Infant Drinking Device

Abstract

An infant and/or toddler drinking device is provided, which may include a backpack holder configured to fit an infant, a beverage holder to be carried by the backpack holder; a feeding tube coupled at one end to the beverage holder, and a drinking nipple coupled to another end to provide a drinking end to an infant or a toddler wearing the backpack. One example may include a backpack holder adjustable to fit range of sizes of beverage holders.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 61/643,744, filed on May 7, 2012, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Many beverage containers are available for toddlers and infants, most of which require a child or caregiver to hold the container, such as baby bottles with nipple for infants and Sippy cups for toddlers. It would be useful, however, if a device could be made to free up the hands of toddlers and caregivers to provide a safe and effective alternative to beverage containers that require hand holding. As will be seen, the invention provides such a device in an elegant manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment.

[0004] FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0005] FIG. 3 is a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0006] FIG. 4 is an alternative front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0007] FIG. 5 is an illustration of multiple views of an alternative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] The invention is directed to a novel infant drinking device for hands-free feeding of infant and/or toddler children. In one example, an infant or toddler drinking device includes a backpack holder configured to fit an infant or toddler, a beverage holder to be carried by the backpack holder, a feeding tube coupled at one end to the beverage holder, and a drinking nipple coupled to another end to provide a drinking end to an infant or toddler wearing the backpack. Such a device, when worn by an infant or toddler, allows the child to drink a beverage without the need for the child or other person to hold a drinking bottle or other device in order to feed the child.

[0009] In one embodiment, an infant and/or toddler drinking device is provided, including a backpack holder configured to fit an infant, a beverage holder to be carried by the backpack holder;

[0010] a feeding tube coupled at one end to the beverage holder, and a drinking nipple coupled to another end to provide a drinking end to an infant or a toddler wearing the backpack. One example may include a backpack holder adjustable to fit range of sizes of beverage holders.

[0011] One example may include a backpack holder insulated to maintain the temperature of the beverage holder.

[0012] One example may include a backpack holder has an integrated beverage holder.

[0013] One example may include a feeding tube retractable in the backpack holder.

[0014] One example may include a feeding tube retractable in the beverage holder.

[0015] One example may include a feeding tube retractable in the beverage holder and wherein there drinking nipple acts as a stop when the feeding tube is retracted, wherein the nipple can be pulled out to extend the feeding tube to an infant's mouth when in use.

[0016] One example may include a wearable infant and/or toddler drinking device in either a removable pocket, a fixed pocket, or a removable backpack that includes a beverage holder to be carried on an infant or a toddler, a feeding tube coupled at one end to the beverage holder, and a

[0017] drinking nipple coupled to another end to provide a drinking end to an infant or a toddler wearing the drinking device, and an optional removable pocket to hold the container.

[0018] One example may include a backpack holder that is adjustable to fit range of sizes of beverage holders.

[0019] One example may include a backpack holder wherein the backpack holder is insulated to maintain the temperature of the beverage holder.

[0020] One example may include a backpack holder wherein the backpack holder has an integrated beverage holder.

[0021] One example may include a backpack holder wherein the feeding tube is retractable in the backpack holder.

[0022] One example may include a backpack holder wherein the feeding tube is retractable in the beverage holder.

[0023] One example may include a backpack holder with a feeding tube that is retractable in the beverage holder and wherein there drinking nipple acts as a stop when the feeding tube is retracted, wherein the nipple can be pulled out to extend the feeding tube to an infant's or a toddler's mouth when in use.

[0024] In another example, a baby bottle is connected to one end of a drinking tube having a drinking nipple on the other end for a child to drink. Referring to FIG. 1, a drinking device 100 for a child (which may be a toddler, infant, or most any age child) is shown. The bottle 102 is shown held within a backpack holder 104. The bottle may be articulated upright with a drinking straw 102(a), so that access to the beverage is secured with the submerged straw into the beverage. In this example, the bottle has a lid 106 that connects the drinking straw 102a to tube 108 at one end. At the other end of the tube 108 is a drinking end assembly 110, which may include a housing 112 for connecting the tube 108 and a nipple 114 mounted on the housing 110 for attachment or latching by the child. The backpack 104 may further include straps 116, 118 for mounting on the child's back when wearing the device. Drawstrings 120,121 may be included to securely hold the bottle in the backpack to avoid it falling out. The device 100 may be worn by an infant or toddler, a caregiver, may be hung on furniture such as a feeding chair or crib, or may be mounted in a number of ways.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the backpack of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows a back view of the backpack of FIG. 1, and includes an optional peak window 122 that can be used by a parent or caretaker to determine whether a bottle is empty or what quantity level the beverage is.

[0026] Alternatively, other mounting devices may allow the device to be worn by a care giver, or mounted near a child, such as a crib, chair, table, or other furniture to allow the child to drink a beverage hands free. Such a device may include a hook for mounting on a crib, a Velcro strap for wrapping and fastening on a pole or furniture member, or other mounting apparatus that enables mounting near a child.

[0027] The backpack holder may be made of cloth, nylon plastic, rigid plastic, and may be transparent, opaque, or other quality. Those skilled in the art will understand that there are a number of different materials, fabrics and products that may be interchanged to produce different backpacks, and the invention is not limited to any particular manner or quality of manufacture.

[0028] The backpack holder may also have insulation that allows a beverage to remain hot or cold. The insulation may be Styrofoam, padded cotton, or other insulation. FIG. 4 shows an example of a backpack 104 having an insulating unit 130 in which beverage may be kept hot or cold inside 132.

[0029] The backpack holder may also include temperature padding such as ice packs, heat packs, or other means for keeping a beverage hot or cold. One optional example is shown in FIG. 3, a heating element 124 having a power source 126 such as batteries for example, and a heating element 128, such as a coil and battery or other power source for example. Those skilled in the art will understand that different options are available for providing temperature modification, including keeping a beverage hot or cold relative to the ambient temperature, and the invention is not limited to any particular configuration.

[0030] The backpack holder may also include pockets or other storage spaces, not shown, to store other foods or beverages, and may be a combination of hot and cold spaces for storing hot and/or cold food at the same time.

[0031] The nipple may be made of different materials and have different shapes for use by a child.

[0032] FIGS. 5a-d are illustrations of alternative embodiments 200, where a garment 201,202 is configured to hold a feeding tube 203/nibble assembly 204 and a beverage holder or container 205 inside a pocket 206. The pocket may synch closed, button, or may be zippered (207) closed to allow for the feeding tube to be exposed for use by the user. The pocket may be snapped on to a garment with snaps 208 or other fasteners such as Velcro®, buttons, hooks, or other means.

[0033] One example may include a shoulder strap 210 and a waste strap 212 that wraps around the abdomen of the body with a secure clip, strap or Velcro strip to hold the device in place, which may also be a hard plastic molded or soft or hard material made to shape. It may also include an elastic loop 214 and/or a side zipper or buckle enclosure 216 for holding the device in place for a user, which may be held around the user's waste.

[0034] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope

Claims

1. An infant and/or toddler drinking device, comprising: a backpack holder configured to fit an infant; a beverage holder to be carried by the backpack holder; a feeding tube coupled at one end to the beverage holder; and a drinking nipple coupled to another end to provide a drinking end to an infant or a toddler wearing the backpack.

2. An infant and/or toddler drinking device according to claim 1, wherein the backpack holder is adjustable to fit range of sizes of beverage holders.

3. An infant and/or toddler drinking device according to claim 1, wherein the backpack holder is insulated to maintain the temperature of the beverage holder.

4. An infant and/or toddler drinking device according to claim 1, wherein the backpack holder has an integrated beverage holder.

5. An infant and/or toddler drinking device according to claim 1, wherein the feeding tube is retractable in the backpack holder.

6. An infant and/or toddler drinking device according to claim 1, wherein the feeding tube is retractable in the beverage holder.

7. An infant and/or toddler drinking device according to claim 1, wherein the feeding tube is retractable in the beverage holder and wherein there drinking nipple acts as a stop when the feeding tube is retracted, wherein the nipple can be pulled out to extend the feeding tube to an infant's mouth when in use.

8. A wearable infant and/or toddler drinking device, comprising: a beverage holder to be carried on an infant or a toddler; a feeding tube coupled at one end to the beverage holder; and a drinking nipple coupled to another end to provide a drinking end to an infant or a toddler wearing the drinking device.

9. A wearable infant or toddler drinking device according to claim 1, further comprising a backpack holder that is adjustable to fit range of sizes of beverage holders.

10. A wearable infant or toddler drinking device according to claim 1, further comprising a backpack holder wherein the backpack holder is insulated to maintain the temperature of the beverage holder.

11. A wearable infant or toddler drinking device according to claim 1, further comprising a backpack holder wherein the backpack holder has an integrated beverage holder.

12. A wearable infant or toddler drinking device according to claim 1, further comprising a backpack holder wherein the feeding tube is retractable in the backpack holder.

13. A wearable infant or toddler drinking device according to claim 1, further comprising a backpack holder wherein the feeding tube is retractable in the beverage holder.

14. A wearable infant drinking device according to claim 1, wherein the feeding tube is retractable in the beverage holder and wherein there drinking nipple acts as a stop when the feeding tube is retracted, wherein the nipple can be pulled out to extend the feeding tube to an infant's or a toddler's mouth when in use.

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