Soothing bottle attachment

Abstract

A system includes a plush character having a body with a pocket and a retention member. An odor-absorbing element is configured to be disposed in the pocket. An infant bottle wherein the retention member is configured to wrap around and secure the plush character to the infant bottle.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 11080013.00007SOOTHING BOTTLE ATTACHMENTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 766,476, filed March 4, 2025, entitled “SOOTHING BOTTLE ATTACHMENT,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 718,279, filed November 8, 2024, entitled “SOOTHING BOTTLE ATTACHMENT,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 716,880, filed November 6, 2024, entitled “SOOTHING BOTTLE ATTACHMENT,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Various implementations relate generally to an attachment for an infant bottle that may promote soothing of an infant user of the bottle in the absence of his or her mother.BACKGROUND

[0003] A breastfeeding mother may experience feeding difficulties with her baby when introducing a bottle — particularly when the bottle is provided by a caretaker. Scientific research shows that the presence of the mother’s scent / odor / smell (hereafter “odor” or “scent”) may soothe a baby and may increase feeding reflexes, among other benefits for the baby.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system.

[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates the exemplary system of FIG. 1, configured for use.

[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates alternative exemplary systems.

[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates another alternative exemplary system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system 101. In some implementations, as shown, the system 101 includes a plush character 104 that has a pocket 107, a retention member that includes a first side wing 110a and a second side wing 110b. As shown, the first side wing 110a has a first connecting element 113a, and the second side wing 110b has a second connecting element 113b. The first connecting element 113a may be configured toAttorney Docket No. 11080013.00007 releasably secure to the second connecting element 113b. For example, either or both of the first and second connecting elements 113a and 113b may include a hook, an eyelet, a loop, a clasp, a snap, a buckle, or a portion of a hook-and-loop fastening system.

[0009] The system 101 may further include a bottle 116 (e.g., an infant bottle), and the first and second side wings 110a and 110b may be configured to be wrapped around the bottle 116 and secured to each other and around the bottle 116 with the connecting elements 113a and 113b.

[0010] The system 101 may further include an odor-absorbing element 119 that is configured to be disposed in the pocket 107, as shown. The odor-absorbing element 119 may be made of a material that easily absorbs and retains human scent, such as a fabric or porous and absorbent synthetic material. Prior to use, this odor-absorbing element may be placed against the skin of a first caregiver (e.g., a mother to an infant with whom the system may be used) for a period of time sufficient to absorb the caregiver’s scent. For example, the odor-absorbing element may be configured to fit inside the caregiver’s bra, or under the caregiver’ s arm, in the axillary region — two places where maternal scent may be particularly strong. In some implementations, the odor-absorbing element 119 is itself a garment or portion thereof (e.g., a wristband, a bra pad, a shirt or detachable shirt portion, etc.). In use, the odor-absorbing element 119 may then be transferred to the pocket 107, and the plush character 104 may be secured to the bottle 116, which may then be used to feed an infant (e.g., by another, non-matemal caregiver).

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates the exemplary system 101 configured for use. That is, FIG. 2 illustrates system 101 in a configuration in which the plush character 104 is secured to the bottle 116 with the side wings (e.g., including side wing 110b, as shown) and corresponding connecting elements, and the odor-absorbing element 119 is disposed in the pocket 107 — such that it is close to the nose of an infant who is being fed the bottle 116.

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates various alternative implementations of systems. As depicted, various types of characters and other shapes may be employed. Colors, animals, textures, shapes may be varied. Characters and shapes other than animals may be employed.

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates another alternative system that includes a plush character 404 with a pocket 407 that is configured to releasably retain an odor-absorbing element 419. As shown, the plush character 404 includes a retention member that includes a retaining loop 410 (e.g., in place of the side wings in the implementation shown in FIG. 1). In some implementations, the retaining loop 410 may include an elastic material with some stretch, which allows the retaining loop 410 to be disposed around bottles of various diameters. InAttorney Docket No. 11080013.00007 other implementations, the retaining loop 410 may be less elastic. For example, it may have fixed dimensions and be configured to retain bottles of a specific diameter.

[0014] Several implementations have been described with reference to exemplary aspects, but it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the contemplated scope. For example, some pockets may be made of a mesh material (e.g., to facilitate better dispersal of scents emanating from the odor-absorbing element); other pockets may be made of other materials; “arms” may be coupled to the pocket; in some implementations, such “arms” may be configured to releasably retain an odor-absorbing element, without a distinct pocket; some implementations may lack arms or ears or any resemblance to an animal; other implementations may resemble other animals or objects; retaining loops or side wings may be narrow (e.g., comprising a narrow band) or they may be wider (e.g., configured to cover a significant part of the bottle); side wings or a retaining loop may be configured to have insulative properties (e.g., to insulate milk within the bottle).

