U.S. patent application number 13/228678 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-14 for feeding bag system with interchangeable attachments.
The applicant listed for this patent is Krista Elaine HALLIDAY, Daniel J. Taylor. Invention is credited to Krista Elaine HALLIDAY, Daniel J. Taylor.
Application Number | 20130064479 13/228678 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47829902 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130064479 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HALLIDAY; Krista Elaine ; et
al. |
March 14, 2013 |
FEEDING BAG SYSTEM WITH INTERCHANGEABLE ATTACHMENTS
Abstract
A feeding bag system, comprising at least one reusable feeding
bag suitable for holding liquids and solid foods, each bag defining
a mouth at an upper end of the bag, and a plurality of attachments
for regulating the passage of material into or out of the bag, each
attachment having a connecting assembly for detachably connecting
the attachment to the mouth of the at least one bag to form a
liquid-proof seal therewith.
Inventors: |
HALLIDAY; Krista Elaine;
(Ancaster, CA) ; Taylor; Daniel J.; (Flemington,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HALLIDAY; Krista Elaine
Taylor; Daniel J. |
Ancaster
Flemington |
NJ |
CA
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47829902 |
Appl. No.: |
13/228678 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J 1/2093 20130101;
A61J 1/2024 20150501; Y02W 30/807 20150501; A61J 9/006 20130101;
Y02W 30/80 20150501; B65D 75/5872 20130101; A61J 2205/30
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/42 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/16 20060101
B65D033/16 |
Claims
1. A feeding bag system, comprising: at least one reusable feeding
bag suitable for holding liquids and solid foods, each bag defining
a mouth at an upper end of the bag; and a plurality of attachments
for regulating the passage of material into or out of the bag, each
attachment having a connecting assembly for detachably connecting
the attachment to the mouth of the at least one bag to form a
liquid-proof seal therewith.
2. The feeding bag system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
attachments includes a breast pump input attachment comprising a
breast pump connector element adapted to secure the attachment to a
breast pump output for channelling breast milk from the breast pump
output into the mouth of the at least one bag.
3. The feeding bag system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
attachments includes a nipple attachment.
4. The feeding bag system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
attachments includes at least one sip cup attachment comprising a
spout having one or more small holes to allow drinking but prevent
spillage if the container is upset.
5. The feeding bag system of claim 4, wherein the at least one sip
cup attachment comprises a plurality of sip cup attachments having
spouts of varying rigidity.
6. The feeding bag system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
attachments includes a spoon-shaped spout attachment comprising a
spout ending in a spoon-shaped depression for receiving semi-solid
food or liquid from the bag.
7. The feeding bag system of claim 1, wherein: the mouth of the bag
is large enough to accommodate a child's hand; and the plurality of
attachments includes a snack opening attachment defining a large
opening through the mouth of the bag for permitting a child's hand
to reach within the bag.
8. The feeding bag system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
attachments includes a mesh attachment comprising: a cap defining
an opening into the mouth of the bag; and a mesh fabric shroud
attached at a first end about at least a portion of the perimeter
of the opening in the cap, the mesh fabric being sufficiently
porous to allow semi-solid foods to be extruded through the
fabric.
9. The feeding bag system of claim 8, wherein the mesh fabric
shroud is attached at its first end about the entire perimeter of
the opening in the cap and forms a closed bag shape at a second
end.
10. The feeding bag system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
attachments includes a wide drinking mouth attachment defining a
large opening through the mouth of the bag for use of the bag as a
drinking cup.
11. The feeding bag system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
attachments includes a sport spout attachment comprising a spout
having a mechanism for sealing and unsealing the spout.
12. The feeding bag system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
attachments includes a straw attachment comprising: a spout
defining a first portion of a narrow channel for carrying liquids;
and a straw body extending away from the spout into the bag, the
straw body having an open end distal from the spout and defining
within its length a second portion of the narrow channel.
13. The feeding bag system of claim 1, wherein the at least one
reusable feeding bag comprises an insulated feeding bag for
preserving the temperature of food or liquid contained therein.
14. The feeding bag system of claim 1, wherein the at least one
reusable feeding bag comprises a multi-compartment feeding bag
having a mouth at an upper end of a first compartment, the mouth
having an annular first connecting assembly about a perimeter of
the mouth.
