System and method for managing breast milk

Abstract

A breast milk storage and management system. The system has a band that is placed on a bottle filled with breast milk. Data regarding the breast milk is entered into a management application and it is tracked. Information regarding the breast milk can be communicated with from a band that has an NFC chip to the application.

Description

Docket No.10210080.00008 SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING BREAST MILK BACKGROUND

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 666,588, filed July 1, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] This application is directed to a system and method for managing breast milk, in particular, to a system for automatically gauging the freshness of the breast milk.

[0004] Description of the Related Art

[0005] Storing breast milk is important for providing significant benefits for both the baby and the mother. Breast milk offers the ideal blend of vitamins, proteins, and fats necessary for a baby’s growth and development, while also containing antibodies that help the baby fight off infections. By storing breast milk, mothers ensure their babies receive consistent nutritional benefits and immune support even when direct breastfeeding is not possible. This practice offers convenience and flexibility, allowing partners, family members, and caregivers to feed the baby, thereby giving the mother the chance to rest or handle other responsibilities. It is particularly beneficial for working mothers, as it allows them to continue providing breast milk after returning to work. Additionally, having stored milk ready for nighttime feedings can help manage sleep and feeding schedules more efficiently.

[0006] Regular pumping and storing of breast milk are essential for maintaining the milk supply, as frequent emptying of the breasts signals the body to produce more milk. For mothers who produce more milk than their baby needs, storing the excess prevents engorgement and ensures that the milk can be used later. Stored milk is also invaluable in emergencies or unplanned situations, such as when the mother is unexpectedly away or needs to take medication that is not safe for breastfeeding. Babies who have difficulty latching or those who are preterm or ill can benefit greatly from stored milk, which is more easily digestible than formula. Having a reserve of stored milk is useful during growth spurts when babies need more milk than usual, and it is also convenient for travel, providing a consistent food source without the need to breastfeed in potentially uncomfortable locations.Docket No.10210080.00008

[0007] Furthermore, stored breast milk can be donated to milk banks, supporting infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) or mothers who cannot produce enough milk. It can also be utilized in medical research to better understand its components and benefits.

[0008] To maximize these benefits, proper storage practices are essential. This includes maintaining hygiene by washing hands and using clean pumping equipment, using clean, BPA-free bottles or breast milk storage bags, and clearly labeling the milk with the date it was expressed. Storage guidelines suggest keeping a bottle the baby has begun to drink from for no more than 2 hours, whether at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen, due to saliva contamination. Unused milk may be stored at room temperature no more than 4 hours, in the refrigerator no more than 4 days, and in the freezer for up to 6 months (up to 12 months is acceptable). Thawed milk should not be refrozen. Thawing should be done in the refrigerator or by placing the container in warm water, avoiding microwaves to preserve nutrients and prevent hot spots. Overall, storing breast milk is a valuable practice that ensures babies receive optimal nutrition and immune protection while providing mothers with flexibility and peace of mind.

[0009] Keeping track of and managing the supply of breast milk is essential. There is a need to have a simple, safe method for storing and managing breast milk supply. SUMMARY

[0010] Briefly described, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method and systems for managing breast milk.

[0011] An aspect of the present disclosure is a system for storing food product. The system comprising a band, the band adapted to be removably placed around a bottle, the bottle adapted to have a nipple placed thereon, wherein the band has located therein a near field communication chip; a management application adapted to receive data regarding the contents of the bottle, wherein the data regarding the contents of the bottle is received via communication with the near field communication chip.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for storing a food product, the method comprising: placing a band having a near field communication chip on a bottle, the bottle having stored therein breast milk; entering data regarding the bottle into a management application stored on a smartphone; communicating withDocket No.10210080.00008 the band using the NFC chip; and receiving information on the smartphone regarding the breast milk.

[0013] Still yet another aspect of the disclosure is a band for use with a bottle, the band comprising: a first end having a projection; a second end having at least one hole; and a body extending from the first end to the second end, the body sized to fit on a bottle, the body having located therein a near field communication device adapted to communicate with a management application for managing the storage of breast milk. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Fig.1 shows bottles having bands attached thereto.

[0015] Fig.2 shows a band used in the management system.

[0016] Fig. 3 shows a screenshot from the management application and a band placed on a bottle.

[0017] Fig.4 shows a screenshot of the management application and a notification on a smartphone.

[0018] Fig.5 shows screenshots from the management application and a container for storing formula or breast milk.

