Nipple cleaning kit

Abstract

An adapter for cleaning milk passages of a device for breast feeding an infant, the device having narrow passages conveying the milk from the mother, through a remote flow indication device, and back to the device tip for the infant. The adapter is externally tapered to match the inner surface of the protrusion of the device, and an axial bore providing fluid connection between the outer base region and the inner tip of the tapered adapter. The axial bore is able to receive the output opening of a fluid ejector, such that when the adapter is positioned within the feeding device, cleaning fluid from the fluid ejector can be flushed through the milk passage of the device. An alternative embodiment of the adapter has an internal hollow, shaped such that it fits snugly over the outside surface of the feeding device protrusion.

Description

NIPPLE CLEANING KITFIELD

[0001] The present disclosure describes technology related to the field of cleaning the inside bore of thin fluid transfer channels, especially for infant feeding nipples.BACKGROUND

[0002] It is well-known that when feeding babies it is important to keep all parts of their feeding equipment, such as the bottles and teats, sterile to reduce risk of infection. Before baby equipment can be sterilized they have to be thoroughly cleaned to remove any leftover residue from a previous feeding. Many mothers breastfeed their babies and there are a range of devices that can help with any issues or difficulties that may arise from breastfeeding.

[0003] Some of such feeding devices provide real-time information to the mother regarding the flow of milk that the infant is taking. Such feeding devices channel the milk flow from the mother's breast to the infant's mouth by means of narrow channels or passages, which direct the milk to a region away from the nipple region itself, where the flow becomes visible, and can be seen by the mother. One such device is shown in the published International Patent Application WO 2022 / 175833 entitled "Device for Flow Detection of Mother's Milk", commonly owned by the present applicant. That publication shows both channels which run completely within the device, from the inside of the nipple tip through the display channel and to the outside surface of the nipple tip, for consumption by the infant. Other implementations show channels which direct the milk to and from an end port where an external flow meter at the periphery of the device measures the flow. Further embodiments of such long milk channels are shown in published International Patent Application WO 2023 / 194997 entitled "System for Electronic Measurement of Milk Imbibed by an Infant", also commonly owned by the present applicant.

[0004] However, unless the feeding device is disposable, which is less favorably viewed today because of the need to conserve the world's resources, including manufacturing resources, there exists a need to be able to thoroughly clean out the entire feeding devicebetween feeding sessions, to ensure that it is clean before sterilization, to be safe for the child to use. It is difficult to thoroughly clean out milk residues from the passageways of such devices by regular washing procedures, as the passageways, also known as milk flow channels, are small, capillary like tubes of considerable length, that cannot be opened to clean out.

[0005] Therefore, there exists a need to create a cleaning device that will enable the efficient cleaning of those narrow channels so that the feeding device can be a reusable device that is safe for use by an infant.

[0006] The disclosures of each of the publications mentioned in this section and in other sections of the specification, are hereby incorporated by reference, each in its entirety.SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure attempts to provide novel systems and methods that overcome at least some of the disadvantages of prior art systems and methods. The present disclosure provides a novel device and method that enables the cleaning of narrow channels, such as those that are found in a feeding device typically providing an indication of milk flow, such as those described in the above referenced WO 2022 / 175833 or in WO 2023 / 194997.

[0008] The presently described cleaning kit is designed to provide a strong flow of cleaning fluid that enters the milk apertures or holes on the inside of the feeding device and exits from the apertures or holes on the outer surface of the feeding device, or vice versa. The fluid should be a cleaning fluid such as soapy water, or a sterilizing fluid, but may be any other fluid that is suitable for such use.

[0009] According to one implementation, the cleaning adapter has a cone-like structure adapted to match the inner surface of the protrusion nipple part of the feeding device. The shape and length of the outer surface of the adapter is configured to fit within the inside of the protrusion of the feeding device, so that when the cone is inserted, the tip does not reach the feeding apertures inside the tip, so that they are not blocked by the tip pf theintruding cleaning adapter. The adapter also has a base surround limiting cleaning fluid from splashing back over the user when the fluid is forced into the feeding device. The cone-shaped structure has a hollow central tube that runs from the base of the conically shaped structure up to the tip of the adapter and has openings at both ends, one located at the base surface, and the other at the tip.

[0010] According to an alternative implementation, the cleaning adapter has a structure that is adapted to fit over the outer surface of the feeding device. Such a cleaning adapter will then have an internal cone-shaped hollow, adapted to match the outer surface shape of the feeding device. Such a cleaning adapter also has a hollow central tube that runs from the outer top end of the adapter to the apex of the internal coned hollow of the adapter. The terms "tapered shaped structure", "cone-like structure" and the like, are intended to have equivalent meanings in this disclosure, and may have been used interchangeably.

[0011] Another implementation includes a cleaning adapter which can be used either internally or externally, by having two shaped contact surfaces with the feeding device protrusion, one at either end of the device, one of the interfaces having an external cone shape for insertion into the inner surface of the feeding device protrusion, and the other having an internal hollow, having a cone-like structure, matching the outer surface shape of the feeding device protrusion, and for fitting over the outer surface of the feeding device protrusion.

[0012] It is to be emphasized that throughout this disclosure, and as claimed, use of the term to "match", or derivatives thereof, when relating to the way in which the surfaces of the cleaning adaptor match the surfaces of the protrusion of the feeding device, is not intended to be understood that the geometric profiles of the two matching parts are identical, but merely that they are sufficiently similar that when the harder surface of the cleaning adaptor is inserted into or mounted onto the softer surfaces of the feeding device protrusion, the match is sufficiently good to prevent or at least to inhibit leakage of fluid from between the two matched surfaces.