[0015] In certain embodiments, a system of the present invention includes a warming or heating element. A warming or heating element may provide a comfort to a baby or provide heat to a bottle or reduce the rate of cooling of a bottle. In certain such embodiments, a warming or heating element may be included in or on one or more of the plush characters 104, one or more of wings 110a and 110b (if used) or retaining loop 410. In one embodiment, a heating element contains a natural or organic heat retention source which will provide sustained heating and cooling periods due to an improved moisture content. Suitable sources include all-natural free-flowing grains, a dried bean filling, or seeds such as wheat or flax seeds. In one aspect, the heating element is removable and microwavable, where the plush character includes a clasp or zipper forming a pocketed enclosure where the warmed heating element can be inserted. In certain embodiments, the heat provided is a moist heat. For such heating element purposes, Canadian Patent Application CA2168990A1 and US Patent No. 10172738 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0016] In other embodiments, the heating element can include a dried plant, herb, or flower (i.e. lavender, eucalyptus) that retains heat and emits an aroma when warmed (e.g., in a microwave) to elicit calming, soothing, or similar responses for the baby and caregiver. In such embodiments, the grain or dried beans act as a natural thermal conductor while the dried buds infuse the air with the essence of the flower, herb, or plant. Such can emit a natural and / or pleasant-smelling aroma of any kind. Similarly, a odor-absorbing elementAttorney Docket No. 11080013.00007119, for use in the present invention, can be purposefully scented with a pleasant smell, e.g,, lavender or eucalyptus. Without wishing to be bound by theory, certain smells, including lavender, can help with pain control and improve maternal mood, which would help with stress of a baby with caregivers, especially if bottle feeding is stressful experience for babies and caregivers. Further information on such aromatherapy can be found in PMC9999098, titled Efficacy of Aromatherapy for Night Crying in Infants with Infantile Colic: A DoubleBlind Randomized Controlled Trial, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.Methods of Use

[0017] In certain embodiments, the system can be used to soothe an infant outside of feeding and optionally decrease resistance to feeding. It can also be used with infants who do or do not experience bottle refusal and can be used as a bonding and soothing mechanism when the mother is not present. In certain other embodiments, the system can be used to retain a desirable scent (e.g., the mother’s scent) and transfer the desirable scent to additional odorabsorbing elements without further contact or involvement of the original source of the scent.A. Soothing of an Infant

[0018] In certain embodiments, the system can be provided to an infant outside of feeding (e.g., during playtime). In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the infant will recognize the scent provided by the system and thereby feel less anxious because the infant’s prior positive associations with the scent.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the system is provided to an infant that experiences bottle refusal (i.e. refuses to accept a bottle altogether or previously accepted and bottle and now will not accept a bottle for unknown non-medical reasons) such that in the absence of the system the infant may reject up to 3% to 5%, 5% to 10%, 10% to 15%, or 15% to 20% or up to 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% of bottle feeding attempts. Using a system of the present invention, the infant rejection rate to bottle feeding is reduced by 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or 70% or more.

[0020] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is contemplated that the system of the invention provides one or both of a visual distraction while maintaining a trusted caregiver’s (e.g., mother) scent in close proximity.

[0021] Additionally, the use of this embodiment is not limited to those whose babies experience bottle refusal. A mother’s scent exhibits similar positive benefits in babies whoAttorney Docket No. 11080013.00007 are not breastfed, and these babies can also benefit from such an invention during daily activities.B. Transference to Additional Odor-absorbing Elements

[0022] As noted above, in certain embodiments a plush character 404 includes a pocket 407 that is configured to releasably retain an odor-absorbing element 419. However, in certain embodiments, when the odor-absorbing element is retained, the plush character can absorb odor by transference from the initial odor-absorbing element. In certain embodiments, the initial odor-absorbing element 419 is contacted with the plush character 404 for a time sufficient to transfer odor from the element 419 to plush character 404. In certain embodiments, an amount of odor is transferred that is sufficient to have a soothing effect on the infant in the absence of the element 419. In some embodiments, the odor-absorbing element 419 is contacted with the plush character 404 for 5, 10, 15 or 20 minutes. In some embodiments, the contact for a given time is repeated 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 times. Such embodiments have an advantage of retaining a soothing odor in use even when element 419 is not present (e.g., element 419 is being cleaned or otherwise sanitized).

