GB2290699A - Feeding aid - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to aids for feeding babies, small children, retarded individuals, invalids and the like. A feeding system comprises a feeding aid which includes a distraction means adapted to be viewably and releasably attached to a part of a feeding utensil whereby, in use, the distraction means is supported near, on or adjacent to the handle of the feeding utensil so that it can be seen during feeding. Also disclosed is a feeding system for delivering semi-solid foods to a individual comprising a flexible, deformable food container provided with an outlet adapted to releasably engage a feeding attachment. Also disclosed is a drinking vessel having a first continuous rim and spaced therefrom at least a partial second rim, which rims are sized and shaped so as to accommodate the lower lip of a user. <IMAGE>

Description

A NEW FEEDING SYSTEM The invention relates to aids, utensils, and systems and the use of flexible, deformable packaging in relation to feeding and, in particular the feeding of babies, small children, retarded individuals, invalids and the like.

Feeding and drinking are essential human activities. If, for whatever reason, an individual is incapable or incompetent to drink and feed himself, a considerable responsibility is imposed on a parent or carer in ensuring that the individual is adequately nourished.

This application relates to a number of inventions which are designed to ease and overcome this burden. As such these inventions are related by the same overall inventive concept.

When a small child is in the process of being weaned onto solid food, the bottle and teat system must be abandoned in favour of a feeding implement or utensil such as a spoon. At this stage the child is very unfamiliar with such implements and unsure as to how to respond.

He or she is being asked to come to terms with both the idea of eating solid food and of utilising a feeding implement. A child will often try, and indeed, may use his or her fingers for handling food instead. As a result feeding often creates a considerable mess. Clearing up is a drain on a parent's or carer's time and energy.

In particular, a child's attention may wander during feeding, imposing the additional requirement on the parent or carer to hold the child's interest whilst trying to familiarise the child with this whole new way of eating. This problem may also be encountered in the feeding of mentally retarded older children and adults for example.

It is a first object of the invention to provide a feeding aid incorporating a distraction means for distracting, attracting, diverting, engaging, entertaining or otherwise capturing the attention or interest of an individual being fed, during feeding. It is a further object that such a feeding aid is safe, robust and washable.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is therefore provided a feeding aid comprising distraction means adapted to be viewably and releasibly attached to a part of a feeding utensil whereby, in use, the distraction means is supported near, on or adjacent the handle of the feeding utensil so that it can be seen during feeding.

In a preferred embodiment, the feeding aid is provided with attachment means. Ideally the attachment means is an aperture, preferably comprising therein a mounting tube. The attachment means may be located near or adjacent an edge of the distraction means.

In a further preferred embodiment, the attachment means and the handle of the utensil are adapted to cooperate theretogether and, preferably, to frictionally fit theretogether.

In yet a further preferred embodiment, the distraction means is flexible and deformable.

Preferably, the distraction means comprises a panel, which panel may be decorated with, for example, a face in primary colours, on at least one side. Preferably, the distraction means is washable. Ideally, the distraction means comprises an outer plastic surface and an inner sponge-like filling.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a feeding utensil as described herein, which utensil is, ideally, elongate. Preferably the utensil comprises a handle tapered along its length.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with particular reference to children and especially to children who are being weaned, however, this is by way of example only and the invention of the application is not intended to be limited to such embodiments or to such applications.

Figure 1 shows a plan view of a panel in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2A shows a cut-away view along line AA' of the panel in figure 1.

Figure 2B shows perspective views of feeding utensils in accordance with the invention.

Referring firstly to Figure 1 there is shown a distraction means for use as a feeding aid, generally labelled 1. Distraction means 1 is in the form of a panel and is attractively decorated and coloured with a face 2. The colours are preferably bright engaging colours such as primary colours which attract the interest of children.

Located near the mouth of face 2, and near an edge 7 of device 1, is an attachment mechanism generally labelled 3. Mechanism 3 includes two annular rings 4 and an open ended tube 5, which tube is substantially perpendicular to panel 1.

Referring now to Figure 2A the construction of device 1 and mechanism 3 can be seen more clearly. Device 1 is made from two sheets of flexible, washable plastic material 12A and 12B which are sealed at their outer edge 7 by glue or melting of the plastic etc. It should be noted that device 1 is constructed robustly and of suitable washable material, and also so that it presents no sharp or rough edges and therefore is of no danger to young children.

Sheets 12A and 12B are spaced by a suitably shaped foam insert 6. Foam insert 6 and sheet 12, are holed at 11 in order to accommodate attachment mechanism 3, and in particular tube 5.

Rings 4 have clamping edges 8 which contact the outermost surfaces of sheets 12 when rings 4 are located and fixed onto either end of tube 5. In this way rings 4 support and locate tube 5 within aperture 11. Furthermore, rings 4 draw together the innermost edges of sheets 12 and prevent access to foam 6 whilst allowing air to enter into and be expelled from the space between sheets 12. In addition, rings 4 and the ends of tube 5 are smoothed so that no sharp edges are in evidence.

Turning now to Figure 2B, two feeding utensils 14 are shown. Each utensil comprises a handle 9 and a feeding end 13 and is constructed of brightly colour plastic. Utensils 14 present no sharp or rough edges which may be of danger to young children. End 13A is a spoon and end 13B is a fork. Ideally handle 9 is tapered having a wider cross section near end 13. Tube 5 in Figure 2A is shown to have a substantially constant cross section and diameter along its length. Handle 9 is sized to be compatible with tube 5, so that handle 9 can be inserted into tube 5 and can travel through tube 5 a certain distance before it becomes wedged and/or frictionally fitted within tube 5.

Though handle 9 is described as tapered and tube 5 is of constant internal diameter, it may be envisaged that handle 9 could be of constant diameter and tube 5 tapered internally, or indeed that both are tapered. The important feature here is that tube 5 and handle 9 are in this preferred embodiment adapted to be wedged and/or frictionally fitted theretogether.

Alternatively, or in addition, the inner surface 10 of tube 5 and the outer surface 14 of handle 9 may be provided with corresponding notches and recesses, so that handle 9 may be selectively and controllably positioned in tube 5.

Alternative attachment mechanisms in which, for example, handle 9 may be clipped into a recess made of rigid moulded plastic, either provided in device 1 adjacent an edge or otherwise connected to device 1, can be envisaged by those skilled in the art. In addition, locating tube 5 and utensils 14 when mounted in tube 5, may be at an angle, and possibly an oblique angle to the plane of distraction means 1 and such embodiments are to be considered as within the scope of the invention.

It will be understood from the above that, in use, handle 9 of utensil 14 is located in tube 5 with feeding end 13 adjacent decorated side 2 of panel 1. The end of handle 9 protruding from the opposite side of panel 1 is gripped in the hand, thus preventing panel 1 from slipping off handle 9. Food is then picked up, using utensil 14, at the feeding end 13.

During feeding, the large surface area of panel 1 and its bright decoration are viewable and serve to engage the interest of an individual, typically a child, and thereby facilitate feeding.

In addition panel 1 can be given to a child to be weaned as a toy in order to familiarise the child with the panel prior to its use as feeding aid. In this way, the introduction of a child to solid food and the use of utensils can be encouraged.

Feeding bottles in which a transparent bottle containing a feeding liquid and a detachable collar for attaching a teat to the bottle, have been used for many years to feed liquids to small children, including babies and toddlers, and invalids. Nourishing liquid, typically milk, is drawn from the bottle by sucking on the teat when the bottle is inverted so that the teat entrance is below the level of liquid in the bottle. In this way, liquids can be given to such individuals in a hygienic, non-messy and non-wasteful manner.

However, the use of such devices has several drawbacks. Bottles may be broken or damaged and the contents lost. If the bottle is inverted when the teat is removed from the mouth leakage of the contents can also occur. Indeed, some of these problems are encountered in the feeding of invalids such as the old and infirm, those suffering from upper body disablement or loss of upper body motor control, as a result of Parkinsons Disease, Motor Neurone Disease and cerebral palsy for example. Lack of control or awareness of upper body motions and in particular the arms, can prohibit the use of utensils and make the feeding of invalids a very messy process.

