GB2560697A

GB2560697A - Baby feeding apparatus with bib, feeding bottle holder and feeding angle adjuster

Info

Publication number: GB2560697A
Application number: GB1703278.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lee Lonngren Charlotte
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-02-28
Filing date: 2017-02-28
Publication date: 2018-09-26
Anticipated expiration: 2037-02-28
Also published as: GB2560697B; GB201703278D0

Abstract

Apparatus (2) for feeding a baby, comprising a bib (4), a holder (6) for holding a feeding bottle for the baby, and a feeding angle adjuster (8), the bib comprising a wedge-shaped portion (10) for causing the feeding bottle to tilt towards the baby; the holder (6) being on a first side (12) of the bib; the feeding angle adjuster being on a second side (14) of the bib (4); the second side (14) is nearer to the baby than the first side (12) in use; the feeding angle adjuster (8) being releasably attached to the second side (14) of the bib such that the bottle is at a first angle when it is detached and at a second angle when it is attached. Preferably the angle adjuster is a pillow, a thick strip of material or an inflatable member. Preferably the bib is attached to the infants neck first and second hook shaped arms (18, 20) which are not connected together.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Baby feeding apparatus with bib, feeding bottle holder and feeding angle adjuster Abstract Title: Baby feeder with bib, bottle holder and angle adjuster (57) Apparatus (2) for feeding a baby, comprising a bib (4), a holder (6) for holding a feeding bottle for the baby, and a feeding angle adjuster (8), the bib comprising a wedgeshaped portion (10) for causing the feeding bottle to tilt towards the baby; the holder (6) being on a first side (12) of the bib; the feeding angle adjuster being on a second side (14) of the bib (4); the second side (14) is nearer to the baby than the first side (12) in use; the feeding angle adjuster (8) being releasably attached to the second side (14) of the bib such that the bottle is at a first angle when it is detached and at a second angle when it is attached. Preferably the angle adjuster is a pillow, a thick strip of material or an inflatable member. Preferably the bib is attached to the infant’s neck first and second hook shaped arms (18, 20) which are not connected together.

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BABY FEEDING APPARATUS WITH BIB, FEEDING BOTTLE HOLDER,

AND FEEDING ANGLE ADJUSTER

This invention relates to apparatus for feeding a baby. More especially, this invention relates to apparatus which is for feeding a baby and which comprises a bib and a feeding bottle holder.

There are many different types of apparatus which are for feeding a baby and which comprise a bib and a feeding bottle holder. The bib comprises a wedge-shaped portion for causing a feeding bottle in the feeding bottle holder to tilt towards the baby. The tilting of the feeding bottle towards the baby facilitates the ease with which the baby can suck on a teat which forms part of the feeding bottle, and through which a feeding liquid, for example milk, in the feeding bottle is able to be obtained. The wedge-shaped portion operates well when the baby is in a semi-reclined position. However, as the baby gets older, or if there is less feeding required in the feeding bottle, the baby tends to sit more and more upright. The more upright the baby sits, the less is the tilt of the feeding bottle towards the baby, and this may cause feeding problems with the baby not being able to suck the liquid from the bottle. Even when the baby is quite reclined and the feeding bottle is at a position of maximum tilt, the baby may still have trouble in obtaining the last portion of feeding liquid from the bottom of the feeding bottle.

It is an aim of the present invention to reduce the above mentioned problems.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided apparatus for feeding a baby, which apparatus comprises a bib, a holder for holding a feeding bottle for the baby, and a feeding angle adjuster, and the apparatus being such that:

(i) the bib comprises a wedge-shaped portion for causing the feeding bottle to tilt towards the baby;

(ii) the holder is on a first side of the bib;

(iii) the feeding angle adjuster is on a second side of the bib;

(iv) the second side is nearer to the baby than the first side in use of the apparatus;

(v) the feeding angle adjuster is releasably attached to the second side of the bib;

(vi) the feeding bottle is inclined at a first angle of inclination when the feeding angle adjuster is not attached to the second side of the bib;

(vii) the feeding bottle is inclined at a second angle of inclination when the feeding angle adjuster is attached to the second side of the bib; and (viii) the second angle of inclination is greater than the first angle of inclination.

