LIQUID STORAGE BAG

Abstract

A milk storage bag for storing milk includes a group of flexible sidewalls and a gusseted bottom coupled to the group of flexible sidewalls. The milk storage bag also includes a reusable seal and a spout-shaped portion to facilitate pouring extending upward from the reusable seal. The milk storage bag also includes a finger hole proximal to a top of the bag.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/748,313, filed on Jan. 22, 2025, and titled “Milk Bag,” the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to a liquid storage bag, and more specifically to a resealable and disposable liquid storage bag.

BACKGROUND

Milk storage bags have become a useful tool for parents and caregivers, offering a convenient and hygienic solution for storing expressed breast milk or formula. These disposable bags are typically made of durable, food-safe plastic and are designed to preserve the nutritional quality of the milk while protecting the milk from contamination.

In some cases, expressed breast milk is frozen in order to preserve the milk for later use. This milk may be frozen in a storage bag. In some cases, the entire milk bag may be re-heated to thaw the milk. However, any unused milk may go to waste if not consumed within the recommended time period. It is recommended that milk that has been unthawed be used within 24 hours, or it should be discarded. It is also not recommended to refreeze thawed milk.

SUMMARY

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate broadly to a milk storage bag having flexible sidewalls, a gusseted bottom coupled to the sidewalls, a reusable seal, a spout-shaped portion to facilitate pouring extending upward from the reusable seal, and a finger hole proximal to a top of the bag.

Some aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a milk storage bag having flexible sidewalls, a gusseted bottom coupled to the sidewalls proximal to a bottom end of the sidewalls, a reusable seal to seal an interior volume of the milk storage bag, and at least one divider, which partially partitions the interior volume of the milk storage bag into at least two compartments.

Some other aspects are directed to methods of using a milk storage bag. The milk storage bag may include a divider. The method includes filling a milk storage bag having a divider that partitions the interior volume of the milk storage bag into two or more compartments, freezing the milk in the milk storage bag, selectively removing frozen milk from a first compartment of the milk storage bag, and retaining the frozen milk of a second compartment in the milk storage bag for later use.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of examples according to the disclosure in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described. The conception and specific examples disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. Characteristics of the concepts disclosed, both their organization and method of operation, together with associated advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. Each of the figures is provided for the purposes of illustration and description, and not as a definition of the limits of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the above-recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to aspects, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only certain typical aspects of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the description may admit to other equally effective aspects. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a milk storage bag, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a back view of the milk storage bag of FIG. 1, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A a front view a milk storage bag, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a back view of the milk storage bag of FIG. 3A, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a milk storage bag, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of the use of the milk storage bag of FIG. 4, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a milk storage bag, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a milk storage bag, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A is a front view of a milk storage bag, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B is a back view of the milk storage bag of FIG. 8A, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a milk storage bag, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a milk storage bag, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a process of using a milk storage bag, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below, in connection with the appended drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

Based on the teachings, one skilled in the art should appreciate that the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the present disclosure, whether implemented independently of or combined with any other aspect of the present disclosure. For example, an apparatus may be implemented, or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth. In addition, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover such an apparatus or method practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to, or other than the various aspects of the present disclosure set forth. It should be understood that any aspect of the present disclosure may be embodied by one or more elements of a claim.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects.

Although particular aspects are described herein, many variations and permutations of these aspects fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Although some benefits and advantages of the preferred aspects are mentioned, the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to particular benefits, uses, or objectives. Rather, aspects of the present disclosure are intended to be broadly applicable to different technologies, system configurations, networks, and protocols, some of which are illustrated by way of example in the figures and in the following description of the preferred aspects. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the present disclosure rather than limiting, the scope of the present disclosure being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

As discussed, milk storage bags have become a useful tool for parents and caregivers, offering a convenient and hygienic solution for storing expressed breastmilk or formula. These disposable bags are typically made of durable, food-safe plastic and are designed to preserve the nutritional quality of the milk while protecting the milk from contamination. For ease of explanation, milk storage bags may also be referred to as bags, hereinafter used interchangeably. It is understood that milk storage bags may be used to hold a variety of liquids other than milk.

