Biomimicry bottle feeding apparatus and method thereof

Abstract

A baby feeding apparatus, comprising a bottle assembly and a carrier portion. Wherein the bottle assembly can be removably positioned within the carrier portion. The bottle assembly can include a first member and a second member, wherein the first member has a main body portion extends up in a generally dome configuration for a generally circular bottom edge and a nipple portion. A nipple portion can be formed off-center from the generally circular bottom edge. The main body provides an interior cavity to store formula or a liquid.

Description

File No.: 21286.0001BIOMIMICRY BOTTLE FEEDING APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREOFAMBER CHUSPECIFICATIONCROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This U.S. non-provisional application claims the benefit of provisional application No. 63 / 715,725 filed November 4, 2024, the subject matter of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates generally to a biomimicry bottle feeding apparatus and method.BACKGROUND

[0003] Currently there are a number of solutions for feeding a child. One of these solutions attempts to utilize breastfeeding, but not all mothers / pa rents are capable of producing milk or wish to breastfeed. Another solution attempts to use a hand-held bottle-feeding method, but this solution is similarly unable to meet the needs of the market because the natural dynamics of breastfeeding are missing for both the mother / patent and child.

[0004] It would be advantageous to have an improved apparatus that can mimic the natural dynamics of breastfeeding while bottle feeding an infant. Furthermore, it would also beadvantageous to have an apparatus that allows the user to operate the device hands-free. Still further, it would be advantageous to have an apparatus that can be portable. The apparatus of the present disclosure can fulfill an unmet need by providing a sleek and portable bottlefeeding pouch and sling apparatus which mimics breastfeeding.

[0005] Traditional bottle-feeding methods create negative pressure which can impede muscle and jaw growth in infants. These methods can also prevent an infant from bonding with their parent. By enhancing the design of the bottle-feeding process to better mimic the natural dynamics of breastfeeding, this device can address both emotional and physical health concerns, encouraging stronger bonds and healthier development in infants. There exists a need for a feeding apparatus that provides a more natural breastfeeding position for heart-to- heart contact and strengthening the bond between a parent and child as well as providing a more natural delivery of nutrients to the child.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a baby feeding apparatus, comprising a bottle assembly and a carrier portion. Wherein the bottle assembly can be removably positioned within the carrier portion. The bottle assembly can include a first member and a second member, wherein the first member has a main body portion extending up in a dome configuration for a generally circular bottom edge and a nipple portion. A nipple portion can be formed off center from the generally circular bottom edge. The main body provides an interior cavity to store formula or a liquid. The second member can have a main body portion that extends from a top edge forming an open into an interior cavity of the second member.

[0007] A carrier portion can be comprised of a piece of fabric having a first end and second end that defines a length of the carrier portion and an adjustment member, wherein the first end and second end have a first width and a support portion positioned between the first end and second end have a second width, wherein the first width is greater than the first width. An opening can be formed between the support portion and the second end. A portion of the first member extends out the first side of the carrier portion.

[0008] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a bottle feeding and sling apparatus of the present disclosure can include at least one feeding pouch and a baby carrier.

[0009] The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and / or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the device of the present disclosure when positioned on a user.

[0011] FIG. IB is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the device of the present disclosure when positioned on a user.

[0012] FIG. 1C is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the device of the present disclosure when positioned on a user.

[0013] FIG. 2A is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the device of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2B is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the device of the present disclosure when fully assembled;

[0015] FIG. 2C is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the device of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3A is a side view of a pouch portion of an exemplary embodiment of a device of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 3B is an exploded view of a pouch portion of an exemplary embodiment of a device of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4A is a front view illustration of a carrier portion of an exemplary embodiment of the device of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 4B is a side view illustration of a carrier portion of an exemplary embodiment of the device of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of a pouch portion of an exemplary embodiment of the device of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 5B is a front view of a pouch portion of an exemplary embodiment of the device of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5C is a rear view of a pouch portion of an exemplary embodiment of the device of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 5D is a first side view of a pouch portion of an exemplary embodiment of the device of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 5E is a second side view of a pouch portion of an exemplary embodiment of the device of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 5F is top view of a pouch portion of an exemplary embodiment of the device of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 5G is a bottom view of a pouch portion of an exemplary embodiment of the device of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a bottle assembly of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 6B is a cross-section view along axis A-A of FIG. 6A.