[0023] In certain other embodiments, when a plush character 404 has been sufficiently contacted with an initial odor-absorbing element 419, the plush character 404 can itself then transfer odor to one or more articles. Such secondary transference can be accomplished by contacting an article with the plush character 404 for 5, 10, 15 or 20 minutes. Though not required, such contact may be in the same vicinity as the odor-absorbing element 419 earlier contacted the plush character 404. In some embodiments, the contact for a given time is repeated 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 times.

[0024] Such articles for secondary transference may be one or more odor-absorbing elements 419, or different odor-absorbing articles.

[0025] Such embodiments have the advantage of creating “copies” of the soothing scent provided by either the initial odor-absorbing element 419 and / or plush character 404, without the explicit involvement of the initial odor or scent provider (e.g., the mother), where such additional articles may be given to other caregivers or releasably retained with additional plush characters.Examples:

[0026] Non-limiting examples and results are set forth as follows:Attorney Docket No. 11080013.00007Example 1

[0027] During product beta testing, nine infants were selected, where each infant experienced some degree of bottle refusal for non-medical reasons (i.e. high refusers: never accepted a bottle to low refusers: would accept a bottle but refusal still existed to some degree).Example 2

[0028] For each infant of Example 1 the following testing protocol was used: to first wash and dry the plush character and odor-absorbing element. Next, the mother of the infant would wear the odor-absorbing element for a minimum of two hours closest to the mammary glands. Lastly, the odor-absorbing element was sealed in a plastic bag until use. Nonmother Testers, were also instructed to incorporate the plush character into the infant’s playtime routine.Example 3

[0029] The Product was tested during bottle feeding and the non-m other Testers were instructed to feed the infant without the mother being present in the same room. Data was collected formally (i.e. anonymous survey) and informally (i.e. text messages, social media messages).Example 4

[0030] All Testers reported that (1) their infant accepted the bottle and (2) overall saw improvement with bottle feeding (3) confirming benefits to the infant.Example 5

[0031] A mother was provided a Product for an infant having weight below the first percentile, where the low weight was attributed to frequent distraction during bottle feeding. Upon use of the Product during feedings, the infant demonstrated noticeable improved feeding performance and the ability to complete feedings.Attorney Docket No. 11080013.00007

[0032] The present invention satisfies a public need and many other variations are possible, and modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings provided herein without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the scope includes all aspects falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 11080013.00007CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A system comprising: a plush character having a body with a pocket and a retention member; an odor-absorbing element that is configured to be disposed in the pocket; and an infant bottle; wherein the retention member is configured to wrap around and secure the plush character to the infant bottle.

2. A system comprising: a plush character having a body with a pocket, a first side wing with a first connecting element and a second side wing with a second connecting element or a retaining loop; an odor-absorbing element that is configured to be disposed in the pocket; and an infant bottle; wherein the first connecting element and the second connecting element are configured to releasably secure to each other, such that the first side wing and the second side wing can be wrapped around and secured to the infant bottle.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein at least one of the first connecting element and the second connecting element comprise a hook, an eyelet, a loop, a clasp, a snap, a buckle, or a portion of a hook-and-loop fastening system.

4. A method comprising: providing (i) a plush character having a body with a pocket, a first side wing with a first connecting element and a second side wing with a second connecting element or a retaining loop; (ii) an odor-absorbing element that is configured to be disposed in the pocket; and (iii) an infant bottle; wrapping the first side wing and the second side wing around the infant bottle and securing the first side wing to the second side wing with the first connecting element and the second connecting element or a retaining loop; disposing the odor-absorbing element in contact with a first caregiver such that an odor of the first caregiver is absorbed by the odor-absorbing element;Attorney Docket No. 11080013.00007 transferring the odor-absorbing element to the pocket; offering, by a second caregiver that is different than the first caregiver, the infant bottle with the plush character and the odor-absorbing element to an infant user.

5. The method of claim of 4, wherein the first connecting element and the second connecting element are configured to releasably secure to each other, such that the first side wing and the second side wing can be wrapped around and secured to the infant bottle or a retaining loop.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the odor-absorbing element is removed from the plush character and a second odor-absorbing element is contacted with the plush character.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the second odor-absorbing element is contacted with the plush character for a time sufficient to transfer odor from the plush character to the second odor-absorbing element.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the second odor-absorbing element is removed from the plush character and disposed in a pocket of a second plush character.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a heating element.

10. The method of claim 4, wherein the plus character further comprises a heating element.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the heating element includes all-natural free- flowing grains or a dried bean filling.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the heating element emits an aroma when warmed.

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