Some milk storage bags may be compatible with breast pumps, allowing milk to be expressed directly into the bag. This feature simplifies the storage process and reduces the need to transfer milk between containers. Additionally, or alternatively, some milk storage bags also include volume graduations to help caregivers monitor milk supply and portion feeding amounts. Additionally, or alternatively, some bags may be used to freeze breastmilk, enabling parents to build a supply for future use.

While some milk storage bags provide much-needed convenience, conventional milk storage bags have various limitations. For example, most bags are challenging to fill or pour without spilling, resulting in wasted milk, which is especially frustrating given the effort required to express breastmilk. Additionally, most storage bags are designed as single cavities, making portioning and preparing specific feeding amounts difficult. Caregivers often have to thaw more milk than needed, leading to unnecessary waste. The lack of segmentation in these designs also makes it harder to manage milk storage efficiently, particularly when freezing. Additionally, or alternatively, conventional milk storage bags often fail to offer a secure way to handle the bag while pouring, making spills a common occurrence. Some designs lack robust seals, leading to leakage during storage or freezing, which can compromise the milk's quality and usability. Thus, it may be desirable to provide a more functional, user-friendly design that addresses these limitations, among others.

Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a milk storage bag that improves ease of use, prevents waste, and provides added convenience for caregivers. In some examples, the milk storage bag may be resealable via a closable seal, such as an interlocking seal or another type of seal, providing secure milk storage and minimizing the risk of leaks. The milk storage bag may be a single-cavity bag or a segmented bag with two or more cavities. The segmented bag incorporates one or more vertical dividers that may be formed by respective heat seals to divide the bag into two or more compartments, enabling frozen milk to be separated into smaller portions for thawing and use. Other techniques for forming the divider may be used. Additionally, or alternatively, in some examples, the milk storage bag may include one or more of a gusseted bottom for upright stability, a spout-shaped opening for spill-free pouring, or a side-mounted finger hole for secure handling during filling and transferring. Additionally, or alternatively, in some examples, the milk storage bag includes a tearaway partition seal and/or volume graduations.

Particular aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure may be implemented to realize one or more of the following potential advantages. In some examples, the described features of the milk storage bags, such as the segmented compartment design, may improve the ability to portion and store milk more effectively. This segmentation allows caregivers to freeze and thaw smaller portions of milk, reducing waste and ensuring that only the required amount is used during feedings. Additionally, the gusseted bottom and spout-shaped opening simplify the processes of filling and pouring, minimizing spills and improving overall usability. Features such as the tearaway partition seal provide durability and spill prevention, while volume graduations facilitate precise measurement and tracking of milk supply.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a milk storage bag 100, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a backside view of the milk storage bag 100, as shown in FIG. 1. The milk storage bag 100 is a flexible, collapsible, container that includes side walls 110 and a bottom 112, coupled to the sidewalls 110 proximal to the lower end 109 of the sidewalls 110. The milk storage bag 100 may be made from plastics such as LDPE (low density polyethylene) and LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene). Aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to LDPE and LLDPE, the milk storage bag 100 may be formed from or include other suitable materials such as HDPE (high-density polyethylene), EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), nylon (polyamide), metallocene polyethylene (mPE), and polypropylene (PP). In some examples, the bag 100 may comprise multilayer laminate films incorporating combinations of these materials. The bag 100 may also include food-safe inks and adhesives for printed markings or laminated features. All materials used may be BPA-free and compliant with applicable food contact regulations, such as those established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In the example of FIG. 1, the milk storage bag 100 is made from a heat-seal laminate material with a die-cut exterior. The side walls 110 generally form an open cylinder structure. The side walls 110 may be formed from two sheets of material, which are joined along the sealed together at their ends, but other sealing methods may also be used. The milk storage bag 100 may lay substantially flat when it is empty. When liquid is introduced, the weight of the liquid presses against the bottom 112, which may have a gusseted structure so that the bottom 112 is substantially flat with a surface, allowing the milk storage bag 100 to stand upright. When the milk storage bag 100 is empty, the bottom 112 may be folded up in the milk storage bag 100.

In the example of FIG. 1, the milk storage bag 100 includes a segmented divider 101, including a middle divider 102 and a lower divider 104. The segmented divider 101 divides the bag into two compartments, facilitating portioning and allowing for even milk distribution and separation upon freezing. Once the milk in the milk storage bag 100 is frozen, a user can selectively remove the frozen milk from one of the compartments, while allowing the frozen milk in the other compartment to remain in the milk storage bag 100. This divider 101 allows for removing a portion of milk stored within the milk storage bag 100, without the need to unfreeze the entirety of the milk storage bag 100. The milk storage bag 100 also removes the need to pour the unfrozen milk from the container, as it can be removed in its frozen state, so spilling is less likely to occur. Of course, a user may still pour thawed milk from the bag 100. The segmented divider 101 may be a heat seal that joins portions of the milk storage bag 100 together. The dividers 102, 104 define a gap 106 between the top end of the lower divider 104 and the bottom end of the middle divider 102, which allows milk to flow between the two compartments to evenly fill the compartments. The gap 106 may have a size such that milk can flow between the two compartments, but not too large, such that the frozen milk will have a greater thickness, making it more difficult to break the frozen milk apart from the frozen milk in the other compartment. As shown in FIG. 1, the distance between dividers 102, 104 is about 35 mm, though this distance may be greater than or less than 35 mm. It would be understood that additional gaps may be provided, thereby forming additional divider segments. The middle divider 102 is preferably spaced apart from a reusable seal 108 proximate to the top of the milk storage bag 100, so the milk storage bag 100 may be opened more completely, so it is easier to pour milk into the milk storage bag 100.

The reusable seal 108 is proximal to the top 113 of the sidewalls 110, and the reusable seal 108 is a type of closure mechanism designed to allow the milk storage bag to be opened and securely resealed multiple times without losing its sealing integrity. The reusable seal may also be referred to as, for example, a reclosable closure, zipper lock, press-to-close seal, snap-lock closure, or resealable fastening mechanism.

The milk storage bag 100 also includes a perforation 114 near the top, designed for controlled tearing to remove a top strip 116 to open the milk storage bag 100. The perforation 114 allows for the separation and removal of the top strip 116 from the milk storage bag 100. The inclusion of the perforation 114 allows the interior portion of the milk storage bag 100 to be kept sterile from contaminates that may contact the outer surfaces of the milk storage bag 100 prior to use. When a user is ready to transfer milk into the milk storage bag 100, the top strip 116 may be removed, and the reusable seal 108 opened to create a cavity into which the milk may be poured. The milk storage bag may also include one or more markings to indicate the volume of milk that may be present in the milk storage bag 100. Each of the two compartments may include separate markings to show how much milk is contained within each compartment. The milk storage bag 100 may further include separate markings that indicate the total filled volume. The fill-volume of the milk storage bag 100 may be 4 oz. or 6 oz., but other sizes and volumes may also be provided.

The milk storage bag 100 includes spout-shaped portion 118 near the top, which is adapted for easy pouring from the milk storage bag 100. The spout-shaped portion 118 extends upward from the reusable seal 108. The milk storage bag 100 also includes a side-mounted finger hole 120 proximal to a first side 111 of the milk storage bag 100 that allows for stable handling during pouring or filling. The finger hole 120 may be perforated, such that a user may punch out the hole. The finger hole 120 may be O-shaped, D-shaped, or another shape.

FIG. 3A is a front view of a milk storage bag 200, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B is a backside view of the milk storage bag 200 shown in FIG. 3A, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Milk storage bag 200 includes features similar to the milk storage bag 100, including side walls 210, a bottom 212, and a segmented divider 201. In the examples of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the segmented divider 201 includes circular seals 203, 205 are provided to strengthen the dividers 202, 204. The dividers and circular seals 203, 205 may be heat sealed, formed by heating the side walls 210 so as to join portions of the sidewalls together to form the dividers and circular seals. The heat seals may have a strength so as not to fail under normal use. However, the heat seal may fail before the reusable seal 208 or sidewalls 210, such that the segmented divider 201 breaks before the reusable seal 208 so that milk does not spill out of the bag.