15. The feeding bag system of claim 14, wherein the
multi-compartment feeding bag has a second compartment having a
resealable mouth.
16. The feeding bag system of claim 14, wherein the
multi-compartment feeding bag has a second compartment separated
from the first compartment by a breakable seal.
17. The feeding bag system of claim 16, wherein the breakable seal
is resealable.
18. The feeding bag system of claim 14, wherein the
multi-compartment feeding bag has a second compartment for holding
and displaying one or more identification items identifying a user
or owner of the bag.
19. The feeding bag system of claim 1, wherein the at least one
reusable feeding bag comprises at least one reusable feeding bag
composed of a flexible non-bisphenol A plastic.
20. The feeding bag system of claim 1, wherein the at least one
reusable feeding bag is semi-rigid, thereby allowing it to retain
an upright shape when placed on a surface.
21. A reusable feeding bag suitable for holding liquids and solid
foods, comprising: an open mouth at an upper end of the bag; and a
plurality of attachments for regulating the passage of material
into or out of the bag, each attachment having a connecting
assembly for detachably connecting the attachment to the mouth of
the at least one bag to form a liquid-proof seal therewith, the
attachments including at least one attachment selected from the
following list: a nipple attachment, a flexible sip cup spout
attachment, a rigid sip cup spout attachment, a spoon-shaped spout
attachment, a resealable spout attachment, a drinking straw spout
attachment, a solid snack wide mouth attachment large enough to
accommodate a child's hand, a wide drinking cup mouth attachment,
or a breast pump input attachment.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to containers for food and
drink and more particularly to devices for feeding infants and
toddlers.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Various bottles and other containers are used for feeding
liquids to infants and toddlers. Some such containers have
attachments for dispensing the liquid, including nipples and
various spouts.
[0003] References disclosing drinking containers, spouts, and
related matter include U.S. Pat. No. 7,832,576 to Cohn; U.S. Pat.
No. 2,831,484 to Garner; US Patent Application Publication No.
2005/0087551 A1 to Reid; U.S. Pat. No. 7,549,548 to Kraus et al.;
U.S. Pat. No. 7,506,754 to Segovia et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,479
to Prentiss; U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,053 to Verbovszky et al; U.S. Pat.
No. 4,850,496 to Rudell et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,600,111 to Brown;
U.S. Pat. No. 2,953,170 to Bush; U.S. Pat. No. 2,927,708 to
Kristoffersen; US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0151069
to Harding; US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0308003 to
Morrill et al.; US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0258519
to Shelby; US Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0238495 to
Anderson; U.S. Pat. No. 7,134,564 to Verbovszky; U.S. Pat. No.
6,991,121 to Kipperman et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,666,345 to Blanding;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,415,937 to DeJong et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,776
to Simmons et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 2,885,104 to Greenspan; U.S. Pat.
No. 2,446,451 to Allen; and US Patent Application Publication No.
2010/0072161 to Viggiano.
[0004] The prior art does not disclose a reusable feeding bag with
multiple interchangeable attachments for use with different solid
and liquid food types, and different attachments oriented toward
different stages of child development. Furthermore, none of the
prior art discloses a reusable feeding bag which can also be used
to receive and store breast milk from a breast pump.
[0005] Thus, there exists a need for an environmentally-friendly
reusable feeding bag system which can be used for both solid and
liquid foods and can be used in for a variety of different food
storage and feeding scenarios over the course of a child's early
development.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a side view of a multi-part feeding bag system
according to an example embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a side view of a reusable feeding bag as used in
some embodiments.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a side view of a nipple attachment as used in some
embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a side view of a sip cup spout attachment as used
in some embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a side view of a sport spout attachment as used in
some embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a side view of a mesh cloth attachment as used in
some embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a side view of a solid snack opening attachment as
used in some embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a side view of a spoon attachment as used in some
embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a side view of a straw attachment as used in some
embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a side view of a wide drinking mouth attachment
as used in some embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a side view of a breast pump input attachment as
used in some embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a side view of a multi-compartment bag having a
dispensing compartment and a storage compartment as used in some
embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 13 is a side view of a multi-compartment bag having two
mixing compartments separated by a breakable seal as used in some
embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 14 is a side view of a multi-compartment bag having a
dispensing compartment and an identification compartment as used in
some embodiments.