[0013] When in use, a fluid ejector device, such as a syringe or a piston device, or an electric pump, or similar such devices containing the cleaning solution is inserted into the central or axial axial bore of the conically shaped structure and then the conically shaped structure with the attached fluid ejector is either inserted into the inner space of the nipple structure, such that the tip of the conically shaped structure is close to, but does not block the apertures of the feeding device, or it is placed over the protrusion, according to the configuration of cleaning adapter used. Once the conically shaped structure is in place, a stream of the cleaning fluid is forced through the narrow milk flow passageway, cleaning out any milk residues from the previous feeding session. By this means, an efficient cleaning procedure can be performed without the need for brushes or probes or needles that could damage the delicate feeding device, and especially its milk channels. Though the bore is termed an axial or central bore, since it is most advantageous to manufacture the part with an axial or central bore, that position is not intended to be limiting, and the adapter of the present application could be provided with the bore off-axis, if so required.

[0014] Alternatively, first the conically shaped structure may be inserted first into the inner space of the protrusion of the feeding device or over the outer surface of the feeding device, and then the fluid ejector containing cleaning fluid is attached to the central bore of the cleaning device, for ejecting the cleaning fluid under pressure.

[0015] The specific structure of the fluid ejector in any of the implementations shown throughout this disclosure, is not limited to a syringe, which is probably the most common device used with these cleaning adapters, but may also include manually operated pump mechanism, or an electric pump mechanism, or a connection to a mains water supply where plain water is used as the cleaning fluid, or any similar devices. The term fluid ejector is intended to represent any device for dispensing the cleaning liquid at a low pressure, and will also be thus claimed.

[0016] The effects generated by the use of the adapter with the fluid ejector of the present application, cannot be achieved by use of a fluid ejector alone without the adapters of the present disclosure. The reason for this is that a feeding device generally has more than one hole on each of its surfaces, namely on the internal surface facing the mother to collect themilk, and on the external surface facing the baby to provide the milk. The use of the adapter ensures the generation of cleaning fluid flow through the plurality of holes and, thus, through the milk channel or channels associated with those holes, in addition to providing a flow of the cleaning fluid around the region of the holes. A syringe or other fluid ejection device with a thin needle fluid exit, can only connect to one hole at a time, while the other holes remain open. This would not enable the generation of pressure to force the cleaning fluid through the milk channel, because the uncovered holes would release the fluid pressure, and allow escape of the cleaning fluid through those holes, rather than being driven through the milk passage. Furthermore, a sharp needle tip may damage the nipple device in the region of the hole. Additionally, a fluid ejector tip inserted into only a single hole, would not clean the regions of the tip of the protrusion of the feeding device around the holes.

[0017] There is thus provided in accordance with a first exemplary implementation of the devices described in this disclosure, an adapter to clean at least one milk passage of a feeding device for an infant, the adapter comprising: an outer surface adapted to match an inner surface of a protrusion of the feeding device, such that the adapter, when sitting within the protrusion of the feeding device, is configured to inhibit a fluid leakage between the outer surface of the adapter and the inner surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, and an axial bore providing a fluid connection between a base region and a tip of the adapter, wherein the outer surface and a length of the adapter are such that when the adapter is fully inserted into the feeding device, a space is left between the tip of the adapter and at least one milk flow aperture disposed on the inner surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, the at least one milk flow aperture is connected to the at least one milk passage.

[0018] Such an adapter may further comprise a surround rim located at the base region in a position that limits splashing of a cleaning fluid leaking from between the outer surface of the adapter and the inner surface of the feeding device.

[0019] In either of such adapters, the axial bore may be of a size that receives an output opening of a fluid injector, such that when the adapter is positioned within the protrusion of the feeding device, the cleaning fluid from the fluid ejector flushes through the at least one milk passage of the feeding device. Such an adapter may further comprise a Luer connection at a base end of the axial bore, such that the fluid ejector is connected to the adapter. Furthermore, in such an adapter, the fluid ejector 35 may be connected as an integral part of the adapter.

[0020] Additionally, in any such previously mentioned adapters, the inhibition of the fluid leakage between the outer surface of the adapter and the inner surface of the feeding device is configured to ensure a maintenance of pressure within the axial bore of the adapter, such that the cleaning fluid is forced through the at least one milk passage. In any of these previously mentioned adapters the fluid ejector may be any one of a syringe, a piston device, a manual pump, an electric pump, and an outlet of a main water supply.

[0021] Finally, any of the above mentioned adapters may further comprise a tapered hollow 41 formed in the adapter, having an inner surface adapted to match the outer surface of a protrusion of the feeding device, such that the adapter, when sitting over the protrusion of the feeding device, is configured to inhibit fluid leakage between the inner surface of the adapter and the outer surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, wherein the axial bore provides fluid connection between a tip of the adapter and a narrow end region of the tapered hollow of the adapter, and wherein the inner surface and the length of the tapered hollow formed in the adapter, are such that when the adapter is fully mounted over the protrusion of the feeding device, a space is left between an inner end of the tapered hollow of the adapter, and at least one milk flow aperture disposed on the outer surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, the at least one milk flow aperture being connected to at least one milk passage.

[0022] There is further provided, according to a second exemplary implementation of the adapters of the present disclosure, an adapter for cleaning at least one milk passage of a feeding device for an infant, the adapter comprising:a tapered hollow formed in the adapter, having an inner surface adapted to match an outer surface of a protrusion of the feeding device, such that the adapter, when sitting over the protrusion of the feeding device, is configured to inhibit a fluid leakage between the inner surface of the adapter and the outer surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, and an axial bore providing a fluid connection between a tip of the adapter and a narrow end region of the tapered hollow of the adapter, wherein the inner surface of the tapered hollow and a length of the adapter are such that when fully mounted over the protrusion of the feeding device, a space is left between an inner end of the tapered hollow of the adapter, and at least one milk flow aperture disposed on the outer surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, the at least one milk flow aperture is connected to the at least one milk passage.

[0023] In such an adapter, the axial bore may be of a size such that it can receive the output opening of a fluid ejector, such that when the adapter is positioned over the protrusion of the feeding device, cleaning fluid from the fluid ejector can be flushed through the at least one milk passage of the feeding device. Furthermore, the fluid ejector may be connected as an integral part of the adapter.

[0024] Additionally, in any such previously mentioned adapters, the inhibition of the fluid leakage between the outer surface of the adapter and the inner surface of the feeding device is configured to ensure a maintenance of pressure within the axial bore of the adapter, such that the cleaning fluid is forced through the at least one milk passage.

[0025] In any of these previously mentioned adapters the fluid ejector may be any one of a syringe, a piston device, a manual pump, an electric pump, and an outlet of a main water supply.

[0026] Finally, any of the immediately previously mentioned second exemplary implementations of the adapters, may further comprise: an outer surface adapted to match the inner surface of a protrusion of the feeding device, such that the adapter, when sitting within the protrusion of the feeding device, isconfigured to inhibit fluid leakage between the outer surface of the adapter and the inner surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, wherein the axial bore provides fluid connection between a tip of the adapter and a narrow end region of the tapered hollow of the adapter, and wherein the outer surface and the length of the adapter are such that when fully inserted into the protrusion of the feeding device, a space is left between the tip of the adapter and at least one milk flow aperture disposed on the inner surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, the at least one milk flow aperture being connected to at least one milk passage.

[0027] There is also provided, according to another implementation of the adapters of the present disclosure, a first method of cleaning at least one milk passage of a feeding device for an infant, the at least one milk passage being connected to at least one milk flow aperture disposed on an inner surface of a protrusion of the feeding device, the method comprising: inserting a cleaning adapter into an inner space within the protrusion of the feeding device, the cleaning adapter comprising: a shaped outer surface adapted to fit snugly into the inner space of the protrusion of the feeding device, such that a predetermined space remains between an outer end of the cleaning adapter and at least one milk inlet flow aperture on an inner surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, and an axial bore extending from an inner end of the cleaning adapter to the outer end disposed adjacent to the inner space of the protrusion of the feeding device, and activating a fluid ejector containing a cleaning fluid connected to the inner end of the axial bore of the cleaning adapter, to inject a stream of the cleaning fluid under a pressure into the at least one milk passage.

[0028] In this first method, the tip of the cleaning adapter may advantageously have a flattened shape. Either of the above mentioned methods may further comprise the additional step of connecting a fluid bridging connection piece to the remote end of a milk passage connected to at least one milk flow aperture disposed on the inner surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, and to the remote end of a milk passage connected to atleast one milk flow aperture disposed on an outer surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, such that injecting a stream of cleaning fluid under pressure generates a flow of fluid through both milk passages. The fluid ejector may be any one of a syringe, a piston device, a manual pump, an electric pump or an outlet of a mains water supply.

[0029] According to yet another implementation of the adapters of the present disclosure, there is provided a second method of cleaning at least one milk passage of a feeding device for an infant, the at least one milk passage being connected to at least one milk flow aperture disposed on an outer surface of a protrusion of the feeding device, the method comprising:(i) mounting a cleaning adapter over the outer surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, the cleaning adapter comprising: a tapered hollow having an inner surface adapted to fit snugly over the outer surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, such that a predetermined space remains between a narrow end of the tapered hollow and the at least one milk flow aperture on the outer surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, and an axial bore extending from the outer end of the cleaning adapter to the inner end of the tapered hollow of the cleaning adapter, and activating a fluid ejector containing a cleaning fluid connected to the outer end of the axial bore of the cleaning adapter, to inject a stream of the cleaning fluid under a pressure into the at least one milk passage.

[0030] In the adapter used in such a second method, the a narrow end of the tapered hollow of the cleaning adapter may have a flattened shape.

[0031] Additionally, this second method may comprise the additional step of connecting a fluid bridging connection piece to the remote end of a milk passage connected to at least one milk flow aperture disposed on the inner surface of the feeding device, and to the remote end of a milk passage connected to at least one milk flow aperture disposed on an outer surface of the feeding device, such that injecting a stream of cleaning fluid under pressure generates a flow of fluid through both of the milk passages.

[0032] Finally, in this second method, the fluid ejector may be any one of a syringe, a piston device, a manual pump, an electric pump or an outlet of a mains water supply.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional drawing of a first embodiment of a prior art feeding device;Fig. 2 shows an isometric skeleton drawing of a second embodiment of a feeding device;Fig. 3A is a schematic drawing of a cleaning adapter designed to be used with a feeding device, such as those shown in Figs. 1 and 2;Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional drawing of the cleaning adapter, showing its internal features;Fig. 3C is an image of the cleaning adapter of Figs. 3A and 3B in use, with a syringe attached to the cleaning adapter;Fig. 4A shows an alternative cleaning adapter designed to fit over the external surface of the protrusion of the feeding device;Fig. 4B shows an isometric sectioned drawing of the cleaning adapter of Fig. 4A;Fig. 4C is a cross-sectional schematic drawing of a combination cleaning adapter, combining the internal cleaning adapters of Figs. 3A and 3B, with the external cleaning adapters of Figs. 4A and 4B, the combination cleaning adapter being shown mounted externally on the protrusion of the feeding device;Fig. 5A is a schematic drawing of a syringe attached to the cleaning adapter of Fig. 4C, for mounting on an outside of the feeding device;Fig. 5B is a schematic drawing of a fluid ejector attached to a cleaning adapter of Fig. 4C, for mounting on an inside of the feeding device;Fig. 6 is a partial cross section view of an alternative cleaning adapter designed to be used with the feeding device, such as those shown in Figs. 1 and 2;Fig. 7 is a partial cross section view of the cleaning adapter as shown in Fig. 6 being used in a different configuration;Fig. 8 is a partial isometric skeleton drawing of another alternative cleaning adapter to be used with a feeding device such as the one shown in Fig. 2; andFig. 9 shows how the syringe and cleaning adapter of the present application is able to clean the inside bore of a narrow and winding milk flow channel within a feeding device.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional drawing of a first embodiment of a prior art milk feeding device 10, as shown in the above-mentioned International Patent Application WO 2022 / 175833. It is to be understood that the feeding device may be described as a nipple shield device, a nipple shield milk measurement device, a milk flow indication device and / or any other suitable name to describe the feeding device. Milk 11 flows from the mother's nipple 12 to an inside volume 14 of the feeding device 10. The boundary of a nipple protrusion of the feeding device 10, covered by lips 19 of an infant's mouth when feeding, is defined. The milk flows through a long, narrow indicating passageway 15 from an inlet aperture 16 to an outlet aperture 17 in a tip 13 of the feeding device 10, from which an infant can intake the milk 11 through its lips 19. As can be seen from Fig. 1, efficient cleaning of the long narrow indicating passageway 15 showing a flow of milk 11, which could be a narrow tube, is a difficult task.

