Cross-References to Related Applications

This application is related to and claims priority from commonly owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/492,311, entitled: Infant Medicine Dispenser, filed on May 1, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of medicine dispenser. Background of the invention

Administering a liquid medicine to an infant can be frustrating and often messy. Prior art methods of administering liquid medicine to an infant include a syringe, dropper and small spoon. Unfortunately, the liquid medicine may have an unpleasant taste, which can cause the infant to spit out the liquid medicine immediately upon administration. Additionally, in prior art devices for administering medicine to an infant it is difficult to measure the amount of liquid medicine that has already been administered to the infant if the infant spits out a portion of the liquid medicine inserted into the infant's mouth.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates to an infant medicine dispenser, comprising: a) a nipple- shaped part or portion having an aperture or an opening on the tip of the nipple- shaped part, wherein the nipple- shaped part can be inserted into the mouth; b) a compressible reservoir configured in an accordion-like shape, in order to facilitate the flow of liquid through the aperture in the tip of the nipple-shaped part while exerting compressing action on the compressible reservoir, wherein the compressible reservoir having an opening and a corresponding cover on its distal end for allowing the insertion of liquid into its interior; and c) a collar which is joined to the nipple-shaped part from one side and to the compressible reservoir from the other side and which limits the movement of insertion of the nipple-shaped part. Optionally, according to an embodiment of the invention, the infant medicine dispenser further comprises a straw-like conduit which connects between the aperture of the nipple-shaped part and the compressible reservoir, in order to allow liquid passage from the compressible reservoir directly to the aperture.

Optionally, according to an embodiment of the invention, the nipple- shaped part and/or the compressible reservoir are generally semi-transparent, so that a level of the liquid within the interior of the infant medicine dispenser is viewable externally.

Optionally, according to an embodiment of the invention, the infant medicine dispenser further comprises graduation marks which indicate the amount of liquid within the interior of the infant medicine, wherein the graduations are marked on the nipple-shaped part and/or on the compressible reservoir.

There is provided in accordance with another example an infant medicine dispenser. The dispenser comprises: a nipple-shaped part or portion having an aperture on the tip of the nipple- shaped part, wherein the nipple- shaped part can be inserted into the mouth. The nipple shaped part includes: a compressible reservoir configured in an accordion-like shape, in order to facilitate the flow of liquid through the aperture in the tip of the nipple-shaped part while exerting compressing action on the compressible reservoir, wherein the compressible reservoir having an opening and a corresponding cover on its distal end for allowing the insertion of liquid into its interior; a collar which is joined to the nipple-shaped part from one side and to the compressible reservoir from the other side and which limits the movement of insertion of the nipple-shaped part; and, a platform disposed about the a compressible reservoir for gripping the dispenser while compressing the compressible reservoir.

The dispenser can further include a straw-like conduit, which connects between the aperture of the nipple- shaped part and the compressible reservoir, in order to allow liquid to pass from the compressible reservoir directly to the aperture.

The dispenser can be one in which the nipple-shaped part and/or the compressible reservoir are generally semi-transparent, so that a level of the liquid within the interior of the infant medicine dispenser is viewable externally. The dispenser can further include graduations which indicate the amount of liquid within the interior of the infant medicine, wherein the graduations are marked on the nipple-shaped part and/or on the compressible reservoir.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an infant medicine dispenser. The dispenser comprises: a nipple-shaped portion including an interior chamber and an aperture; a compressible reservoir in communication with the interior chamber, wherein the reservoir in moveable between a compressed position and an extended position, such that when the compressible reservoir moves from the extended position to the compressed position, fluid moves from the reservoir, through the interior chamber, and out of the dispenser through the aperture; a collar disposed between the compressible reservoir and the nipple-shaped portion; and, at least one platform including a first member extending from the collar, and, a second member extending outward from the first member.

Optionally, the dispenser is such that the first member is substantially perpendicular to the second member.

Optionally, the dispenser is such that the at least one platform extends in direction of compressible reservoir.

Optionally, the dispenser is such that the at least one platform incudes a ring portion defining the first member and a toroidal portion defining the second member.

Optionally, the dispenser is such that the at least one platform includes two platforms and each of the platforms includes the first member being substantially perpendicular to the second member.

Optionally, the dispenser is such that the two platforms extend in the direction of the compressible reservoir.

Optionally, the dispenser is such that the two platforms are oppositely disposed on the collar. Optionally, the dispenser is such that the nipple- shaped portion, the collar, the at least one platform and the compressible reservoir are a unitary member.

Optionally, the dispenser is such that the compressible reservoir includes a resilient material so as to behave in a spring-like manner.

Optionally, the dispenser is such that it additionally comprises a removably attachable cap for covering an end of the compressible reservoir.

Optionally, the dispenser is such that the compressible reservoir includes a material which when compressed remains compressed.

Optionally, the dispenser is such that the nipple portion includes a solid body and a bore extending through the body to the aperture, the bore in communication with the compressible reservoir.

Embodiments of the invention include a method for administering a substance, such as medication, to an infant. The method comprises providing a device, the device comprising: a nipple-shaped portion including an interior chamber and an aperture; a compressible reservoir in communication with the interior chamber, wherein the reservoir is moveable between a compressed position and an extended position, such that when the compressible reservoir moves from the extended position to the compressed position, fluid moves from the reservoir, through the interior chamber, and out of the dispenser through the aperture; a collar disposed between the compressible reservoir and the nipple-shaped portion; and, at least one platform including a first member extending from the collar, and, a second member extending outward from the first member. The device, at the compressible reservoir, is filled with a substance, for example a liquid medication; and, the reservoir is compressed, such that the substance moves through the nipple-shaped portion exiting at the aperture. The method is such that the compressing the reservoir includes: gripping the area of the at least one platform with the fingers; and, pushing the reservoir toward the collar with a thumb or other finger.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a method for administering a substance to an infant. The method comprises providing a device comprising: a nipple-shaped portion including an interior chamber and an aperture; a compressible reservoir filled with a substance, for example, a liquid medication or other liquid, the compressible reservoir in communication with the interior chamber, wherein the reservoir is moveable between a compressed position and an extended position, such that when the compressible reservoir moves from the extended position to the compressed position, fluid moves from the reservoir, through the interior chamber, and out of the dispenser through the aperture; a collar disposed between the compressible reservoir and the nipple-shaped portion; and, at least one platform including a first member extending from the collar, and, a second member extending outward from the first member. The reservoir is compressed, such that the substance moves through the nipple-shaped portion exiting at the aperture.

The method is such that the compressing the reservoir includes: gripping the area of the at least one platform with the fingers; and, pushing the reservoir toward the collar with a thumb or other finger.

Unless otherwise defined herein, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

Attention is now directed to the drawings, where like reference numerals or characters indicate corresponding or like components. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an infant medicine dispenser, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2A is a front view of the infant medicine dispenser of Fig. 1;

Fig. 2B is a cross sectional view of the infant medicine dispenser of Fig. 1, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3A is a front view of an infant medicine dispenser, according to another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3B is a cross sectional view of the infant medicine dispenser of Fig. 3A, according to another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4A-1 is a perspective view of an infant medicine dispenser, according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A-2 is a top view of the dispenser of FIG. 4A-1, with the cover removed;

Fig. 4B is a perspective view of the infant medicine dispenser of Figs. 4A-1 and 4A-2 while being filed with medicine; Fig. 4C is a perspective view the infant medicine dispenser of Figs. 4A-1 and 4 A- 2 in the compressed position;

Fig. 5A is a perspective view of an infant medicine dispenser, according to another embodiment of the invention; and,

FIG. 5B is a top view of the dispenser of FIG. 5A, with the cover removed. Detailed Description of the Invention

Reference will now be made to several embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Wherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. The figures depict embodiments of the present invention for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein.