[0020] It will be noted that throughout the drawings and
description similar features are identified by the same reference
numerals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The present disclosure describes a feeding bag system having
multiple interchangeable mouth or spout attachments. The feeding
bag system comprises at least one reusable feeding bag suitable for
holding liquids and solid foods, each bag defining a mouth at an
upper end of the bag; and a plurality of attachments for regulating
the passage of material into or out of the bag, each attachment
having a connecting assembly for detachably connecting the
attachment to the mouth of the at least one bag to form a
liquid-proof seal therewith.
[0022] In another aspect, the plurality of attachments includes a
breast pump input attachment comprising a breast pump connector
element adapted to secure the attachment to a breast pump output
for channelling breast milk from the breast pump output into the
mouth of the at least one bag.
[0023] In yet a further aspect, the plurality of attachments
includes a nipple attachment for nursing an infant.
[0024] In yet a further aspect, the plurality of attachments
includes at least one sip cup attachment comprising a spout having
one or more small holes to allow drinking but prevent spillage if
the container is upset.
[0025] In yet a further aspect, the at least one sip cup attachment
comprises a plurality of sip cup attachments having spouts of
varying rigidity.
[0026] In yet a further aspect, the plurality of attachments
includes a spoon-shaped spout attachment comprising a spout ending
in a spoon-shaped depression for receiving semi-solid food or
liquid from the bag.
[0027] In yet a further aspect, the mouth of the bag is large
enough to accommodate a child's hand, and the plurality of
attachments includes a snack opening attachment defining a large
opening through the mouth of the bag for permitting a child's hand
to reach within the bag.
[0028] In yet a further aspect, the plurality of attachments
includes a mesh attachment comprising a cap defining an opening
into the mouth of the bag; and a mesh fabric shroud attached at a
first end about at least a portion of the perimeter of the opening
in the cap, the mesh fabric being sufficiently porous to allow
semi-solid foods to be extruded through the fabric.
[0029] In yet a further aspect, the mesh fabric shroud is attached
at its first end about the entire perimeter of the opening in the
cap and forms a closed bag shape at a second end.
[0030] In yet a further aspect, the plurality of attachments
includes a wide drinking mouth attachment defining a large opening
through the mouth of the bag for use of the bag as a drinking
cup.
[0031] In yet a further aspect, the plurality of attachments
includes a sport spout attachment comprising a spout having a
mechanism for sealing and unsealing the spout.
[0032] In yet a further aspect, the plurality of attachments
includes a straw attachment comprising a spout defining a first
portion of a narrow channel for carrying liquids, and a straw body
extending away from the spout into the bag, the straw body having
an open end distal from the spout and defining within its length a
second portion of the narrow channel.
[0033] In yet a further aspect, the at least one reusable feeding
bag comprises an insulated feeding bag for preserving the
temperature of food or liquid contained therein.
[0034] In yet a further aspect, the at least one reusable feeding
bag comprises a multi-compartment feeding bag having a mouth at an
upper end of a first compartment, the mouth having an annular first
connecting assembly about a perimeter of the mouth.
[0035] In yet a further aspect, the multi-compartment feeding bag
has a second compartment having a resealable mouth.
[0036] In yet a further aspect, the multi-compartment feeding bag
has a second compartment separated from the first compartment by a
breakable seal.
[0037] In yet a further aspect, the breakable seal is
resealable.
[0038] In yet a further aspect, the multi-compartment feeding bag
has a second compartment for holding and displaying one or more
identification items identifying a user or owner of the bag.
[0039] In yet a further aspect, the at least one reusable feeding
bag comprises at least one reusable feeding bag composed of a
flexible non-bisphenol A plastic.
[0040] In yet a further aspect, the at least one reusable feeding
bag is semi-rigid, thereby allowing it to retain an upright shape
when placed on a surface.
[0041] In yet a further aspect, the present disclosure describes a
reusable feeding bag suitable for holding liquids and solid foods,
comprising an open mouth at an upper end of the bag, and a
plurality of attachments for regulating the passage of material
into or out of the bag, each attachment having a connecting
assembly for detachably connecting the attachment to the mouth of
the at least one bag to form a liquid-proof seal therewith, the
attachments including at least one attachment selected from the
following list: a nipple attachment, a flexible sip cup spout
attachment, a rigid sip cup spout attachment, a spoon-shaped spout
attachment, a resealable spout attachment, a drinking straw spout
attachment, a solid snack wide mouth attachment large enough to
accommodate a child's hand, a wide drinking cup mouth attachment,
or a breast pump input attachment.
