Patent Application
20130090601
Currently there are limited alternatives to equipment that offers medical patients a comfortable, easy-to-use opening attachment for feed tubes. Traditional apertures can puncture or rip the internal tissue lining of an individual potentially causing necrosis and possible infection.
The present invention generally relates to a feeding tube component. More specifically, the invention is a feeding tube aperture.
It is an object of the invention to provide a feeding tube aperture that facilitates the gavage process.
It is an object of the invention to provide a feeding tube aperture that holds a feeding tube in a perpendicular position in relation to a user's feeding opening without tearing into the user's surrounding body tissue.
It is an object of the invention to provide a feeding tube aperture that reduces contagions and allergic reactions during the gavage process.
What is really needed is a feeding tube aperture that facilitates the gavage process that holds a feeding tube in a perpendicular position in relation to a user's feeding opening without tearing into the user's surrounding body tissue that reduces contagions and allergic reactions during the gavage process.
The present invention will be described by way of exemplary embodiments, but not limitations, illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like references denote similar elements, and in which:
Various aspects of the illustrative embodiments will be described using terms commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced with only some of the described aspects. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the illustrative embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known features are omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the illustrative embodiments.
Various operations will be described as multiple discrete operations, in turn, in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the present invention. However, the order of description should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. In particular, these operations need not be performed in the order of presentation.
The phrase “in one embodiment” is utilized repeatedly. The phrase generally does not refer to the same embodiment, however, it may. The terms “comprising”, “having” and “including” are synonymous, unless the context dictates otherwise.
The feeding tube aperture 100 includes a generally domed base 110, a flange 120 and a plurality of feeding apertures 130. The feeding tube aperture 100 facilitates any suitable gavage process. The feeding tube aperture 100 secures a feeding tube (not shown) in a perpendicular position in relation to a user's feeding opening (not shown) without tearing into the user's surrounding body tissue, which results in relatively quicker healing and relatively fewer complications. The feeding tube aperture 100 is made of plastic material although the feeding tube aperture 100 can be made of other suitable materials as well. The feeding tube aperture 100 is approximately 0.75 inch in thickness, although the feeding tube aperture 100 can be other suitable thicknesses as well. The generally domed base 110 includes a perimeter 112 and receives the feeding tube and reduces contagions and allergic reactions that might otherwise occur during the gavage process. The flange 120 is disposed below the perimeter 112 of the generally domed base 110 and provides additional support to the feeding tube aperture 100. The flange 120 is approximately 2.00 inches in diameter although the flange 120 can be other suitable diameters as well.
The feeding apertures 130 are disposed on the generally domed base 110 and extend through the feeding tube aperture 100. As illustrated in
The feeding tube aperture 100 utilizes all of the features and components previously described in
The feeding tube aperture is a clever way to make the gavage nourishing process relatively quick and effortless. The feeding tube aperture incorporates a durable plastic tube aperture for optimum support and reassurance. The design of the feeding tube aperture includes a sterilized lining with a smooth finish to reduce possible contagions and allergic reactions. The feeding tube aperture will benefit consumers who struggle with painful, scratchy, conventional feeding tube openings and may be readily available in medical retail stores. The feeding tube aperture is the only product of its kind that when placed through the skin it does not tear or cause discomfort of the patient's internal tissue linings or organs. The design of the feeding tube aperture is suitable for all gastroenterology patients and for use in medical offices and hospitals worldwide.
While the present invention has been related in terms of the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described. The present invention can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thus, the description is to be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive on the present invention.