The apparatus of the present invention is advantageous in that the feeding angle adjuster is able to provide an extra feeding angle for the feeding bottle. Because the feeding angle adjuster is releasably attached to the second side of the bib, the apparatus of the present invention can be used without the feeding angle adjuster when the baby is very young and will normally be in one single reclined position. However, when the baby starts to get older and it may be more comfortable for the baby to sit up more. In this case the feeding angle adjuster can be attached to the second side of the bib, and thereby increase the angle of tilt of the feeding bottle towards the baby. Thus, the apparatus of the present invention is able to ensure that the baby is able to feed comfortably and with good access to the feeding liquid in the feeding bottle, in spite of the fact that the feeding position of the baby may be altered by a parent or carer.

The apparatus may include securing means for securing the bib to the baby.

Preferably, the securing means is a neck securing means for securing around the neck of the baby. Also preferably the neck securing means is formed by first and second hook formations that face each other and that are not connected together. The first and second hook formations may be at the ends of first and second arm portions forming part of the bib, there being one of the hook formations on each one of the arm portions. The neck securing means is preferably sufficiently rigid that it is able to stay on the baby’s neck as required, whilst at the same time being sufficiently soft that it is suitable for a baby.

The apparatus may be one in which the feeding angle adjuster is releasably attached to the second side of the bib by releasable fastener means. Preferably, the releasable fastener means is hook and loop fastener means. The hook and loop fastener means is typically of the type that requires pressing together for fastener purposes, and pulling apart for release purposes. Preferably the hook and loop fastener means is that sold under the Registered Trade Mark Velcro. Other types of releasable fastener means may be employed so that, for example, the releasable fastener means may be press studs.

The apparatus may be one in which the feeding angle adjuster is releasably attachable to the second side of the bib at one position only, whereby the feeding angle adjuster is releasably attachable in one position only for providing one angle of inclination only.

Alternatively, the apparatus may be one in which the feeding angle adjuster is releasably secured to the second side of the bib in a plurality of positions, whereby the feeding angle adjuster is releasably attachable in a plurality of positions for providing a plurality of the angles of inclination.

Usually, the feeding angle adjuster will extend transversely across the bib. The feeding angle adjuster may extend in other directions if desired.

The feeding angle adjuster may be of any cross-sectional shape that provides the required increase in the angle of inclination of the feeding bottle. Thus, for example, the feeding angle adjuster may be a pillow or a thick strip of material. The feeding angle adjuster can be of different depths and dimensions. The feeding angle adjuster may be an inflatable feeding angle adjuster. Other constructions for the feeding angle adjuster means may be employed.

The bib may be a padded bib. The bib may be one in which the wedgeshaped portion comprises a flexible covering and filling. The flexible covering may be made of any suitable and appropriate material including soft fabrics, wipe-clean materials, leather, and plastics materials. The filling may be any suitable and appropriate filling. The wedge-shaped portion may alternatively be an inflatable wedge-shaped portion. The feeding angle adjuster may be formed of the same materials as the wedge-shaped portion, or the feeding angle adjuster may be formed of different materials than the wedge-shaped portion.

The apparatus may be one in which the holder is an elasticated holder. The elasticated holder facilitates the easy insertion of a feeding bottle in the holder. Also, the elasticated holder is able to accommodate feeding bottles of different sizes. The elasticated holder is able to grip the feeding bottle so as to hold it securely in position during the feeding process. The elasticated holder may be open at its bottom end, whereby the feeding bottle is able to be pushed through the elasticated pocket and located at an appropriate position for feeding.

The apparatus of the present invention may include a tie for fitting loosely around the neck of the baby and for ensuring that the apparatus remains loosely attached to the baby when the apparatus is not in use. The tie may then stop the apparatus falling on the floor when not in use. The tie may be a strip of flexible material. Other types of tie may be employed.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which;

Figure 1 is a perspective view from the front and one side of the first apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a front view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a view from the rear and one side of the apparatus shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a rear view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a rear view like Figure 5 but without the feeding angle adjuster shown in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5;

Figures 7-12 are like Figures 1-6 respectively, but show second apparatus of the present invention;

Figures 13 - 18 are like Figures 1-6 respectively, but show third apparatus of the present invention; and

Figure 19 shows apparatus of the present invention in use on a baby.