[0042] Other example embodiments of the present disclosure will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from a review of the
following detailed description in conjunction with the
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0043] The present disclosure relates to a feeding system for
infants and toddlers using one or more reusable feedings bags
having a neck fitted with an assembly for mounting several
interchangeable spout or mouth types. The spout or mouth types may
include in various embodiments nipples of varying hardness, sip cup
spouts of varying hardness, a spoon-shaped spout, a wide mouth for
drinking, a wide mouth for allowing toddlers' hands to retrieve
snacks, a mesh cloth for holding and squeezing semi-solids, a sport
spout, and a straw hole. There may also be provided in some
embodiments a breast pump input attachment for receiving breast
milk into the bag from a breast pump. The bags used may include
multi-compartment bags and insulated bags for holding hot or cold
foods in some embodiments.
[0044] Using a reusable bag rather than disposable bags may provide
advantages in terms of environmental friendliness, sophistication
of the bag construction (e.g. insulation or multiple compartments),
and overall cost savings.
[0045] Using multiple spout types may provide advantages in terms
of allowing one bag to be used for multiple applications (e.g.
receiving from a breast pump, storage, feeding) and for multiple
food types (e.g. semi-solids, liquid, small solid snacks). It also
allows different spouts types to be used as the child reaches
different stages of development (e.g. a nipple, then a soft sippy
spout, then a hard sippy spout).
[0046] By providing multiple reusable bags, each usable with a
plurality of mouth attachments, the system may provide flexibility
and economy over time, as different containers can be washed while
others are in use, and a single set of attachments may be taken on
an outing along with two or more containers containing different
food and drink types, with the attachments swapped between the
different containers as each is used.
[0047] The use of a bag rather than a rigid bottle for feeding may
provide ease of storage and collapsibility when empty, and also
reduces the risk of a child drinking from the container swallowing
air thereby causing gas or colic. Furthermore, embodiments
providing a semi-rigid bag combine these advantages with a
container which may be able to stand upright when placed on a flat
surface, thereby reducing the risk of spillage or
contamination.
[0048] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a feeding bag system
100 using multiple bags 110 with multiple different attachments
120. In some embodiments, each of the attachments 120 may be
detachably connected to each of the bags 110. In other embodiments,
there may be two or more types of bags 110, each type being
compatible with only a subset of the attachments 120. For example,
in some embodiments there may be one bag type with a narrow neck
and a second bag type with a wide neck; attachments 120 will either
be narrow- or wide-necked attachments and therefore attachable only
to the first bag type or the second. In other embodiments, the bags
110 may have a configurable neck width which expands or collapses
to fit either wide-necked or narrow-necked attachments 120.
[0049] FIG. 2 shows an example reusable feeding bag 200 as used in
the system 100. The bag 200 has a single opening in the form of a
mouth 202 at its upper end. The mouth 202 is attached to a bag
mouth connecting assembly 204, which in this embodiment takes the
form of a rigid circular or annular assembly adapted to removably
attach to a counterpart assembly on an attachment. In this
embodiment, the mouth connecting assembly 204 encircles the
perimeter of the mouth 102 of the bag 100, forming a liquid-proof
seal therewith.
[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the bag 200 has marked along
its side a set of measurement indicators 206. These indicators
allow measurement of the amount of liquid or food contained within
the bag 200.
[0051] Some embodiments may use a semi-rigid bag composed at least
in part of material which allows the bag to maintain an upright
form when resting on a surface. Such semi-rigidity may be achieved
by forming the sides and/or bottom of the bag from a semi-rigid
material, or through the use of internal structures such as spines
running down the sides of the bag or a rigid insert inside the bag.
The semi-rigid bag would still be collapsible for easy storage and
to prevent a drinker from swallowing air, but would retain its
upright shape in the absence of external compressing or deforming
forces.
[0052] The system 100 may include a number of different attachments
for receiving and/or dispensing food or liquid from the bags 110. A
number of potential attachments used by various embodiments are
described below.
[0053] FIG. 3 shows a nipple attachment 300. The nipple attachment
300 has a cap 306 formed from either a soft or hard material,
tipped with a soft nipple 302 defining a small aperture through
which liquid can be sucked by a nursing child. In some embodiments,
the system 100 may include multiple different nipple attachments
300 with nipples 302 of varying flexibility or hardness, to
accommodate babies' teeth at different stages of development.
