Apparatus, device, and method for infant gavage feeding
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12186271-B2
Publication Date
2025-01-07
Expiration Date
2039-06-04
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Abstract
The disclosure includes embodiments of an apparatus, a device, and methods to transform an infant feeding bottle into an infant gavage feeding apparatus. According to an embodiment, an infant gavage feeding apparatus can include an infant feeding bottle, a gavage milk delivery component, a retaining ring, and a cord component. In another embodiment, infant milk dual-delivery device to transform an infant feeding bottle to an alternate nipple feeding and gavage feeding apparatus includes a gavage milk delivery component, a retaining ring, and a nipple receiving component. The gavage milk delivery component and the nipple receiving component can be positioned in a branched or a stacked configuration. The device can include a flow closure component and a controller to transition the milk flow for a gavage feeding and nipple feeding. The device can include a funnel to allow milk in the nipple to flow back into the infant feeding bottle.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an apparatus, device, and method for converting a standard infant feeding bottle into an infant gavage feeding apparatus. The disclosed system includes embodiments allowing seamless transition between nipple-based feeding and gavage feeding, utilizing a combination of a gavage milk delivery component, a retaining ring, a cord component, and, in some embodiments, dual-delivery devices with branched or stacked configurations. These configurations enable the delivery of milk through either a standard nipple or directly to the infant’s stomach via an enteral feeding tube, using the same feeding bottle.
The problem addressed is the cumbersome and wasteful process currently required to transition from bottle or nipple feeding to gavage feeding. In conventional methods, the remaining milk must be transferred from the original feeding bottle to a different container to allow syringe-driven gavage feeding, leading to interruptions, difficulty for caregivers (often necessitating two people), spillage, milk loss, and inaccurate measurement of milk intake. These problems are particularly detrimental in neonatal intensive care settings, where precise milk measurement and minimal waste are critical.
The invention provides a solution by allowing quick, efficient transformation of a standard infant bottle from nipple feeding to gavage feeding without the need to transfer milk between containers. Features such as releasable seals, protective caps, grip and clip components, funnels for recovering milk from the nipple, and mechanisms for stable or hands-free inverted feedings enable hygienic, accurate, and uninterrupted transitions between feeding modes. Some embodiments further enable switching between nipple and gavage feeding with repositionable or controllable flow closure components, and dual-delivery structures—either branched or stacked—integrated onto the feeding bottle.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims in this patent define several inventive features covering the structure, operation, and method of transforming an infant feeding bottle into a gavage or dual-delivery feeding apparatus.
Apparatus to convert a standard infant feeding bottle to a gavage feeding device
This inventive feature comprises: - An infant feeding bottle; - A nipple removably attachable to the bottle’s top portion; - A gavage milk delivery component with a frustoconical portion and an elongate tube portion for connection with an enteral feeding tube; - A retaining ring for removably attaching the gavage milk delivery component to the bottle; - A cord component with a weakened part that connects the retaining ring to the bottle, and is configured to break when the retaining ring is rotated and tightened, enabling transition to a gavage feeding configuration.
Method for operating an infant gavage feeding apparatus with integrated cord breakage and hands-free feeding
This inventive feature includes the following steps: 1. Removing the nipple from the top portion of an infant feeding bottle. 2. Attaching the gavage milk delivery component to the bottle using a retaining ring, with a cord component releasably connecting the retaining ring to the bottle. 3. Severing the cord by rotating and tightening the retaining ring during attachment, thus transitioning the apparatus for gavage use. 4. Attaching a clip positioned on the cord component to an object to secure the bottle in an inverted orientation for hands-free feeding.
Feeding apparatus with sliding grip and stable support for inverted feeding
This inventive feature involves: - An infant feeding bottle; - A nipple removably attachable to the top portion; - A gavage milk delivery component with an elongate tube portion for connection with an enteral tube; - A retaining ring to removably attach the gavage component to the bottle; - A cord component with a grip disposed around the bottle's circumference, configured to slide along the longitudinal axis of the bottle, enabling stable support in an inverted orientation.
In summary, the claims broadly cover structural elements and method steps that enable transformation of an infant feeding bottle into a gavage feeding apparatus, incorporate cord and grip components for transition and support, and include operative procedures for hygienic, hands-free, and accurate gavage feeding.
Stated Advantages
Enables efficient and seamless conversion of standard infant feeding bottles from nipple feeding to gavage feeding without transferring milk between containers.
Reduces milk waste and allows accurate tracking of the total volume consumed by the infant by minimizing spillage and transfer loss.
Facilitates easy, hygienic, and hands-free feeding transitions—improving workflow for caregivers and minimizing interruption or distress to the infant during feeding.
Documented Applications
Used in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to enable infants who struggle with breast or bottle feeding to be efficiently transitioned to gavage feeding using the same bottle.
Facilitates combined or alternate nipple and gavage feeding in scenarios where an infant orally consumes a portion of milk and then requires gavage feeding for the remainder.
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