Referring to Figures 1-6, there is shown apparatus 2 for feeding a baby (not shown). The apparatus 2 comprises a bib 4, and a holder 6 for holding a feeding bottle (not shown) for the baby. The apparatus 2 also comprises a feeding angle adjuster 8.

The apparatus 2 is such that the bib 4 comprises a wedge-shaped portion 10 for causing the feeding bottle to tilt towards the baby. The holder 6 is on a first side 12 of the bib 4. The feeding angle adjuster 8 is on a second side 14 of the bib 4. The second side 14 is nearer to the baby than the first side in use of the apparatus 2. The feeding angle adjuster 8 is releasably attached to the second side 14 of the bib 4.

The feeding bottle is inclined at a first angle of inclination when the feeding angle adjuster 8 is not attached to the second side 14 of the bib 4. The feeding bottle is inclined at a second angle of inclination when the feeding angle adjuster 8 is attached to the second side 14 of the bib 4. The second angle of inclination is greater than the first angle of inclination. This enables the apparatus 2 to be used in two modes. The first mode is without the feeding angle adjuster 8. The baby will then normally be fed in a typical semi-reclined position and the wedge-shaped portion 10 will cause the feeding bottle to be at the required angle of inclination towards the baby. However, if a parent or carer should choose to reduce the angle of recline of the baby at feeding times, for example as the baby gets older or if there is less feeding liquid in the feeding bottle, then the apparatus can be used if desired With the feeding angle adjuster 8. The feeding angle adjuster 8 is able to decrease the angle of inclination of the feeding bottle towards the baby, and thereby compensate for the increased angle that the baby may be reclining at. Thus at all times the baby is able to feed easily, and obtain substantially all the feeding liquid, for example milk, from the feeding bottle.

The apparatus 2 includes securing means 16 for securing the bib 4 to the baby. The securing means 16 is a neck securing means 16 for securing around the neck of the baby. The neck securing means 16 is formed by first and second hook formations 18, 20 respectively. The first and second hook formations 18, 20 face each other. The first and second formations 18, 20 are however such that they are not connected together. As shown, the first and second hook formations 18, 20 define between them a gap 22. First and second hook formations 18, 20 are at the ends of first and second arm portions 24, 26 respectively. First and second arm portions 24, 26 form part of the bib 4. There is one of the hook formations 18, 20 on each one of the arm portions 24, 26.

The feeding angle adjuster 8 is releasably attached to the second side 14 of the bib 4 by fastener means in the form of hook and loop fastener means 28. The hook and loop fastener means 28 comprises two strips of Velcro (Registered Trade Mark) material. The Velcro material preferably is baby soft Velcro. One strip 30 is shown in Figure 12 and is on the second side 14 of the bib 4. The other complementary strip is not shown but is it on the face 32 of the feeding angle adjuster 8, and it releasably attaches to the strip 30. The feeding angle adjuster 8 is attached in position by pushing the two strips together. The feeding angle adjuster 8 is removed by pulling the two strips apart. When the feeding angle adjuster 8 is in position, then it is releasably attached to the second side 14 of the bib 4 at basically one position only, whereby the feeding angle adjuster 8 is releasably attachable in that one position only for providing one angle of inclination only.

As shown, the feeding angle adjuster 8 extends transversely across the bib 4. The feeding angle adjuster 8 is shown in the form of a pillow. As shown in Figure 2, the feeding angle adjuster 8 has a base 34.

The holder 6 is an elasticated holder in the form of an elasticated pocket. The holder 6 is such that the elasticated pocket does not have a bottom. Thus the feeding bottle is able to extend through the holder 6 and thus be adjusted relatively to the apparatus 2 such that the teat of the feeding bottle is appropriately positioned for being sucked by the baby.