[0054] The nipple attachment 300 has an attachment connector
assembly 304 adapted to detachably interconnect with the mouth
connector assembly 204 of the bag 200 to form a liquid-proof seal
therewith. Other attachments 120 as further described below may
have similar connector assemblies.
[0055] The detachably interlocking mechanism of the mouth connector
assembly 204 with the attachment connector assembly 304 may take
different forms in various embodiments. The two assemblies 204, 304
may interconnect in some embodiments using a threaded ring of the
type used in standard baby bottles. Other embodiments may use other
connecting mechanisms, such as a spring-biased releasable latch, to
detachably interconnect the two elements. In some embodiments, the
interconnecting assemblies 204, 304 include a compressible element
suitable for forming a liquid-proof seal.
[0056] In some embodiments, the mouth 202 of the bag 200 does not
have a distinct mouth connector assembly 204. Instead, the
attachment connector assembly 304 is adapted to connect directly
around the perimeter of the flexible mouth 202 directly. For
example, the attachment connector assembly 304 could use a clamping
mechanism to clamp the perimeter of the mouth 202 to form a
liquid-proof seal around the mouth 202.
[0057] Returning to the drawings, FIG. 4 shows a sip cup spout
attachment 400 used in some embodiments. The sip cup spout
attachment 400 has a cap 406 formed from either a soft or hard
material, tipped with a sip cup spout 402 defining one or more
apertures through which liquid can be drunk by a toddler. The
apertures are small enough to minimize spillage should the sip cup
spout 402 be upended. The sip cup spout attachment 400 also has an
attachment connector assembly 404 compatible with the bag mouth
connector assemblies 204 of one or more of the bag types 110 used
by the system 100. In some embodiments, the system 100 may include
multiple different sip cup spout attachments 400 with sip cup
spouts 402 of varying flexibility or hardness, to accommodate
children's teeth at different stages of development.
[0058] FIG. 5 shows a sport spout attachment 500 used in some
embodiments. The sport spout attachment 500 has a cap 506 formed
from either a soft or hard material, tipped with a sport spout 502
that allows a user to seal or unseal the spout. In the illustrated
embodiment, the sport spout 502 takes the form of a push-pull
spout, but in other embodiments other forms may be used, such as a
spout with a removable cap connected to the cap 506 by a tether.
The sport spout attachment 500 also has an attachment connector
assembly 504 compatible with the bag mouth connector assemblies 204
of one or more of the bag types 110 used by the system 100.
[0059] FIG. 6 shows a mesh cloth attachment 600 used in some
embodiments. The mesh cloth attachment 600 has a cap 606 formed
from either a soft or hard material, tipped with a mesh cloth 602
that allows a user to squeeze semi-solid foods through the holes of
the mesh cloth 602 or a child to suck on solid or semi-solid foods
contained within the mesh cloth 602. In the illustrated embodiment,
the mesh cloth 602 takes the form of a net bag closed at the end
distal from the cap 606, but in other embodiments other forms may
be used, such as a net with an open end. The mesh cloth 602 may be
formed of various flexible materials in different embodiments, such
as dishwasher-safe synthetic or natural fibres. The mesh cloth 602
may form netting with holes of various sizes, or it may be formed
from a porous substance such as a very porous fabric or foam. The
mesh cloth attachment 600 also has an attachment connector assembly
604 compatible with the bag mouth connector assemblies 204 of one
or more of the bag types 110 used by the system 100.
[0060] FIG. 7 shows a solid snack opening attachment 700 used in
some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the solid snack
opening attachment 700 takes the form of a ring having smooth
inward and outward surfaces, with an attachment connector assembly
704 compatible with the bag mouth connector assemblies 204 of one
or more of the bag types 110 used by the system 100. Thus, when
attached to a bag 200, the solid snack opening attachment 700
provides a large opening through the mouth 202 of the bag 200
having a smooth inner surface. The opening defined by the solid
snack opening attachment 700 is in some embodiments large enough to
accommodate the hand of a child, allowing the child to reach inside
the bag 200 to retrieve small solid foods.
