The present invention relates to system and methods for assessing and improving an infant's oral feeding skills. The system comprises a smart baby feeding device comprising an instrumented baby bottle with a battery-powered monitoring module wirelessly connected to a remote device (e.g., smart phone, tablet, laptop, PC, data processing device). The purpose of the remote device is to monitor (in real time) and measure the frequency and quality of feedings of new-born babies to help optimize feeding development by providing real-time feeding performance information back to the caregiver. The information collected is of assistance in minimizing feeding difficulties and correcting feeding deficiencies.

The present invention relates to system and methods for assessing and improving an infant's oral feeding skills. The system comprises a smart baby feeding device comprising an instrumented baby bottle with a battery-powered monitoring module wirelessly connected to a remote device (e.g., smart phone, tablet, laptop, PC, data processing device). The purpose of the remote device is to monitor (in real time) and measure the frequency and quality of feedings of new-born babies to help optimize feeding development by providing real-time feeding performance information back to the caregiver. The information collected is of assistance in minimizing feeding difficulties and correcting feeding deficiencies.

An insert that has a one-way valve that allows for one-way flow of liquid in response to reduced pressure. The insert is configured to be installed in a baby bottle to form two chambersa reservoir chamber and a dispensing chamber. The insert also is provided with a valve failure mechanism which allows a user to force the one-way valve open in the absence of reduced pressure, which allows a user to prime the dispensing chamber (the nipple) prior to beginning feeding.

An insert that has a one-way valve that allows for one-way flow of liquid in response to reduced pressure. The insert is configured to be installed in a baby bottle to form two chambersa reservoir chamber and a dispensing chamber. The insert also is provided with a valve failure mechanism which allows a user to force the one-way valve open in the absence of reduced pressure, which allows a user to prime the dispensing chamber (the nipple) prior to beginning feeding.

A vent system for a liquid container having a container body with a top dispensing opening and a bottom portion having coupling elements and a bottom opening, the vent system including a solid closure member for closing the bottom opening; a sealing member disposed in the closure member, the sealing member including a sealing element configured to seal a rim of the container bottom opening and having a bore, and a one-way valve sealing the bore against liquid passage from the container and selectively permitting air passage through the bore into the container; complementary coupling elements on the closure member for coupling to the coupling elements on the bottom portion of the container, configured so that ambient air can enter between the container body and the closure member; and an air conduit extending from the coupling elements to a space in the vent system which is in operative communication with the bore, and a method for making it.

A vent system for a liquid container having a container body with a top dispensing opening and a bottom portion having coupling elements and a bottom opening, the vent system including a solid closure member for closing the bottom opening; a sealing member disposed in the closure member, the sealing member including a sealing element configured to seal a rim of the container bottom opening and having a bore, and a one-way valve sealing the bore against liquid passage from the container and selectively permitting air passage through the bore into the container; complementary coupling elements on the closure member for coupling to the coupling elements on the bottom portion of the container, configured so that ambient air can enter between the container body and the closure member; and an air conduit extending from the coupling elements to a space in the vent system which is in operative communication with the bore, and a method for making it.

A feeding assembly includes a container having an open top and defining a liquid chamber therein for holding a liquid. A collar assembly defines a closure for the open top of the container upon assembly with the container. A vent assembly is positionable at least in part on the open top of the container and is configured to facilitate venting of the container to atmosphere as liquid exits the feeding assembly during feeding. The vent assembly being disposed intermediate the container and the nipple, has at least one opening through which liquid is able to flow from the container to the nipple during feeding. The vent assembly has a siphon member extending longitudinally of the feeding assembly and generally away from the nipple and is configured to facilitate the flow of liquid from the nipple back into the container when feeding is ceased and the container is oriented generally upright.

A feeding assembly includes a container having an open top and defining a liquid chamber therein for holding a liquid. A collar assembly defines a closure for the open top of the container upon assembly with the container. A vent assembly is positionable at least in part on the open top of the container and is configured to facilitate venting of the container to atmosphere as liquid exits the feeding assembly during feeding. The vent assembly being disposed intermediate the container and the nipple, has at least one opening through which liquid is able to flow from the container to the nipple during feeding. The vent assembly has a siphon member extending longitudinally of the feeding assembly and generally away from the nipple and is configured to facilitate the flow of liquid from the nipple back into the container when feeding is ceased and the container is oriented generally upright.

In one aspect of the invention features nursing bottle. The nursing bottle includes a container for holding a liquid and having a rim defining an open end and a nipple assembly secured to the container at the open end. The nipple assembly includes a flexible nipple extending away from the container and defining an interior nipple volume, a vent bulb disposed within the interior nipple volume and defining an interior bulb volume, a tube extending into the container to a distal end disposed in a closed end of the container, and a vent manifold. The vent manifold defines a first aperture providing fluid communication between the container and the interior nipple volume, a second aperture providing fluid communication between the tube and the interior bulb volume, and a vent conduit providing fluid communication between the interior bulb volume and atmosphere.

A valve assembly for a leak resistant drinking cup includes a tubular plug having an outer wall, an inner wall, and a web extending between and connecting the outer and inner walls. The web has at least one slit disposed intermediate the inner and outer walls. The valve assembly is configurable between a sealed position wherein liquid is inhibited from passing through the slit and an unsealed position wherein liquid can pass through the slit.