Portable enteral feeding apparatus
View Patent ↗A portable enteral feeding apparatus ( 20 ) facilitates ambulatory enteral feeding and prevents damage to an enteral feeding tube during use. The apparatus includes a backpack type enteral feeding support, a soft pouch ( 38 ) having a hook and loop surface on the pouch and a rigid spacer ( 68 ). The pouch surrounds the fluid container ( 42 ), trapping and attaching it to the inside of a backpack using hook and loop system. The soft sided pouch provides easy removal and replacement of a variety of fluid containers in a mobile backpack. The rigid spacer supports the pouch and provides clearance for connection to enteral feeding tubing ( 32 ). Shoulder straps ( 26 ) substantially immobilize the apparatus relative to a subject. A telescopic enteral feeding tube concealment belt ( 30 ) is provided that allows patient mobility while concealing and protecting enteral feeding tubes.
1. A telescoping feeding tube concealment belt apparatus adapted for use with an enteral feeding device having tubing extending therefrom, the belt apparatus comprising:
a belt having a first end and a second end that are attachable;
a first member having an first flap and a second flap and a concealment flap, the first flap having at a least one folding line that folds around the second flap to form a cavity in the first member for locating tubing exiting the device, a second member having a first flap and a second flap, the second flap having at least one folding line that folds around the first flap to form a cavity in the second member for locating the first member, and a first end of the second member is configured for locating the tubing exiting the cavity of the first member, the second member forms its cavity slightly larger than the first member, wherein the second member is extended or retracted relative to the first member by sliding the second member over the first, the concealment flap being releasably attachable to an outside portion of a body for concealing the tubing exiting the device.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first member and said second member are attached to the belt via belt-loops disposed on an outside surface of said first and second members.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said body includes an orifice disposed therein for locating a proximal end of said tubing.