In some aspects, to prevent accidental spills, the milk storage bag segmented divider 201 includes a tearaway seal designed with a “shear pin” feature, which ensures the divider 201 tears under high stress, leaving the side walls 210 intact. That is, in such aspects, only the divider 201 may tear under high stress. This design improves durability and reduces the risk of spills during handling or accidental impact. In some examples, the milk storage bag 200 includes a segmented divider configured to separate under a peel force. In such examples, an average maximum force required to separate the sealed portions of the divider may be about 15.36 pounds-force (lb-f). In such examples, at least a portion of the divider is configured to fail under a peel force within a range of approximately 5 to 18 lb-f. However, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to this specific peel force range. Other peel strengths may be contemplated depending on factors such as material selection, seal geometry, intended use conditions (e.g., frozen or refrigerated storage), and user preferences. The peel force may be tailored to meet different performance requirements while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure.

In the example of FIG. 2, the milk storage bag 200 includes a reusable seal 208, a perforation 214 with a top strip 216 configured to be removed by tearing along the perforation 214. A spout-shaped portion 218 is also provided for ease of pouring from the milk storage bag 200. The milk storage bag 200 also includes a side-mounted finger hole 220 that allows for stable handling during pouring or filling.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a milk storage bag 300, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of using the milk storage bag, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in the example of FIG. 4, the milk storage bag 300 is a flexible, collapsible bag similar to milk storage bag 100 and milk storage bag 200. The milk storage bag 300 includes three middle dividers 102A, 102B, and 102C, and three lower dividers 104A, 104B, and 104C, in order to form four compartments. In some examples, each compartment is of equal size (e.g., equal volumes). In other examples, the compartments may have different respective volumes. For example, one compartment may be a 3 oz compartment, and another compartment may be a 1 oz compartment. The frozen milk in the four compartments may be selectively removed from the milk storage bag 300 through the top opening, and a resealable seal 308 is provided to seal the milk storage bag 300. In the example of FIG. 4, the milk storage bag 300 also includes a top strip 316 that may be removed by tearing along a perforation 314.

The milk storage bag 300 includes a side protrusion 322 that includes a side perforation 324 to form an opening in the side of the milk storage bag 300 to pour milk from the bag. The opening is relatively small in size to provide a controlled flow of milk from the milk storage bag 300. FIG. 5 illustrates examples of two approaches for removing milk from the milk storage bag 300. If the milk is frozen, it may be removed in frozen segments 10 that are determined by the compartment size. If the milk is not frozen, the milk may be poured from the side protrusion 322 in its liquid state 20. The spaces between the upper dividers 302A-C and the lower dividers 304A-C allow the milk to flow between the compartments, when the milk is in a liquid state.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a milk storage bag 400 having dividers, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the example of FIG. 6, the milk storage bag 400 includes an adhesive strip 426, so that the bag may be folded lengthwise. The adhesive strip 426 may serve to keep the milk storage bag 400 in a folded position to facilitate packing the milk storage bag 400 in a freeze or other confined space, where minimizing the bag's footprint can be important. In some examples, the adhesive strip 426 may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive that permits repeated use, or it may be a single-use peel-and-stick adhesive, depending on the application. The location and size of the strip 426 may vary but may be selected to maintain a secure fold without interfering with the contents of the bag 400. When in the folded position, the adhesive strip 426 holds the folded portion against the main body of the bag, allowing for neater stacking and organization during storage

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a milk storage bag 500 having dividers, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in the example of FIG. 6, the milk storage bag 500 includes an adhesive strip 528, so that the bag may be folded by bringing the top of the bag 500 toward the bottom, effectively folding the bag 500 in half. Once folded, the adhesive strip 528 engages with an upper portion of the bag 500 to maintain the folded configuration. This folding mechanism significantly reduces the vertical height of the bag 500, making it easier to store in compact or crowded freezer compartments, drawer-style storage systems, or travel containers.

