The base 400 is shaped so that it remains stable during manipulation of the gooseneck tubing 410 and/or support structure 405, is configured to provide resistance to an applied force to help transmit and/or distribute at least a portion of a user's weight as a pressure to bladder 100. The base 400 need not be any particular shape. Other shapes can be used without departing from the scope of the present subject matter and can, for example, include oval, rectangular and/or triangular shapes. The base 400 can be constructed of, for example, hollow tubing or plastic. Alternatively, the base 400 can be constructed of any lightweight material or materials sturdy enough to support the gooseneck tubing 410 and support structure 405 in a position near a user.

[0032] Figs. 5A and 5B illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of a hydration device incorporating the first exemplary base and support structure. In this exemplary embodiment, a hydration chair 500 incorporates one or more wedge-shaped pillows 510 which elevate at least a portion of a user's head, pharynx, hypopharynx, upper esophageal sphincter and/or distal esophagus, therefore helping with coordination of the breathing / swallowing mechanism that permits fluid to pass in a way that avoids aspiration into the user's airway. Elevating the head and shoulders reduces the risk of reflux of ingested fluid from the esophagus and stomach via the alteration of the upper esophageal sphincter and distal esophageal function that is common in users that lie supine while drinking or eating. Elevating the head and shoulders also helps enable safe passage of nutrient fluids to the user and helps enable breathing / swallowing coordination, decreasing the risk of aspiration or gastroesophageal reflux (such as when one drinks or eats supine), as noted in scientific literature.

[0033] In the non-limiting embodiment shown here, chair 500 has an opening in its middle, but may be partially or completely enclosed if desired. The pillows 510 in this embodiment are wedge shaped, but other pillow shapes are contemplated and can be used without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. In the exemplary embodiments of Figs. 5 A and 5B, the tillable bladder 100 fits in a pocket 520 of chair 500, and emerges from a portal 530 in pocket 520. Pocket 520 is positioned relative to the user's head and/or upper torso to take advantage of at least a portion of the user's body weight to transmit a pressure into a fluid column (not shown) to force fluid toward tube 110. The remaining features of the embodiments of Figs. 5A and 5B are the same as the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 4, and are not discussed in further detail here.

[0034] Fig. 6 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of a hydration device incorporating the first exemplary base 400 and support structure 405. This exemplary embodiment includes an optional insert 605 which fits into a back portion 610 of hydration chair 600. In the embodiment, insert 605 further supports at least a portion of the user, provides further resistance to the user's weight, and to provide resistance to an applied force to transmit an additional portion of the user's weight as a pressure to at least a portion of bladder 100 to help direct at least a portion of a column of fluid (not shown) to the user. This exemplary embodiment optionally includes an elbow or hand rest 620 that allows the user to press at least a portion of his weight back to the insert 605 to help provide additional leverage to force fluid to toward the user. [0035] In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 6, bladder 100 fits into pocket 630 in the back portion 610 of chair 600. A portal 635 is shown opening on a top portion 640 of the chair 600, with the intake / flush port 130 facing out, but can be in other locations without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. The remaining features of the embodiment of Fig. 6 are the same as the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 4, and are not discussed in further detail here.

[0036] Fig. 7 illustrates a third exemplary embodiment of a hydration device incorporating the first exemplary base and support structure. In this embodiment, tillable bladder 100 fits into a sleeve 710 attached to hydration chair 700. The sleeve 710 has a pocket portal 715 shown opening on a side portion 720 of chair 700, with the intake / flush port 130 facing out, but can be in other locations without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. The remaining features of the embodiment of Fig. 7 are the same as the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 4, and are not discussed in further detail here.

[0037] Figs. 8A and 8B illustrate a fourth exemplary embodiment of a hydration device incorporating the first exemplary base and support structure. In this exemplary embodiment, the hydration chair 800 has an enclosed wedge, and has pockets 810 and 820 for holding base 400 and bladder 100. The remaining features of the embodiment of Figs. 8A and 8B are the same as the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 4, and are not discussed in further detail here.

[0038] Figs. 9A and 9B illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of a base 900 and support structure 905. The base 900 is shown side by side with tillable bladder 100, but in an assembled configuration base 900 is configured to be in contact with bladder 100 so as to help transmit and/or distribute at least a portion of a user's weight as a pressure to the tillable bladder 100, with the support structure 905 connecting base 900 with a flexible tube 910 extending from bladder 100.

[0039] In this non-limiting exemplary embodiment, support structure 905 includes bendable elements 920. These bendable elements 920 may be constructed of flexible yet fixable gooseneck tubing supported by solid extension tubing 930 from base 900. Gooseneck tubing is formed from, for example, metallic segmented material wound into tube shape which can be freely bent. Other forms of flexible tubing known to those in the art can also be used without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter. Flexible tube 910 from fillable bladder 100 attaches to support structure 905 via attachment 925 (Fig. 9A), which feeds tube 910 into the interior of bendable elements 920 until tube 910 reaches valve 120. The bendable elements 920 may be formed from one piece, or from multiple pieces connected by any connecting means such as a bolt, screw, or other means known to those of skill in the art.