[0029] FIG. 6C is an enlarged view of panel B from FIG. 6B.

[0030] FIG. 7 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the baby feeding apparatus of the present disclosure used by a user and baby.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Following are more detailed descriptions of various related concepts related to, and embodiments of, methods and apparatus according to the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that various aspects of the subject matter introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in numerous ways, as the subject matter is not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

[0032] Before the present invention of this disclosure is described in such detail, however, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular variations set forth and may, of course, vary. Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s), or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit, or scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure made herein.

[0033] Unless otherwise indicated, the words and phrases presented in this document have their ordinary meanings to one of skill in the art. Such ordinary meanings can be obtained by reference to their use in the art and by reference to general and scientific dictionaries.

[0034] References in the specification to "one embodiment" indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0035] The following explanations of certain terms are meant to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. These terms have their ordinary meanings given by usage in the art and in addition include the following explanations.

[0036] As used herein, the term "and / or" refers to any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated.

[0037] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0038] As used herein, the terms "include," "for example," "such as," and the like are used illustratively and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0039] As used herein, the terms "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances.

[0040] Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

[0041] As used herein, the terms "front," "back," "rear," "upper," "lower," "right," and "left" in this description are merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented in the FIGS, with "front," "back," and "rear" being relative to the apparatus. These terms are not meant to limit the elements that they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications.

[0042] As used herein, the term "coupled" means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members beingattached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. Similarly, coupled can refer to a two member or elements being communicatively coupled, wherein the two elements may be electronically, through various means, such as a metallic wire, wireless network, optical fiber, or other medium and methods.

[0043] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 1-7 of an infant feeding apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure. The apparatus 1 can generally comprise at least one feeding bottle assembly 10 and an infant / baby carrier portion 20. The carrier portion can have a first side 26 and a second side 27. The bottle assembly 10 can be comprised of a first member 110 and a second member 120. The baby carrier portion 20 generally made of a flexible and durable material, such as 100% cotton or linen or other soft material. The baby carrier portion 20 is configured to wrap around a torso of a user 2 and may comprise an adjustable mechanism 200, such as a buckle or any other suitable means. In other exemplary embodiments, the adjustable mechanism / member 200 can be a fastener, clip, or buckle that can allow a user to easily adjust the length of the carrier portion 20 or otherwise change the circumference of the carrier portion 20 to allow a user to fit them to their size and the size of a baby.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 1A-C, a baby carrier portion 20 may be wrapped around at least one shoulder of the user 2, passing around the back and the at least one side of the waist of the user 2. The at least one feeding bottle assembly 10 may be removably couplable to a first port or opening 202 of the baby carrier portion 20, generally at a height near the breast of the user. In some exemplary embodiments, a carrier portion 20 can have a first end 21 and a second end 22 with an adjustment member 200 coupling the first end to the second end. In other exemplary embodiments, the carrier portion 20 can be a continuous piece of fabric.

[0046] The carrier portion 20 can additionally be shaped to include a pocket or support portion 210 can be formed just below the opening 202 as shown in FIGS. 2A-C and FIGS. 4A-B. The support portion 210 can generally be comprised of a curved sidewall portion 212 that can be curved upward to form a support for a baby or child. In some exemplary embodiments, the support portion 210 can have a greater width than the remaining strap member of the carrier portion 20. The carrier portion 20 can be formed from a singular piece of material and can be arranged in a partially twisted orientation to provide for the support portion 210 to be formed to conform to the body of a baby. In other exemplary embodiments, the body portion of the second member can be a bag for storing the liquid. The bag can be coupled to a sidewall 225 formed on the top edge of the opening 202 of the second member 120. The twist can be formed by rotating the one end of the carrier portion about 180 degrees around an axis. The support portion 210 can maintain the baby in cradled position against the user and put the baby in a natural feeding position to utilize the bottle assembly 10 removably coupled to the carrier portion 20. The support portion 210 can place the baby in a natural breastfeedingposition which can maximize body contact and minimize heart to heart distance between the baby and the user.