The adhesive strip 528 may comprise a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a hook-and-loop fastener, or any other suitable securing mechanism that provides a temporary or reusable bond. In some examples, the adhesive strip 528 may be repositionable to allow for adjustments during folding, or designed for single-use to ensure a strong seal. The placement and dimensions of the adhesive strip 528 may be selected to ensure secure folding while minimizing interference with the milk stored within the bag compartments.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate examples of a milk storage bag 600 without a divider, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the example of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the milk storage bag 600 includes side walls 610 and a bottom 612. The milk storage bag 600 may have a width of approximately 4.9 inches and a height of 8.45 inches. In some examples, the milk storage bag 100 may be a 6 oz bag. Still, other sizes are contemplated. The milk storage bag 600 may include a reusable seal 608. For example, a zipper seal may be used. The spout-shaped opening, positioned at the top right (front view), is designed for easy pouring, while the side-mounted finger hole allows for stable handling during pouring or filling. The top of the milk storage bag 600 includes a top strip 616 that may be removed by tearing along the perforation 614. The milk storage bag 600 also includes a spout-shaped portion 618, similar to spout-shaped portion 118. The milk storage bag 600 further includes a finger hole 620, positioned proximal to the top portion of the milk storage bag 600. The finger hole 620 may be perforated, such that a user may punch out the hole. As shown in FIG. 8A, the milk storage bag 600 also includes printed volume graduations 630 on the front, allowing for accurate measurement and efficient milk management.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a milk storage bag 700, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the example of FIG. 9, the milk storage bag 700 includes a finger hole 720 in a different position, compared to finger hole 620 of milk storage bag 600 described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B. In the example of FIG. 9, the milk storage bag 700 includes side walls 710, a bottom 712, a reusable seal 708, a spout-shaped portion 718, and a top strip 716 that may be removable by tearing a perforation 714.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a milk storage bag 800, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the example of FIG. 10, the milk storage bag 800 includes a finger hole 820 and an elongated hole 821. The finger hole 820, located near a top, may be specified for use with the index finger. The finger hole 820 provides a secure grip for opening, filling, and pouring from the bag. The elongated hole 821, positioned below the finger hole 820, may be larger than the first finger hole 820 and may be specified to accommodate the ring and pinky fingers, providing additional stability and control during the handling of the bag. Both holes are cut through the material to allow for comfortable and ergonomic use, reducing the likelihood of spills and ensuring a secure grip when the bag is in use. The milk storage bag 800 includes side walls 810, a bottom 812, a reusable seal 808, a spout-shaped portion 818, and a top strip 816 removable by tearing along perforation 814.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a process 1100 of using a milk storage bag, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The milk storage bag may be an example of the milk storage bag 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, or 800 described with respect to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B, 9, and 10. As shown in the example of FIG. 11, the begins at block 1102 with tearing of a perforated top strip and opening a reusable seal. The resealable seal may provide an airtight and leak-proof closure to maintain the freshness of the milk and prevent spillage during handling or storage. To access the bag's interior, the user separates the interlocking portions of the seal by gently pulling apart the edges. Once the seal is opened, the user may expand a gusseted bottom of the milk storage bag to allow the bag to stand upright on a flat surface. The gusseted bottom provides stability, enabling hands-free filling. This design feature is particularly beneficial for users who need to hold a pump or another container while transferring milk into the bag.

At block 1104, the method further includes filling the milk storage bag with milk, or another liquid, through the top portion. The bag may include graduations marked on its exterior surface, which indicate the volume of milk inside. These volume markers assist users in accurately measuring and tracking the amount of milk being stored, ensuring precise portioning. For a segmented milk storage bag, the method further includes allowing milk to evenly fill two compartments separated by a vertical divider. This design ensures even distribution of milk between the compartments, facilitated by a break in the vertical heat seal that allows the milk's head height to equalize during filling. This feature may be useful when the user intends to portion milk for multiple feedings or precise measurements.

At block 1106, after filling, the user may seal the resealable seal to close the milk storage bag. This step ensures that the milk is securely contained, preventing leaks or contamination. The seal can be verified by running fingers along the sealing mechanism to confirm it is fully engaged. The filled milk storage bag can then be frozen or refrigerated for storage, depending on the user's needs. The robust construction of the bag, including the material's ability to withstand freezing temperatures, ensures the milk remains preserved without compromising the bag's structural integrity.

At block 1108, the milk may optionally be frozen. Freezing breast milk greatly lengths the time that breast milk is safe for consumption.

At block 1110, once frozen, the method comprises snapping the frozen milk along the segmented dividers that separate the two compartments. The frozen milk from one or more of the compartments may then be selectively removed by sliding the selected portion out of the milk storage bag, while the remainder of the milk remains frozen and can be returned to a freezer for later use.

At block 1112, if the milk is in a liquid state, the method includes removing the milk storage bag from storage and opening the reusable seal. The user can then pour the milk from the milk storage bag through a spout-shaped top portion, which is specifically designed to facilitate a smooth and controlled pour into a feeding bottle or other container. During pouring, a finger hole on the side of the bag allows the user to securely grip and stabilize the bag, reducing the risk of spillage.