[0019] Fig.6 shows a screenshot from the management application.

[0020] Fig.7 shows a plurality of bands that are adapted to be placed on various shaped bottles.

[0021] Fig.8 shows images of the bottles on which the bands shown in Fig.7 can be implemented.

[0022] Fig.9 is a flow chart showing the process for adding and editing food product data with the management application.

[0023] Fig.10 is a flow chart showing feeding with the management application.

[0024] Fig.11 is a flow chart for washing with the management application.

[0025] Fig.12 shows another embodiment of the system for storing food product.Docket No.10210080.00008 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] To facilitate an understanding of embodiments, principles, and features of the present disclosure, they are disclosed hereinafter with reference to implementation in illustrative embodiments. Embodiments of the present disclosure, however, are not limited to use in the described system and methods and may be utilized in other system and methods as will be understood by those skilled in the art familiar with this disclosure.

[0027] The components described hereinafter as making up the various embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable components that would perform the same or a similar function as the components described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows bottles 10 having bands 20 (also called hoops), removably attached thereto. The bottles 10 used may be standard milk bottles 10 that are used with infants and toddlers. The bottles 10 shown have a cap 12, a nipple 14, and a base 16. Also shown in Fig.1 are differently sized bottles 10 that can be used for different feeding environments, babies and toddlers with different feeding preferences, and with different types of nipples 14. It should be understood that the system and method described herein may be used with various sized bottles 10 that are able to take advantage of the system and method described herein.

[0029] As shown in Fig.1, the bands 20 may be different colors. In Fig.1, the colors used are white, magenta, and black with the name of the color printed on the bands 20. Different colors than those shown can be used. Preferably the method for identifying and distinguishing bands 20 is such that it makes such identifying simple and easy to categorize and inventory.

[0030] While colors are used in the embodiment shown in Fig.1, other means of identifying the bottles 10 can be implemented. In an embodiment, pictures of animals are placed on the band 20 to distinguish and identify the bands 20. In an embodiment, different symbols are placed on the bands 20 to distinguish and identify the bands 20. In an embodiment, tactile indica are placed on the band 20 to provide identification via touch to distinguish and identify the bands 20. In an embodiment, each band 20 can emit a different sound to distinguish and identify the bands 20.Docket No.10210080.00008

[0031] Fig.2 shows an image of a band 20 that is placed around bottles 10. The bands 20 are adapted to fit around differently sized bottles 10. The band 20 is attached to the bottle 10 by connecting the ends of the band 20 by using a projection 22 that fits into a hole 21, like a watch band. In an embodiment the bands 20 are made of elastic material and are unitary (without the projection 22 and the hole 21). In this situation the band 20 is designed so that it can be stretched around the bottle 10. In an embodiment, the band 20 is made of rubber. In an embodiment, the band 20 is made of plastic. In an embodiment, the band 20 is made of silicone.

[0032] In an embodiment the band 20 may be attached using means other than a projection 22 and hole 21. In an embodiment, hook and loop tape can be used to connect two ends of the band 20. In an embodiment, magnets can be used to connect two ends of the band 20. In an embodiment, the band 20 is unitary and is flexible enough to conform to the diameter of any commercially available baby feeding bottle. It should be understood that the band 20 is preferably sized and adapted to adjust to a variety of bottle sizes.

[0033] In an embodiment, batteries are not needed for the band 20 to function. In an embodiment, the band 20 is waterproof. In an embodiment, the band 20 can sustain temperatures of between –30 °C and 90 °C. In an embodiment, batteries are used in the band 20.

[0034] Referring to Fig. 2, the band 20 has embedded therein a near field communication (NFC) chip. An NFC chip is a small microchip that enables wireless communication over very short distances, typically less than 4 centimeters. It operates using a 13.56 MHz electromagnetic field and allows for fast, secure data exchange between devices. When two NFC-enabled devices come close together, one acts as the initiator, such as a smartphone or card reader, while the other acts as the target, such as an NFC tag or card.

[0035] The initiator generates a magnetic field that powers the passive chip and enables communication. NFC supports three modes: read / write, for example scanning tags, card emulation, for example using a phone like a payment card, and peer-to- peer, for example exchanging data between devices. Communication happens in less than a second and can be encrypted for security. In the system described herein theDocket No.10210080.00008 NFC chip located in band 20 functions as a passive chip (target) that enables communication with a smartphone.