[0035] Figure 2 illustrates an isometric x-ray drawing of a second embodiment of a feeding device 70, as shown in the above-mentioned International Patent Application WO 2023 / 194997. This feeding device 70 differs from that shown in Fig. 1, in that the milk measurement is performed by an external replaceable measurement unit, which is connected to the feeding device 70 at a fluid double connector 78. Proceeding from the tip of the protrusion 71 of the feeding device, the milk flows from the inside volume of the protrusion, via one or more exit apertures 74 through passageway 72 to the output fluid connection port 76, where it is input to the external measurement unit, from which, milk flows back through input fluid connection port 77, back up passageway 73, and out of the tip of the protrusion 71 of the feeding device 70 via feeding apertures 75, to the infant sucking on the feeding device 70. The external measurement unit can be any of a number of modules for measuring flow, total supplied quantity, analysis of the milk, or any other function as described in the above referenced WO 2022 / 175833 and in WO 2023 / 1949997. In common with the embodiment of Fig. 1, the feeding device 70 of Fig. 2 also has a long and narrow milk flow path, but it differs in that the ends of the milk output passageway 72and the milk input passageway 73 are open at the fluid connection port 78, such that a single flow cannot be used for cleaning both passageways 72, 73.

[0036] Figure 3A illustrates a schematic drawing of a cleaning adapter 30 designed to be used with a feeding device 10, such as those shown in Figs. 1 or 2. As shown, the cleaning adapter 30 is generally cone shaped in order to fit inside the protrusion 71 of the feeding device 70, so that a flow of a cleaning liquid under a positive pressure can be passed through the cleaning adapter 30 and into the passageways 15 in the feeding device 10, in order to clean out the passageways 15 of any milk residue left over after breast feeding. However, any other shape may be employed by the tip 13 of the cleaning adapter 30 that may fit closely or snugly inside the feeding device 70, to provide a sealed internal volume between the tip 13 of the cleaning adapter 30 and an inner surface of the nipple shield protrusion 71 that will prevent significant leakage of the cleaning fluid, or at least inhibit leakage of the leaning fluid under the pressure inside, may also be used.

[0037] The cleaning adapter 30 has a surround or base rim 31 , which can be used to define an axial position of the cleaning adapter 30 when it is inserted into the flow measurement feeding device 70. At an opposite end of the cleaning adapter is a tip 32a or tip region, which may advantageously have a flat plateau-like profile 32. Alternatively, the flat plateau-like profile 32 may be referred to as a tip region, a flat-top tip surface or a flat tip surface. The tip 32 should not, however, have a bulging profile sufficiently large that the when the cleaning adapter is inserted into the protrusion of a feeding device 10, 70, the tip of the bulge may contact the innertip of the protrusion, and impede flow of cleaning fluid out of the bore, as will be seen in the following paragraph.

[0038] Fig 3B shows an axial bore 33 running axially through a length of the cleaning adapter 30. The axial bore 33 is adapted to convey the cleaning fluid 79 from the base region 31a to the tip region 32, where the cleaning fluid 79 can be forced into the milk passageway 72, through the inlet apertures 74 on the inside surface 71b of the protrusion 71 of the feeding device 70, these apertures being shown in Fig. 1 (inlet aperture 16) and Fig. 2 (inlet apertures 74). In use, the cleaning fluid 79 will be injected into the axial bore33 by means of an outlet from a fluid ejector device 35, shown as a syringe in Fig. 3C hereinbelow, and which can apply a small positive pressure to the cleaning fluid 79 to force it through the milk flow passageway 72. A syringe is used as illustrative of the fluid ejector 35 in the following described devices and their use, though it is to be understood that the use of a syringe is not intended to be limiting.

[0039] This method of use now explains the optional but advantageous flat-topped tip surface 32 of the cleaning adapter 30. In order to ensure that there is a clear path for the cleaning fluid 79 to pass from the axial bore 33 into the entrance or inlet aperture 16 or apertures 74 of the milk passage 72, it is important that tip 36 of the cleaning adapter 30 does not come into contact with the inlet aperture 16 or apertures 74 themselves, which would cause an impedance or even blockage to the flow of the cleaning fluid 79 from the axial bore 33 into the milk passage 72. To avoid this, the outer surface shape and the length of the conical part of the cleaning adapter are selected such that when the conical part 30 of the cleaning adapter is fully fitted into the inner space of the protrusion of the feeding device, the axial position of the top surface of the cleaning adapter relative to the inner surface of the nipple device protrusion is such that the top surface of the cleaning adapter should then be a small distance from the milk exit apertures. The flat-topped tip participates in the task of keeping a clear space at the tip of the cleaning adapter to enable a clear flow for the cleaning fluid. This is achieved by keeping a clear space between the flat tip surface 32 and the rounded inside surface of the protrusion of the nipple device. Additionally, it is now clear why, even if a flat plateau top is not used, at least the top of the cleaning adapter should not be rounded in a convex direction to the extent that the top of the convex form abuts against the milk input apertures 16, 72, thereby blocking them . The size of the space has no special restrictions, and it could be from 1mm to 3mm, for instance.

[0040] The base rim 31 has the purpose of preventing cleaning fluid from escaping from around the edges of the conical insert, if the conical insert does not form a good seal with the inside volume of the protrusion of the feeding device.

[0041] Fig. 3B is a scale cross-sectional drawing of the cleaning adapter, showing its features. The numbered features are the same as those shown in Fig. 3A, with the addition of a optional Luer connection flange 34 at the bottom end of the axial bore 33, so that the fluid ejector containing the cleaning fluid may be locked in place to the cleaning adapter. The Luer connector may alternatively be a non-lockable version.

[0042] Fig. 3C is a drawing of the complete nipple cleaning kit in use, showing how a syringe 35 type of fluid ejector may be attached to the cleaning adapter 30. The syringe should have an injection end which matches the inner profile of the axial bore 33 of the cleaning adapter 30. A soft rubber or polymer end may be used to ensure a leak-proof connection. Alternatively, syringe 35 may be incorporated as a single piece with the cleaning adapter 30.

[0043] Cleaning adapter 30 is inserted inside the feeding device, such as of the type shown in Figs. 1 or 2, or another type of feeding device, and the syringe or other fluid ejector 35 charged with a cleaning solution, is attached to the cleaning adapter 30 by inserting the tip of the syringe into the lower end of the axial bore 33 of the cleaning adapter. When the syringe plunger 37 is actuated, the cleaning fluid is forced under pressure through the axial bore 33 of the cleaning adapter 30, and, in the case of the prior art embodiment of Fig. 1, through the apertures 16 on the inner surface of the feeding device, then through the entire length of the milk flow channel 15 and out of the apertures 17 on the outer surface of the feeding device, thus cleaning out the milk flow channels. In the case of the feeding device of Fig. 2, the cleaning fluid is forced through the apertures 74 on the inner surface of the protrusion of the feeding device 70, then through the entire length of the milk flow channel 72 to the measurement ports 78, returning through milk flow passageway 73 and out of the apertures 75 on the outer surface of the feeding device protrusion, thus cleaning out both of the milk flow channels.

[0044] Fig. 4A shows an alternative cleaning adapter 49 designed to be used with a feeding device such as that shown in Figs. 1 and 2. This cleaning adapter differs from that of Fig. 3A and 3B in that this cleaning adapter 49 is designed to fit over the external surface of the feeding device, or more specifically, over the protrusion of the feeding device milk flowdevice. In order to ensure as leak-proof a seal as possible, cleaning adapter 49 has a hollow internal base section that will be clearly shown as item 41 in Fig. 4B, the hollow internal base section being shaped such that it can fit snugly over the outer surface of the nipple structure. Running axially through the length of that part of the cleaning adapter 49 remote from the hollowed internal base section, is an axial bore 43. A fluid ejector, such as that shown in Fig. 3C, can be attached to the end of axial bore 43 remote from the hollow internal base section, to inject cleaning fluid from the tip region of the cleaning adapter to the base region, where it can be forced into the milk passageways through the apertures 17, 75 on the outside surface of the feeding device, these apertures being shown respectively in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0045] Figure 4B shows an isometric sectioned drawing of the external cleaning adapter 49 of Fig. 4A, showing the internal hollow 41, shaped to fit snuggly over the outer surface profile of the feeding device with which it is to be used. The cleaning adapter 49 is constructed so that the inner surface of the adapter does not block the apertures of the feeding device, when mounted thereon, such as by designing the length and shape of the conical internal hollow 41 such that when it sits firmly on the protrusion of the feeding device, a space remains between the tip of the protrusion of the feeding device and the top face 44 of the hollowed internal space 41. There is no restriction on the shape of the space, as long as it enables the milk passage terminating at the aperture(s) on the outer surface of the feeding device protrusion to be fluidly connected via the space to the axial hole. In some embodiments, where multiple milk holes are used, the space ensures that cleaning fluid ejected into the space gets to all of the holes from the common space, and thence to the milk flow channel fed by the holes. The space should have a volume sufficient to achieve this purpose, the volume typically being in the range of 0.1 ml to 2 ml.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the hollow internal space 41, as measured from the base face 42 to the top face 44 of the hollowed internal space 41, may be made longer than the length of the protrusion of the feeding device on which the cleaning adapter 40 is intended to be mounted.

[0047] Fig. 4C is a cross sectional schematic drawing of a further implementation of the cleaning adapters of the present application, showing a combination cleaning adapter 40, combining the internal cleaning adapters of Figs. 3A and 3B, with the external cleaning adapters of Figs. 4A and 4B. The combination cleaning adapter is shown in Fig. 4C, mounted externally on a feeding device 46, ready for the cleaning action to the milk aperture(s) 45 and their associated milk flow tubes, by fluid injected into the central or axial bore 43 by a syringe or other fluid ejector. The central bore 43, may advantageously be a parallel bore, since it will be used for insertion of the fluid ejector exit from either end. This dual purpose combination adapter can be understood by noting that the end of the adapter remote from the hollowed internal space 41, has been formed with a conically shaped outer surface 48, which can serve as the mating surface of an internally fitted cleaning adapter. This single adapter 40 can thus be used to clean from the inside space of the protrusion of the feeding device, as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, or from the outside of the protrusion of the feeding device, as shown in Fig. 4A to Fig. 4C. In the drawing of Fig. 4C, the aperture(s) 45 are not shown as passing through to the internal space of the feeding device, but they are connected to long and narrow milk channels, as shown in the feeding devices of Figs. 1 and 2, for the cleaning of which, the presently described cleaning adapters are advantageously intended. Fig. 4C clearly shows how the seal between the feeding device and the internal hollow can be achieved by manufacturing the slope of the internal conical surface 47 to match the shape of the outer surface of the feeding device, such that a snug fit is obtained.

[0048] Such dual-purpose combination cleaning adapters are useful for cleaning the milk passageways of the feeding devices as shown in Fig. 2. In such feeding devices, there are separate milk passageways to and from the periphery of the device, one 72 from the mother, from apertures 74 opening into the internal surface of the feeding device protrusion, and the other 73 to the infant, opening into the feed aperture(s) 75 in the external surface of the feeding device protrusion. So long as the peripheral ends of the milk channels are not connected, their cleaning has to be performed both from the inside and the outside of the feeding device protrusion. Therefore cleaning adapter 40 has to be used twice, both in a position within the inner surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, which allows cleaning of the milk flow channel 72 and in a second position, over the outer surface of the protrusion of the feeding device to allow milk flow passage 73 to be cleaned.

