Device for filling inflatable baby feeding container

Abstract

Various embodiments of a deflation device for transferring liquid contents from a supply container to an infant feeding device are disclosed. The device is electrically powered and is configured to allow hands-free transfer of the liquid contents. In other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the liquid transfer process is manual.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed subject matter relates to an apparatus for filling a baby bottle with liquid food. Background Art

[0002] Most types and designs of baby bottles are reusable and therefore need to be washed, at least as a means of preventing the undesirable development of pathogens. Their cleanliness and sterility are the responsibility of the parent or caregiver.

[0003] The inflatable container associated with WO2006129302 is disposable and, therefore, may help to increase sterility in infant feeding and help to minimize contamination from erroneous and / or reckless user behavior.

[0004] However, the final preparation of infant formula is usually done at home. Therefore, the inflatable container as disclosed in WO2006129302 should allow the user to introduce the formula into the container in a convenient manner and as close to aseptic manner as possible under home conditions. Therefore, a method for improving the sterility of infant formula prepared and filled into a disposable inflatable container by non-technical personnel under home conditions is needed and is one of the goals of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0005] It is also one of the objectives of the presently disclosed subject matter to facilitate the user in performing the process of preparing infant formula and the process of filling it into an inflatable container. Summary of the invention

[0006] The first category of disclosed solutions discloses various embodiments of a deflation device for transferring liquid contents from a supply container to an infant feeding device. In certain embodiments, the device is electrically powered and configured to allow for hands-free transfer of liquid contents. In other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the liquid transfer process is manual. The deflation device includes a mechanical device for maintaining a dual structure, the dual structure including (i) a squeezable bag pre-filled with liquid contents and constituting the supply container, as a first part of the dual structure; and (ii) an inflatable container constituting the infant feeding device, as a second part of the dual structure; the deflation device also includes a manual or electrically powered deflation mechanism configured to deflate the squeezable bag, thereby expelling its liquid contents into the inflatable container. Based on the fact that the supply container is deflated during the liquid transfer process, the device according to the disclosed subject matter is referred to as a "deflation device". It should be understood that you may also choose to refer to the device as an "inflating device" based on the fact that the inflatable container of the infant feeding device is inflated during the liquid transfer process (also as a result of the deflation of the supply container).

[0007] According to various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, the deflation device further comprises: a suspension device for maintaining the dual structure in a vertical orientation by its longitudinal axis, with the squeezable bag located above and the inflatable container located below.

[0008] According to various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, the suspension device is arranged around the space for suspending the dual structure, located between vertical walls that at least partially surround the space, and the suspension device includes at least two gripping devices, such as hooks. In various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the gripping devices may include hooks, spring-biased clamps, outwardly curved wall edges, or the like. In some embodiments, the gripping devices (such as hooks) are horizontally spaced apart and extend into the space near the top of the space. In some embodiments, the gripping devices (such as hooks) are horizontally spaced apart and protrude in a vertical direction from the top of the surrounding walls and / or the top of the device body.

[0009] According to various embodiments, the device is electrically powered and further comprises: a housing and a doored space inside the housing adapted to house and maintain the dual structure isolated from the external environment.

[0010] In various embodiments, the door space includes a clamping device in a middle portion thereof adapted to clamp and retain the dual structure in a connection area between the squeezable bag and the infant feeding device.

[0011] In various embodiments, the clamping device includes: a first semicircular component protruding from a rear wall of the door space and a second semicircular component protruding from a door of the door space.

[0012] In various embodiments, the electric deflation device includes an air pump for inflating the inflatable infant feeding device by providing a negative external pressure to the inflatable infant feeding device relative to the pressure in which the squeezable bag is located, thereby causing the squeezable bag to deflate under the pressure difference between the environment in which the squeezable bag is located and the environment in which the infant feeding device is located.

[0013] In various embodiments, the electric deflation device includes a motor coupled to the dual structure to generate corresponding movement between the dual structure and a mechanical squeezing member configured to force liquid from the squeezable bag into the infant feeding device.

[0014] In various embodiments, the deflation mechanism includes an extrusion member removably connected to the dual structure.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the compression member includes a pair of rods in a clamp-like structure arranged together.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the pair of clamp-like rods are each pivotally connected near their proximal ends to a common vertically movable member.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the pair of clamp-like levers are each pivotally connected near their proximal ends to a common rotatable member.

[0018] In some embodiments, the common rotatable member is configured to move vertically simultaneously with its rotational motion. In various embodiments, the electric deflation device further comprises: an agitation member configured to manipulate the liquid contents of the squeezable bag by repeatedly externally changing the squeezable bag from one shape to another, thereby agitating the liquid contents within the bag.

[0019] In various embodiments, the extrusion member of the deflation device includes: two strips, constructed together and configured to separate from each other in a mirror image arch (also referred to herein as a "curve") as their longitudinal ends become closer, and to come together and become straight when their longitudinal ends are maximized apart.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the straps are each connected near their longitudinal ends to a corresponding common vertically movable member.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the straps are each connected near their longitudinal ends to a respective common rotatable member.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the common rotatable member is configured to rotate when vertically moved within a predetermined vertical range.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the common rotatable member is configured to rotate vertically without changing its position.

[0024] Under another category, the disclosed embodiments include an infant formula box comprising (i) a frame; (ii) a flexible reservoir connected to the frame; (iii) a liquid discharge port in fluid communication with the flexible reservoir and removably connected to a matching liquid receiving port of an inflatable infant feeding container; and a connecting device that matches an interconnecting device adapted to hold the formula box, the inflatable infant feeding container being connected to the liquid discharge port of the formula box.

[0025] In another category, the disclosed solution includes a method for preparing and introducing infant formula into a disposable inflatable infant feeding container. The method includes (i) providing a powder box including a flexible receptacle partially filled with powdered infant formula; (ii) introducing a desired amount of water into the flexible receptacle and shaking the powder box to dissolve the powder and mix it with the water; (iii) providing a liquid-proof connection between a liquid receiving port of the inflatable infant feeding container and a formula discharge port of the powder box; (iv) providing a pressure differential between the flexible receptacle and the inflatable container so that the pressure in the flexible receptacle is greater than the pressure in the inflatable infant feeding container, thereby discharging the prepared formula from the flexible receptacle into the inflatable container; and (v) separating the inflatable container from the powder box.

[0026] In a first broad aspect of the first class of schemes, the disclosed subject matter is illustrated by various embodiments of a device configured to receive a prefilled supply container to facilitate squeezing the supply container (and in some embodiments also to facilitate stirring the contained formula before squeezing the supply container) to transfer the contained formula from the supply container to an infant feeding device.

[0027] In a second broad aspect of the first class of embodiments, the disclosed subject matter is illustrated by an apparatus embodiment that allows a user to place a squeezable supply container in a fill position of the apparatus, pour ingredients of infant formula (or pre-formulated formula) into the supply container, and then squeeze the prepared formula to transfer the formula from the supply container to the infant feeding apparatus.

[0028] Referring now to an embodiment of the device according to said first and second broad aspects, the electric deflation device comprises a mechanical device for maintaining a dual structure comprising (i) a squeezable bag prefilled with liquid contents and said supply container; and (ii) an inflatable container constituting said infant feeding device; said device further comprises an electric deflation mechanism for deflating the squeezable bag, thereby expelling its liquid contents into the inflatable container.

[0029] Referring now to an embodiment of the apparatus according to the first broad aspect, the apparatus further comprises: a housing and a door space within the housing adapted to contain and maintain the dual structure isolated from the external environment.

[0030] Although the squeezable bag can contain a limited predetermined volume of contents, in various embodiments, the size of the door space can accommodate twice the volume of contents: the squeezable bag is filled with a maximum predetermined volume of liquid contents in its upper portion; and the inflatable container is filled with the predetermined volume of liquid contents in its lower portion. Therefore, in these embodiments, the total volume of the door space is at least twice the volume to be transferred from the disposable squeezable bag to the inflatable container.

[0031] In preferred embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the door space has a hanging device for holding the dual structure in a vertical orientation with the squeezable bag at the top and the inflatable container at the bottom. In various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the hanging device includes two spaced-apart, horizontally oriented hooks that extend into the door space near the top of the door space. The squeezable bag to be used in these embodiments will be provided with a pair of spaced-apart holes that mate with the hooks and allow the bag to be hung on the hooks. Thus, by mounting the squeezable bag in the door space, the squeezable bag can be hung on the hooks that are respectively inserted through the holes.

[0032] In various preferred embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the door space includes: a clamping device in the middle thereof, adapted to clamp and hold the double structure in the connection area between the disposable squeezable bag and the infant feeding device. In various preferred embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the clamping device includes: a first semicircular component protruding from the rear wall of the door space and a second semicircular component protruding from the door of the door space. The two semicircular components are arranged such that: when the double structure having a cylindrical connection area between the disposable squeezable bag and the infant feeding device is suspended on a bracket near the top of the door space, the cylindrical connection area is located near the first semicircular component; when the door is closed, the cylindrical connection area is trapped between the first and second semicircular components and is firmly clamped by them, together forming an annular clamp tightly around the cylindrical connection area of ​​the double structure.