[0036] While an NFC chip is contemplated herein, other types of communication means can be used. In an embodiment RFID is used. In an embodiment, Bluetooth is used. However, preferably the architecture used for the system is able to be placed within a band 20 so that the band 20 can be subjected to various environments without losing the capacity to operate. For example, preferably the band 20 can be subjected to being placed within a dishwasher or similar environment.

[0037] Fig. 3 shows an image from the management application 30. Fig. 3 also shows a band 20 on bottle 10. The bottle 10 having a cap 12, nipple 14, and body 16. The management application 30 interacts with the band 20 via the NFC chip located in the band 20. This occurs by tapping a smartphone 40 on the band 20. The management application 30 resides on the smartphone 40.

[0038] While the embodiments discussed herein are discussed with reference to the smartphone 40, it should be understood that other devices that have appropriate NFC chip architecture can be used.

[0039] The management application 30 is adapted to display conditions of stored breast milk. The management application 30 itself tracks the freshness and useability of breast milk. In an embodiment, the management application 30 adheres to guidelines set forth by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

[0040] Generally, the CDC guidelines for storage suggest that fresh breast milk can be at room temperature (or colder) for up to 4 hours, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and in the freezer for about 6 months to up to a year. Thawed or previously frozen milk can be at room temperature for 1-2 hours, in the refrigerator for up day, and should not be refrozen. Leftover milk from a feeding should be used within 2 hours after the baby is finished feeding.

[0041] In operation, the management application 30 access information regarding the breast milk when the smartphone 40 is tapped against the band 20. When the smartphone 40 is tapped against the band 20, the management application 30 will open and display information regarding the breast milk and provide a user with the ability to edit and add information.Docket No.10210080.00008

[0042] Information displayed, added, or edited, may contain, but is not limited to information, such as, the date created, the time created, information regarding the freshness of the milk (based on predetermined guidelines), if it is not breast milk, but rather formula derived, if the milk is thawed milk, if the milk was at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen.

[0043] As shown in Fig.3, the graphical user interface (GUI) for the management application 30 will open to specific screen by tapping the band 20 with the smartphone 40. In Fig.3, the smartphone 40 was used to tap the magenta band 20.

[0044] The GUI will display the identifier 42 of the band 20, i.e., the “Hoop Color” in the example shown in Fig.3. The identifier 42 in Fig.3 provides the color of the band 20. Should the nature of the identifier 42 be different than a color, than that identifier 32 will be used in its place.

[0045] Additionally, shown on the GUI is the date 31 and the time 32. The date 31 provides the date when the food product was created and the time 32 provides the time at which the food product was created.

[0046] The time 32 can automatically display current time, however time can be manually entered as well. This information is used to identify when a food product, such as breast milk or formula is placed into the bottle 10. Additional information regarding the breast milk and relevant actions are available to the user. For instance, the type of breast milk can be identified, such as fresh milk 33, formula 34, and thawed milk 35. Additional types of food products can be added to the GUI as well depending on possible items that may be tracked. While milk and formula are tracked, it is possible to track other food products that may be used by infants and toddlers in order to determine freshness.

[0047] The types of action that have occurred or that can be taken can be added as well. In Fig.3, one can add leave at room temperature 36, refrigerate 37, and frozen 38. These actions generally cover most scenarios, but other scenarios may be used as well.

[0048] Once the food products and actions have been selected, a name for the bottle may be selected and it can be either added to the inventory 39 or used 41.Docket No.10210080.00008 Adding it to the inventory 38 or selecting use 41 can trigger a timer to begin tracking to gauge freshness.

[0049] Fig.4 shows an image of the management application 30 and a smartphone 40 that has a notification 49 displayed thereon.

[0050] On the GUI of the management application 30, a notification 43 can be displayed that provides information regarding the how long a food product, like milk, can be left at room temperature via the referencing the information for a particular band 20. In the GUI shown in Fig.4, 15 minutes are indicated as being available for room temperature. The management application 30 can indicate when and how long until someone needs to refrigerate, freeze, or consume the contents of a bottle. This prevents the bottles from becoming forgotten.

[0051] The GUI of the management application 30 can also indicate the date and time it was created, the food product 33, and the status 45. Also shown are freeze 46 and use 47 buttons. Fig.4 shows a status 49 on the home screen of the smartphone 40.