Fig. 1 shows a device 10 that can be used in conjunction with the invention. The device illustrated in this figure is particularly convenient because it is a stand-alone device as well as an ad-on device to existing pacifiers without the need to carry out major alterations in the structure. The device 10 includes a compressible reservoir 11, a nipple-shaped part or portion 12 (hereinafter also referred to as "the nipple"), which can be inserted into the mouth and is made of a soft, flexible, and typically resilient material, and a collar 13, which is joined to the nipple-shaped part 12 from one side and to the compressible reservoir 21 from the other side and which limits the movement of insertion of the same. The device includes a proximal end 10P and a distal end 10D. All references in this document to proximal and distal orientations, directions, and the like, are in accordance the aforementioned proximal 10P and distal 10D of the device 10 (as well as all other devices disclosed herein).

The nipple-shaped part 12 has two openings, one opening 15 in form of an aperture or cross slit located in the tip of the nipple 12 allowing a substance, such as a liquid (e.g., a medicament) to be sucked or drew into the mouth of a user (e.g., an infant or a child), and the second opening 17 on the upper portion of the nipple 12, opposite the first opening 15. A passageway 18 that connects between the nipple 12 and the reservoir 11 allows the substance, e.g., liquid, to pass from the reservoir 11 through the collar 13 and into the interior of the nipple- shaped part 12 through the second opening 17. The compressible reservoir 11 is configured in an accordion-like shape, in order to facilitate the flow of the medicament through the opening 15 in the tip of the nipple 12 as exerting compressing action on the reservoir 11 (e.g., by the infant's parent or other adult). In addition, in some configurations, the accordion- like shape, coupled with the resiliency and flexibility of the material of the reservoir 11, allows the reservoir 11 to automatically return to its initial uncompressed form, such that as soon as the user (e.g., the infant's parent or other adult) releases pressure, the compressible reservoir 11 is returned to its initial uncompressed (relaxed) form.

The compressible reservoir 11 has an opening for receiving a cover or cap 16 located at the distal end of the reservoir 11. The cover or cap 16 is removably attachable from the reservoir 11, and provides access to the interior of the compressible reservoir 11. The cover 16 allows sealing off the opening after the liquid medicine is added to the interior of the compressible reservoir 11. The cover or cap 16 is for example, a child safety cap, in its attachment to the reservoir 11. Alternately, the cover or cap 16 may be permanently sealed to the reservoir 12 should a single dose (single use) device be desired. In this case, the cap 16 is such that removal of the cap 16 permanently destroys the device, such that it is no longer usable for medicine administration.

Containing the liquid within the compressible reservoir 11, the liquid infant medicine dispenser 10 is now made ready to administer liquid medicine to the infant. The nipple 12 of the infant medicine dispenser is inserted into the infant's mouth. In this embodiment, compressing the compressible reservoir 11 injects the medicine stored within its interior towards the nipple area (through the passageway or conduit 18) and into the mouth of the infant. The sucking or stripping reflex of the infant may also help to draw the liquid medicine from the interior of the nipple 12 through the cross slit 15 and into the infant's mouth.

According to an embodiment of the invention, if the infant inadvertently knocks the infant medicine dispenser 10 out of his/her own mouth, the liquid medicine will not spill since the cover 16 holds the liquid medicine within the interior the infant medicine dispenser 10 and the cross slit 15 is immediately closed once again. The adult can attempt a second administration by inserting the nipple 12 once again into the infant's mouth without having to guess how much liquid medicine the infant has already taken.

Fig. 2A schematically illustrates the front view of the infant medicine dispenser 10 of Fig. 1. In this embodiment, the nipple 12 additionally has a hollow interior defining an interior reservoir. The hollow interior reservoir of nipple 12 is better shown in Fig. 2B. The hollow reservoir is filled (e.g., poured, injected) with liquid medicine through the opening in the compressible reservoir 11. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2B, the collar 13, the nipple 12 and the compressible reservoir 11 are integrally molded components. However, it is also contemplated that the collar 13, the nipple 12 and the compressible reservoir 11 may be separately formed and subsequently attached to each other through attachment methods as apparent to a person skilled in the art.

