U.S. patent application number 11/327717 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-12 for musical holder accessory.
Invention is credited to Angela T. Brooks, Courtney White.
Application Number | 20070161325 11/327717 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38233313 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070161325 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brooks; Angela T. ; et
al. |
July 12, 2007 |
Musical holder accessory
Abstract
A bottle holder is provided which includes a MP3 player or other
high fidelity device that is used to play-back recorded content. In
one embodiment, a standard baby bottle can be used with the
invention in connection with playing recorded content while a baby
is feeding. In another embodiment, the bottle holder includes an
activation switch triggered by a bottle position change. The bottle
holder can be constructed of a stretchable and conformable cloth
material.
Inventors: |
Brooks; Angela T.;
(Sugarland, TX) ; White; Courtney; (Altamonte
Springs, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jerome J. Norris
1901 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Suite 305
Washington
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
38233313 |
Appl. No.: |
11/327717 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/397 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J 9/0684 20150501;
A61J 2205/70 20130101; A61J 9/0607 20150501 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/397 |
International
Class: |
A63H 5/00 20060101
A63H005/00 |
Claims
1. A bottle holder comprising: a shell, for enclosing a bottle,
capable of being hand-held; a cap being adapted to receive said
shell; a base connected to said shell; a play-back device, capable
of playing an MPEG1 Audio Layer III audio file, located in said
base; and a speaker, connected to said play-back device, located in
said base.
2. A bottle holder as recited in claim 1 which further comprises a
rechargeable battery, located within said base and connected to
said play-back device, for operating said play-back device.
3. A bottle holder as recited in claim 1 wherein said cap is
capable of securing a baby bottle located within said shell between
said cap and said base and wherein said cap includes a hole for
receiving a bottle nipple.
4. A bottle holder as recited in claim 3 wherein said shell
includes threads and said cap further includes reciprocating
threads for receiving the threads of said shell, said threads of
said cap being capable of engaging said threads of said shell in
screw-on alignment.
5. A bottle holder as recited in claim 1 wherein said play-back
device is capable of receiving medium upon which an MP3 audio file
is recorded.
6. A bottle holder as recited in claim 1 which further comprises a
switch within said base for activating said play-back device so as
to sound audio information recorded in said audio file.
7. A bottle holder as recited in claim 6 wherein said switch is
actuated in response to the force of gravity.
8. A method of preparing a baby bottle comprising: recording a
voice according to a MP3 format on a portable medium; and playing
the recorded voice on a play-back device connected to a baby bottle
holder in conjunction with placing a baby bottle in said baby
bottle holder.
9. A method as recited in claim 8 wherein said portable medium is
selected from the group consisting of a smartmedia.TM. card, a SIMs
card, a single in-line memory module.
10. A method of preparing a baby bottle comprising: recording a
song according to a MP3 format on a portable medium; and playing
the recorded song on a play-back device connected to a baby bottle
holder in conjunction with placing a baby bottle in said baby
bottle holder.
11. A method as recited in claim 10 wherein said portable medium is
selected from the group consisting of a smartmedia.TM. card, a SIMs
card, a single in-line memory module.
12. A bottle comprising: a shell, for holding a liquid, capable of
being hand-held and including an aperture at one end; a cap being
adapted to receive said shell at said aperture; a base connected to
said shell; a play-back device, capable of playing an MPEG1 Audio
Layer III audio file, located in said base; and a speaker located
in said base.
13. A bottle as recited in claim 12 which further comprises a
rechargeable battery located within said base for operating said
play-back device.
14. A bottle as recited in claim 12 wherein said cap is capable of
sealing said shell to contain a liquid located between said cap and
said base and wherein said cap includes a hole for receiving a
bottle nipple.
15. A baby bottle as recited in claim 12 wherein said shell
includes threads and said cap further includes reciprocating
threads for receiving the threads of said shell, said threads of
said cap being capable of engaging said threads of said shell in
screw-on alignment.
16. A bottle holder as recited in claim 12 wherein said play-back
device is capable of receiving medium upon which an MP3 audio file
is recorded.
17. A bottle as recited in claim 12 which further comprises a
switch within said base for activating said play-back device so as
to sound audio information recorded in said audio file.
18. A bottle holder as recited in claim 17 wherein said switch is
actuated in response to the force of gravity.
19. A method of preparing a baby bottle comprising: recording a
voice according to a MP3 format on a portable medium; and playing
the recorded medium on a play-back device connected to a baby
bottle.
20. A method as recited in claim 19 wherein said portable medium is
selected from the group consisting of a smartmedia.TM. card, a SIMs
card, a single in-line memory module.
21. A method of preparing a baby bottle comprising: recording a
song according to a MP3 format on a portable medium; and playing
the recorded medium on a play-back device connected to a baby
bottle.