[0049] Figs. 5A and 5B show the way in which the syringe or other fluid ejector 35 may be connected to the multi-directional and dual-purpose cleaning adapter 40 of Fig. 4C. In Fig. 5A, the fluid ejector 35 is shown attached to an outer end 43a of the dual purpose cleaning adapter 40, such that the cleaning adapter 40 can be fitted over the outer surface 71a of the protrusion 71 of the feeding device 70, in order to clean milk passages 73 leading to the feed aperture(s) 75 for the baby. In Fig. 5B, the fluid ejector 35 is shown attached to the other end of the dual purpose cleaning adapter 40, such that protrusion 71 of the feeding device 70 can be inserted into an inner surface 41a of a tapered hollow 41, for cleaning milk passages 72, used for transferring the milk 11 from the mother. As shown, the tapered hollow 41 is conical in shape.

[0050] Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 illustrate how the multi-directional dual-purpose cleaning adapter 40 of Fig. 4C can be used in cleaning a feeding device 70 having two separate milk flow passages 72, 73, such as shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 6 shows the cleaning adapter 40 fitted on the outside of the feeding device 70, for cleaning milk passage 73 to the infant. The passage 73 terminates at outlet apertures 75 on an outer surface 71a of the feeding device 70. In particular, the multi-directional and dual-purpose cleaning adapter 40 is adapted to clean at least one of the milk passages 72, 73 of the feeding device 70. As shown in FIG. 6, the cleaning adapter 40 includes a tapered hollow 41 formed in the adapter, having an inner surface 41a adapted to match an outer surface 71a of a protrusion 71 of the feeding device 70. When the cleaning adapter 40 is positioned, or sitting over, the protrusion 18 of the feeding device 70, their combination is configured to inhibit a fluid leakage between the inner surface 41a of the cleaning adapter 40 and the outer surface 71a of the protrusion 71 of the feeding device 70. The axial bore 43 provides a fluid connection between a tip 43a of the cleaning adapter 40 and the narrow end region of the tapered hollow 41 of the cleaning adapter 40. The inner surface 41a of the tapered hollow 41 and a length of the cleaning adapter 40 are such that when the cleaning adapter 40 is fully mounted over the protrusion 71 of the feeding device 70, a cavity or space 49 is left or created at the inner narrow end of the tapered hollow 41 of the cleaning adapter 40. At least one milk flow aperture 75 disposed on the outer surface 71a of the protrusion 71 of the feeding device 70 is exposed and fluidly connected to the space 49 and adapted to receive a cleaning fluid79 injected from a fluid injector 35. The at least one milk flow aperture 75 is connected to the milk passage 73.

[0051] In use, an exemplary method of cleaning the milk passages 72, 73 of a feeding device 70 in a first direction using the multi-directional and dual-purpose cleaning adapter40 can be performed in the following manner. Referring to Figs. 6 and 5A, the cleaning adapter 40 is attached to a fluid ejector 35 and positioned over the protrusion 71 of the feeding device 70. The milk passage 73 is connected to the one or more milk flow apertures 75 disposed on an outer surface 71a of the protrusion 71 of the feeding device 70. The method includes mounting a cleaning adapter 40 over the outer surface 71a of the protrusion 71 of the feeding device 70. The cleaning adapter 40 includes a tapered hollow41 having an inner surface 41a adapted to fit snugly over the outer surface 71a of the protrusion 71 of the feeding device 70, such that a predetermined space 49 remains between the narrow end of the tapered hollow 41 and the at least one milk flow aperture 75 on the outer surface 71a of the protrusion 71 of the feeding device 70. An axial bore 43 extends from the outer end 43a of the cleaning adapter 40 to the narrow end 43b of the tapered hollow 41 of the cleaning adapter 40. A fluid ejector 35 is activated by applying a pressure to the fluid ejector 35 containing a cleaning fluid 79 connected to the outer end 43a of the axial bore 33 of the cleaning adapter 40. The pressure created causes a stream of the cleaning fluid 79 to be injected under a pressure directly into the at least one milk passage 73.

[0052] Fig. 7 shows the cleaning adapter 40 fitted on the inside of the protrusion of the feeding device 70, for cleaning milk passage 72 from the mother starting at inlet apertures 74 on an inner surface 71b of the feeding device 70. In particular, the multi-directional and dual-purpose cleaning adapter 40 is adapted to clean the milk passage 72 of the feeding device 70. As shown in FIG. 7, the cleaning adapter 40 includes an outer surface 41c which is conical and is adapted to match an inner surface 71b of a protrusion 71 of the feeding device. When the protrusion 71 of the feeding device 70 is disposed over an outer end 43b or tip of the cleaning adapter 40, their combination is configured to inhibit a fluid leakage between the outer surface 41c of the cleaning adapter 40 and the inner surface 71b of the protrusion 71 of the feeding device 70. An axial bore 43 is provided that has a channel toconvey a fluid between a base region 43b and an end tip 43a of the cleaning adapter 40. The outer surface 41c and a length of the cleaning adapter 40 are such that when the tip 43a of the cleaning adapter 40 is fully inserted into the feeding device 70, a space 50b is created or left, between the end tip 43a of the cleaning adapter 40 and at least one milk flow aperture 74 disposed on the inner surface 71b of the protrusion 71 of the feeding device 70. The at least one milk flow aperture 74 is fluidly connected to the milk passage 72.