The apparatus 2 includes a tie 36. The tie 36 is for fitting loosely around the neck of the baby, and for ensuring that the apparatus 2 remains loosely attached to the baby when the apparatus 2 is not in use. The tie 36 comprises a strip of material 38 which is secured at one end 40 to the first hook formation 18. After having been passed around the baby’s neck, the strip of material 38 is able to be releasably attached in positon. This releasable attaching is effective by two strips 42, 44 of hook and loop material, preferably Velcro (Registered Trade Mark).

Referring now to Figures 7-12, there is shown second apparatus 46 of the present invention. The second apparatus 46 is like the first apparatus 2 and similar parts have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. As can best be appreciated from a comparison of Figures 3 and 9, the bib 4 is of a different shape in the apparatus 46 as compared to the apparatus 2. More specifically, the bib 4 in the apparatus 2 is not waisted. The bib 4 in the apparatus 46 is waisted.

Figures 13-18 show third apparatus 48. The third apparatus 48 is like the first apparatus 2 and similar parts have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. As can best be appreciated from a comparison of Figures 3 and 15, the apparatus 48 is more bell-shaped than the apparatus 2.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the apparatus 2,46, 48 may be of other shapes. The bib 4, the holder 6, the feeding angle adjuster 8 and the wedge-shaped portion 10 may be of other shapes. The strips 42, 44 may be replaced by other securing means, for example a press stud.

Referring to Figure 6, if two strips 30 are positioned to extend vertically on each illustrated side of the apparatus 2, instead of one vertically horizontally extending strip 30, then the feeding angle adjuster 8 could be secured at various positions along the vertically extending strips 30, and thereby provide the facility for having the feeding angle adjuster 8 releasably secured to the second side 14 of the bib 4 in a plurality of positions. This then gives a plurality of optimum feeding positions for the baby when the baby is reclined at a plurality of different reclining positions.

Figure 19 shows a baby 56 being fed with a baby bottle 58 using apparatus 2 as shown in Figure 1. The baby bottle 58 is shown positioned in the holder 6. The baby bottle 58 may be any baby bottle of known design, typically having a flexible or glass body for holding the feeding liquid such for example as milk, and a teat top. Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention. The invention also extends to the individual components mentioned and/or shown above, taken singly or in any combination.

Claims

1. Apparatus for feeding a baby, which apparatus comprises a bib, a holder for holding a feeding bottle for the baby, and a feeding angle adjuster, and the apparatus being such that:

(ii) the holder is on a first side of the bib;

(iii) the feeding angle adjuster is on a second side of the bib;

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and including securing means for securing the bib to the baby.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which the securing means is an neck securing means for securing around the neck of the baby.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 in which the neck securing means is formed by first and second hook formations that face each other and that are not connected together.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which the first and second hook formations are at the ends of first and second arm portions forming part of the bib, there being one of the hook formations on each one of the arm portions.

6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the feeding angle adjuster is releasably attached to the second side of the bib by hook and loop fastener means

7. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the feeding angle adjuster is releasably attachable to the second side of the bib at one position only, whereby the feeding angle adjuster is releasably attachable in one position only for providing one angle of inclination only.

8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 6 in which the feeding angle adjuster is releasably secured to the second side of the bib in a plurality of positions, whereby the feeding angle adjuster is releasably attachable in a plurality of positions for providing a plurality of the angles of inclination.

9. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the feeding angle adjuster extends transversely across the bib.

10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the feeding angle adjuster is a pillow, a thick strip of material or an inflatable angle adjuster.

11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claim in which the wedge-shaped portion comprises a flexible cover and a filling.

12. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the holder is an elasticated holder.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12 in which the elasticated holder is open at its bottom end, whereby the feeding bottle is able to be pushed through the elasticated pocket and located at an appropriate feeding position.

14. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including a tie for fitting loosely around the neck of the baby and for ensuring that the apparatus remains loosely attached to the baby when the apparatus is not in use.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14 in which the tie is a strip of flexible material.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1703278.0 Examiner: Mr Chris Morris