It should be understood that the various features and aspects described herein may be implemented individually or in any suitable combination, and that the specific configurations and embodiments disclosed are merely illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure. For example, although several figures depict bags with two or more compartments, aspects of the disclosure are not limited to a particular number, shape, or arrangement of compartments. In some examples, the divider(s) may be fixed, removable, resealable, or configured to selectively rupture under predefined conditions. The bag may include one or more finger holes, which may vary in shape (e.g., circular, D-shaped, elongated), size, or position to optimize grip, pouring control, or packaging efficiency. Likewise, while several examples describe heat seals forming dividers, alternative methods such as ultrasonic welding, adhesive bonding, or mechanical barriers may be used. The resealable seal may include zipper locks, press-to-seal features, or any reclosure mechanism suitable for repeated use. The bag may optionally include a spout-shaped portion, tearable perforations, gusseted bottoms, side dispensing ports, graduated volume markings, removable top strips, and/or foldable features such as adhesive strips or hook-and-loop fasteners to reduce volume during storage. In some examples, the bag may include different closure strengths or peel forces depending on user need or application, including single-use or multi-use designs.

Materials and construction techniques may be tailored to meet regulatory requirements, environmental goals (e.g., compostable or recyclable materials), or thermal and barrier properties suited for refrigerated, frozen, or ambient conditions. Although the examples focus primarily on breast milk storage, the bag may be used for other liquids, such as formula, nutritional supplements, or medicinal fluids. The internal volume, bag dimensions, and geometry may also vary without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein are not limiting and are intended to encompass all equivalents and variations within the scope of the appended claims and any continuation or divisional applications.

As discussed, various aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a milk storage bag that may include one or more features for improving ergonomics and handling, particularly when pouring milk. For example, the bag may include a finger hole positioned near the top, which may be shaped to accommodate different finger sizes and orientations. In some examples, the finger hole may be O-shaped, D-shaped, or elongated, and may be supplemented with a second or third hole to accommodate multiple fingers for added grip and control. These openings may be perforated so that the user may choose whether to punch them out, depending on preference. The location and orientation of the finger hole(s) may also be selected to align with the dominant hand of the user or to assist with pouring at specific angles. In some configurations, the ergonomic grip design may be asymmetrical, curved, or contoured to facilitate handling during filling, freezing, or dispensing.

Other aspects relate to milk storage bags with internal segmentations or dividers. In some examples, the interior volume of the bag is divided by one or more vertical heat seals that form a segmented divider. The divider may be continuous or discontinuous and may define separate compartments to store different quantities of milk. In some examples, the divider includes one or more openings or gaps between segments to allow liquid to flow during filling, but which restricts ice bridging when frozen. This structure allows a user to selectively remove a portion of the frozen milk while keeping the remaining compartments sealed and frozen for later use. The number, placement, and shape of the dividers may be varied to create compartments of equal or unequal volume. In certain examples, the dividers may be configured to fail under a defined peel force to provide a controlled rupture if needed.

Additionally, or alternatively, the milk storage bag may include features for compact storage. For example, the bag may include an adhesive strip, hook-and-loop fastener, or other fastening mechanism that allows the bag to be folded into a smaller configuration for storage in tight freezer spaces, travel kits, or drawer systems. In some examples, the adhesive is placed on one portion of the exterior surface of the bag and is adapted to engage with another portion of the bag when folded. This folded configuration may reduce the height or width of the bag and may also serve to better organize multiple bags when stored together. The folding mechanism may be single-use or reusable and may be configured to withstand freezing and thawing conditions.

Certain aspects of the milk storage bag focus on the spout-shaped portion of the bag. This portion may extend from the top of the bag, either centrally or offset toward one side, and may include a defined pouring channel that narrows the flow of liquid. The spout-shaped portion may be formed from the same material as the sidewalls or may include an added layer for rigidity. In some embodiments, the spout may be configured to cooperate with a resealable cap, a detachable nozzle, or a valve to control dispensing. The spout shape may further include internal or external guides to reduce turbulence and improve directional pouring, especially when transferring milk to narrow-necked bottles or feeding systems.

Still, other examples relate to markings and usability enhancements. The milk storage bag may include printed graduations for measuring the volume of milk stored or dispensed. These markings may be printed on one or both sides of the bag and may be associated with each compartment if the bag includes internal dividers. In some configurations, the markings may be color-coded, embossed, or printed in high-contrast ink to enhance visibility. Additional markings may include temperature indicators, writable surfaces for labeling (e.g., date/time), or QR codes to enable tracking or inventory management. The bag may further include tamper-evident features such as perforated top strips, security seals, or color-changing indicators.

In some examples, the milk storage bag may be compatible with breast pumps or bottle systems, allowing milk to be expressed directly into the bag. In some such examples, a top opening of the bag may include a reinforced collar, ring, or adapter portion designed to interface with commonly used pump connectors. Alternatively, the bag may include a universal fitting or snap-on attachment configured to receive or discharge milk without requiring transfer between containers. This direct-to-bag compatibility may reduce contamination risks and simplify the pumping and storage workflow for caregivers.

By capturing a wide range of bag geometries, sealing mechanisms, ergonomic configurations, compartmentalization options, and materials, these and other aspects of the present disclosure provide a versatile and user-centric solution for milk storage. The described features may be implemented individually or in combination, and may be tailored to suit different use cases, user preferences, and regulatory requirements. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the specific configurations described herein, and other equivalent or analogous structures may fall within the scope of various aspects of the present disclosure.

Various aspects of the present disclosure have been described in connection with specific structural features such as a segmented divider, resealable spout, ergonomic finger hole, and adhesive folding strip. However, it should be appreciated that these features may be implemented in isolation or in combination, and aspects of the invention are not limited to any particular configuration described herein. For example, while certain examples include both a segmented divider and an adhesive strip for folding the bag, alternative embodiments may omit one or more of these components while still retaining advantages described herein. In some examples, the milk storage bag may lack the finger hole but still include a resealable spout and divider, or may include the finger hole while omitting the adhesive strip. All such permutations and combinations are contemplated.

Although the examples provided herein are primarily described in connection with the storage of human breast milk, the described storage bags may also be used for other perishable fluids, such as expressed colostrum, infant formula, donor milk, plant-based milk, nutritional supplements, or pharmaceutical liquids. The ability to divide, preserve, and dispense measured liquid portions is not limited to breast milk and may find use in a range of clinical, household, and caregiving contexts.

The segmented divider may include a peelable seal, frangible seam, or other weakened structural feature that allows a first liquid portion to be dispensed while preserving a second portion. While certain implementations describe a divider that separates at a peel force between approximately 5 and 18 pounds-force (lb-f), it should be understood that this range is illustrative and not limiting. In some cases, the divider may be designed to separate at lower or higher forces depending on the material composition, thickness, or intended use scenario. Accordingly, any specific force values should be understood as part of a broader continuum of acceptable performance parameters.

The adhesive strip has been described as facilitating the folding of the milk storage bag to minimize occupied freezer space. In one embodiment, the bag may be folded by bringing the top portion toward the bottom portion and securing the adhesive strip to retain the folded configuration. However, other folding orientations may be used, such as lateral folds or accordion-style folds, and the adhesive may be placed at alternate locations, including along a side edge or rear surface. The adhesive mechanism may comprise a pressure-sensitive adhesive, hook-and-loop fastener, or removable bonding agent.

The spout has been described as a resealable outlet positioned above a zippered closure. In alternative embodiments, the spout may include a peel-away film, a twist-lock nozzle, or a one-way valve. The placement of the spout above the zipper allows for targeted dispensing without requiring full bag opening, which can help reduce contamination and waste. However, in some embodiments, the spout may be located at a corner, a lateral side, or a bottom edge of the bag, depending on packaging and pouring preferences.

Various aspects of the present disclosure also contemplate a variety of methods. For example, methods of use may include: filling the bag with milk or another fluid; freezing the fluid in measured portions defined by a segmented divider; dispensing a first portion while retaining a second portion for later use; folding the bag to a compact form using an adhesive strip; and pouring fluid through a resealable spout without fully opening the bag. These method-based embodiments may provide practical benefits in clinical, caregiving, or home environments where fluid portioning, preservation, and hygiene are critical.

While several exemplary embodiments have been described in detail, these are provided by way of example only and not by way of limitation. The claims appended hereto are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope and spirit of the invention, including features and combinations not expressly described in the foregoing specification but supported by the figures, claims, and incorporated teachings.

As used herein, the term “determining” encompasses a wide variety of actions. For example, “determining” may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Additionally, “determining” may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory) and the like. Furthermore, “determining” may include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c. As used herein, unless expressly stated otherwise, the term “and/or” encompasses any and all combinations of the listed elements. For example, “A and/or B” should be interpreted to mean: A alone, B alone, or both A and B together. Similarly, use of the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” should be interpreted to include: A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or all three together. This language is intended to ensure that the claims provide broad coverage for overlapping and alternative implementations.

The methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions for achieving the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is specified, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims.

It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the precise configuration and components illustrated above. Various modifications, changes, and variations may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and apparatus described above without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A liquid storage bag for storing liquid, comprising:

a plurality of flexible sidewalls;

a gusseted bottom coupled to the plurality of flexible sidewalls;

a reusable seal that seals the plurality of flexible sidewalls together;

a spout-shaped portion to facilitate pouring, the spout-shaped portion extending upward from the reusable seal; and

a finger hole proximal to a top of the liquid storage bag.

2. The liquid storage bag of claim 1, further comprising a divider to divide an interior of the liquid storage bag into two compartments.

3. The liquid storage bag of claim 2, further comprising a removable top strip having a perforation that facilitates removal of the top strip.

4. The liquid storage bag of claim 2, wherein the liquid storage bag holds about a 4 oz. volume or a 6 oz. volume of liquid.

5. The liquid storage bag of claim 1, further comprising graduated markings on the sidewalls to indicate a volume of liquid.

6. The liquid storage bag of claim 1, wherein the spout-shaped portion is located on a lateral side of the bag.

7. The liquid storage bag of claim 1, wherein the finger hole is proximal to the spout-shaped portion.

8. The liquid storage bag of claim 7, further comprising an elongated hole below the finger hole.

9. A liquid storage bag, comprising:

a plurality of flexible sidewalls;

a gusseted bottom coupled to the plurality of flexible sidewalls proximal to a bottom end of the plurality of flexible sidewalls;

a reusable seal to seal an interior volume of the liquid storage bag; and

at least one divider partitioning at least a portion of the interior volume of the liquid storage bag into at least two compartments.

10. The liquid storage bag of claim 9, wherein the at least one divider is oriented vertically and includes a middle divider and a lower divider, and a gap is formed by the space between the middle divider and the lower divider.

11. The liquid storage bag of claim 10, wherein the middle divider and lower divider are coaxial.

12. The liquid storage bag of claim 9, further comprising two or more segmented dividers having lengths that are parallel to each other.

13. The liquid storage bag of claim 9, further comprising an adhesive strip on an outer surface of first flexible sidewall of the plurality of flexible sidewalls proximal to a first compartment, wherein the adhesive strip is adapted to couple to another portion of the first flexible sidewall proximal to a second compartment.

14. The liquid storage bag of claim 9, further comprising:

a spout-shaped portion to facilitate pouring, wherein the spout-shaped portion extends upward from the reusable seal; and

a finger hole on a first lateral side of the bag.

15. The liquid storage bag of claim 9, further comprising a side protrusion having a perforated tab adapted to be removed, such that removal of the tab forms a side opening.

16. A method of selectively removing frozen liquid from a liquid storage bag, the method comprising:

filling a liquid storage bag having a divider that partitions the interior volume of the liquid storage bag into two or more compartments;

freezing the liquid in the liquid storage bag;

selectively removing a first portion of the frozen liquid from a first compartment of the liquid storage bag; and

retaining a second portion of frozen liquid in a second compartment of the liquid storage bag.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the divider is oriented vertically and includes a middle divider and a lower divider, and a gap is formed between the middle divider and the lower divider.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the liquid storage bag is filled by filling the first and second compartment with a substantially equal amount of liquid.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein:

the divider is a segmented divider with a gap between divider segments; and

the frozen liquid is selectively removed by bending the liquid storage bag along the segmented divider axis to break an ice bridge connecting the first portion of the frozen liquid in the first compartment and the second portion of the frozen liquid in the second compartment.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the frozen liquid is frozen milk.