[0047] A feeding bottle assembly 10 generally comprising first member 110 and a second member 120. The first member 110 in some exemplary embodiments can be a bottle nipple that can include a nipple portion 101. The first member 110 can include various different configurations as desired by a user. The first member 110 can generally have a circular lower edge 118 portion that forms a bottom edge and domed sidewall that extends up from the edge. In some exemplary embodiments, the nipple portion 101 be off center from the center of the circular lower edge and the domed exterior sidewall. A portion of the first member 110 of the bottle assembly 10 can protrude through the opening 202 of the carrier portion 20, while a second portion of the first member 110 can be located on the opposite side of the carrier portion. In some exemplary embodiments, a user can place the first member 110 of the bottle assembly 1 through the opening 202 in the main sleeve and twist to secure the second member 120 of the bottle assembly 1.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 3A-B, an exemplary embodiment of a second member 120 can generally be a bottle or pouch that can be used to store or hold a liquid. The second member can have a generally circular opening into a cavity 1003 that can in some exemplary embodiments correspond to the bottom edge 118 of the first member 110. The pouch portion 120 can be comprised of any suitable material and can be flexible. The flexible nature of the pouch portion can allow it to rest against a user comfortably and form against the user when wearing the apparatus 1.

[0049] In some instances, the bottle assembly 10 can be coupled to the baby carrier 20 through an opening 202 located at a surface of the baby carrier. The first / top member 110 may comprise an interior volume 1002 configured to receive a feeding powder. The liquid compartment may then be filled with water or liquid 2000 within the interior volume 1003 and coupled to the top portion 110 through the baby carrier opening 202. The water can mix with the powder or formula while the infant feeds through the pouch. The user may also pre-mix the feeding powder with the liquid, to facilitate feeding.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first member 110 may comprise a bottom cover 103 and the liquid compartment may comprise a top cover 104, for storing the feeding powder and the liquid separately while not in use. The first member 110 and the liquid compartment 120 may be coupled to each other via a coupling means such 130 as a snatch and clip mechanism, via a twist mechanism, or any other suitable means. The coupling mechanism 130 can be formed as part of the bottom edge of the top member 110 or alternatively a separate piece that can be used to couple the first member 110 and second member 120.

[0051] FIGS. 5A-5G provide an exemplary embodiment of an ornamental design of a bottle assembly 10 of the present disclosure, which may include dashed or broken lines can be illustrative portions of the bottle assembly. The assembly 10 includes a top / nipple member 110 and a bottom / pouch member 120. A bottom member 120 can take any suitable form include a sack or pouch that can be disposable or a formed soft pouch that can be made of a food grade material including but not limited to a soft silicone or polymer as shown in FIGS. 5A-5G. This can allow for both components to be dishwasher safe as well. The pouch member 120 can be removably coupled to the nipple member 110 using any suitable means. In some exemplaryembodiments, the first member 110 and second member can be coupled using a threaded coupling between the two components. Alternatively, some embodiments can include a ring member 130 that can removably couple the nipple member 110 and the pouch member 120 together.

[0052] As shown in Figs. 6A-B, a first member 110 can include a nipple portion 101 and a liquid compartment 112 that can be used to hold a liquid or powder. The first member 110 can include a removably couple cap or membrane 113 for allowing storage of the powder or liquid when the assembly 10 is not in use. Similarly, the second member 120 can have a removable cap or lid to store a liquid or powder within the cavity of the second member 120. The various components such as the first member 110 and / or a second member 120 may be made of dishwasher and food grade silicone. The nipple portion 101 can have one or more apertures 1001 configured for a liquid to pass through while the infant feeds from the nipple portion 101, mimicking breastfeeding. Some exemplary embodiments can include one or more vents or valves 1005 that can be positioned on the top / first member 110. The one or more valves 1005 can be one-way valves to allow for proper flow of liquid from the interior of the bottle assembly 10 to the baby. Unlike traditional hard-shell bottles, the bottle assembly 10 under the pressure of parent's chest and baby's head during feeding provides positive pressure to the milk which mimic natural breastfeeding. The baby will need to utilize his / her tongue and jaw muscle to control the positive milk flow which will help their jaw development. Traditional bottle feeding requires the baby to use purely sucking motion which impedes jaw growth. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more valves 1005 can be formed on the first member 110 and provide an air flow from the interior of the cavity to the exterior to prevent negative pressure within theinterior of the bottle assembly 10. The valves 1005 can be positioned proximate to the nipple portion 101.

[0053] In some exemplary embodiments, a top or nipple member 110 can include a nipple portion 101. The nipple portion 101 can be positioned off center from the middle of the top member 110 as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C. The top member 110 can include an interior surface 114 and an exterior surface 116. In some exemplary embodiments, the top member can have a lip 117 formed along an exterior bottom edge 118. Ring or locking member 130 can similarly have a sidewall portion 131 and a top rim portion 133 that can overly a portion of the top member 110. In some exemplary embodiments, the top rim portion can overly the lip 117 of the top member 110. The ring member 130 can be coupled to the bottom / pouch member 120 using any suitable means including but not limited to a friction fit or a threaded fitting along an edge or sidewall 225 of the pouch 120. In some exemplary embodiments, a ring member 130 and top member 110 can be incorporated into a singular component as shown in FIG. 3B. The sidewall 225 can have a threaded sidewall 226 or twisted edge formed that can correspond to a similar threaded member on the first member 110 or ring member 130 to allow the components to be removably couplable to each other. The top of the sidewall 225 can form an edge 228. A main body 111 of the first member can have a first hardness and the nipple portion can have a second hardness. The second hardness can be harder than the first hardness to provide a more natural feel. In other embodiments, the materials can have the same hardness and be made of the same materials. Similarly, in some exemplary embodiments the second member 120 can be made of a material with a hardness softer than that of the nipple portion.

[0054] While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.

Claims

File No.: 21286.0001CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A baby feeding apparatus, comprising: a bottle assembly comprising a first member and a second member, wherein the first member and second member are removably couplable to each other; and a carrier portion having an opening, wherein at least a portion of the bottle assembly extends through a first side of the carrier portion through the opening.

2. The baby feeding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first member has a generally circular bottom edge and a domed exterior surface extending from the bottom edge.

3. The baby feeding apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first member includes a nipple portion and a body portion, wherein the nipple portion includes at least one aperture configured to allow a liquid pass through from an interior cavity of the bottle assembly to the baby.

4. The baby feeding apparatus of claim 3, wherein the nipple portion is positioned off center from the circular bottom edge on the domed exterior surface.

5. The baby feeding apparatus of claim 4, wherein a portion of the first member extends through the opening of the carrier portion, and the second member is coated on the second side of the carrier portion.

6. The baby feeding apparatus of claim 5, wherein the main body portion is comprised of a material having a first hardness and the nipple portion is comprised of a material having a second hardness.

7. The baby feeding apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second member is comprised of a material with a first hardness.

8. The baby feeding apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second hardness is harder than the first hardness.

9. The baby feeding apparatus of claim 7, wherein the carrier portion comprises a first end, a second end, and adjustment member, and a support portion positioned between the first end and the second end.

10. The baby feeding apparatus of claim 8, wherein the support portion has a first width and the first end and second end have a second width.

11. The baby feeding apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first width is greater than the second width.

12. The baby feeding apparatus of claim 10, wherein the support portion has a formed twist between the first end and the second end.

13. The baby feeding apparatus of claim 11, wherein the opening of the carrier portion is formed between the support portion and the first end.

14. The baby feeding apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first member further includes at least one valve member, wherein the valve member is configured to prevent negative pressure within the interior cavity of the bottle assembly.

15. The baby feeding apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a ring member configured to couple the first member to the second member.

16. The baby feeding apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first member has a lip, and the ring member has a sidewall and a top rim portion, wherein the top rim portion cover the lip of the first member and removably couples to a sidewall of the second member.

17. A baby feeding apparatus, comprising: a bottle assembly comprising a first member and a second member, wherein the first member has a main body portion extend up in a dome configuration for a generallycircular bottom edge and a nipple portion, wherein the nipple portion is formed off center from the generally circular bottom edge, wherein the main body provides an interior cavity, wherein the second member has a main body portion that extends from a top edge forming an open into an interior cavity of the second member; and a carrier portion, wherein the carrier portion is comprised of a piece of fabric having a first end and second end that defines a length of the carrier portion and an adjustment member, wherein the first end and second end have a first width and a support portion positioned between the first end and second end have a second width, wherein the first width is greater than the first width, wherein an opening is formed between the support portion and the second end, wherein a portion of the first member extend out the first side of the carrier portion.

18. A bottle assembly comprising: a first member and a second member, wherein the first member has a main body portion extend up in a dome configuration for a generally circular bottom edge and a nipple portion, wherein the nipple portion is formed off center from the generally circular bottom edge, wherein the main body provides an interior cavity, wherein the second member has a main body portion that extends from a top edge forming an open into an interior cavity of the second member; and

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