[0053] In use, another exemplary method of cleaning the at least one milk passages 72 of a feeding device 70 in a second direction, using the multi-directional and dual-purpose cleaning adapter 40, can be performed in the following manner. Referring to Figs. 7 and 5B, the cleaning adapter 40 is attached to a fluid ejector 35 and positioned within the protrusion 71 of the feeding device 70. At least one milk passage 72 is connected to at least one of the milk flow aperture 74 disposed on an inner surface 71b of the protrusion 71 of the feeding device 70. The method includes inserting a cleaning adapter 40 into an inner space 50a within the protrusion 71 of the feeding device 70 in a fluid tight manner. The cleaning adapter 40 includes a shaped outer surface 41c adapted to fit snugly into the inner space 71b of the protrusion 71 of the feeding device 70. In position, a predetermined space 50b remains between an outer end 43b of the cleaning adapter 40 and at least one milk inlet flow aperture 74 on an inner surface 71b of the protrusion 71 of the feeding device 70. An axial bore 43 extends from an inner end 43b of the cleaning adapter 40 to the outer end 43a adjacent to the inner space 50b within the protrusion 71 of the feeding device 70. A fluid ejector 35 is activated by applying a pressure to the fluid ejector 35 containing a cleaning fluid 79 connected to the inner end 43a of the axial bore 43 of the cleaning adapter 40. The pressure created causes a stream of the cleaning fluid 79 to be injected under a pressure directly into the at least one milk passage 72.

[0054] Fig. 8 shows an alternative method of cleaning the milk channels of the feeding device of Fig. 2, which differs from the methods shown hereinabove, in that both milk channels are cleaned simultaneously. Fig. 8 is a skeleton drawing of an adapter attachment 80 that can be used for that purpose. Adapter attachment 80 is designed to connect to the output fluid connection port 76 and the input fluid connection port 77 of the feeding deviceof Fig. 2. Adapter attachment 80 has a bifurcated channel structure, with the single input 81 of the bifurcation adapted to enable attachment of a syringe or another fluid ejector containing cleaning fluid. The two output lines of the junction 82, 83, are the lines connected to the fluid connection ports 76, 77 of the feeding device. Once the adapter attachment 80 and the fluid ejector are in place, ejection of cleaning fluid from the fluid ejector results in the cleaning fluid flowing simultaneously through both of the milk passages 72, 73 of the feeding device of Fig. 2, the cleaning fluid that passes through milk flow channel 72 exiting the channel at apertures 74, located on the inner surface of the feeding device, and the cleaning fluid that passes through milk flow channel 73, exiting the channel at apertures 75, located on the outer surface of the feeding device.

[0055] According to yet a further method of cleaning both milk channels 72, 73, in one procedure, it is also possible to use either the internal cleaning adapter of Figs. 3A to 3C, or the external or dual purpose cleaning adapter of Fig. 4A to 4C to flush cleaning fluid down one of the milk channels 72, 73, with a bridging connector (not shown) attached to the output ports 76, 77 such that the cleaning fluid exits from one port, passes through the bridging connection canal, and reenters the second port to flush out the second of the milk channels. The bridging connector looks exactly like the adapter attachment 80 of Fig. 8, except that lines 82 and 83 are simply joined together as a fluid connection path, without any junction attached thereto.

[0056] Alternatively, the cleaning procedure may be performed with the pressure measurement module still attached to the feeding device, though this may not be recommended, in case the cleaning fluid affects any sensors in the flow path inside the measurement module.

[0057] As already indicated with regard to cleaning adapter 30, also with regard to cleaning adapter 40 and the adapter attachment 80, the syringe or any other type of fluid ejector 35 can either be a separate component of the cleaning kit or it can be an incorporated as a single piece with any of the cleaning adapters or attachments (30, 40 or 80).

[0058] Fig. 9 illustrates pictorially the way in which the fluid ejector 35 and the cleaning adapter 40 can be used to force the cleaning fluid through the long and narrow looping milk passageway 15 of the feeding device 10, using the embodiment of Fig. 1 as an example. Such passageways would otherwise be difficult to clean by prior art methods.

[0059] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, it is appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and sub-combinations of various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereto which would occur to a person of skill in the art upon reading the above description and which are not in the prior art.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. An adapter 40 to clean at least one milk passage 72 of a feeding device 70 for an infant, the adapter comprising: an outer surface 41c adapted to match an inner surface 71b of a protrusion 71 of the feeding device, such that the adapter, when sitting within the protrusion of the feeding device, is configured to inhibit a fluid leakage between the outer surface of the adapter and the inner surface of the protrusion of the feeding device; and an axial bore 43 providing a fluid connection between a base region 43b and a tip 43a of the adapter, wherein the outer surface and a length of the adapter are such that when the adapter is fully inserted into the feeding device, a space 50b is left between the tip of the adapter 43b and at least one milk flow aperture 74 disposed on the inner surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, the at least one milk flow aperture is connected to the at least one milk passage 72.

2. The adapter according to claim 1 wherein the adapterfurther comprises a surround rim 31 located at the base region in a position that limits splashing of a cleaning fluid leaking from between the outer surface of the adapter and the inner surface of the feeding device.

3. The adapter according to either of the previous claims, wherein the axial bore 43 is of a size such that receives an output opening of a fluid injector 35, such that when the adapter is positioned within the protrusion 71 of the feeding device, the cleaning fluid 79 from the fluid ejector flushes through the at least one milk passage 72 of the feeding device.

4. The adapter according to claim 3, further comprising a Luer connection 34 at a base end of the axial bore, such that the fluid ejector is connected to the adapter.

5. The adapter according to claim 3 wherein the fluid ejector 35 is connected as an integral part of the adapter 40.

6. The adapter according to any of the previous claims, wherein the inhibition of the fluid leakage between the outer surface 41c of the adapter and the inner surface 71b of the feeding device is configured to ensure a maintenance of pressure within the axial bore of the adapter, such that the cleaning fluid 79 is forced through the at least one milk passage.

7. The adapter according to any of the previous claims, wherein the fluid ejector 35 is any one of a syringe, a piston device, a manual pump, an electric pump, and an outlet of a main water supply.