Any mess created in a domestic environment, though undesirable, is containable. When travelling with small children and/or invalids, however, any such problems tend to be magnified.

It is a second object of the current invention to provide a feeding system for use with semisolid or flowable food which has been pulped, mashed, liquidised or pureed or otherwise rendered flowable in order to facilitate and encourage the transition from liquid to solid food.

It is a third object of the invention that such a system is simple to operate, hygienic and easily transportable.

In a third aspect of the invention there is therefore provided a feeding system for delivering semi-solid food to an individual comprising a flexible and deformable food container provided with an outlet adapted to releasibly engage with a feeding attachment.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that in use, pressure can be applied to the container so that the quantity and flow of food to the feeding attachment is regulated.

In a preferred embodiment, the feeding attachment is multipart, ideally comprising a standard collar to which there can be releasibly connected one of a variety of food delivering means.

Preferably, the feeding attachment in addition comprises a valve for preventing leakage of food when feeding is not in progress.

In a further embodiment, the feeding attachment comprises a teat attachment, which teat attachment is, ideally, provided with a valve so that food leakage is prevented when no suction is applied.

Alternatively, the feeding attachment comprises a spoon attachment. Preferably, the spoon attachment has a tubular food channelling portion contiguous with a spoon-shaped feeding end whereby food can be delivered via the channelling portion to the feeding end.

In yet a further preferred embodiment, the feeding system comprises a releasable top for fixing over the feeding attachment when not in use. Preferably, the feeding system comprises musical sensor means wherein music is played on a load speaker in response to signals from the sensor. Ideally, the musical sensor is located in the collar.

In yet a further preferred embodiment the food container comprises a soft plastic or a foil bag with ideally, a rigid plastic neck. Preferably, the container is smoothly contoured.

In yet a further preferred embodiment, the feeding system includes a heating mechanism whereby food in the food container can be warmed up. Ideally, the heating mechanism comprises heating pads or coils or the like, preferably located adjacent or forming part of the food container. Furthermore the heating mechanism may include electrical connectors for drawing power from an external source. The mechanism may be adapted to draw power from a car cigarette lighter, a battery and/or a mains socket for example.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising at least one feeding attachment and at least one food container. Preferably the kit includes at least one food delivering means, such as a teat or a spoon attachment, at least one collar, ideally including a musical sensor, at least one pre-packed food container, and at least one top.

According to yet a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a further kit of parts (for use in accordance with the invention) comprising a plurality of pre-packed food containers.

Preferably the kit includes at least one savoury and at least one sweet pre-packed food container.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a teat attachment as herein described.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a spoon attachment as herein described.

Preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention will now be described with particular reference to children who are being weaned. This is by way of example only and the invention of the application is not intended to be limited to such embodiments.

Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a feeding system in accordance with the invention.

Figure 4 shows a feeding attachment in accordance with the invention.

Figure 5 shows a cap in accordance with the invention.

Referring now to Figure 3, a flexible and deformable container 20 made from soft plastic is provided with a solid plastic neck 21. Container 20 and neck 21 are smoothly continuous so that there are no rough or sharp edges present.

Neck 21 is shown in this embodiment to be cylindrical and provided with a screw thread about its outermost surface. A cylindrically-shaped collar 22 is provided with a corresponding screw thread on its innermost surface so that collar 22 can be screwed onto neck 21. Alternative embodiments in which a snap fit or other connecting means for neck 21 and collar 22 can be envisaged by those skilled in the art.

Collar 22 has an inwardly extending annular lip 24 which is sized so that an annular ring 26 situated about the open end of the cylindrical base of a teat 25 can be trapped within collar 22 when the teat is inserted into collar 22 and collar 22 is screwed onto neck 21. In this way, teat 25 is held in fluid connection with container 20. Teat 25 is provided with holes 27. Teat 25 is made from a hygienic flexible and deformable material such as rubber or plastic.

Collar 22 is further provided with a musical sensor (not shown) which plays a selection of music on detection of the passage of food. Alternatively, the musical sensor is located near or adjacent neck 21. Alternatively, or in addition, the musical sensor comprises multiple parts including, for example, a pressure sensor for detecting the passage of food and a loud speaker.

The outermost surface of container 20 is brightly decorated at 23 with for example, a face, in order to engage the interest of an individual, particularly of a child or invalid during feeding.

An alternative feeding attachment is shown in Figure 4. Here, a spoon attachment 28, to facilitate weaning for example, is shown. As in the teat attachment, spoon 28 has an open ended cylindrical base portion 30 and a protruding annular ring 31. Spoon 28 is fashioned like a teat made from rigid material which has been longitudinally sectioned from the tip to a point part-way along its length. In this way, an aperture 29A and a spoon-shaped feeding section 29B are provided. Spoon attachment 28 may also be provided with a valve so that food does not leak from the container unless pressure is applied to the container. Differently shaped and/or sized feeding sections including a fork or tube attachements are intended to be within the scope of this application. Feeding attachments 25 or 28 and collar 22 may form a single interchangeable composite item for use with food pack 20.

Referring now to Figure 5, a clip-on or screw-on cap 32 is provided in order to protect and keep feeding attachments 25 or 28 clean. Collar 22 or neck 21 are provided with corresponding and compatible screw threads or clip members (not shown) which cooperate with cap 32.

In a feeding system, a selection of feeding attachments and musical collars are provided. It is envisaged that each collar will play different musical jingles. A heating mechanism (not shown) is also provided, which mechanism may be integrated into container 20, or may be externally applied to container 20, so that food may be heated prior to feeding. The heating mechanism comprises a heating coil, for example, and electrical connections for drawing power from an external source, such as a car battery, cigarette lighter or mains socket.

In use, the appropriate feeding attachment, for example either a teat or a spoon, pre-packed food container, for example sweet or savory, and musical collar are first selected. If required, the pack is then heated using the heating mechanism. Next, the head of the teat (or spoon) is passed through collar 22 so that rim 26 (or 31) abuts against the inner most surface of rim 24. Collar 22 can then be screwed onto neck 21 of the selected food pack such that the teat is in fluid connection therewith. The teat is placed in the mouth of the individual to be fed. Pressure in then applied to the pack so that when the teat is sucked on, food is delivered into the mouth. The musical sensor is activated by the passage of food, so that music is played.

In a similar way a spoon attachment may be mounted on the food pack. When pressure is applied to the pack, the valve opens and food is channelled via base portion 30 into the spoon-shaped feeding section 29B. The spoon section is then used to feed on individual in the usual way.

It will be understood from the above that this aspect of the overall inventive concept of the invention has particular application to the feeding of infants and invalids.

In addition, the system is ideally suited to travelling since the food packs are disposable and the system, as a whole quite compact. Also there is less cleaning up and risk of breakages, since crockery is not required.

Drinking cups with clip-on lids, which have shaped and holed spouts in the lid for delivering liquids to the mouth of a user, are well known. Such cups have particular application for children and also adults who have difficulties in controlling the upper body and head.

Though useful in preventing spillages and educating a user as to how to control a cup using a handle, such cups rely on delivery of the liquid via the spout directly into the mouth.

Someone who used such a cup does not learn to coordinate his hands and lips and in particular his lower lip, as would be required if a normal cup were used. Indeed normal cups are prone to spillages until such coordination is achieved.

It is therefore a third object of the invention to provide a drinking aid vessel which facilitates the learning of hand and mouth coordination whilst reducing the possibility of spillages by the provision of a drainage means to reduce spillage of the cups contents.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention there is provided a drinking vessel having a first continuous rim and spaced therefrom at least a partial second rim, which rims are sized and shaped so as to accommodate the lower lip of a user.