The nipple 12 may have a nipple configuration as shown in Fig. 1, but other shapes are also contemplated so long as the nipple 12 is insertable into the infant's mouth and the infant can latch onto the nipple 12.

The nipple 12 and the compressible reservoir 11 are all fabricated as, for example, a unitary member, from a generally soft and flexible material such as silicone, which is also resilient, to provide spring-like behavior to the reservoir 11. However, other resilient and flexible and medical grade materials are also suitable. The materials of the device 10 are such that the device is dishwasher safe and inert to medicine.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the nipple 12 and/or the compressible reservoir 11 may be generally semi-transparent so that a level of the liquid medicine within the interior of the infant medicine dispenser 10 is viewable externally. The nipple 12 and/or the compressible reservoir 11 may additionally have graduation marks (not shown) which indicate the amount of fluid or liquid medicine within the interior of the infant medicine dispenser 10.

Referring now to Figs. 3A and 3B, an infant medicine dispenser 20 is shown in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The infant medicine dispenser 20 comprises a compressible reservoir 21, a nipple-shaped part or portion 22, which can be inserted into the mouth and which is made of a soft and flexible material, a collar 23, which is joined to the nipple-shaped part 22 from one side and to the compressible reservoir 21 from the other side and which limits the movement of insertion of the same, and a straw-like conduit 27.

In this embodiment, the nipple- shaped part 22 has one opening (aperture) 25 in the form of a cross slit located in the tip of the nipple, allowing a liquid (e.g., a medicament) to be sucked or drew into the mouth of a user (e.g., an infant or a child). The straw-like conduit 27 extends through the solid material of the nipple-shaped portion 22, and connects between the cross slit 25 of nipple 12 and the reservoir 11, in order to allow liquid to pass from the reservoir 21 through the collar 13 and directly to cross slit 25.

In this embodiment, the compressible reservoir 21 is configured in an accordion- like shape, in order to facilitate the flow of the medicament through the cross slit 25 in the tip of the nipple 22 as exerting compressing action on the reservoir 21 (e.g., by the infant's parent or other adult). In addition, in some configurations the accordion- like shape allows the reservoir 21 to automatically return to its initial uncompressed form, such that as soon as the user (e.g., the infant's parent or other adult) releases pressure, the compressible reservoir 21 is returned to its initial uncompressed form. The liquid medicine generally flows out of the reservoir 21 through conduit 27 directly into the infant's mouth out from the cross slit 25, during the compressing of the reservoir 21.

Additionally, the nipple-shaped part 22 along with the straw-like conduit 27 can act as a lifesaving component. Due to material fatigue, and tearing, the nipple-shaped part can become detached and swallowed by the baby, which can cause suffocation and death. The presence of the straw-like conduit 27 within the nipple-shaped part 22 preserves an open airway for the baby at all time and prevents his suffocation.

Figs. 4A-1 to 4C show another embodiment, a device 100, which includes components similar to those in the device 10 illustrated in FIGs. 1, 2A and 2B, which are designated with similar reference numerals to those in FIGs. 1, 2A and 2B. The device 100 is similar in construction and materials to the device 10 of FIGs. 1, 2A, and 2B, except where specifically indicated. As shown in FIGs. 4A-1 and 4A-2, the device 100 includes a compressible reservoir 11 in communication with a nipple- shaped part or portion 12 (hereinafter also referred to as the "nipple"), which is in fluid communication with the compressible reservoir 11.