[0033] In embodiments of the disclosed subject matter where pneumatic pressure is used to squeeze a disposable squeezable bag or a vacuum pump is used to inflate an inflatable infant feeding device (by providing negative external pressure to the infant feeding device), the first and second semicircular components are formed by semicircular recesses formed at opposite edges of the corresponding horizontal barrier portions, wherein the first semicircular component protrudes from the rear wall of the door space and the second semicircular component protrudes from the door of the door space, so that when the door is closed and the dual structure is in place within the door space, the edges of the horizontal barrier portions meet and mate together to form a sealed horizontal barrier between the upper area of ​​the door space (where the disposable squeezable bag is located) and the lower area of ​​the door space (where the inflatable infant feeding device is located), thereby minimizing the passage of fluid between the upper and lower areas of the door space. In these embodiments, the semicircular recesses together form a circular hole through the horizontal barrier; when the door is closed, the opposite edges of the horizontal barrier are tightly attached around the cylindrical connection area of ​​the dual structure. Since the hole in the barrier is the only fluid passage between the upper and lower regions of the gated space, when the hole is filled with the cylindrical connecting region of the duplex structure, the fluid outside the duplex structure cannot flow freely between the upper and lower regions of the gated space.

[0034] In the context of the present invention, the upper and lower areas of the door space will be referred to as upper and lower compartments of the door space, respectively.

[0035] In various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the inflatable container is provided with a connector that is detachably connected to a matching connector provided on the squeezable bag. When the two connectors are plugged together, the squeezable bag and the inflatable container are mechanically fixed to prevent accidental separation, and liquid communication is achieved between the squeezable bag and the inflatable container through the connector. The connector of the inflatable container (e.g., the connector of WO2006129302) Figure 2 The disclosed type) is provided with an anti-backflow device, i.e. a valve that allows fluid to flow from the squeezable bag into the inflatable container, but prevents fluid from flowing back from the inflatable container into the squeezable bag (or to the outside if the squeezable bag has been removed). The connector of the squeezable bag may include a pressure valve to prevent liquid from leaking out of the bag under internal or external pressures to which the squeezable bag is or may be exposed before the squeezable bag is secured to the inflatable container for filling. In various embodiments, the squeezable bag is provided together with corresponding connectors and connected to the inflatable container by these connectors, thereby being plugged by the valve of the inflatable container, so that it can only be removed from the inflatable container after the liquid contents of the squeezable bag have been squeezed into the inflatable container. Therefore, the squeezable bag does not need to have its own valve.

[0036] In various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the electric deflation device is provided with an electric air pump, which is adapted to provide a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure to the upper compartment with a door space. Providing pressure squeezes the squeezable bag, forcing the liquid contents therein to flow through the connection area into the inflatable container, which is located in the lower compartment, and the pressure in the lower compartment is equal to or less than atmospheric pressure. In various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the electric deflation device is provided with an electric vacuum pump, which is adapted to provide a negative pressure (pressure less than atmospheric pressure) to the lower compartment with a door space. Providing a vacuum draws the liquid contents out of the squeezable bag and forces them to flow through the connection area into the inflatable container, which is located in the lower compartment, and the pressure in the lower compartment is less than the pressure in the upper compartment. In a preferred embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the electric deflation device is provided with an electric pump adapted to draw air from the lower compartment and into the upper compartment, thereby providing a negative pressure (a pressure less than atmospheric pressure) to the lower compartment with the door space, while providing a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure to the upper compartment. The pressure difference between the upper and lower compartments will force the liquid contents to flow from the squeezable bag into the inflatable container through the connection area.

[0037] In preferred embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the pump is allowed to be activated only when the door of the door space is closed. In these embodiments, the device is provided with a normally open door switch, which remains open when the door is open, thereby disconnecting power to the pump. When the door is closed, the switch is closed, allowing the pump to be activated.

[0038] Depending on the design, the switch can be mechanical, such as push button operation, or electronic, such as optical actuation (identifying the state of the door through optical means such as photodetectors), magnetic actuation, capacitive or inductive activation, etc. Depending on the type of switch deactivation by the door, in various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the squeezable bag is made of the same piece of material as the inflatable container and constitutes an extension of the inflatable container until the inflatable container is separated from the squeezable bag using a liquid sealing device to disconnect the liquid communication with the squeezable bag.

[0039] The inflatable container has a resilient outer wall configured to expand upon introduction of a pressurized liquid from a squeezable bag.

[0040] Disconnection of the liquid communication between the squeezable bag and the inflatable container occurs after the inflatable container expands due to the introduction of squeezed liquid from the squeezable bag.

[0041] In various embodiments, the liquid sealing device includes a squeezing member, which is configured to seal the inflatable container by applying pressure to the outside of the elastic wall, thereby holding the inner opposing surfaces of the elastic wall together within the squeezer squeezing area so that no liquid space is left between the inner opposing surfaces of the elastic wall.

[0042] In some embodiments, the external squeezer can move around the elastic walls while closing any gaps between the elastic walls, thereby causing liquid between the inner opposing surfaces of the elastic walls to be squeezed out from the closed gaps.

[0043] In some embodiments, the squeezer is configured to shift along the elastic wall from a distal end of the dual structure squeezable bag portion farther from the inflatable container portion to a proximal end of the dual structure squeezable bag portion closer to the inflatable container portion.

[0044] In some embodiments, the squeezer is configured to hold the distal end of the dual structure squeezable bag portion farther from the inflatable container portion, so that the squeezable bag can roll around the squeezer from the distal end of the squeezable bag portion to the proximal end closer to the inflatable container portion.

[0045] By the relative movement (displacement or rolling) between the squeezer and the squeezable bag from the squeezable bag portion of the double structure to the inflatable container portion, the liquid contained in the squeezable bag is squeezed from the closed gap to the inflatable container and the still spaced apart wall portion of the squeezable bag, thereby respectively increasing the gap between the liquid-containing portions of the elastic wall. Once the inflatable container is fully expanded, for example, reaching a spherical shape, the movement of the squeezer can be stopped.

[0046] In various embodiments, the squeezable bag portion of the double structure has excess beside the squeezer and can be cut off with a tool such as scissors. In various embodiments, the squeezer can include a built-in cutting device, which facilitates the removal of the empty squeezable bag portion from the double structure after the inflatable container is fully inflated.

[0047] In certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter utilizing a movable closure device to squeeze liquid from a disposable squeezable bag into an inflatable container portion, the electric deflation mechanism includes: a motor coupled to a dual structure to produce corresponding movement between the dual structure and a mechanical squeezing member configured to force liquid from the squeezable bag into an infant feeding device. In various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the squeezing member is removably connected to the dual structure and can be removed from the device that maintains the seal of the infant feeding container after separation from the squeezable bag.

[0048] Referring now to an embodiment of the device according to the second broad aspect, the electrically-powered deflation device comprises: positioning means on an outer surface for stabilizing the device in a vertical orientation; suspension means connected to the positioning means and configured to receive and maintain a dual structure in a vertical orientation, wherein the dual structure comprises (i) a squeezable bag containing liquid contents constituting the supply container; and (ii) an inflatable container constituting the infant feeding device, wherein the holding is such that the squeezable bag is located at the top and the inflatable container is located at the bottom. The device also comprises an electrically-powered deflation mechanism for squeezing the squeezable bag to deliver its liquid contents into the inflatable container.

[0049] In various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the hanging device comprises a plurality (preferably three to four) spaced apart hooks projecting upwardly near the top end of the device. The squeezable bag to be used in these embodiments will be provided with a corresponding plurality of spaced apart holes that mate with the hooks and allow the bag to be hung from the hooks; the bag will be open at the top end for receiving the powdered and liquid ingredients of the infant formula.

[0050] In various preferred embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the positioning means comprises: a clamping means in the middle thereof adapted to clamp and hold the dual structure in the connection area between the disposable squeezable bag and the infant feeding device; or a stopper means in the middle thereof for preventing the inflatable container from moving upward when squeezing is performed. In various preferred embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the stopper means comprises: a U-shaped or C-shaped member having a horizontal orientation, the U-shaped or C-shaped member being wide enough to accommodate the cylindrical connection area between the squeezable bag and the infant feeding device, and being narrow enough to prevent the passage of the infant feeding device.

[0051] As mentioned in the first broad aspect, in various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the inflatable container is provided with a connector that is removably connected to a matching connector provided on the squeezable bag. When the two connectors are plugged together, the squeezable bag and the inflatable container are mechanically secured to prevent accidental separation (e.g., a mechanical device is provided for the connector, such as a mechanical device that requires pushing and rotating to separate). Therefore, applying a certain upward pulling force on the squeezable bag will not cause the connector to separate.

[0052] In various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the squeezable bag is made of the same piece of material as the inflatable container and constitutes an extension of the inflatable container until the inflatable container is separated from the squeezable bag using a liquid sealing device to disconnect the liquid communication with the squeezable bag. In such embodiments, the positioning structure includes: a clamping device adapted to clamp and retain the inflatable container to prevent the inflatable container from moving upward when a tensile force is applied to the inflatable container by squeezing the squeezable bag portion.

[0053] The inflatable container has a resilient outer wall configured to expand upon introduction of a pressurized liquid from a squeezable bag.

[0054] Disconnection of the liquid communication between the squeezable bag and the inflatable container occurs after the inflatable container expands due to the introduction of squeezed liquid from the squeezable bag.

[0055] In various embodiments, the liquid sealing device includes a squeezing member, which is configured to seal the inflatable container by applying pressure to the outside of the elastic wall, thereby holding the inner opposing surfaces of the elastic wall together within the squeezer squeezing area so that no liquid space is left between the inner opposing surfaces of the elastic wall.

[0056] In some embodiments, the external squeezer can move around the elastic walls pressed under opposite sides thereof to close any gaps between the elastic walls, thereby allowing liquid between the inner opposing surfaces of the elastic walls to be squeezed out from the closed gaps.

[0057] In some embodiments, the squeezer is configured to shift along the elastic wall from a distal end of the dual structure squeezable bag portion farther from the inflatable container portion to a proximal end of the dual structure squeezable bag portion closer to the inflatable container portion.

[0058] In some embodiments, the squeezer is configured to hold the distal end of the dual structure squeezable bag portion farther from the inflatable container portion, so that the squeezable bag can roll around the squeezer from the distal end of the squeezable bag portion to the proximal end closer to the inflatable container portion.

[0059] In the context of the disclosed subject matter, the term "moving" as it relates to an extruder means moving the extruder toward an inflatable container by shifting or rolling, as required by the type of embodiment of the extruder of interest.

[0060] By moving the squeezer from the squeezable bag portion of the dual structure toward the inflatable container portion, the liquid contained in the squeezable bag is squeezed from the closed gap into the inflatable container and the still spaced apart wall portion of the squeezable bag, thereby increasing the gap between the liquid-containing portions of the elastic wall, respectively. Once the inflatable container is fully expanded, for example, to a spherical shape, the movement of the clamp can be stopped.

[0061] In various embodiments, the squeezable bag portion of the double structure has excess beside the clamp and can be cut off with a tool such as scissors. In various embodiments, the clamp includes a built-in cutting device, which facilitates the removal of the empty squeezable bag portion from the double structure after the inflatable container is fully inflated.

[0062] In embodiments of the disclosed subject matter utilizing a movable closure device to squeeze liquid from a disposable squeezable bag into an inflatable container portion, the electric deflation mechanism includes: a motor coupled to a dual structure to produce corresponding movement between the dual structure and a mechanical squeezing member configured to force liquid from the squeezable bag into an infant feeding device. In various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the squeezing member is removably connected to the dual structure and can be removed from the device that maintains the seal of the infant feeding container after being separated from the squeezable bag.

[0063] In a third broad aspect, the disclosed subject matter is directed to an infant formula box comprising: (i) a frame (the frame is removably connected to an external matching bracket, the external matching bracket constituting a member of the deflation means according to the first aspect of the disclosed subject matter); (ii) a flexible reservoir connected to the frame; (iii) a valved liquid discharge port in fluid communication with the flexible reservoir and removably connected to a matching liquid receiving port of an inflatable infant feeding container; and connecting means that mate with an interconnecting means adapted to retain the formula box, the inflatable infant feeding container being connected to the liquid discharge port of the formula box.

[0064] In a fourth broad aspect, the disclosed subject matter relates to a method for preparing and introducing infant formula into a disposable inflatable infant feeding container. The method comprises (i) providing a powder box including a flexible receptacle partially filled with powdered infant formula; (ii) introducing a desired amount of water into the flexible receptacle and shaking the powder box to dissolve the powder and mix it with the water; (iii) providing a liquid-proof connection between a liquid receiving port of the inflatable infant feeding container and a formula discharge port of the powder box; (iv) providing a pressure differential between the pressure within the flexible receptacle and the pressure within the inflatable container, thereby discharging the prepared formula from the flexible receptacle into the inflatable container; and (v) separating the inflatable container from the powder box.

[0065] A fifth broad aspect of the disclosed subject matter is an embodiment of a liquid receiving port for filling an inflatable infant feeding container through a deflation device as disclosed as part of the first and second broad aspects, the liquid receiving port comprising: a clamping device for fixing the open end of the elastic container of the inflatable infant feeding container around the body of the liquid receiving port; at least one hole located in the wall of the body; and a diaphragm disposed opposite the at least one hole. Thus, the pressure of the liquid in the elastic container presses the diaphragm toward the wall surface, thereby sealing the hole with the diaphragm; the pressure of the liquid outside the elastic container presses the diaphragm away from the wall surface, thereby forming a temporary gap between the wall surface and the diaphragm, and the external liquid can escape into the elastic container through the gap. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] The presently disclosed subject matter will be further illustrated by the accompanying drawings. With particular reference to the detailed drawings, it is emphasized that the details shown are shown by way of example for the purpose of illustrative discussion of one or more preferred embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter and for the purpose of providing what we believe to be the most useful and understandable description of the principles and concepts of the disclosed subject matter. In this regard, no attempt will be made to show in the drawings the structural details of the disclosed subject matter, except for those necessary to understand the basic principles of the disclosed subject matter, and the descriptions accompanying the drawings make it clear to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the disclosed subject matter may be embodied in practice. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] Figure 1 A view of an open state of a deflation device for transferring liquid from a supply container to an infant feeding device is shown in accordance with a first embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0068] Figure 1A Picture shows Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the electrical mechanism of the device.

[0069] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A closed state view of the device is shown.

[0070] Figure 3 A dual structure is shown, including a squeezable bag and an inflatable infant feeding container, configured to Figure 1 Embodiments of the device provide for hands-free transfer of liquid from a bag to a container.

[0071] Figure 4 Shown is located Figure 1 The appropriate position within the device Figure 3 A view of the double structure at the end of the hands-free transfer process.

[0072] Figure 5 An electrically operated deflation device for hands-free transfer of liquid from a supply container to an infant feeding device is shown in accordance with a second embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. A dual structure comprising a squeezable bag and an inflatable infant feeding container is shown in position on the device.

[0073] Figure 5A A perspective view of a manual deflation device for transferring liquid from a supply container to an infant feeding device is shown in accordance with a third embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0074] Figure 5B Shows Figure 5B An enlarged view of the connecting wheel region of the embodiment shown, in which two clamping levers mesh and are held together by the connecting wheel.

[0075] Figure 5C Shows Figure 5B Side view of the embodiment shown.

[0076] Figure 5D Shows Figure 5B Front view of the embodiment shown.

[0077] Figure 5E Shows Figure 5B Top view of the embodiment shown.

[0078] Fig. 5F An electric deflation device for transferring liquid from a supply container to an infant feeding device is shown in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0079] Figure 5G An electrically powered deflation device for transferring liquid from a supply container to an infant feeding device is shown in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0080] Figure 5H An electrically powered deflation device for transferring liquid from a supply container to an infant feeding device is shown in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0081] Fig.5I An electric deflation device for transferring liquid from a supply container to an infant feeding device is shown in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0082] Figure 5J An electric deflation device for transferring liquid from a supply container to an infant feeding device is shown in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0083] Figure 5K A perspective view of a manual deflation device for transferring liquid from a supply container to an infant feeding device is shown in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0084] Figure 5L Shows Figure 5K A perspective view of the main body of a deflation device is shown with the moving parts of the device removed to provide an unobstructed view of the main structure.

[0085] Fig. 6A A vertical cross-section of a liquid receiving port of an infant feeding apparatus is shown, the liquid receiving port constituting the inflatable container portion of a dual structure according to various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0086] Figure 6B Shows Fig. 6A An isometric view of the liquid receiving port is shown.

[0087] Figure 6C Shows Fig. 6A A vertical cross-section of a liquid receiving port is shown installed in an exemplary embodiment of an inflatable container according to the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0088] Fig. 7A Three components of another embodiment of a liquid receiving port of an infant feeding apparatus are shown in exploded vertical cross-sectional view, the components forming part of a dual structure inflatable container in accordance with various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0089] Figure 7B Shown in isometric view Fig. 7A A valve retaining member of a liquid receiving port is shown.

[0090] Figure 7C Shows Fig. 7A An isometric view of a liquid receiving port is shown with components of the liquid receiving port mounted together.

[0091] Fig.7D and 7E They are shown respectively Fig. 7A Two vertical cross-sectional views of a liquid receiving port are shown, wherein the components of the liquid receiving port are installed together, and the difference between the two views lies in the working state of the valve membrane component.

[0092] Detailed description of the drawings It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed subject matter is not limited to the details of the above illustrative embodiments, and that the presently disclosed subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes of the presently disclosed subject matter. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the disclosed subject matter being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

[0093] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Shown is an open state ( Figure 1 ) and the closed state ( Figure 2 ) for hands-free transfer of liquid from a supply container to an infant feeding device.

[0094] The electric deflation device comprises a housing 101b and 101c; a door space (103b; 103c; 104b; 104c) inside the housing adapted to receive and hold a dual structure (300, such as Figure 3), the dual structure includes (i) a squeezable bag 301 pre-filled with liquid contents and constituting the supply container; and (ii) an inflatable container 311 constituting the infant feeding device; and an electric deflation mechanism (e.g. Figure 1A The electric mechanism 130 shown in Figure 1 ) for squeezing the squeezable bag to deliver its liquid contents into the inflatable container.

[0095] In the illustrated embodiment, the electric deflation device 100 includes a body 101b having a base 102 for supporting the device on a horizontal surface, such as a workbench. The door 101c is hinged to the body 101b by a pair of hinges 115, which are connected near the top end of the door 101c and hinged to the body 101b, and are respectively located in corresponding hinge cavities 113 formed near the top end of the body 101b. The size and configuration of the hinges are such that when the door 101c is almost fully opened, it will remain in the open position (e.g., by gravity acting on its weight) without the user having to hold it. The user can then Figure 3 The double structure is shown hanging from horizontal hooks 117 and then closing the door.

[0096] Although the squeezable bag 301 can contain a limited predetermined volume of contents, the size of the door space can accommodate twice the volume of contents. In its upper portion 103b and 103c, the squeezable bag 301 is filled with a maximum predetermined volume of liquid contents, and in its lower portion, the inflatable container 311 is filled with the predetermined volume of liquid contents. The total volume of the door space is at least twice the volume to be transferred from the disposable squeezable bag to the inflatable container 311.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the door space has a hanging device for maintaining the dual structure in a vertical orientation with the squeezable bag at the top and the inflatable container at the bottom. In various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, such as the embodiment shown here, the hanging device includes two spaced-apart, horizontally oriented hooks 117 that extend into the door space near the top of the door space 103b. The squeezable bag 301 to be used in these embodiments will be provided with a pair of spaced-apart holes 304 that match the hooks 117 and allow the bag to be hung on the hooks. Thus, by installing the squeezable bag in the door space, the squeezable bag can be hung on the hooks, and the hooks 117 are respectively inserted through the holes 304.

[0098] In various preferred embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the doored space includes: a clamping device in the middle thereof, adapted to clamp and hold the double structure 300 in the connection area between the disposable squeezable bag 301 and the infant feeding device 311. In various preferred embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the clamping device includes: a first semicircular component 108b protruding from the rear wall 101b of the doored space and a second semicircular component 108c protruding from the door 101c of the doored space. The two semicircular components 108b and 108c are configured such that when the double structure 300 having a cylindrical connection area 305 between the disposable squeezable bag 301 and the infant feeding device 311 is suspended on the bracket 117 near the top of the door space, the cylindrical connection area 305 is located near the first semicircular component 108b; when the door 101c is closed, the cylindrical connection area is trapped between the first and second semicircular components 108b and 108c and is firmly clamped by them, together forming an annular clamp tightly attached around the cylindrical connection area 305 of the double structure 300.

[0099] The electric deflation device includes an electric mechanism, such as Figure 1AThe mechanism 130 shown. In the embodiment shown, the mechanism 130 is hidden in a compartment formed in the body 101b behind the wall 114. The button 120 is located in the wall 114 and is connected to the controller 133 of the device by a line 121. When the door is closed, the button 120 is engaged by an actuator 120c formed near the top of the door 101c and can be operated by the user. Once pressed by the user, and when the door sensor 140 (which may be located, for example, in the hinge cavity 113) is connected to the controller 133 so that the door 101c is closed, the controller 133 connects the battery B to power the electric air pressure pump. The pumped air then enters the upper spaces 103b and 103c from the pump through the air tube 131t, thereby increasing the air pressure in the upper compartments 103b and 103c of the electric deflation device. The spaces 103b and 103c are isolated from the outside atmosphere by the top, bottom and side walls that form part of the body 101b and the door 101c, and by mirror-image gaskets 105b and 105c (e.g., made of rubber, silicone, etc.) assembled together when the door 101c is closed. The door 101c and the body 101b are preferably provided with (mechanical or magnetic) means for compressing and holding the door tightly closed. The magnetic assembly can be hidden in the opposing edges of the body and the door to achieve magnetic interaction to keep the door tightly closed. The gaskets 105b and 105c are also applicable to the cylindrical neck 305 of the squeezable bag 301. The horizontal walls 106b and 106c divide the door space into an upper space 105b / 105c and a lower space 104b / 104c. When the door 101c is closed, the cylindrical neck 305 of the squeezable bag is held between the first and second semicircular components 108b and 108c, forming semicircular indentations on the horizontal wall members 106b and 106c, respectively.

[0100] An ergonomically designed recess 111 is provided on the base 102 of the body 101b to provide easy access to an ergonomic handle 112 formed near the bottom of the door 101c, by which the door 101c can be opened and lifted.

[0101] The door 101c is preferably provided with a transparent front panel 110, through which the user can monitor the operation of the device and stop the operation immediately after the required amount of liquid has been transferred into the inflatable container. This can be indicated, for example, by the satisfactory volume of the inflatable container.

[0102] In various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, when the activation button 120c is pressed a second time, the electrical operation of the device can be turned off. In other various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, opening the door 101c can turn off the electrical operation of the device. The opening is communicated to the controller through the door sensor 140.

[0103] Figure 3A dual structure 300 is shown, comprising a squeezable bag structure 301 and an inflatable infant feeding container 311, configured to Figure 1 The device embodiment transfers liquid from a squeezable bag 302 (of a squeezable bag structure 301) to a container 311 without hands. The squeezable bag structure 301 can be provided to the user as a milk powder box, which includes a rigid or semi-rigid frame 303 and a flexible bag 302 that can be made of nylon, aluminum foil, etc. The flexible bag 302 (which constitutes a reservoir for infant formula) is combined with a cylindrical rigid or semi-rigid neck 305. Inside the cylindrical neck 305, there is a normally closed valve, which opens when the neck is connected (for example, by mutual threads, or by any other acceptable joints that both the bag and the infant feeding device are equipped with) to a liquid input port of an inflatable infant feeding device 311 (not shown here, for example, the details of the liquid input port can be seen in Example WO2006129302 Figure 2 ) when the normally closed valve opens and allows liquid communication between the bag 302 and the inflatable balloon-like member 312 of the infant feeding device 311 。

[0104] The frame 303 of the squeezable bag 301 is provided with a pair of holes 304 which match with a pair of horizontal hooks 117 of the electric deflation device, whereby the double structure 300 can be located inside the door spaces 103b, 104b, 103c, 104c and suspended on the hooks 117.

[0105] In the example shown, the inflatable member 312 of the infant feeding device is protected by semi-rigid plastic frame members 314 and 315, and the plastic frame member 314 is connected to and provides mechanical support for the infant feeding nipple 313 of the infant feeding device. The plastic frame member 315 provides mechanical support for the liquid input port (hidden in the figure, within the semi-rigid neck 305), and the squeezable bag 301 is removably connected to the liquid input port.

[0106] Figure 4 Shown is located Figure 1 The appropriate position within the device Figure 3106b and 106c. A typical view of the dual structure 300 at the end of the hands-free transfer process. The door 101c has a transparent front panel so that the device can be seen through when closed. Inside the device, the dual structure 300 is suspended from horizontal hooks 117. The hooks 117 pass through holes 304 formed on the frame 303 of the squeezable bag 301, respectively, and the cylindrical neck 305 of the dual structure is tightly clamped by semicircular indentations 108b and 108c formed on the horizontal wall members 106b and 106c. The inflatable infant feeding device 111 is suspended from the cylindrical neck 305 to which its liquid input port is detachably connected. The inflatable infant feeding device 311 is located in the lower compartments 104b and 104c of the electric deflation device and is isolated from the air contained in the upper compartments 103b and 103c.

[0107] The figure shows a flexible reservoir that has been emptied of liquid after a hands-free transfer of liquid (for comparison, see Figure 3 101c is shown filled with liquid). The baby feeding device 311 is shown with the balloon-like member 312 in an inflated state, filled with liquid, which is forcibly fed from the bag 302 through the cylindrical neck 305 and through the liquid input port into the baby feeding device using the higher air pressure generated in the upper spaces 103b and 103c during the liquid transfer process. When the liquid transfer process is completed, the user can lift the door 101c open by pulling the handle 112, then remove the dual structure 300 from the horizontal hook 117, and finally separate the baby feeding device 311 from the cylindrical neck 305 of the squeezable bag 301 and hand it to the baby for feeding.

[0108] Figure 5 An electric deflation device 200 for hands-free transfer of liquid from a supply container 401 to an infant feeding device 311 is shown in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the second broad aspect of the disclosed subject matter. A dual structure 400 comprising a squeezable bag 402 and an inflatable infant feeding container 312 is shown in position on the device 200. The device comprises a bottom part 406 constituting a positioning means, a top part having an aperture 420, having four upwardly directed hooks 403 which are spaced about the aperture and constitute a hanging means. The suspension device is connected to the positioning device 406 and is particularly mechanically supported (e.g., by vertical wall members 404 and 405) and is configured to receive and maintain a dual structure 400 in a vertical orientation, wherein the dual structure 400 includes (i) a squeezable bag 402 filled with liquid contents constituting the supply container; and (ii) an inflatable container 312 constituting the infant feeding device (by means of a nipple 313 and frame members 314 and 315), wherein the holding is such that the squeezable bag 402 is located at the top and the inflatable container 312 is located at the bottom. The device also includes an electric deflation mechanism for squeezing the squeezable bag 402 to deliver its liquid contents into the inflatable container.

[0109] The squeezable bag 402 includes a hole 403h at its top end 401t, which in the illustrated embodiment is formed on the body of the bag near the top end 401t (and in other embodiments, the hole may be formed on a special band extending from the squeezable bag), which is adapted to be inserted into hooks, respectively, so as to hang the bag 402 on the hook 403 and facilitate the introduction of water and infant formula into the bag through its open top 451. Once the user has prepared the formula (in certain embodiments of the present invention, a stirrer is provided as part of the device mechanism, so in these embodiments, the user only needs to pour the ingredients into the bag 402, and the stirring is automatically performed), the user can turn on the electric deflation mechanism (the actuation switch, electrical parts and circuits can be designed by a technician proficient in the field of household appliances according to common sense, and are therefore not shown).

[0110] The electric deflation mechanism for squeezing the squeezable bag 402 includes a pair of rods (bars) 462 and 463 whose proximal ends are hinged to a common hinge 416, and the pair of common hinged rods constitute a clamp-like mechanism. The hinge is formed in a wall recess on the rotatable body 412 and is initially oriented vertically. The rotatable body is connected to a cogwheel 414 so that the rotatable body will also rotate when the cogwheel rotates. The cogwheel 414 and the rotatable body 412 are rotatably fixed to a cylindrical part 417, which is partially truncated so that a portion of the cogwheel 417 is exposed and can therefore be coupled to a vertically oriented toothed rod 432. It should be understood that once the truncated cylindrical part 417 moves downward, in response to the linear downward movement of the cylindrical part 417, the exposed portion of the cogwheel 417 meshes with the toothed rod 432 and rotates counterclockwise (for an observer facing the device from the front).

[0111] Once the liquid formula has been introduced into the bag 402, the clamp-like bars 462 and 463 can be brought together to close the bag 402 above the liquid content level. The bringing together of the clamp-like bars can be done manually before opening the device, or it can be done automatically. In order to bring the clamp-like bars together automatically, the vertical wall 405 is provided with a slit 409, the upper part 407 of the slit is wider, the middle part 408 is gradually narrowed, and there is a fixed width along its lower part 409. At the beginning of preparation, the truncated cylindrical part 417 is located near the top of the device, so that the clamp-like bars 462 and 463 are drilled out from the upper part 407 of the slit. The upper part 407 of the slit is wide enough to separate the clamp-like bars, which in turn makes the bag 402 hang on the hook 403 that is fully deployed between the clamp-like bars 462 and 463. When the squeezing process is activated, the truncated cylindrical part 417 moves downward due to the rotation of the threaded drive rod 419, bringing the clamp rod into the narrow area 408 of the slot, thereby gradually forcing the clamp rods together, in turn, squeezing and closing the bag 402 above the infant formula. Further downward movement of the truncated cylindrical part 417 will cause the cogwheel to engage with the toothed rod 432, thereby rotating the rotatable member 412 and the clamp rod. The rotation of the closed clamp rod forces the squeezable bag 402 to roll over the clamp rods 462 and 463, pulling the bag off the hook. During the rolling (winding) of the bag 402 around the closed clamp rod, the upward movement of the infant feeding device 311 is blocked by the stopper 410 (in the illustrated embodiment, a horizontally oriented C-shaped stopper) connected to the vertical wall 405 near the bottom end of the slot 409.

[0112] Thus, rolling and convoluting of the bag will seal the bag 402, preventing liquid formula from escaping through the top end of the bag, and will squeeze its contents, forcing them into the inflatable container.

[0113] The truncated cylindrical member 417 is fixed to the slotted cylindrical body 411, which is coupled to the threaded drive rod 419. The clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the threaded drive rod 419 during the extrusion process (as required by the current operating mode of the device) will be converted into a corresponding downward linear movement of the cylindrical body 411, and after extrusion will be converted into a corresponding upward linear movement of the cylindrical body 411 to restore the device to its initial state while the clamp-like rod is drilled out of the wider upper end 407 of the slit 409.

[0114] The cylindrical body 411 has a vertically extending side groove 411g (e.g., having a T-shaped transverse cross-sectional profile) that matches a vertical track 431 extending from the vertical rod 430. The track and groove arrangement provides smooth linear movement of the cylindrical body 411 and the truncated cylindrical part 417, thereby avoiding rotation of the cylindrical part 417 due to rotation of the threaded drive rod 419.

[0115] The toothed rod 432 is connected to the upright rod 430 in a predetermined direction and has a predetermined length adapted to cause a desired number of turns of the cogwheel 414 in order to roll the bag 402 and squeeze all of its contents into the inflatable container 312 .

[0116] The threaded drive rod 419 is coupled to a motor (not shown) controlled by corresponding electronics. In certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the electronics include sensor means for automatically stopping the motor at the expected uppermost and lowermost positions of the truncated cylinder 417, and for changing the direction of rotation of the motor when the device is returned to the initial position upon user instruction after the squeeze completes the filling.

[0117] The motor may be located near the bottom of the device, or, depending on the design, at any desired location between walls 404 and 405.

[0118] In various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the electric deflation device further comprises: an agitation member configured to manipulate the liquid contents of the squeezable bag by repeatedly deforming the bag 402 from the outside thereof, thereby agitating the contents of the squeezable bag.

[0119] The stirring member can be, for example, an eccentric wheel coupled to a vertical toothed rod (similar to rod 432, or forming an extension extending upward from the top of the illustrated rod 432) by corresponding drive cogs, so that before the clamp-like rods 462 and 463 begin to squeeze and roll the bag 402 (i.e., before being forced together, they enter the slit 409 while moving downward), the eccentric wheel knocks the bag wall from the outside, causing the liquid in the bag to shake and mix more evenly with the dissolved infant formula. The eccentric wheel can be located directly above the clamp-like rods 462 and 463, and can be configured to immediately stop its downward movement and the resulting rotation when the clamp-like rods are brought together and the bag is closed.

[0120] Figure 5A-5E Several views of a manual deflation device 250 for transferring liquid from a supply container 401 to an infant feeding device 311 are shown in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the second broad aspect of the disclosed subject matter. The dual structure 400 including the squeezable bag 402 and the inflatable infant feeding container 312 can be hung on a hook 499, similar to hanging the dual structure 400 on a Figure 5 The squeezable bag 402 includes a hole (or a special band with a hole) at its top end 401t, adapted to be inserted into hooks respectively, so that the bag 402 is hung on the hook 499, thereby facilitating the introduction of water and infant formula into the bag through its open top 451.

[0121] The manual device 250 includes surrounding walls 488a-488d, which create a space 496 to suspend the dual structure 400. The surrounding walls can (but not necessarily) end at a base wall 497 that closes the space 496 from the bottom. Two of the four opposing walls 498a and 498b include through slots 495a and 495b near the top of the wall, respectively. The through slots 495a and 495b serve as guides for a pair of clamping rods 494a and 494b, each of which crosses the opposing walls 498a and 498b through the through slots, so that it can be laterally offset from the corresponding end of the through slot to the middle thereof. In the middle of each of the through slots, there is a rotatable connecting wheel 490, which is trapped so that it can only rotate but cannot move laterally along the groove. The connecting wheel includes a mutually releasing connecting device connected to each of the clamping rods. The releasable connecting device is configured to engage between the wheel and the clamping rod once the clamping rods are operated together by the user. When the two clamping rods 494a and 494b are respectively connected to the wheel 490, the clamping rods can rotate around the common rotation axis of the wheel 490 as the wheel 490 rotates.

[0122] An example of an interconnection means between the wheel 490 and the clamping rods 494a and 494b is a plurality of (at least two) recesses 490r formed in the wheel and shaped to fit snugly over the tubular portion 494t of the clamping rod, retaining it and preventing inadvertent separation from the wheel.

[0123] Once the dual structure 400 is suspended on the vertical hook 499, and after filling and preparing the formula, the clamping rods 494a and 494b are brought together so that the top of the squeezable supply bag 402 is clamped between the clamping rods in the area along the common rotation axis between the wheels 490. In various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the clamping rods can have a star-shaped cross-sectional design that is transverse to its longitudinal axis. The clamping rods 494a and 494b can be rotated by the user to roll the squeezable bag 402 and reduce its volume. In order to rotate the clamping rods, the user can use the flat end 494e of the clamping rod as a handle to facilitate rotation while applying a squeezing force to the liquid contained in the squeezable bag. A lever rod 459 may be provided perpendicular to the clamping rod to maintain the flat end 494e in a vertical orientation when disengaged from the wheel 490 and to facilitate rotation of the clamping complex (i.e., the wheel 490, the clamping rods 494a and 494b, and the clamped squeezable bag) by rolling and wrapping the squeezable bag around the clamping rods using manual force on the clamping rods 494a and 494b. The upward movement of the infant feeding device 311 due to the rolling operation is facilitated by the stopper ( Figure 5B not shown), for example Figure 5A498a (or any one of 498b-498d) facing the space 496. Thus, the rolling action stretches the squeezable bag in the vertical direction, which in turn tends to reduce its internal volume, thereby forcing the contained liquid from the bag into the container 311. When clamped, a predetermined amount of air will inevitably be trapped between the clamped end of the squeezable bag and the contained liquid. Due to the trapped air, rolling the clamping rod will cause the volume of the squeezable bag to gradually decrease and the pressure of the trapped air to increase. Therefore, the trapped air will press on the liquid, thereby allowing the user to force even the last remaining liquid from the squeezable bag into the container. The walls of the device can be made of transparent material, including a transparent area that allows inspection of the squeezable bag, so that the user can view the emptying of the squeezable bag and terminate the squeezing in time, that is, before any amount of trapped air is forced into the infant feeding container.

[0124] Figure 5H 1 shows another preferred embodiment of a device for transferring liquid from a supply container 401 (notes and references not included in the drawings mentioned in the description of the figure) according to the second broad aspect of the disclosed subject matter. Figure 5 The double structure 400 including the squeezable bag 402 and the inflatable infant feeding container 312 can be hung on the hook 899, similar to hanging the double structure 400 on the Figure 5A The device shown is hung on the hook 499, or on Figure 5 The squeezable bag 402 includes a hole 403h at its top end 402t (or a special band with a hole, which is attached to the squeezable bag so that the hole on the band is located near the top end of the squeezable bag), adapted to be inserted into the hooks respectively, so that the bag 402 is suspended on the hook 899 through the hole 403h, thereby facilitating the introduction of water and infant formula into the bag through its open top 451.

[0125] The electric deflation device 850 includes a surrounding wall 898 (e.g. Figure 5 The walls 498a-498d of the embodiment are provided around the walls to create a space 896 in which the dual structure may be suspended. The walls 898 may (but need not) terminate in a base wall (e.g., Figure 5Near two opposite wall portions of the surrounding wall 898 (depending on the design, a different number of walls may be provided to produce the surrounding wall, such as one wall with a circular or oval profile, six walls with a hexagonal profile, etc., without departing from the scope of the disclosed subject matter), two screw drive devices 819 are respectively located and coupled to a squeezing mechanism for squeezing the squeezable bag 402 so as to transfer its contents into the inflatable infant feeding device 311. The squeezing mechanism shown in the embodiment includes a pair of straps 862 and 863, which function to close the bag 402 and wrap it around (instead of Figure 5 The similar function of the clamp-like lever mechanism of the embodiment, or Figure 5A Function of the clamping rod of the embodiment). The belts 862 and 863 include holes 863h on their opposite ends 863e so that they are mounted together and their ends 863e are fixed to the mirror-image rotating component 812 by through pins 816. Whenever the cogwheel 812 engages with the toothed portion of the toothed rod 832 and the transmission rod 819 rotates and deflects the truncated cylindrical part 817 downwardly (in this case, the belts will rotate about their common rotation axis 877 in a first direction) or upwardly (in this case, the belts will rotate about their common rotation axis in a second direction, which is opposite to the first rotation direction), the rotation of the rotatable component 812 will occur during the up and down movement of the rotatable component. The up and down movement and rotation can be further used with Figure 5 The coupling mechanism is configured to keep the two rotatable components 812 at similar heights to the bottom of the device during their up and down movement. For example, the two rotatable components can be coupled to a common motor by a similar or identical coupling mechanism. Thus, the motor simultaneously and similarly affects the movement of the two rotatable components 812 along the toothed rod in a mirror-image manner. The mechanism is further configured to keep the two rotatable components rotating simultaneously around the common rotation axis 877 in a mirror-image (cooperative) rotation direction.

[0126] However, the coupling between the rotatable component 812 and the cogwheel 814 is similar to Figure 5The difference between the connection of the rotatable body 412 and the toothed rod is that when the rotatable component is at or near its uppermost position relative to the track, the rotatable component 812 also moves laterally to its mirror image counterpart within a predetermined range. A mechanism provides lateral mobility to each of the rotatable components, and is configured so that the two rotatable components 812 simultaneously move laterally in relative directions along the common rotation axis 877. In various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the mechanism of lateral mobility may include a string that pulls the rotatable component laterally when the string is wound around a rotation axis, such as the axis of a common motor. The mechanism of lateral mobility may be coupled to the same motor, which provides vertical and rotational motion for the rotatable component. Since the lateral motions of the two are in opposite directions (due to the mirror image structure), the two rotatable components may be closer or farther away from each other when lateral motion occurs. In various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the lateral mobility of each of the rotatable components 812 is against a biasing force. In various embodiments, the biasing force may be generated by a compressible spring, magnetic attraction, or magnetic repulsion, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the straps 862 and 863 are elastic and tend to maintain a linear state. Therefore, when the opposite ends 863e of the straps 862 and 863 are forced closer together, they temporarily deform and take on a curved profile, respectively, such as Figure 5G As illustrated. The curved profile causes the bag 402 to be suspended between the straps with its top end fully open. The biasing force BF caused by the deformation of the straps is bi-directional, as indicated by the arrow BF, tending to restore the straps to a linear state. Restoring the straps 862 and 863 to a linear state will close the bag 402 between them so that the open end is sandwiched between the straps.

[0127] In the illustrated embodiment, relative lateral movement of the rotatable assembly 812 is accomplished by a pair of curved tracks 832c extending diagonally from the toothed rod 832. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotatable assembly 812 can be telescopically coupled to the cogwheel 814 by a handle 813 that extends from the rear end 812r of each of the rotatable assemblies 812 into a recess 815r that extends transversely to an extension 815 of the corresponding cogwheel 814. The tracks 832c are configured to guide the rear end 812r of the rotatable assembly 812 away from the cogwheel when the truncated cylindrical member 817 moves upward in an area above the top of the toothed area of ​​the toothed rod 832 (when the threaded drive rod 819 rotates). In this area, the gear does not rotate (due to separation from the teeth of the toothed rod), and the rear end of each of the rotatable assemblies is pushed away from the cogwheel by the curved track 832c and against the biasing force BF, pushing the ends 863e of the bands 862 and 863 toward the center of the space 896. Thus, when reaching the uppermost position from above the bottom of the device, the belt will eventually swing to the position shown in FIG. Figure 5G The position of the curve shown. Fig. 5FThe position of the rotatable component 812 relative to the curved track 832c and relative to the cogwheel 814 is shown when the rotatable component is in the uppermost position. Figure 5H In the middle position, the rotatable component 812 is laterally away from the cogwheel 814, and the handle 813 is partially withdrawn from the wall recess 815r. The handle 813 and the wall recess 815r are configured to lack rotational symmetry about the axis 877 (for example, they may have a rectangular cross-section that intersects the rotation axis 877). Therefore, when the cogwheel meshes with the teeth of the toothed rod 819, the rotation of the cogwheel is transmitted to the rotatable component 812.

[0128] Whenever the cogwheel 814 is not meshing with the toothed rod 832 during the vertical movement of the cylindrical body, the toothed area and the retractable devices 813 and 815r are mutually configured so that the belts 862 and 863 are vertical and the pin 816 is oriented horizontally. Figure 5H The arrangement is shown after the bag 402 is clamped by the straps 862 and 863 before the cogwheel 814 begins to rotate as it engages the toothed area of ​​the toothed rod during the downward movement of the truncated cylindrical assembly 814. The rotation of the cogwheel will cause the bag 402 to tear from the hook 899 and wrap around the straps 862 and 863, thereby being squeezed to deflate and transfer the liquid contents 402f into the inflatable infant feeding device 311.

[0129] Fig.5I A further preferred embodiment of the second broad aspect of the disclosed subject matter is shown for transferring liquid from a supply container 401 (notes and references not included in the drawings mentioned in the description of the figure) Figure 5 862 and 863, and may be included in the embodiments and handled by the user in a manner similar to the embodiments in which they appear and are described) to the upper portion of the electric deflation device 550 of the infant feeding device 311. The difference between the device 550 and the device 850 is generally that the rotation axis 577 of the belts 862 and 863 in the device 550 is not movable in the vertical direction. Therefore, the device 550 does not include the mechanism related to the vertical movement of the belts 862 and 863, such as the transmission rod 819, the gear rod 832, its diagonal portion 832c, the cogwheel 814 and the truncated cylindrical part 817.

[0130] In replacing these components, the rotation of the rotatable component 812, and therefore the rotation of the belts 862 and 863, can be driven, for example, by the motor 522. The relative horizontal movement of the rotatable component 812 at the opposite ends of the belt can be manually achieved by the user, for example, by a manual lever (not shown), or can be electrically achieved by, for example, spiral couplers 512h and 514, which are provided between the rotating shaft 522s of the motor and the common end of the belt (connected to the rotatable component 812), and are provided on at least one common end of the belt. The spiral coupling tube 512 allows the rotating shaft 522s of the motor to rotate a predetermined number of turns (according to the number of spirals 512h) without rotating the rotatable component 812 and therefore without rotating the belt.

[0131] At the beginning of deflation, the rotation of the shaft 522 causes the spiral drive tube 512 to pull the rotatable components 812 (and therefore the straps 862 and 863 relative to the common end) apart, thereby bringing the straps together, straightening them and closing the upper end of the compressible bag 402. After the straps have been straightened, when the shaft 522s is further rotated, the rotation of the straps is initiated, thereby closing the bag 402. Once the straps 862 and 863 are straight, the rotation of the straps occurs when the rotation of the spiral drive tube 512 relative to the spiral tie rod 513 is terminated, thereby not allowing the separation between the rotatable components 812 to be further increased.

[0132] At this stage of operation, the bag begins to roll around the rotating belt, so its internal volume 402f gradually decreases. Another consequence of the rolling of the bag 402 when the belt rotates is the gradual rise of the infant feeding device 311. This is because the device 550 lacks a stopper, such as stopper 410.

[0133] A restraint assembly 503 is provided beside and below the straps 862 and 863 to prevent the infant feeding device 311 itself (and the liquid-filled portion 402f of the squeezable bag) from reaching the rotating straps, thereby preventing these components from rolling unnecessarily around the straps. The restraint assembly 503 may be mounted on a spring-biased shaft 504 so that the restraint assembly extends in a substantially horizontal plane parallel to the axis 577, but allows it to pivot between a first extreme position and a second extreme position.

[0134] In the initial state, before starting to hang the double structure on the hook 899, the straps 862 and 863 are in an arched shape (such as Figure 5G504 is held by the spring biased shaft 504, the end 503e of the limiting assembly 503 is away from the plane of the drawing, so that the virtual vertical plane in which the ends 503e and 503h of the limiting assembly are usually located forms an angle of at least 45 degrees with the vertical plane in which the rotation axis 577 is located, constituting the first extreme position of the limiting assembly and facilitating the positioning of the dual structure through the opening formed between the arched bands 862 and 863. Once the preparation of the liquid formula 402f is completed in the squeezable bag 402, the transfer of the prepared formula to the infant feeding container can be started by activating the motor 522. The rotation of the motor shaft 522s causes the rotation of the transfer tube 512, causing the rotatable member 812 to be pulled apart from each other through the spiral couplings 512h and 514, thereby straightening the bands 862 and 863 and closing the squeezable bag 402. One of the rotatable components 812 can be provided with a disc-shaped flange 512f, so that when the corresponding rotatable component moves laterally, the flange 512f pushes the lever 503h of the limiting component 503, thereby pivoting the limiting component until it reaches its second extreme position, and the vertical plane in which the limiting component is located is parallel or approximately parallel to the rotation axis 577.

[0135] One end of the leaf spring 502 may be connected to a wall of the device (e.g., around wall 898) so that the other end rubs against the rotatable component 812 to eliminate belt rotation due to friction between the screw drive tube 512 and the pull rod 513 when the screw drive devices 512h and 514 perform the predetermined number of rotations.

[0136] Rotating the belts backwards upon completion of the liquid transfer process to release the spent squeezable bag 402 from the belts 862 and 863 and return the belts to their initial position ready for a new round of liquid transfer can be performed by activating the motor 522 in the reverse direction. In certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the rotation of the motor 522 (and thus the transfer tube 512) can be performed in a first direction against a biasing force, such as against the force of a coil spring (not shown) having one end connected to a fixed point of the device and the other end connected to a point that rotates with the motor shaft 522s, whereby, once the liquid transfer process is completed and the power to the motor 522 is turned off, the rotation of the belts 562 and 563 back to the initial position is automatically operated by the force of the spring.

[0137] Figure 5J A further preferred embodiment of the second broad aspect of the disclosed subject matter is shown for transferring liquid from a supply container 401 (notes and references not included in the drawings mentioned in the description of the figure) Figure 53 and 4 (related to the items annotated in the paper notes in or other figures, and may be included in the embodiments and handled by the user in a manner similar to the embodiments in which they appear and are described) transferred to the upper portion of the electric deflation device 580 of the infant feeding device 311.

[0138] The difference between the device 580 and the device 550 is generally that the belts 862 and 863 in the device 580 are specially configured for manual operation by the user, both in a rotatable function and lateral movement at both ends (whereas the configuration of the device 550 may be considered more suitable for operation by a motor). The rotation of the rotatable component 812, and the rotation of the belts 862 and 863, can be driven by the user's hand, such as through the rotatable handle 534, or such as through the ratchet handle 546, through which the user can control the shaft levers 533 and 543 respectively. Each of the handles represents a different variant of the device 580. In a first variant of the device 580, the ratchet handle 546 is absent, and the handle 534 is present at two opposite side ends of the device in a mirror configuration. In a second variant of the device, the ratchet handle 546 and its shaft lever 533 are absent, and the shaft lever is present at two opposite side ends of the device in a magnetic mirror configuration, and the ratchet handle 546 bridges them, so that the shaft levers at both ends of the device can operate in coordination at the same time. A ratchet mechanism 537 with a direction selector is located between the shaft end portion 531 and the shaft portion 531r, in the middle of the interior of the shaft portion, in such a way that the user can select the direction of rotation allowed by the ratchet at each operating stage of the device. The ratchet handle 546 passes freely through the lever 543 through a suitable hole located near the free end of the lever, thereby allowing the user to pull the shafts 531 laterally away from each other. The wheel 547 ensures that the ratchet lever 546 slides out of the lever 543.

[0139] The relative horizontal movement of the rotatable components 812 at opposite ends of the belt is achieved by pushing and pulling the shafts 531 on both sides of the device through the tubular openings 530 located at opposite ends of the surrounding wall 898 of the device. The lateral movement of the two shafts is in any direction indicated by the double-headed arrows 599, depending on the operating stage of the device. In the position shown, the shafts 531 are closest, so the belt is in Figure 5G The arched state shown.

[0140] The tubular opening 530 has a non-circular cross-section in a vertical plane perpendicular to the surface of the drawing, such as a square cross-section that matches the cross-section of the corresponding shaft at the shaft region 531. A spring-loaded ball bearing 531b may be provided to hold the shaft 531 in the position shown when the squeezable bag 402 is filled and the infant formula is dispensed. The straps 862 and 863 cannot rotate in the position shown of the shaft, and the opening created between them due to their arched shape is horizontally aligned due to the cross-sectional design of the tubular opening 530 matching the cross-sectional design of the shaft 531 at the shaft region 531s (to accommodate the dual structure through the top opening of the device).

[0141] The outwardly facing end of each of the shafts 531 may have a circular cross-section having a diameter greater than the diameter of the interior of the tubular opening so that the shafts are prevented from being brought closer together than shown.

[0142] Each of the shafts 531 also includes a region 531r located on the shaft starting from the inner end of the corresponding tubular opening 530. The shaft region 531r has a circular cross-section perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, with a diameter matching the size of the cross-section of the opening 530, so as to allow the shaft 531 to rotate around the axis 597 during the operation phase when the shaft region 531r is created inside the tubular opening 530. This operation phase occurs after the preparation of the infant formula inside the squeezable bag is completed, once the user has pulled the shaft 531 outward to the two lateral ends of the device 580.

[0143] The limiting member is pivoted about axis 504 based on the lateral position of disc flange 512f along axis 597, as in device 550 described above, and interacts with rod end 503h of limiting member 503 so that linear movement of rotatable assembly 812 manipulates the position of limiting member 503.

[0144] Figure 5K-5L 1 shows a view of a manual deflation device 270 for transferring liquid from a supply container 401 to an infant feeding device 311 in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the second broad aspect of the disclosed subject matter. Notably, the illustrated embodiment is shown as having a body made of a transparent material (similar to Figure 5 and Figure 5A The embodiment shown), therefore, through the front wall of the main body, the back part of the main body and the back parts of some movable components supported by it can be seen.

[0145] The dual structure 400 including the squeezable bag 402 and the inflatable infant feeding container 312 can be hung on the hook 499, similar to hanging the dual structure 400 on a Figure 5The squeezable bag 402 includes a hole at its top end 401t (or a hole at the free end of a special belt or belt with a loop), adapted to be inserted into hooks, respectively, so that the bag 402 can be hung on the hook 499, thereby facilitating the introduction of water and infant formula into the bag through its open top 451.

[0146] The manual device 270 includes a body 487 having surrounding walls 488a-488d, which create a space 486 therebetween for hanging the dual structure 400. The space can be entered through an opening 487o formed on the top wall 487t, or through an entry wall recess 488r formed on one or both of the surrounding walls 488a and 488b. The lower end of the surrounding wall may (but need not be in the illustrated embodiment) terminate at a base wall that closes the space 486 from the bottom. The two opposing walls 488c and 488d from the fourth groove each include five grooves. Two of the five grooves on each of the opposing walls, the upper and lower grooves 485u and 4851, serve as tracks that support and allow a pair of interlocking plates 481L and 481R to move laterally. The function of the interlocking plates 481L and 481R is to lock the clamping rods 474a and 474b together (similar to the function of 490r), while allowing the user to rotate them together by turning the lever rod 469, similar to rotating Figure 5A Lever rod 459 in the embodiment.

[0147] The interlocking plates 481L and 481R are slidable laterally along the grooves 485u and 4851, and the interlocking plates are slidably coupled to the grooves 485u and 4851 by engaging protrusions, such as protrusions 477 formed at the corner regions of each of the interlocking plates.

[0148] The limiting rods 474a and 474b are laterally movable through the third groove of the five grooves created on each of the opposite walls. The third groove 475, (located next to the upper groove 485u mentioned below), is a through slot for the clamping rods 474a and 474b, configured to allow them to move laterally, and has a circular widening portion 475B in its middle area, configured to allow them to rotate smoothly once brought to the center of the groove and interlocked by the interlocking plates 481L and 481R (the upper part of the squeezable bag 402 is clamped between them). Each of the interlocking plates 481L and 481R includes a semicircular indentation configured to receive one of the clamping rods 474a and 474b, so that when interlocked together, the mirror image semicircular indentations together form a circular opening corresponding to the circular widening portion 475B, and the circular widening portion allows the interlocking clamping rods 474a and 474b to rotate smoothly through the interlocking plates 481L and 481R.

[0149] The illustrated device 270 differs primarily from the Figure 5A 250, the pair of limiting rods are intended to prevent the inflated portion of the squeezable bag from rising and reaching the clamping rods 474a and 474b when rotating to inflate the inflatable container of the dual structure 400.

[0150] The rods 471a and 471b (also referred to as limiting assemblies in this specification) are movable through the fourth groove (483a) and the fifth groove (483b) of the five grooves created on each of the opposite walls. The grooves of the limiting grooves, i.e., the through grooves 483a and 483b, respectively, have an L-shaped profile, which has a horizontal groove section configured to allow the corresponding limiting rod to move laterally and a vertical groove section configured to allow the corresponding limiting rod to move vertically once it is brought to the area closest to the rotation axis of the clamping rods 474a and 474b by its lateral movement. The vertical section of each of the L-shaped grooves extends downwardly from the corresponding end of the corresponding horizontal section of the groove, so that once the limiting rod is brought to the end of the lateral section of the L-shaped groove closest to the rotation axis of the clamping rod, the limiting rod can move along the vertical section of the L-shaped groove (and can freely fall at least a few millimeters in the preferred embodiment). The limiting rod is captured into the interlocking plates 481L and 481R in the corresponding vertical grooves 48, so that the lateral movement of the limiting rod corresponds to the simultaneous lateral movement of the corresponding one of the interlocking plates 481L and 481R. Similarly, each of the clamping rods 474a and 474b can be captured into the corresponding semicircular indentation on the interlocking plates 481L and 481R by a semicircular wheel member (not shown), so that the lateral movement of the clamping rod also corresponds to and is synchronized with the lateral movement of the interlocking plates 481L and 481R. Once brought together by lateral movement, the semicircular wheel members of each of the interlocking plates 481L and 481R are engaged together by a mutually releasable connection to form a rotatable wheel, which is configured to rotate within the circular opening formed by the semicircular indentation and is configured to allow the clamping rods 474a and 474b to be rotated using a lever rod so as to roll the squeezable bag around the rod, similar to Figure 5A Scrolling in an embodiment.

[0151] In various preferred embodiments, the vertical groove 481g extends through the flexible vertical protrusion 481p, protruding outward from the interlocking plates 481L and 481R, respectively, and fits tightly with the limiting rod so that once the limiting rod is manually forced (using the knobs 481k at both ends thereof) to the bottom end of the corresponding vertical groove, it will remain stationary in the inflation operation mode of the inflation device, thereby preventing the inflated portion of the squeezable bag from exceeding the limiting rod.

[0152] Once the dual structure 400 is suspended from the vertical hook 499 and after filling and preparing the formula, the clamping rods 474a and 474b are brought together so that the top end of the squeezable supply bag 402 is clamped between the clamping rods in the area along the common rotation axis of the clamping rods. In various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the clamping rods can each have a star-shaped cross-sectional design that is transverse to its longitudinal axis. The clamping rods 474a and 474b can be rotated by the user to roll the squeezable bag 402 and reduce its volume. The remaining operating parts of the device can be understood by reading the operating instructions associated with the device 250.

[0153] Figure 6A-6C The liquid receiving port 600 of the infant feeding device 311 is shown, wherein the inflatable container 312 of the infant feeding device is shown before inflation (here only the inflatable container 312 of the infant feeding device is shown). Figure 6C FIG. 3 shows a portion 312 of the infant feeding apparatus, and FIG. Figure 3 ). The inflatable container 312 constitutes the inflatable part of the double structure according to various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. The liquid receiving port 600 comprises a cylindrical wall 601C, a plug 601 having a circumferential end edge 601e to be inserted into the bottom end of the flexible inflatable sleeve constituting the inflatable container. Figure 6C In FIG. 3 , it can be seen that the plug is in the proper position inside the sleeve 312 (with Fig. 6A The direction shown is inverted, Figure 3 The liquid receiving port 600 is provided with a semi-rigid protector 315 having a circular opening matching the outer circumference of the pressure-resistant ring 315r, and is buckled onto the pressure-resistant ring by inserting the edge of the protector facing the circular opening into a matching circumferential groove on the pressure-resistant ring. The liquid receiving port 600 includes a one-way valve, the one-way flap allowing liquid under pressure to enter the inflatable sleeve 312 from the squeezable bag 302 while preventing backflow from the sleeve 312 out of the port 600. The one-way valve includes at least one hole 602 formed on the cylindrical wall 601c a few millimeters (e.g., between 3-12 mm) from the end edge 601e. A flexible annulus 603 is mounted on the cylindrical wall 601c below the end edge 601e. Due to the pressure between the annulus 603 and the cylindrical wall 601c (on which the hole is formed), the annulus 603 is dimensioned to fit snugly against the cylindrical wall 601c so as to normally close the hole 602 from the passage of the liquid.

[0154] The pressure of the liquid inside the inflatable sleeve 312 will increase the pressure of the cuff 603 against the cylindrical wall 601c, thereby enhancing the sealing of the hole 602 and preventing the liquid from escaping from the inflatable container through the liquid receiving port 600. On the contrary, when the liquid with a pressure greater than the pressure inside the inflatable sleeve 312 is forced into the liquid receiving port 600 through its hollow neck 601h, the pressurized liquid will press the cuff 603 through the hole 602 away from the cylindrical wall 601c, so that the pressurized liquid enters the inflatable sleeve 312 through the temporary gap created between the cuff 603 and the cylindrical wall 601c under the pressure of the liquid. Therefore, as long as the filling device squeezes the flexible bag 302 under the deflation pressure, the bag contains a certain amount of liquid, and the liquid will flow out of the bag 302 into the inflatable container 312. Once the inflow stops (due to the removal of the squeezing pressure from the bag 302, or as may occur, for example, when all of the liquid it contained has been transferred to the inflatable container 312), backflow from the inflatable container 312 may be prevented by the annulus 603 resealing the 602 hole under the pressure of the liquid inside the inflatable container. The liquid receiving port 600 may include a flange portion 601f that facilitates connection with the connecting member 305 and constitutes an outlet port for the flexible bag 302. The flange portion 601f may include a tread that mates with interthreads formed in the connecting member 305. In various embodiments, the connection between the connecting member 305 and the liquid receiving port 600 is made by a friction fit, with or without interengaging partially rotating parts (i.e., parts that engage and are fixed together when the corresponding parts rotate).

[0155] Fig. 7A Another embodiment of a liquid receiving port 700a of an infant feeding device is shown in exploded vertical cross-sectional view with three components constituting the inflatable container portion of a dual structure according to various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. The three components are a flexible valve membrane 710, a tubular membrane retaining member 701i, and a port body 720. When assembled together, the valve membrane 710 is disposed on a flat valve seat surface 710b, which is the outer surface of the valve seat wall 720b (in Fig.7D ), facing the inflatable container 311 (not shown here). In various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, the membrane is formed of silicone rubber and is fixed to the valve seat surface by the bottom edge of the tubular wall 701 of the tubular membrane retaining member 701i. A plurality of, for example four, pointed protrusions 701p protrude downwardly beyond the bottom end of the tubular wall 701. The pointed protrusions squeeze into the membrane 710 at corresponding points, for example four points near its end, so as to better grip the membrane between the valve seat surface 710b and the retaining member 701i. The liquid inlet hole 720a is formed through the valve seat wall 720b and is sealed by the valve membrane 710 from the direction of the inflatable container.

[0156] A pair of semicircular recesses 701r are formed at the bottom end of the tubular wall 701 of the retaining member 701i, thereby separating the valve membrane 710 from the valve seat surface 710b at the recessed area. The recesses are formed at opposite ends of a common diameter line (i.e., 180 degrees apart from each other on the circumference of the tubular wall 710). The tubular member 701i has a predetermined mounting position on the port body 720, which is caused by the mutually protruding and hole snap-on connectors 701s-720s, by which the tubular member 701i is fixed to the port body 720. When in the proper position, the semicircular recess 701r is aligned with the opening 720o formed by the cylindrical wall 720c, immediately above the valve seat surface 710b. The opening 720o allows liquid to pass through the semicircular recess 701r in the inflatable container 312 (see Figure 6C ) and the interior of the tubular member 701i. The inflatable container 312 can be fixedly attached to the cylindrical wall 720c of the port body 720 in a manner similar to Figure 6A-6C The embodiment shown shows the attachment between the inflatable container 312 and the cylindrical wall 601c. The annular wall recess 720r (similar to the annular wall recess 601r) allows connection through a matching pressure ring (similar to the pressure ring 315r), and further includes a protrusion 721 for non-slip connection. Therefore, when the pressure inside the inflatable container is greater than the pressure in the hollow space 720h of the liquid receiving port, the pressure will be transmitted through the opening 7200 and the semicircular wall recess 701r on the top of the valve membrane 710, thereby pressurizing it onto the valve seat surface 710b and sealing the hole 720a, as shown in FIG. Fig.7D The membrane position is shown in .

[0157] Conversely, when the pressure in the hollow space 720h is greater than the pressure of the liquid inside the inflatable container (e.g., due to the filling device squeezing the flexible bag 302 to transfer its liquid to the inflatable container 312), the pressure will be transmitted to the bottom of the valve membrane 710 through the valve hole 720a, thereby deforming the membrane, such as Fig. 7E As shown (in Fig.7D and Fig. 7E , the valve membrane 710 is marked with a "xxxxx" pattern for easy identification), so that liquid can escape into the inflatable container 312 through the opening 720o from between the valve seat surface 710b and the bottom of the membrane 710 at the recessed semicircular area 701r.

[0158] Once the pressure in the hollow space 720h becomes lower than the pressure of the liquid inside the inflatable container, the valve membrane 710 will be pressed against the valve seat surface 710b again, thereby preventing backflow from the inflatable container.

[0159] Figures 7A-7EThe advantages of the liquid receiving port shown are that liquid can be withdrawn from the inflatable container by a syringe, because the hole 720a and the valve membrane 710 above the hole can be accessed and penetrated by a syringe needle. In addition, since the inflatable container is disposable, it is possible to remove liquid from the inflatable container even with a syringe without a needle. A needle-free syringe can be deliberately coupled to the port body 720, forcing the valve membrane out of position (even if it is torn or irreparably damaged) by pushing it with the tip of the syringe inserted into the hole 720a through the hollow space 720h of the cylindrical wall 720c.

[0160] The flange 720f divides the annular wall recess 720r from its bottom and defines a connection area between the lateral protrusion 722 and the flange 720f, so as to connect the liquid outlet port of the flexible bag 302 with the interconnection device 305, such as by a partial rotation connection method. Alternatively, a friction connection can be provided between the outlet port of the flexible bag and the liquid receiving port 700a of the inflatable container 311. In various other embodiments, mutual threads are provided between the relevant ports for connection. Depending on the design, the threads can be internal threads on the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 720c (facing the hollow space 720h) or on the outer surface of the cylindrical wall 720c (for example, in embodiments where the lateral protrusion 722 is not present).

Claims

1. A method for preparing and introducing infant formula into a disposable inflatable infant feeding container. The method comprises (i) providing a supply container, the supply container comprising a squeezable bag having an open top and a formula discharge port at the bottom thereof; (ii) providing a liquid-tight connection between a liquid receiving port of the inflatable infant feeding container and the formula discharge port of the squeezable bag; (iii) suspending the squeezable bag with the open top portion uncovered so that ingredients of the infant formula can be introduced into the supply container through the top portion; (iv) introducing water and infant formula powder into the squeezable bag and stirring; (iv) squeezing the squeezable bag to discharge the prepared infant formula powder from the squeezable bag into the inflatable container; (v) separating the gas-filled container from the squeezable bag.

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