8. An adapter 40 for cleaning at least one milk passage 73 of a feeding device 70 for an infant, the adapter comprising: a tapered hollow 41 formed in the adapter, having an inner surface 41a adapted to match an outer surface 71a of a protrusion 71 of the feeding device, such that the adapter, when sitting over the protrusion of the feeding device, is configured to inhibit a fluid leakage between the inner surface of the adapter and the outer surface of the protrusion of the feeding device; and an axial bore 43 providing a fluid connection between a tip 43a of the adapter and a narrow end region 43b of the tapered hollow 41 of the adapter, wherein the inner surface of the tapered hollow and a length of the adapter are such that when fully mounted over the protrusion of the feeding device, a space 49 is left between an inner end 43b of the tapered hollow of the adapter, and at least one milk flow aperture 75 disposed on the outer surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, the at least one milk flow aperture 75 is connected to the at least one milk passage 73.

9. The adapter according to claim 8, wherein the axial bore 43 is of a size such that it can receive the output opening of a fluid ejector 35, such that when the adapter is positioned over the protrusion 71 of the feeding device, cleaning fluid from the fluid ejector can be flushed through the at least one milk passage 73 of the feeding device.10 The adapter according to claim 9 wherein the fluid ejector 35 is connected as an integral part of the adapter 40.

11. The adapter according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the inhibition of leakage between the inner surface 41a of the adapter and the outer surface 71a of the protrusion of the feeding device is adapted to ensure the maintenance of pressure within the axial bore 43 of the adapter, such that the cleaning fluid is forced through the at least one milk passage 73.

12. The adapter according to any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the fluid ejector 35 is any one of a syringe, a piston device, a manual pump, an electric pump or an outlet of a mains water supply.

13. The adapter according to any of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a tapered hollow 41 formed in the adapter, having an inner surface 41a adapted to match the outer surface 71a of a protrusion of the feeding device70, such that the adapter, when sitting over the protrusion 71 of the feeding device, is configured to inhibit fluid leakage between the inner surface of the adapter and the outer surface of the protrusion of the feeding device; wherein the axial bore 43 provides fluid connection between a tip 43a of the adapter and a narrow end region 41b of the tapered hollow of the adapter, and wherein the inner surface and the length of the tapered hollow formed in the adapter, are such that when the adapter is fully mounted over the protrusion of the feeding device, a space 49 is left between an inner end 43b of the tapered hollow of the adapter, and at least one milk flow aperture 75 disposed on the outer surface 71a of the protrusion of the feeding device, the at least one milk flow aperture being connected to at least one milk passage 73.

14. The adapter according to any of claims 8 to 12, further comprising: an outer surface 41c adapted to match the inner surface 71b of a protrusion 71 of the feeding device, such that the adapter, when sitting within the protrusion of the feeding device, is configured to inhibit fluid leakage between the outer surface of the adapter and the inner surface of the protrusion of the feeding device;wherein the axial bore 43 provides fluid connection between a tip 43a of the adapter and a narrow end region 43b of the tapered hollow of the adapter; and wherein the outer surface and the length of the adapter are such that when fully inserted into the protrusion of the feeding device, a space 50b is left between the tip 43b of the adapter and at least one milk flow aperture 74 disposed on the inner surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, the at least one milk flow aperture being connected to at least one milk passage 72.

15. A method of cleaning at least one milk passage 72 of a feeding device 70 for an infant, the at least one milk passage being connected to at least one milk flow aperture 74 disposed on an inner surface of a protrusion 71 of the feeding device, the method comprising: inserting a cleaning adapter 40 into an inner space 50a within the protrusion of the feeding device, the cleaning adapter comprising: a shaped outer surface 41c adapted to fit snugly into the inner space of the protrusion of the feeding device, such that a predetermined space 50b remains between an outer end 43a of the cleaning adapter and at least one milk inlet flow aperture 72 on an inner surface 71b of the protrusion 71 of the feeding device; and an axial bore 43 extending from an inner end 43b of the cleaning adapter to the outer end 43a disposed adjacent to the inner space of the protrusion of the feeding device; and activating a fluid ejector 35 containing a cleaning fluid 79 connected to the inner end 43b of the axial bore of the cleaning adapter, to inject a stream of the cleaning fluid under a pressure into the at least one milk passage.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the tip of the cleaning adapter has a flattened shape.

17. The method of either of claim 15 and 16, comprising the additional step of connecting a fluid bridging connection piece to the remote end of a milk passage connected to at least one milk flow aperture disposed on the inner surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, and to the remote end of a milk passage connected to at least one milk flowaperture disposed on an outer surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, such that injecting a stream of cleaning fluid under pressure generates a flow of fluid through both milk passages.

18. The method according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the fluid ejector is any one of a syringe, a piston device, a manual pump, an electric pump or an outlet of a mains water supply.

19. A method of cleaning at least one milk passage 73 of a feeding device 70 for an infant, the at least one milk passage 73 being connected to at least one milk flow aperture 75 disposed on an outer surface 71a of a protrusion 71 of the feeding device, the method comprising: mounting a cleaning adapter 40 over the outer surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, the cleaning adapter comprising: a tapered hollow 41 having an inner surface 41a adapted to fit snugly over the outer surface of the protrusion of the feeding device, such that a predetermined space 49 remains between a narrow end 41b of the tapered hollow 41 and the at least one milk flow aperture on the outer surface of the protrusion of the feeding device; and an axial bore 43 extending from the outer end 43a of the cleaning adapter to the inner end 43b of the tapered hollow of the cleaning adapter; and activating a fluid ejector 35 containing a cleaning fluid 79 connected to the outer end of the axial bore of the cleaning adapter, to inject a stream of the cleaning fluid under a pressure into the at least one milk passage.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the narrow end of the tapered hollow of the cleaning adapter has a flattened shape.

21. The method of either of claim 19 and 20, comprising the additional step of connecting a fluid bridging connection piece to the remote end of a milk passage connected to at least one milk flow aperture disposed on the inner surface of the feeding device, and to the remote end of a milk passage connected to at least one milk flow aperture disposedon an outer surface of the feeding device, such that injecting a stream of cleaning fluid under pressure generates a flow of fluid through both of the milk passages.

22. The method according to any of claims 19 to 22, wherein the fluid ejector is any one of a syringe, a piston device, a manual pump, an electric pump or an outlet of a mains water supply.

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