Enteral feeding safety reservoir and system

Abstract

The present invention provides a one-piece bottle containing enteral feeding material and having a top end with a threaded section and a bottom end comprising a funneled connector port; and a threaded cap dimensioned to mate with the threaded section of the one-piece bottle; wherein the funneled connector port connects to an enteral feeding assembly; wherein the threaded cap provides a leak proof seal such that there is no exposure point until it is used for feeding, thereby preventing contamination.

1 . A method for enteral feeding, comprising:
 providing a container filled with an enteral feeding material and having a top end with a threaded section and a bottom end comprising a funnel;   providing a threaded cap dimensioned to mate with the threaded section of the container;   connecting the funnel to an enteral feeding assembly; and   engaging the enteral feeding assembly with a patient in a manner that permits flow of the enteral feeding medium to the patient.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein providing a threaded cap comprises providing a leak proof seal such that there is no exposure point until it is used for feeding, thereby preventing contamination. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a bottom narrow end of the funnel terminates in a male or female luer lock. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the male or female luer lock is a screw type lock or a snap lock. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising mechanically connecting or bonding a bottom narrow end of the funnel to a fluid transfer set, the fluid transfer set comprising tubing that is attached to the funneled connector port at one end and includes a connector disposed at another end. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing the threaded cap with a rotating section that rotates with respect to the cap such that apertures in the rotating section are aligned with similarly dimensioned apertures in the cap. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising providing the rotating section with a raised tab for turning the rotating section between a configuration where the apertures are aligned and a sealed configuration where the apertures are not aligned. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing the threaded cap with squeeze points, wherein pressure is provides by a user at the squeeze points while rotating the cap in order to open for venting. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the threaded cap locks in place when fully screwed on and vents when squeezed and cracked open. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing a sealed membrane on a top of the container, wherein the threaded cap includes a piercing element that pierces the sealed membrane when the cap is screwed onto the container. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising providing the threaded cap with a molded-in breakaway area for venting. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing the threaded section of the container with pockets, wherein the threaded cap includes mirrored detents that provide a seal when aligned with the pockets and create vents when detached from the pockets. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing the threaded section of the container with interrupted threads, and wherein the threaded cap includes corresponding interrupted threads that align with the interrupted threads of the container for venting, but otherwise form a seal. 
     
     
         14 . A method for enteral feeding, comprising:
 providing a container filled with an enteral feeding material and having a top end with a threaded section and a bottom end comprising a funnel;   providing a threaded cap dimensioned to mate with the threaded section of the container, the threaded cap providing a leak proof seal such that there is no exposure point until it is used for feeding, thereby preventing contamination;   connecting the funnel to an enteral feeding assembly; and   engaging the enteral feeding assembly with a patient in a manner that permits flow of the enteral feeding medium to the patient.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising mechanically connecting or bonding a bottom narrow end of the funnel to a fluid transfer set, the fluid transfer set comprising tubing that is attached to the funneled connector port at one end and includes a connector disposed at another end. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising: providing the threaded cap with a rotating section that rotates with respect to the cap such that apertures in the rotating section are aligned with similarly dimensioned apertures in the cap; and providing the rotating section with a raised tab for turning the rotating section between a configuration where the apertures are aligned and a sealed configuration where the apertures are not aligned. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising providing the threaded cap with squeeze points, wherein pressure is provides by a user at the squeeze points while rotating the cap in order to open for venting, wherein the threaded cap locks in place when fully screwed on and vents when squeezed and cracked open. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising: providing a sealed membrane on a top of the container, wherein the threaded cap includes a piercing element that pierces the sealed membrane when the cap is screwed onto the container; and providing the threaded cap with a molded-in breakaway area for venting. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising providing the threaded section of the container with pockets, wherein the threaded cap includes mirrored detents that provide a seal when aligned with the pockets and create vents when detached from the pockets. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising providing the threaded section of the container with interrupted threads, and wherein the threaded cap includes corresponding interrupted threads that align with the interrupted threads of the container for venting, but otherwise form a seal.