[0061] FIG. 8 shows a spoon attachment 800 used in some
embodiments. The spoon attachment 800 has a cap 806 formed from
either a soft or hard material, tipped with a spoon-shaped spout
802 that allows a user to squeeze liquid or semi-solid foods from
the bag 200 through a narrow hollow spout 810 into a spoon-shaped
depression 808 and feed them to a child. The spoon attachment 800
also has an attachment connector assembly 804 compatible with the
bag mouth connector assemblies 204 of one or more of the bag types
110 used by the system 100.
[0062] FIG. 9 shows a straw attachment 900 used in some
embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the straw attachment
900 has a cap 906 formed from either a soft or hard material,
tipped with a straw spout 902 having at its tip a small hole 908.
The straw spout 902 defines a narrow channel for liquids to travel
through, which continues downward from the cap 906 as a straw body
910 ending in a small hole 912. In use, the straw attachment 900 is
connected to a bag 200 with the straw body 910 extending downward
into the liquid contained within the bag 200, such that a child
sucking on the top hole 908 can draw liquid up from the bottom hole
912, through the channel defined within the straw body 910 and the
channel defined within the straw spout 902, out the top hole 908
and into his or her mouth. The straw attachment 900 also has an
attachment connector assembly 904 compatible with the bag mouth
connector assemblies 204 of one or more of the bag types 110 used
by the system 100.
[0063] FIG. 10 shows a wide drinking mouth attachment 1000 used in
some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the wide drinking
mouth attachment 1000 takes the form of a ring having smooth inward
and outward surfaces, with an attachment connector assembly 1004
compatible with the bag mouth connector assemblies 204 of one or
more of the bag types 110 used by the system 100. Thus, when
attached to a bag 200, the wide drinking mouth attachment 1000
provides a large opening through the mouth 202 of the bag 200
having a smooth inner surface. The opening defined by the wide
drinking mouth attachment 1000 is in some embodiments smaller than
the size of a solid snack opening 700 as described above. In other
embodiments, the two attachments 700, 1000 are identical.
[0064] FIG. 11 shows a breast pump input attachment 1100 used in
some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the breast pump
input attachment 1100 takes the form of a breast pump connector
1102 coextensive with a cap 1106 and an attachment connector
assembly 1104 compatible with the bag mouth connector assemblies
204 of one or more of the bag types 110 used by the system 100. The
breast pump connector 1102 allows secure and liquid-proof sealed
attachment to the output of a breast pump. In operation, breast
milk is pumped from the breast pump through the opening defined by
the breast pump connector 1102, through the cap 1106 and the
attachment connector assembly 1104 into the mouth 202 of the bag
200. Once the bag 200 has been filled with breast milk, the breast
pump input attachment 1100 may be detached from the bag 200 and
replaced with either one of the drinking attachments (such as a
nipple attachment 300) or a securely sealed cap or lid for
storage.
[0065] FIG. 12 shows a multi-compartment storage bag 1200 used in
some embodiments. The bag 1200 has a dispensing compartment 1202
with a mouth 1210 and connecting assembly 1206 which fulfills the
same function as the bag 200 from FIG. 2. However, this bag 1200
also has a separate compartment 1204 for storing additional food or
other items, such as utensils, additional mouth attachments 120, or
other accessories. This storage compartment 1204 has a mouth 1212
which does not have a connecting assembly 1212 and is therefore not
capable of fitting an attachment 120. Instead, the mouth is sealed
by some other means, such as an interlocking sandwich-bag style
zipper fastener 1208 that seals two halves of the mouth together.
Other embodiments may use other fasteners or closing means, such as
a drawstring or a magnetic fastener.
[0066] FIG. 13 shows a multi-compartment mixing bag 1300 used in
some embodiments. The bag 1300 has a dispensing compartment 1302
with a mouth 1308 and connecting assembly 1310 which fulfills the
same function as the bag 200 from FIG. 2. However, this bag 1300
also has a separate mixing compartment 1304 for storing a substance
separately from the main dispensing compartment 1302. The mixing
compartment 1304 is separated from the dispensing compartment 1302
by a breakable seal 1306, allowing two substances stored in the two
compartments 1302, 1304 to be mixed after both have been filled
with different substances. For example, the mixing compartment 1304
could first be filled with baby formula and sealed using the
breakable seal 1306. The dispensing compartment 1302 could then be
filled with water and sealed using a lid, cap, or other attachment
120. The bag 1300 could then be stored until the infant is ready to
be nursed, at which time the breakable seal 1306 could be broken,
mixing the contents of both compartments 1302, 1304.