In a preferred embodiment at least one wall of the drinking vessel comprises an inner most wall portion and mounted thereon is an outermost wall portion, so that said wall portions provide an open topped chamber. Ideally, said wall portions comprise a drainage means, preferably, so that said chamber is in fluid connection with the contents of the vessel. In a further preferred embodiment said drainage means comprises a valve. Ideally said valve is a one way valve whereby fluid can only flow from the chamber.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the vessel comprises a lid. Ideally, said first continuous rim is adapted so that a lid can be clipped on to the vessel. Ideally, said lid comprises a flap, which flap is adapted to move so that a user can access the vessel.

Ideally, the vessel comprises a handle.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be shown by way of example only.

Figure 6 shows a sectional view of a drinking vessel in accordance with the invention.

Figure 7 shows a plan view of a drinking vessel in accordance with the invention.

Figure 8 shows a side view of a drinking vessel in accordance with the invention.

Figure 9 shows a further sectional view of a drinking vessel in accordance with the invention.

Referring firstly to Figure 6, a drinking cup 40 having side walls 41 and a base 42 is shown.

Cup 40 is provided with a lid, generally labelled 47. Lid 47 and cup 40 are typically made from a rigid plastic material. Lid 47 may clip on or be frictionally fitted or otherwise located on upper continuous rim 51 of side walls 41. The outermost edge of lid 47 and rim 51 are adapted to cooperate for this purpose. A hinge 48 is provided in lid 47, so that a portion 47A of the lid may be folded back onto itself as indicated by arrow A. In this way a user gains access to the inside of cup 40.

A dribble chamber mechanism generally labelled 60 is provided in a part of side walls 41.

Mechanism 60 comprises an inner wall portion 43A and spaced outwardly therefrom an outer wall portion 43B. The upper rims 51A and 51B of portions 43A and 43B respectively are spaced by a distance C, so as to accommodate the lower lip of a user. Cup 40 and in particular rims 51A and 5 1B are smooth and continuous so that no sharp or rough edges which, could be potentially dangerous, are presented to a user.

Wall portion 43A comprises, at its lower end an inwardly extending downwardly curved member 44A, the lowermost edge of which defines the upper limit of aperture 49A. Wall portion 43B is mounted at its base on side wall 41 below member 44A. In this way the lower end of wall portion 43A, and the base of wall portion 43B where it joins side wall 41, define an aperture 49B. Inwardly extending from wall 41 just below the base of wall portion 43B is an upwardly curved member 44B. The uppermost edge of 44B defines the lowest limit of aperture 49A. Member 44B may alternatively be located on wall portion 43B near or adjacent its base.

Located within the space defined by members 44A and 44B and apertures 49A and 49B is a plastic ball bearing 45. Apertures 49A aand 49B and ball bearing 45 are sized so that ball bearing 45 is trapped within this space and further so that ball bearing 45 can locate within and so prevent liquid from passing through aperture 49B and also, if required, aperture 49A.

Given the potential danger if ball bearing 45 should escape, apertures 49A and 49B are typically further provided with safety grids 61A and 61B respectively.

Turning now to Figures 7 and 8 like reference numerals have been used to indicate like referenced features. From these figures it can be seen that cup 40 and therefore lid 47 and rim 51 are ideally circular. Mechanism 60 may of course be equally applied to a cup of noncircular cross section. Cup 40 is also provided with a handle 48.

In Figure 7, flap 47A of lid 47 is shown folded back so that the internal part of mechanism 60 can be seen. In this figure, and also in Figure 8, member 44 comprising upper curved member 44A and lower curved member 44B, is shown to further comprise side walls 44C and 44D which define the lateral limits of aperture 49A.

The outer edge of wall portion 43B is attached to side wall 41 at its edge 62 so that a seal is formed and a dribble chamber comprising wall portions 43A and 43B is defined.

Referring now to Figure 9, a sectional view of a drinking cup in accordance with the invention is shown in use. The lower lip 50 of a user is accommodated in the gap C between rims 51A and 51B of dribble chamber mechanism 60. Fluid 46 passes over rim 51A and into the user's mouth.

When cup 40 is tipped over, as shown in the figure, ball bearing 45 under the action of gravity locates in aperture 49B and seals it, thereby preventing liquid from flowing into the dribble chamber from inside the cup. Any liquid which after passing over rim 51A fails to enter the user's mouth will drip from the user's lower lip and be caught by rim 51B and wall portion 43B. In this way, drips and dribbles from a users mouth are directed into the dribble chamber mechanism 60.