The compressible reservoir 11 is configured in an accordion- like shape, in order to facilitate the flow of the medicament through the opening (aperture) 15 in the tip of the nipple 12, as exerted by compressing action on the reservoir 11

The device 100 further includes platforms 102, oppositely disposed from each other, extending from the collar 13, for example, in a direction (distally) toward the compressible reservoir 11. The platforms 102 are formed, for example, in an "L" shape by a first member 102a, extending (protruding) from the collar 13, for example, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis LA of the device 100, with a second member 102b, extending outward from the first member 102a, for example, substantially perpendicular to both the first member 102a and the longitudinal axis LA of the device 100. The platforms 102 in their gaps 104 between the collar 13 and the respective second members 102b are sized and dimensioned to define a gripping portion which accommodates fingers.

In operation, the reservoir 11 is filled with medicine 140, from a source 142. The cap 16 is attached over the reservoir 11, into a frictionally tight engagement therewith, as shown in FIG. 4B. The reservoir 11 can also be prefilled with a substance, e.g., liquid and or medicine in liquid form, with the cap 16 permanently sealed to the reservoir 11, for a sanitary single use or controlled dose. The user's fingers 150 engage the platforms 102, whereby the platforms 102 function as the gripping portions. The fingers 150 in the platforms 102a, 102b hold the device 100 steady, while, for example, a thumb 152, or other fingers, compresses (pushes) the compressible reservoir 11, in the direction (proximally) toward the collar 13, forcing the reservoir contents out of the device 100 via the aperture 15 of the nipple portion 12, as shown in FIG. 4C. This way the device 100 as a dispenser can be used with one hand. While two platforms 102 are shown, any number of platforms is suitable. The device 100 is, for example, formed as an integral member (for example, without the cover 16, which is a separate member), although multiple piece members are also permissible.

Figs. 5A and 5B show another embodiment of a device 200 in accordance with the present invention. The device 200 is similar in construction and materials to the devices 10 and 100, of FIGs. 1, 2A, 2B, 4A-1 and 4A-2, with similar components having element numbers similar to those of devices 10 and 100, except where specifically indicated. As shown in FIGs. 5A and 5B, the device 200 includes a compressible reservoir 11 in communication, e.g., fluid communication, with a nipple-shaped part or portion 12 (hereinafter may also called in short the nipple), which is in fluid communication with the compressible reservoir 11.

The compressible reservoir 11 is configured in an accordion- like shape, in order to facilitate the flow of the medicament through the opening 15 in the tip of the nipple 12 as exerting compressing action on the reservoir 11

The device 200 further includes a single platform 202, extending from the collar 13, for example, in a direction toward the compressible reservoir 11. The platform 102 are formed, for example, in an "L" shape by a first member 202a, for example, a rounded ring portion or cylinder (cylindrical portion), extending (protruding) from the collar 13, for example, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis LAx of the device 200. A second member 202b, for example, a toroidal or toroidal portion, extends outward from the first member 202a, for example, substantially perpendicular to both the first member 202a and the longitudinal axis LAx of the device 200.

The platforms 202 in their gaps 204, between the collar 13 and the second member 202b, are sized and dimensioned to define a gripping portion which accommodates fingers. Operation of the device 200 is similar to that shown for the device 100, as detailed above. Like the device 100 of FIGs. 4A-1 and 4A-2, the device 200 can be used with one hand.

While one unitary platform 202 is shown, the platform 202 can be divided into multiple platforms. The device 200 is, for example, formed as an integral member (for example, without the cover 16, which is a separate member), although multiple piece members are also permissible.

The devices 10, 20, 100, 200 are such that without medicine in the reservoir, they may be used as pacifiers.

Alternative embodiments are such that the nipple- shaped portions 12, 22 of the devices 10, 20, 100, 200 can include multiple apertures 15, 17 or cross/-slits 25 and conduits 27.

Other alternate embodiments include a wire within the nipple- shaped portion 12, 22, which allows for pulling the nipple-shaped portion 12, 22 from the infant, should the infant swallow the nipple-shaped portion 12 (should it become separated from the device 10, 20, 100, 200).

All the above description and examples have been given for the purpose of illustration and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. Many different mechanisms, methods of analysis, electronic and logical elements can be employed, all without exceeding the scope of the invention.