[0040] The base 905 supports at least a portion of the bendable elements 920, support structure 905 and bladder 100. The base 905 shown in Figs. 9A and 9B is constructed of rigid lightweight material and can be positioned under a pillow (not shown) and/or bladder 100. It optionally includes strap 940 (Fig. 9B) which attaches to first and second eyelets 950 / 955 connected to first and second ends 960 / 965 of base 900. The strap 940 can be used to fasten base 900 to a mattress (Fig. 10B), a pillow, or other items as desired. The base 900 is shaped so that it remains stable during manipulation of the bendable elements 920 and/or support structure 905, and is configured to provide resistance to an applied force to help transmit and/or distribute at least a portion of a user's weight as a pressure to bladder 100. The base 905 need not be any particular shape, and can be oval, rectangular or triangular, for example. The base 905 may be constructed of, for example, hollow tubing or plastic. Alternatively, the base 905 may be constructed of any lightweight material or materials sturdy enough to support bendable elements 920 and support structure 905 in a position near a user.

[0041] Fig. 10A illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a hydration device incorporating the second exemplary base and support structure. In this embodiment, base 900, support structure 905 and bladder 100 are at least partially contacting pillow 160. The pillow 160 is shown as a regular pillow, but can instead be an elevated hospital bed pillow, and/or have a wedge or other desired shape without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. In the embodiment of Fig. 10A, the base 900 and bladder 100 are placed under pillow 160. Instead of placing them under the pillow 160, however, one or more of the base 900, bladder 100, and support structure 905 can be placed in any location that facilitates fluid delivery.

[0042] Fig. 10B illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of a hydration device incorporating the second exemplary base and support structure. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 10B, strap 940 attached to first and second eyelets 950 / 955 connected to first and second ends 960 / 965 of base 900 is fastened to a hospital bed. The patient is shown sitting up, but need not be. Also, other types of beds can be used without departing from the scope of the embodiment of Fig. 10B. Pillow 160 is shown as an elevated hospital bed pillow, but can be a regular pillow and/or have a wedge or other desired shape without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. In the embodiment of Fig. 10B, the base 900 and bladder 100 are placed under pillow 160. Instead of placing them under the pillow 160, however, one or more of the base 900, bladder 100, and support structure 905 can be placed in any location that facilitates fluid delivery. [0043] Fig. 11 illustrates a third exemplary embodiment of a hydration device incorporating the second exemplary base and support structure. In this exemplary embodiment, a hydration chair 1100 incorporates one or more wedge-shaped pillows 1110 which elevate at least a portion of a user's head, pharynx, hypopharynx, upper esophageal sphincter and/or distal esophagus, therefore helping with coordination of the breathing / swallowing mechanism that permits fluid to pass in a way that avoids aspiration into the user's airway.

[0044] In the embodiment of Fig. 11, although pillow 1110 is shown as an enclosed wedge, other shapes can be used instead. Fillable bladder 100 fits snuggly in a pocket 1120 of hydration chair 1100, such that bladder 100 is located beneath a portion of the user's upper torso at the base of the neck, and emerges from a portal 1130 of pocket 1120. The portal 1125 is shown in the side 1130 of the chair 1100, but can be in other locations such as the top 1140 or back 1140 of chair 1100 if desired. The pocket 1120 is positioned relative to the user's head and/or upper torso to take advantage of at least a portion of the user's body weight to transmit a pressure into a fluid column (not shown) to force fluid toward tube 910. The remaining features of the embodiment of Fig. 11 are the same as the exemplary embodiment of Figs. 9A and 9B, and are not discussed in further detail here.

[0045] While not shown, other embodiments can be used as long as they provide individuals with an ability to grasp a drinking without assistance from a person at their bedside. This helps prevent dehydration, urinary tract infections, hypotension, shock, dizziness, confusion, circulation problems, and other medical maladies related to lack of access to fluid in patients with dementia and/or neuromuscular deficits. Still other embodiments help prevent esophageal reflux by elevating the digestive system when fluid intake occurs, by elevating the ingested material and/or the contents of the stomach that may reflux when there is distal esophageal dysfunction and/or esophageal-gastric sphincter opening during supine ingestion. One example of this is a backpack worn by a user in bed, with a flexible gooseneck connected to a fillable bladder held in the backpack. In still other examples, a bladder is hung above a user, allowing gravity to exert a force on a fluid column (i.e. letting gravity do at least a portion of the work).

[0046] Conclusion

[0047] It will be understood that many additional changes in the details, materials, steps and arrangement of parts, which have been herein described and illustrated to explain the nature of the subject matter, including interchanging elements of the exemplary embodiments, may be made by those skilled in the art within the principle and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.