When the cup is replaced in an upright position, as shown in Figure 6, ball bearing 45 moves under the action of gravity and locates in the curved member 44B. Aperture 49B is unsealed and fluid from the dribble chamber can now flow into the cup via aperture 49A.

In this way mechanism 60 comprises a uni-directional valve. Alternative embodiments of a one-way valve may be envisaged by those skilled in the art and are intended to be within the scope of the invention.

It will be understood from the above that a drinking cup as described herein, will be particularly useful for young children and individuals with limited upper body control. The cup enables a user to exercise coordination of hand and mouth whilst simply and elegantly containing any drips and dribbles which may occur. As a result, the invention is very useful for building the confidence of those who are trying to learn how to use a normal cup.

It will be understood from the above that the inventions described have particular application to the feeding of young children, invalids etc and so are related by the same overall inventive concept. Indeed, it is intended that the inventions form part of an overall feeding system comprising a theme with which for example children can be made familiar so that the transition from liquid to solid food is encouraged.

Claims (24)

1. A feeding system comprising a feeding aid, which comprises a distraction means adapted to be viewably and releasably attached to a part of a feeding utensil whereby, in use, the distraction means is supported near, on or adjacent a handle of the feeding utensil so that it can be seen during feeding.

2. A feeding system according to Claim 1 wherein the feeding aid is provided with attachment means for attaching the distraction means to the utensil.

3. A feeding system according to Claim 2 wherein the attachment means is located near or adjacent an edge of the distraction means.

4. A feeding system according to Claim 2 or 3 wherein the attachment means and the handle of the utensil are sized and shaped to cooperate theretogether.

5. A feeding system according to Claim 4 wherein the attachment means and the handle of the utensil frictionally fit theretogether.

6. A feeding system according to Claims 2 to 5 wherein the attachment means is an aperture.

7. A feeding system according to Claim 6 wherein the aperture comprises therein a mounting tube sized and shaped to cooperate with the handle of the utensil.

8. A feeding system according to any preceding Claim wherein the distraction means is flexible and/or deformable.

9. A feeding system according to any preceding Claim wherein the distraction means comprises a panel.

10. A feeding system according to Claim 9 wherein the panel is decorated on at least one side.

11. A feeding system according to any preceding Claim wherein the distraction means is washable.

12. A feeding system according to any preceding Claim wherein the distraction means comprises an outer plastic surface and an inner sponge-like filling.

13. A feeding system according to any preceding Claim wherein the utensil comprises a handle tapered along its length.

14. A feeding system according to any preceding Claim wherein the utensil is elongate.

15. A feeding aid substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated in Figures 1 and/or Figure 2A.

16. A feeding utensil substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated in Figure 2B.

17. A feeding system for delivering semi-solid food to an individual comprising a flexible and deformable food container provided with an outlet adapted to releasibly engage with a feeding attachment.

18. A feeding system according to Claim 17 wherein the feeding attachment comprises a spoon attachment.

19. A feeding system according to Claim 18 wherein the spoon attachment has a tubular food channelling portion contiguous with a spoon-shaped feeding end whereby food can be delivered via the channelling portion to the feeding end.

20. A feeding system substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated in figures 3, 4 and/or 5.

21. A drinking vessel having a first continuous rim and spaced therefrom at least a partial second rim, which rims are sized and shaped so as to accommodate the lower lip of a user.

22. A drinking vessel according to Claim 21 wherein at least one wall of the drinking vessel comprises an inner most wall portion which portion comprises at least part of said first continuous rim and mounted on said inner most wall portion an outermost wall portion which portion comprises at least part of said partial second rim whereby said wall portions provide an open topped chamber.

23. A drinking vessel according to Claim 22 wherein said wall portions comprise a drainage means so that said chamber is in fluid connection with the contents of the vessel.

24. A drinking vessel substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated in figures 6, 7, 8 andlor 9.