[0067] The breakable seal 1306 may take different forms in
different embodiments. In some embodiments, it may take the form of
a resealable sandwich-bag style zipper fastener. In other
embodiments, it may take the form of a pressure-sensitive one-way
valve, or any other breakable seal.
[0068] In some embodiments, one or both compartments 1302, 1304 of
the bag 1300 include a measurement indicator 1312 visible on their
sides, thereby facilitating precise measurement of their
contents.
[0069] FIG. 14 shows a multi-compartment identification bag 1400
used in some embodiments. The bag 1400 has a dispensing compartment
1402 with a mouth 1401 and connecting assembly 1404 which fulfills
the same function as the bag 200 from FIG. 2. However, this bag
1400 also has a separate identification compartment 1406 for
storing identification items 1410 identifying the owner or user of
the bag. The identification compartment 1406 has an opening 1408
through which the identification items 1410 may be added or
removed; in some embodiments, this opening 1408 is sealable against
liquid, thereby keeping the identification items 1410 dry against
spills or washing. The identification items 1410 may take various
forms, including items having displayed thereon writing identifying
the name and/or address of the owner or the name of the child who
uses the bag 1400. Identification items 1410 may thus serve to
distinguish between different feeding bags 110 used by different
children in a multi-child setting, such as a family, school or
daycare centre. Identification items 1410 may also serve to
distinguish a bag used for one purpose from a bag used for another
purpose.
[0070] While the example embodiment shown in FIG. 12 through FIG.
14 show the second compartment 1204, 1304, 1406 positioned to the
side of the dispensing compartment 1202, 1302, 1402, other
embodiments may position the two compartments different relative to
each other, such as placing the second compartment below the
dispensing compartment.
[0071] In some embodiments, one or more of the attachment connector
assemblies used by the various attachments 120 may take the form of
a threaded ring rotatable independently from the rest of the
attachment 120, thereby allowing attachment or detachment of the
attachment 120 without rotating either the attachment 120 or the
bag 110. In the case of the breast pump input attachment 110, this
provides the further benefit of allowing attachment or detachment
of the breast pump without rotating either the breast pump or the
bag 110.
[0072] In some embodiments, a single versatile bag type may be used
in the system 100, although multiple identical bags 110 may be
owned by a single user to allow multiple different foods or liquids
to be stored at the same time, or to allow one or more bags to be
used while others are being washed. In such an embodiment using a
single type of bag 110, a user on an outing with the child may
carry several bags 110 containing various foods and drinks, along
with various attachments 120. The attachments 120 may then be
swapped between the various bags 110 as needed.
[0073] In other embodiments, various types of bags 110 used in the
system 100 may have different qualities. For example, some types of
bags 110 may be insulated to preserve the temperature of hot or
cold food or drink stored within them. Bags 110 may be of different
sizes and shapes in some embodiments, making them more convenient
for different uses, such as a large round bag for storing snacks, a
small narrow bag for storing and dispensing mashed fruit or
vegetables, and a small round bag for nursing an infant. In some
embodiments, some of the bags 110 may have multiple compartments,
as shown in FIG. 12 through FIG. 14 and described above.
[0074] The bags 110 may be formed from various materials. In some
embodiments, they are formed from a flexible non-BPA (bisphenol A)
plastic rugged enough to retain its integrity through repeated
washings. Other embodiments may use different material for
different types of bags. Any flexible material suitable for storing
food and/or liquid may be used to form the bags 110.
[0075] The example embodiments of the present disclosure described
above are intended to be examples only. Those of skill in the art
may effect alterations, modifications and variations to the
particular embodiments without departing from the intended scope of
the present disclosure. In particular, features from one or more of
the above-described example embodiments may be selected to create
alternate example embodiments included of a sub-combination of
features which may not be explicitly described above. In addition,
features from one or more of the above-described example
embodiments may be selected and combined to create alternate
example embodiments included of a combination of features which may
not be explicitly described above. Features suitable for such
combinations and sub-combinations would be readily apparent to
persons skilled in the art upon review of the present disclosure as
a whole. The subject matter described herein and in the recited
claims intends to cover and embrace all suitable changes in
technology.
* * * * *