[0052] Fig.5 shows more images from the GUI of the management application 30. In Fig.5, the GUI can switch to a screen that illustrates freeze data 48 that provides information regarding the food product, such as breast milk. The freeze data 48 can be formatted in a manner that makes it amenable to have printed onto a sticker 51 which can be placed on storage container, such as a freezer bag 50 that can be used to freeze the milk. The bands 20 can be reused with different bottles 10 when needed.

[0053] Fig.6 shows another image from the GUI of the management application 30. The management application 30 shows a quick view of the inventory number 53 and the bottle status 54. This page can provide a quick overview of the inventory of food product, such as breast milk and formula, that is available.

[0054] Fig.7 shows a plurality of potential bands that can be placed on the bottles. Each of the bands provides a different shape and profile. The band shapes shown in Fig. 7 are dome, bumper, sculpt, trapezoid, peak, pucker, flat, and s-curve. Fig. 8 shows images of the bottles on which the bands shown in Fig.7 can be implemented. Each of the band shapes shown in Fig.6, are adapted in shape and structure to beDocket No.10210080.00008 implemented on squid, edge top, flare, taper, conic, bubbles, base, modern, capsule, and cylinder-shaped bottles, respectively.

[0055] Fig. 9 is a flow chart for adding and editing information regarding food products, such as breast milk, formula, and thawed milk when utilizing the band 20 and management application 30. Description of the method and system will be made with reference to the system shown and described with respect to Figs.1-6.

[0056] At step 901, the add / edit step starts. At step 902, a bottle 10 is filled with a food product. For example, the bottle 10 may be filled with breast milk or formula. At step 903, a user clicks on an add / edit food product in the management application 30.

[0057] At step 904, the user determines if the time is now. At step 905, if the answer is no with respect to the time, the user enters the correct time in the proper space.

[0058] At step 906, the user can enter the volume associated with the bottle 10 that is related to the food product. At step 907, additional information can be entered with respect to the bottle 10 and the food product. At step 908, the food type is entered.

[0059] If the food product is fresh breast milk, at step 909, the location is selected for the fresh breast milk. At step 910, if the freezer is selected the number is written down on the storage container for the breast milk. The storage container can be the bottle 10, a freeze bag 50, or other suitable container that can store breast milk. At step 911, if the refrigerator or regular room is selected it is determined if there are bands 20. If there are no bands 20, the user returns to step 910.

[0060] At step 912, if there are bands 20, syncing with the NFC occurs. At step 913, it is determined if the sync with the NFC was a success. At step 914, if there was no sync, the syncing is tried again. If there was a successful syncing of the NFC, at step 915, the storage container is placed in a location, such as a freezer, a refrigerator, or a room. At step 916, the method ends.

[0061] At step 917, if the food product was formula or thawed, one moves to the location selection of refrigerator / room. At step 918, the user determines if there are bands 20 associated with the management application 30 that are attached to the bottle 10.

[0062] If there are no bands 20, then at step 919, a number is written on a storage container. If there is a band 20, then at step 920, the management application 30 syncsDocket No.10210080.00008 with the NFC chip located in the band 20. At step 921, if syncing with the management application 30 does not occur, then another attempt is made. At step 922, if there is successful syncing with the management application 30 then information is exchanged. At step 923, the storage container is then put in the freezer, refrigerator, or room. At step 916 the process ends.

[0063] Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing the feeding process used with the management application 30.

[0064] At step 1001, the feeding flow starts. At step 1002, a bottle is selected in the management application 30. At step 1003, the bottle details page is displayed in the management application 30. At step 1004, the use button is activated in the management application 30. At step 1005, the feeding timer displays a countdown from 2 hours and the location is changed to room temperature if necessary.

[0065] At step 1006, the user determines if the baby is eating now or has started earlier. At step 1007, if the baby has started eating, the timer is set to continue through feeding. At step 1008, the finish feeding button is activated when feeding of the baby is finished. At step 1009, how much volume remains can be noted in the management application 30. This is an (optional) activity.

[0066] If the baby had started feeding earlier, at step 1010, the finish feeding button is activated in the management application 30. At step 1011, the actual feeding start time is entered into the management application 30. At step 1012, how much volume remains in the bottle 20 is entered. This is an optional feature.

[0067] At step 1013, the remaining amount of time is determined. If no time remains, the feeding process is ended at step 1021. If there is time remaining, it is determined if the baby eats again at step 1014. At step 1015 if the timer runs out the process moves to step 1021 and ends.

[0068] If the baby does eat again, a bottle is selected at step 1016. At step 1017, bottle details page is displayed in the management application 30. At step 1018, the use button is activated in the management application 30. At step 1019, the finish feeding button is activated in the management application 30 when feeding is done. At step 1020, the amount of volume that remains may be entered. This is an optionalDocket No.10210080.00008 step. The process then returns to determining if there is time left and if there is not the process moves to step 1021 and ends.

[0069] Fig.11 is a flow chart for washing a bottle 20 in the management application 30. At step 1101, the washing process starts. At step 1102, a bottle 20 is selected. At step 1103, the wash button is activated in the management application 30. At step 1104, it is determined if the food product in the bottle 20 is expired.

[0070] If the food product is not expired, at step 1105, it is determined if the user entered the volume in bottle details. If the volume details were entered, at step 1106, it is determined if the current volume of the storage container is greater than 0. If the volume is not greater than 0, the status of the storage container moves to empty status and is assigned at step 1108. If the volume is greater than 0, then at step 1107, the user confirms washing with a volume of unexpired contents. If yes, after washing, at step 1108, an empty status is assigned.

[0071] If the user did not enter a volume in the details, then at step 1109, confirm washing of the bottle 20. At step 1110, empty status is assigned to the bottle 20. At step 1111, the process is ended.

[0072] Turning to Fig.12, shown is bottle 110. Bottle 110 has embedded therein an NFC chip 120. The NFC chip 120 functions in the same manner as NFC chip embedded within the bands 20. In the embodiment shown in Fig.12, the NFC chip 120 is embedded in the body 116 of the bottle 110. In an embodiment, the NFC chip 120 may be embedded in the side of the body 116. In an embodiment, the NFC chip 120 may be embedded in the bottom of the body 116. In an embodiment, the NFC chip may be embedded in a cap. In an embodiment, the NFC chip 120 chip is attached to the bottle 116. In an embodiment, the NFC chip 120 is adhesively secured to the bottle 116. In an embodiment, the NFC chip 120 is removable secured to the bottle 116. In an embodiment, the NFC chip 120 is attached to a cap. In an embodiment, the NFC chip 120 is adhesively secured to a cap. In an embodiment, the NFC chip 120 is removably secured to the bottle 116.

[0073] When the NFC chip 120 is embedded or attached to the body 116 of the bottle 110 or cap of the bottle 110, the functions and processes discussed above can be applied with respect to storing and tracking the food product.Docket No.10210080.00008

[0074] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been disclosed in exemplary forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and its equivalents, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

Docket No.10210080.00008 CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A system for storing food product comprising: a band, the band adapted to be removably placed around a bottle, the bottle adapted to have a nipple placed thereon, wherein the band has located therein a near field communication chip; a management application adapted to receive data regarding the contents of the bottle, wherein the data regarding the contents of the bottle is received via communication with the near field communication chip.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein there is a plurality of bands.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of bands is a different color.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a smartphone, wherein the management application is stored on the smartphone.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the management application is adapted to send alerts regarding freshness of the food product.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the food product is selected from a group comprising, breast milk, formula, and thawed milk.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the management application provides data regarding volume of the food product in the bottle.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the management application provides alerts after a predetermined amount of time regarding the contents of the bottle.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the band comprises an adjustable portion, wherein a diameter of the band can be change.Docket No.10210080.00008 10. A method for storing a food product, the method comprising: placing a band having a near field communication chip on a bottle, the bottle having stored therein breast milk; entering data regarding the bottle into a management application stored on a smartphone; communicating with the band using the NFC chip; and receiving information on the smartphone regarding the breast milk.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising placing at least one other band on at least one other bottle.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one other band is a different color than the band.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising reusing the band on at least one other bottle.

14. The method of claim 10, further comprising sending an alert regarding storage of the breast milk from the management application stored on the smartphone.

15. The method of claim 10, providing data regarding volume of the breast milk in the bottle.

16. The method of claim 10, providing alerts regarding a predetermined amount of time regarding the breast milk in the bottle.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the band comprises an adjustable portion, wherein a diameter of the band can be changed.

18. A band for use with a bottle, the band comprising: a first end having a projection; a second end having at least one hole; andDocket No.10210080.00008 a body extending from the first end to the second end, the body sized to fit on a bottle, the body having located therein a near field communication device adapted to communicate with a management application for managing the storage of breast milk.

19. The band of claim 18, wherein the second end has a plurality of holes for receiving the projection.

20. The band of claim 18, wherein the management application is adapted to run on a smartphone.

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