22. A method as recited in claim 21 wherein said portable medium is
selected from the group consisting of a smartmedia.TM. card, a SIMs
card, a single in-line memory module.
23. A bottle holder comprising: a cloth enclosure being capable of
enclosing a bottle, said enclosure having a hole at one end; a
pocket attached to said enclosure; a play-back device, capable of
playing an MPEG1 Audio Layer III audio file, and a speaker
connected to said play-back device; said play-back device and said
speaker being capable of being removably located within said
pocket.
24. A bottle holder as recited in claim 23 wherein said play-back
device includes an input jack through which a MPEG1 Audio Layer III
audio file can be received.
25. A bottle holder as recited in claim 23 wherein said cloth is
made of a stretchable and conformable material.
26. A bottle holder as recited in claim 23 which further includes a
zipper in said cloth enclosure.
27. A bottle holder as recited in claim 23 wherein said enclosure
is capable of receiving a bottle selected from the group of bottles
consisting of a training cup, a carbonated drink container, or a
sports drink container.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] A bottle-fed baby generally takes comfort in sucking on the
nipple of a baby bottle. This experience is made more pleasant to
the child in connection with the child hearing its mother's voice.
Alternatively, a soothing message, song, etc. played while the baby
is drinking from a bottle will likely give comfort to the baby
during feeding. When the mother cannot administer the bottle to the
baby, baby feeding can become problematic. In instances of
premature birth, mothers and newborns may be separated for a
significant period of time. In these precious times, mothers are
not allowed to hold their babies. Consequently, possibly two or
three months time of deep attachment between the mother and child
can become lost. Moreover, when a song or other audible content
that a baby is used to hearing during bottle feeding is not
available, the feeding experience becomes less desirable. A need
exists to create a mechanism for baby bottle feeding that will
allow the play back of high fidelity sounds which will help build
the bond between mother and child. Further, a need exists to create
a mechanism for baby bottle feeding that will allow the play back
of high fidelity sounds familiar to a baby in connection with
feeding.
SUMMARY
[0002] In one aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention a
bottle holder is provided with a play-back mechanism capable of
producing high fidelity sounds.
[0003] In another aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention
a switch is provided to activate the play-back device in connection
with a change of position of a baby bottle inserted within the
bottle holder.
[0004] In an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention the
bottle holder and baby bottle are integrated into a single
unit.
[0005] In another alternative preferred embodiment of the invention
the bottle holder is constructed from a stretchable and conformable
material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of a preferred embodiment of
the invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of play-back related circuitry
which includes and is associated with a play-back device.
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a typical
standard-sized baby bottle inserted within a container, according
to one aspect of the invention, through the container's mouth.
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a
spring switch mechanism which can represent a pressure activated
switch, mercury switch, etc.
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of baby bottle which
integrates elements of the bottle holder shown in FIG. 1 and the
baby bottle shown in FIG. 3.
[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a bottle holder
which shows another aspect of a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of another aspect of a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a convention drinking
vessel which can be used with the invention, particularly with the
embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0014] Applicable reference numerals have been carried forward.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The invention provides a bottle holder which will especially
assist in baby feeding. The invention includes a play-back device
which can play a variety of recorded messages, sounds, music, etc.
In one aspect of a preferred embodiment, the play-back device is
capable of playing MP3-formatted recorded information.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of one aspect of a preferred
embodiment of the invention. Bottle holder 1, illustrated in FIG.
1, includes container 2 which is large enough to accommodate the
insertion therein of at least a standard-sized baby bottle through
container mouth 4. For ease of illustration, FIG. 1 shows container
2 as being tapered down in cross-section area from container mouth
4 to base 6. However, in one aspect of its preferred embodiment,
container 2 maintains a nearly constant cross-sectional area at its
mouth through to base 6. In one aspect of a preferred embodiment,
container cap 3 includes threads (not shown) on its underside which
engage reciprocating threads on container 2 (not shown) for the
purpose of securing a baby bottle (not shown) within container 2.
Ridges 5 provide finger grips by which cap 3 can be screwed onto
container 2.
[0017] Preferably within base 6 or alternatively, attached to
container 6 is play-back device 8. In one aspect of a preferred
embodiment play-back device 8 is an MP3 player, although a digital
audio player, smart card reader, flash memory reader, etc. are also
contemplated as play-back device 8. Content for these devices can
be recorded on a smartmedia card, a SIMs card, a single in-line
memory module, etc.
[0018] The players outlined above and in particular, the MP3
player, offer a high degree of accurate voice and music content
reproduction. As such, the MP3 player is considered a high fidelity
device which is capable of reproducing sounds which would be very
recognizable by a baby. An MP3 player is also very desirable due to
its lightweight and compact size. These features make the MP3
player well suited for use with the invention particularly in
connection with use with a baby.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of play-back related circuitry
9 which includes and is associated with play-back device 8.
Preferably, circuitry 9 can be located inside and/or within the
vicinity of base 6. Circuitry 9 includes power source 10 connected
to switch 12. Power source 10 powers play-back device 8 and drives
speaker 14. In one embodiment of the invention, play-back device 8
includes input jack 11 which enables play-back device 8 to download
files such as MP3 formatted files directly via plug-in to a
computer, such as a personal computer or to a device for which an
Internet connection exists.
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a typical
standard-sized baby bottle 14 inserted within container 2 through
mouth 4. Baby bottle 14 includes baby bottle cap 16 and nipple 18
which is removably inserted through cap hole 20. Cap 16 typically
includes threads (not shown) on its underside which engage
reciprocating threads (also not shown) on bottle 14 for sealing
liquid within bottle 14 by means of cap 16. A baby draws liquid
from nipple 18 through nipple hole 20 using suction applied by
mouth. When container cap 3 secures a baby bottle within container
2, container cap 22 rests against lid 17 of baby bottle cap 16. The
fact this embodiment of the invention works in conjunction with a
standard baby bottle provides many advantages. For instance, this
embodiment dispenses with any need to purchase specialized bottles
to use with bottle holder 1.
[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a
switch mechanism 30 which can represent a pressure activated spring
switch, mercury switch, etc. Mechanism 30 activates play-back
device 8, to cause play-back of the recorded message, song, etc.,
in connection with the release of pressure from switch mechanism 30
or the change in position of liquid-filled bottle 14 with respect
to a reference position in connection with moving bottle 14. Switch
activation of this type allows power saving in operating play-back
device 8.
[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of baby bottle 32
which integrates elements of bottle holder 1 shown in FIG. 1 and
baby bottle 14 shown in FIG. 3. Play-back device 8, as described
above, is located within base 6 and preferably contains a switch
mechanism such as switch 30 in FIG. 4. Preferably, base 6 is
detachable from the liquid holding portion of bottle 32. The
detachable feature can be accomplished by reciprocating snaps (not
shown) adjoining the base and bottle portion. Baby bottle cap 16
including lid 17 hold baby bottle nipple 18 in connection with a
flanged base (not shown) on nipple 18 being pressed against lid 17
and the opening (not shown) of baby bottle 32 as is the case with a
standard baby bottle.
[0023] In one aspect of a preferred embodiment, the recorded
message is a recording of the voice of the mother of the baby using
the bottle. Such a voice would have a soothing and comforting
effect upon the baby. As such, the invention can provide great
benefit to a child especially when the child's mother is not
present.
[0024] In another aspect of a preferred embodiment, the recorded
message is a song.
[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of bottle holder 1
which shows another aspect of a preferred embodiment of the
invention. Container 2 is preferably made of a stretchable material
such as Lycra.RTM. which will readily conform to the dimensions of
a bottle inserted into container 2 through zipper 40. Nipple 18 of
standard-sized baby bottle 14 will readily fit through hole 42 in
container 2 to allow baby feeding. Circuitry 9 of FIG. 2 can be a
self-contained electronic unit that can removably be placed within
pocket 44 which is preferably lined with an insulative material
such as plastic. Access to pocket 44, through which circuitry 9 is
removably placed, is accomplished in connection with opening pocket
flap 46. Circuitry 9 is secured within pocket 44 by means of button
clasp 48 which detachably locks on to a corresponding structure
(not shown) located on container 2. Advantageously, container 2 can
be easily cleaned upon removal of circuitry 9 from pocket 44. For
instance, container 2 can be hand washed.
[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of another aspect of a
preferred embodiment of the invention. Rather than entry of a
bottle through zipper 40 as shown in FIG. 6, a bottle can be placed
within container 2 through hole 42 which elastically opens and
closes by virtue of the stretchable Lycra.RTM. from which container
2 is made. Nipple 18 of bottle 14 shown in FIG. 3 can further be
secured within container 2 using and tying draw strings 50.
[0027] In addition to a holding a baby bottle, the foregoing bottle
holder can hold a bottle of the user's choice such as a training
cup, a carbonated drink container, a sports drink container, etc.
FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a convention drinking vessel 60
which can be used with the invention, particularly with the
embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Vessel 60 can be inserted
within container 2 via zipper 40 of FIG. 6 or hole 42 of FIG. 7.
Deformable straw 64, which is divided into several digits 66,
extends through a hole (not shown) in a cap 62 for holding a liquid
within vessel 60. Tip 68 is used to seal straw end 70 in connection
with using clasp 69 which is connected to tab 72. Straw 64 can fit
through hole 42 of FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0028] Although the invention herein has been described with
reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that
these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and
applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be
understood that numerous modifications may be made to the
illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *