Abstract:
A breastfeeding assist timepiece includes a housing containing a first live time display and a second resettable static time display. A left/right side indicator is defined at a further location of said housing. In use, the static time display is continuously reset to a time of a most recently completed feeding, with the left/right side indicator further designating a left or right breast employed first in the most recent feeding and in order to more accurately predict the timing of a present or future feeding, as well as which breast to be initially employed in that feeding.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/099,026 filed on Sep. 22, 2008. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a timepiece device for use by breast feeding mothers. More particularly, the present invention discloses a wearable breastfeeding watch, and which includes a first live time display and a second dummy and iteratively reset display. A Left/Right display is also provided and which, when set to a side in which a most recent feeding initiated, assists in establishing a dual-breast feeding cadence, and which allows the user to resume a future feeding such as with the alternate breast. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Timer devices are well known in the relevant art. A particular subset species of timers specifically deals with baby care timers, such as reminding iterative feeding and napping times. 
     The itzbeen baby timer teaches a portable device with up to four digital timers, such as which can correspond to changing, feeding, sleeping, and medication schedules. Of note, the itzbeen device includes a nursing reminder with a left/right side indicator. 
     A related disclosure teaching a breast feeding timer is described in Juve U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,391 and incorporates an electronic circuit for counting an elapsed time in minutes succeeding a previously initiated nursing session. The elapsed time is presented upon a visual display which also includes a left/right side breast sub-display for indicating the breast from which the baby was last fed. The timer also includes a reference clock, clock counter, alarm counter and three digit digital display including separate right/left sub-displays, and an audible alarm. 
     German reference DE 101 29 621 teaches a breast feeding watch with an analog face and within which is set twin digital dynamic displays, each being a chronograph dynamically displaying the duration of time since the last feeding from either a left or right side breast. 
     Reiner U.S. Pat. No. 5,691,932 teaches a care giver data collection and reminder system for providing a range of baby care information entry fields, among them including feeding times and left/right side breast indicator. 
     Additional references of note include Nomura U.S. Pat. No. 4,338,680, which teaches an earlier version of analog display watch with digital inset for displaying alarm time information as well as the dual timing event stopwatch of Rose U.S. Pat. No. 4,505,595. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention discloses a wearable breastfeeding wristwatch which is an improvement over prior art breastfeeding watches and timer devices in that it provides a more convenient display and user functionality for comparing a current elapsing time with a static display time, combined with a left/right indicator for determining the breast employed in a previous feeding session. The present invention further discloses a series of additional variants incorporating any of a number of features including superimposed analog displays on a dial face, a left/right display incorporated into a rotating bezel, a static time display incorporated into either an analog or digital inset, as well as assorted digital displays including combining a digital static time indicator with left and right side breast indication, this being manually set through activation of lower positioned push buttons. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental perspective view of the breast feeding watch according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of a timepiece device according to the present invention, and by which an upper display indicates a current time; 
         FIG. 3  is a similar illustration and further indicating the features of a bottom static and manually re-adjustable display, this being continuously reset to a time of last feeding; 
         FIG. 4  is a further succeeding illustration and showing the feature of the Left/Right indicator; 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration showing the manner in which the present device operates in a first predictive fashion to estimate a future expected feeding time (based upon the last feeding time indicated on the statically reset dial), as well as a second cadence indicating fashion in which, by indicating which side (left or right breast) was previously employed at the commencement of the last feeding, what side is preferred at the initiation of the next feeding (the alternate); 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of a further variant in which static and dynamic analog displays are superimposed on a dial face, combined with a separate left/right side indicator; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates another variant combining the superimposed analog displays of  FIG. 6  with a rotating left/right indicating bezel; 
         FIG. 8  is illustrates another variant in which the rotating bezel of  FIG. 7  is combined with a static inset analog display in the form of a small dial; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates another variant in which the static analog display of  FIG. 8  is substituted by a digital inset display combined with a left/right breast indicator and which is (re)set by a pair of push buttons located along the bottom of the bezel display; and 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a still further variant in which both dynamic and static displays are provided in digital fashion upon a dial face. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the present invention discloses a wearable breastfeeding watch including a timepiece casing  10  exhibiting a display face  12  and further showing first  14  and second  16  end engageable straps portions extending from opposite ends of the casing. As further shown, the display face  12  includes a first (live or dynamic) analog time display  18  and a second likewise analog (dummy or static) and iteratively resettable display  20 . Although not described in detail, it is understood that the breastfeeding watches, according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein, incorporates suitable gear geometry and/or digital processing components for providing optimal functionality. 
     A Left/Right indicator  22  is also provided and which, when set to a side in which a most recent feeding occurred, assists in establishing a dual-breast feeding cadence, and which allows the user to resume a future feeding such as with the other breast. Also shown at  24  is a first pull out and reset dial associated with the live display  18 , and further at  26  is a second two position reset dial for controlling, in a first pull-out position, the left or right side indicator  22  and, in a second further pull-out position, the reset static time  20 . Other envisioned variants include the two-position reset dial controlling in one pull-out position, either of the reset static time  20  or right/left side indicator  22 . The terms dial, crown and knob are also understood to be used interchangeably when referencing the elements  24  and  26 . 
     The incorporation of the device as a wearable timepiece is a preferred application, and given the high degree of mobility which normally attends daily life. That said, it is also envisioned that the timepiece device can also be provided as a table-top display, such as positioned proximate a feeding chair and in instances where a prolonged period of successive feedings are intended to occur at a static location. 
     The timepiece, according to other desired embodiments, can also constitute such as a wearable pendant, and such as which can be utilized in combination with a chain or the like (not shown). As is also known, a battery (e.g. lithium ion) or other portable power source is provided for operating the live/dynamic display, as well as any digital aspects associated with the static display or left/right indicator and as will be subsequently described in more detail with reference to the alternate variants of  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
       FIGS. 2-5  illustrate in further detail the protocol surrounding the operation of the breastfeeding wristwatch  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . Referring first to  FIG. 2 , an illustration is shown similar to that in  FIG. 1  and further indicating the features of the bottom static and manually re-adjustable display  20  being iteratively and manually reset, via associated two position reset dial  26 , to a time of last feeding. As such the bottom display  20  does not advance unless prompted by the user. 
     Each time the user breastfeeds, the user resets the bottom display  20  to the time of the feeding via dial  26 . By the example shown in  FIG. 3 , breast feeding started at 1:00 pm (which is indicated on the upper dial  18 ) and, hence, the lower time display  20  is reset to this time (see also arrow  28 ). 
     As further shown in  FIG. 4 , the feature of a Left/Right (breast) side indicator is again shown, at  22 , and which is iterated between “L” and “R” side designations, such as by repositioning the reset dial  26  to a second position. The indicator  22  is successively reset by the dial  26  (see arrow  30  which differs from arrow  28  in  FIG. 3  in that it represents the second adjustment position associated with dial  26 ), each time the user breast feeds, to the last breast at which feeding initiated (i.e. either the left or right). 
     It is also noted that the baby may feed from both breasts at a given feeding. The present invention allows breast feeding person to keep track of which side feeding started on in order to ensure 1) fully emptying at least one breast and 2) alternating sides to ensure balanced milk production. 
       FIG. 5  is a further illustration showing the manner in which the present device operates in a first predictive fashion to estimate a future expected feeding time (based upon the last feeding time indicated on the statically reset dial). A second cadence promoting fashion also instructs, by indicating which breast was previously employed at the commencement of the last feeding, what side is preferred at the initiation of the next feeding (the alternate). Upper arrow  32  also represents the optional readjustment aspect of the dial  24  relative to the live/dynamic display and on an as-needed basis. 
     In the example illustrated, and as time progresses, the user can reference the lower (statically reset) display  20  to recall how much time has elapsed since the last breast feeding occurred. As illustrated, the last feeding was at 1:00 (again display  20 ), and which was 2 hours earlier than the current indicated time (3:00) indicated by the upper (live) display  18 . This feature helps to predict the time for the next feeding, as well as providing for better interpretive analysis of the baby&#39;s crying. Additionally, the breast feeding person can reference the L/R indicator to know which side the baby was last initially fed on, and hence, which side is preferred for the upcoming feeding (the other breast). 
     The left/right indicator is manually adjusted in this fashion, and thereby establishes a pattern, or cadence, this allowing the mother to keep track of which is the appropriate breast to use initially during feeding. Further, the left/right indicator supports two distinct methodologies of breastfeeding (among potentially others); single breast per feeding or both (dual) breasts per feeding. The former consists of the mother offering only one breast to the infant for a given feeding and then alternating which side is offered at the next feeding (e.g., ˜3 hours later). Symbolically, this may be shown as:
         L, R, L, R, L, R, etc.       

     Where each letter representing left or right constitutes a single feeding separated by commas in the above series. The latter method (both breasts per feeding) is believed to be more healthful for the infant as it ensures that the baby ingests hind-milk (see below) as it guarantees that the infant will completely empty the first breast (e.g. left) before continuing feeding on the second breast (e.g. right). Again, in this methodology, the mother alternates sides from which to initiate feeding and this may be symbolically described as:
         L-R, R-L, L-R, R-L, etc.       

     Most importantly, the left/right indicator of the invention supports both, or other, methodologies, and hence, is an advancement over prior art. In particular, the dual breast cadence has not previously been supported effectively elsewhere. 
     It has been well documented that managing breast feeding cadence imparts significant health benefits for the infant. In particular, it is known from available medical research the importance of ensuring that the infant ingests hind-milk (this being released at the end of the feeding from a given breast), and which is known to have a higher fat content as compared to foremilk (this released by a given breast at the start of the feeding). The further significance of hind-milk is that it contains a predominant amount of the calories and nutrients (as compared to foremilk), this further having been documented to reduce colic and critical in avoiding lactose mal-absorption, a painful condition which can cause malnutrition and diarrhea in the infant. 
     Referring to each of  FIGS. 6-10 , a series of alternate variants are depicted of the breastfeeding watch. Beginning with  FIG. 6 , illustrated is a further variant in which a redesigned display face  34  incorporates both static (hour hand  36  and minute hand  38 ) and dynamic (hour hand  40  and minute hand  42 ) analog displays which are superimposed on a common supporting axis associated with the dial face  34 , and combined with a separate left/right side indicator  44 . 
     To avoid confusion, the respective pairs of dynamic and static hands can be designed or dimensional differently (e.g. different shapes or sizes), or can be colored differently, such as by selecting easily differentiable colors (e.g. red and black respectively). It is also envisioned that either or both of the pairs of arms can include phosphorescent or fluorescent capabilities, in order to assist in being easily visible in the dark. Without limitation, appropriate backlighting capabilities can also be incorporated into any of the watch casings disclosed in the several embodiments herein. 
     A right side located dial  46  adjusts in either of first and second positions the static hour  36  and minute  38  hands, as well as the left/right indicator  44 . A left side located dial  48  is also provided for resetting the dynamic hands  40  and  42 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates another variant in which a redesigned (rounded) face  50  combines the superimposed analog displays of  FIG. 6  (see again static hands  36  and  38  with dynamic hands  40  and  42 ). The indicator  44  in  FIG. 6  is removed and is substituted by a rotatable and outer ring shaped bezel  52 , this further including an arrow, or other indicating feature, designation  54  which is rotated 180° between a first position (shown) in which it aligns with a left side indicia marking  56  and a second position (shown in phantom) in which it further aligns with a right side indicia marking  58 . 
     The rotating bezel and left and right side indicia, can incorporate other types of indicator markings, not limited to the use of color coding or shapes, and can include such as jewels (crystals) placed on left and right sides of the dial face in substitution to that shown. Hence, such left and right side indicia may be explicitly represented with letters L and R or implicitly with jewels or other markers, located on the left and right side of the timepiece, accordingly. Additional features include one position adjustment dial  60  for resetting static arms  36  and  38 , as well as corresponding dial  62  for resetting dynamic hands  40  and  42 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , illustrated is another variant in which the rotating bezel  52  of  FIG. 7  is combined with a redesigned casing and face  64  in which the analog hands  40  and  42  are combined with a redesigned and static smaller sized inset analog display  66 . Adjustment dials  60  and  62  are repeated from  FIG. 7  and function similarly in this variant. It is also envisioned that the rotating bezel can be substituted in favor of a left/right window display such as is previously shown at  44  in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates another variant in which the static analog display of  FIG. 8  is substituted by a digital inset display  68  combining a left/right breast indicator and incorporated into a further revised display  70 . A pair of push buttons are provided and include L/R button  72  and time button  74 , these being located along the bottom of a bezel display and which are individually depressible in order the L/R and time components of the combined display  68  are controlled and manipulated. Dial  76  is also provided along a side of the casing to set the actual hands  40  and  42 . 
     Finally,  FIG. 10  illustrates a still further variant in which a combined casing and face  78  incorporates both a dynamic digital display  80  in combination with the digital static display  68  previously shown in  FIG. 9 . Features include the actual time  80  also including a date indication and which is reset by dial  82 . L/R and Time buttons  72  and  74  are again illustrated along a bottom of the display. Additionally provided is a feed time button  84  and which can optionally trigger the static display  68  to operate as a live/dynamic display. The feed time  84  can also function as a chronograph (i.e., to show the elapsed time when the button is depressed). 
     Having described my invention, other and additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims.