Patent Abstract:
An integral locating system for child&#39;s drinkware accessories comprises a receiver with a speaker removably attached to a rear portion of each accessory. The speaker is activated by a remotely located transceiver preferably carried by or located adjacent to the parent or care provider. In such a manner, the parent or care provider can depress an activation button on the transceiver to locate the specific article. The article will alert in response period of seconds to allow the parent or care provider to locate it. The receiver unit is removable from the child&#39;s drinkware accessory to allow the article to be washed or sterilized. The receiver unit is placed in a central recharging station that accepts the different sized receivers for recharging.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/303,454 filed Feb. 11, 2010, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to infant caretaking devices including infant pacifiers and bottles, and in particular, to a wireless locating system for infant caretaking devices including infant pacifiers and bottles. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Misplacing small household items is one (1) of the most frustrating experiences of a daily routine. Such items become easily lost due to their small size, often falling in between seat cushions or under furniture, with no means to easily locate them. Other times, they may be accidentally carried from the room and left elsewhere in the home. 
     Some of the most frustrating objects to lose are child care items such as an infant bottle, sippy cup or pacifier. In addition to being an aggravation to locate the item, the situation is often exacerbated by the infant. In many cases, a caretaker does not being looking for a pacifier or bottle until the infant begins crying to indicate their need or desire of that item. As such, quick location and implementation is extremely desirable. In many cases, the infants themselves may throw, move, or otherwise misplace the item, making it nearly impossible for the caretaker to keep constant tabs on the location of all such items. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide item locating systems. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents, including U.S. Pat. No. 4,101,873; U.S. Pat. No. 4,476,469; U.S. Pat. No. 5,686,891; U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,981; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,161. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     While these systems fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such systems are only adapted for particular types of items. Also, many such systems do not work with a plurality of items simultaneously. Furthermore, many such systems do not compensate for the loss of a transmitting item locator portion. In addition, many such systems would render an infant item such as a bottle unable to be washed without damaging the system. Accordingly, there exists a need for a locating system for infant items without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a system by which a plurality of infant items including bottles and pacifiers can be quickly located without inhibiting the normal operation of those items. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a locating system primarily intended for child accessories such as infant bottles, infant cups, and pacifiers. 
     Another object of the present invention is to include a plurality of retaining caps which can removably engage any one (1) of a plurality of such child accessories. Each retaining cap includes a speaker, a receiver, and a removable battery which receive a wireless signal from a transceiver and provide an audible alert with the speaker. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to include at least one (1) bottle body which threadingly engages a retaining cap at a lower end and includes conventional bottle features such as a removable lid and a nipple. The removable nature of the retaining cap allows the electrical portions of the system to be removed prior to washing the bottle. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to include at least one (1) hollow cup which receives a retaining cap in a manner similar to the bottle. The cup includes conventional child cup features including a removable lid with a sipping portion. The removable nature of the receiver similarly allows the electrical portions of the system to be removed prior to washing the cup. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to include at least one (1) pacifier including a threaded member at a rear portion for threadingly receiving a retaining cap. The retaining cap for the pacifier may be of a smaller size than the retaining caps utilized for the bottle or cup so as to keep the pacifier compact and lightweight, but the pacifier retaining cap includes similar electrical components and functions. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the transceiver of a key-fob style housing, allowing a caretaker to activate the audible alerts on any number of retaining caps in a portable manner. The key-fob style transceiver provides a compact control attachable to a key ring and includes a push-button control which transmits a wireless signal to the receivers. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to prevent loss of the transceiver and subsequent failure of the system by providing an audible alert and speaker within the transceiver. The user can actuate a control button on the recharging station to transmit a wireless signal to the transceiver and thereby enable a user to locate the transceiver in a manner similar to the retaining caps. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of retaining caps, each including a rechargeable battery, such that the system can function in a continuous and modular manner. The recharging base includes a plurality of battery slots corresponding to the various sizes of batteries provided to the different retaining caps. A user can detach a battery from the corresponding retaining cap and place it against a pair of battery charging contacts within the appropriate battery slot to receive a charging current. The charging base is preferably connected to a household AC power supply. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow a user to selectively power off, power on, and monitor the status of the recharging base using a power button and a plurality of indicator lights which alert the user as to the charging and operating status of the system. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of acquiring a desired number of infant bottles, infant cups, and pacifiers along with the charging station and transceiver; plugging the charging station into a wall outlet; activating the charging station by pressing the power button; inserting a desired number of batteries into the battery slots based upon anticipated child accessories to be utilized; allowing a sufficient period of time for the batteries to charge; loading each battery into a respective retaining cap; threadingly attaching the retaining caps to each child accessory; allowing a child or children to utilize the child accessories in a normal manner; transmitting a signal to activate all utilized speakers which causes them to broadcast an audible alarm; locating and retrieving the child accessories; removing the batteries from the retaining caps; returning the batteries into the battery slots of the charging station until needed again; and utilizing the transmitter button portion of the charging station to locate the transceiver in an event of a misplaced transceiver. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of an infant bottle  20  which is utilized as part of a locating system for child accessories  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   a  is a bottom perspective view of the infant bottle  20  depicting an open bottle retaining cap  26 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   b  is a bottom perspective view of the bottle retaining cap  26 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   c  is a section view of the bottle retaining cap  26  taken along line A-A (see  FIG. 2   a ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of an infant cup  30  which is utilized as part of the locating system for child accessories  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a bottom perspective view of the infant cup  30  depicting an open cup retaining cap  35 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   b  is a bottom perspective view of the cup retaining cap  35 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   c  is a section view of the cup retaining cap  35  taken along line B-B (see  FIG. 4   a ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of a pacifier  40  which is utilized as part of the locating system for child accessories  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6   a  is a bottom perspective view of the pacifier  40  depicting an open pacifier retaining cap  45 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6   b  is a bottom perspective view of the pacifier retaining cap  45 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6   c  is a section view of the pacifier retaining cap  45  taken along line C-C (see  FIG. 6   a ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of a transceiver  60  which is also utilized as part of the locating system for child accessories  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom perspective view of the transceiver  60 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a recharging station  50  which is further utilized as part of the locating system for child accessories  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a section view of the recharging station  50  taken along line D-D (see  FIG. 9 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 11  is an electrical block diagram of the view of the locating system for child accessories  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                  10 
                 locating system for child accessories 
               
               
                   
                  20 
                 infant bottle 
               
               
                   
                  21 
                 bottle body 
               
               
                   
                  22 
                 bottle nipple 
               
               
                   
                  23 
                 bottle nipple retaining ring 
               
               
                   
                  24 
                 bottle cap 
               
               
                   
                  25 
                 bottle threaded member 
               
               
                   
                  26 
                 bottle retaining cap 
               
               
                   
                  27 
                 bottle retaining cap thread 
               
               
                   
                  28 
                 bottle retaining cap aperture 
               
               
                   
                  29a 
                 bottle receiver/speaker 
               
               
                   
                  29b 
                 bottle battery clip 
               
               
                   
                  30 
                 infant cup 
               
               
                   
                  31 
                 cup body 
               
               
                   
                  33 
                 cup lid/spout 
               
               
                   
                  34 
                 cup threaded member 
               
               
                   
                  35 
                 cup retaining cap 
               
               
                   
                  36 
                 cup retaining cap thread 
               
               
                   
                  37 
                 cup retaining cap aperture 
               
               
                   
                  38 
                 cup receiver/speaker 
               
               
                   
                  39 
                 cup battery clip 
               
               
                   
                  40 
                 pacifier 
               
               
                   
                  41 
                 pacifier cap 
               
               
                   
                  42 
                 pacifier body 
               
               
                   
                  43 
                 pacifier threaded member 
               
               
                   
                  44 
                 pacifier nipple 
               
               
                   
                  45 
                 pacifier retaining cap 
               
               
                   
                  46 
                 pacifier handle 
               
               
                   
                  47 
                 pacifier aperture 
               
               
                   
                  48 
                 pacifier retaining cap thread 
               
               
                   
                  49a 
                 pacifier receiver/speaker 
               
               
                   
                  49b 
                 pacifier battery clip 
               
               
                   
                  50 
                 recharging station 
               
               
                   
                  51 
                 recharging housing 
               
               
                   
                  52 
                 first battery slot 
               
               
                   
                  53 
                 cord 
               
               
                   
                  54 
                 second battery slot 
               
               
                   
                  55a 
                 first battery contact body 
               
               
                   
                  55b 
                 second battery contact body 
               
               
                   
                  56 
                 indicator light 
               
               
                   
                  57 
                 transmitter button 
               
               
                   
                  58 
                 power button 
               
               
                   
                  59 
                 charger transmitter 
               
               
                   
                  60 
                 transceiver 
               
               
                   
                  62 
                 transceiver body 
               
               
                   
                  64 
                 transceiver activation button 
               
               
                   
                  65 
                 transceiver aperture 
               
               
                   
                  66 
                 key ring 
               
               
                   
                  67 
                 transceiver battery compartment 
               
               
                   
                  68 
                 transceiver battery 
               
               
                   
                  69 
                 transceiver/speaker 
               
               
                   
                  70 
                 first battery 
               
               
                   
                  75 
                 second battery 
               
               
                   
                  81 
                 audible alarm 
               
               
                   
                 100 
                 first signal 
               
               
                   
                 110 
                 second signal 
               
               
                   
                 120 
                 electrical wiring 
               
               
                   
                 200 
                 key 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 11 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a locating system for child accessories (herein described as the “system”)  10 , which provides a locating system primarily intended to locate a child&#39;s accessory such as an infant bottle  20 , an infant cup  30 , or a pacifier  40 . The system  10  also provides a key fob transceiver  60 , which is carried by a parent or care provider on a key ring  66 . In such a manner, the parent or care provider can simply activate the transceiver  60  to locate the lost child accessory  20 ,  30 ,  40 . The child accessory  20 ,  30 ,  40  will in turn alert the care giver of its location via an emitted alarming sound. The system  10  also comprises a central recharging station  50 . The system  10  is purchased having a desired number and combination of infant bottles  20 , infant cups  30 , and pacifiers  40 , each to be of a conventional design; however, said bottles  20 , infant cups  30 , and pacifiers  40  are depicted here comprising enhanced locating features. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an exploded perspective view of the infant bottle  20  which is utilized as part of the system  10 ,  FIG. 2   a , a bottom perspective view of the infant bottle  20  depicting an open bottle retaining cap  26 ,  FIG. 2   b , a bottom perspective view of the bottle retaining cap  26 , and  FIG. 2   c , a section view of the bottle retaining cap  26  taken along line A-A (see  FIG. 2   a ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The infant bottle  20  comprises a common molded plastic liquid dispensing vessel having expected elements such as a cylindrical bottle body  21 , a bottle nipple  22 , a bottle nipple retaining ring  23 , and a bottle cap  24 . The bottle body  21  provides a containment means for fluid to be consumed by an infant. The bottle nipple  22  is a rubberized drinking teat which is removably attached to an upper portion of the bottle body  21  with a bottle nipple retaining ring  23  which threadably engages said upper portion of the bottle body  21 . The bottle cap  24  comprises a generally cylindrical shape which provides a sealing and protecting feature to the infant bottle  20  while in use. The bottle cap  24  preferably engages an upper portion of the bottle nipple retaining ring  23  via a friction fitting means. The infant bottle  20  may comprise various sizes, shapes, and other functional or aesthetic features without limiting the scope of the system  10 . 
     A bottom underside surface of the bottle body  21  comprises a hollow bottle threaded member  25  which enables a bottle retaining cap  26  to be removed or affixed to said bottle body  21 . The bottle threaded member  25  downwardly extends from and is integrally molded to the bottle body  21  further including a plurality of threads on an exterior circumference. The bottle threaded member  25  is positioned over the electronics within the bottle retaining cap  26 . The bottle retaining cap  26  comprises a plurality of bottle retaining cap threads  27  on an inner circumference which engage the threads on the bottle threaded member  25 . The threaded engaging of the bottle body  21  to the bottle retaining cap  26  is preferably a child-proof threaded design to discourage tampering. The bottle retaining cap  26  comprises the electronics used for searching for the misplaced infant bottle  20 . Positioned within the bottle retaining cap  26  are a bottle receiver/speaker  29   a  and a first battery  70 . The bottle receiver/speaker  29   a  comprises a miniature radio frequency (RF) receiver and a commercially available piezo-type miniature speaker unit. The bottle receiver/speaker  29   a  receives a first signal  100  (see  FIG. 11 ) from a transceiver  60  and broadcasts an audible alarm  81 . The audible alarm  81  is heard through a plurality of bottle retaining cap apertures  28  which are depicted on a rear surface of the bottle retaining cap  26  to alert a user of the location of the infant bottle  20 . The first battery  70  is secured into an electrically connected position with common bottle battery clips  29   b . With the first battery  70  within the bottle battery clips  29   b  current is directed to the bottle receiver/speaker  29   a  and awaits the first signal  100  to broadcast the audible alarm  81 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an exploded perspective view of the infant cup  30  which is utilized as part of the system  10 ,  FIG. 4   a , a bottom perspective view of the infant cup  30  depicting an open bottle retaining cap  35 ,  FIG. 4   b , bottom perspective view of the cup retaining cap  35 , and  FIG. 4   c , a section view of the cup retaining cap  35  taken along line B-B (see  FIG. 4   a ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The infant cup  30  comprises expected features such as a cylindrical cup body  31  and a cup lid/spout  33  as commonly found in similar devices. The cup body  31  provides a containment means for fluid to be consumed by an infant. The cup lid/spout  33  provides a drinking means and securing means to the internal fluid. The cup lid/spout  33  threadably engages said upper exterior portion of the cup body  31 . The infant cup  30  may comprise various sizes, shapes, and other functional or aesthetic features without limiting the scope of the system  10 . 
     A bottom underside surface of the cup body  31  comprises a hollow cup threaded member  34  which enables a cup retaining cap  35  to be removed or affixed as similar to the abovementioned infant bottle  20 . The cup threaded member  34  downwardly extends from and is integrally molded to the cup body  31  further including a plurality of threads on an exterior circumference. The cup retaining cap  35  comprises a plurality of cup retaining cap threads  36  on an inner circumference which engage the threads on the cup threaded member  34 . The threaded engaging of the cup body  31  to the cup retaining cap  35  is preferably a child-proof threaded design to discourage tampering. The cup retaining cap  35  comprises the electronics used for searching for the misplaced infant cup  30 . Positioned within the cup retaining cap  35  are a cup receiver/speaker  38  and a first battery  70 . The cup receiver/speaker  38  comprises a miniature radio frequency (RF) receiver and a commercially available piezo-type miniature speaker unit. The cup receiver/speaker  38  receives a first signal  100  (see  FIG. 11 ) from a transceiver  60  and broadcasts an audible alarm  81 . The audible alarm  81  is heard through a plurality of cup retaining cap apertures  37  which are depicted on a rear surface of the cup retaining cap  35  to alert a user of the location of the infant cup  30 . The first battery  70  is secured into an electrically connected position with the cup battery clips  39 . With the first battery  70  within the cup battery clips  39  current is directed to the cup receiver/speaker  38  and awaits the first signal  100  to broadcast the audible alarm  81 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an exploded perspective view of a pacifier  40  which is utilized as part of the system  10 ,  FIG. 6   a , a bottom perspective view of the pacifier  40  depicting an open pacifier retaining cap  45 ,  FIG. 6   b , a bottom perspective view of the pacifier retaining cap  45 , and  FIG. 6   c , a section view of the pacifier retaining cap  45  taken along line C-C (see  FIG. 6   a ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The pacifier  40  comprises expected features such as a pacifier cap  41 , a pacifier body  42 , a pacifier nipple  44 , and a pacifier handle  46 . The pacifier body  42  comprises a cylindrical shape and the pacifier nipple  44  is removable to enable it to be interchangeable within other nipple styles. The pacifier cap  41  protects the pacifier nipple  44  when the pacifier  40  is not being utilized. The pacifier  40  may comprise various sizes, shapes, and other functional or aesthetic features without limiting the scope of the system  10 . 
     A bottom underside surface of the pacifier body  42  comprises a hollow pacifier threaded member  43  which enables a pacifier retaining cap  45  to be removed or affixed as similar to the abovementioned infant bottle  20 . The pacifier threaded member  43  downwardly extends from and is integrally molded to the pacifier body  42  further including a plurality of threads on an exterior circumference. The pacifier retaining cap  45  comprises a plurality of pacifier retaining cap threads  48  on an inner circumference which engage the threads on the pacifier threaded member  43 . The threaded engaging of the pacifier body  42  to the pacifier retaining cap  45  is preferably a child-proof screw-on design to discourage tampering. The pacifier retaining cap  45  comprises the electronics used for searching for the misplaced pacifier  40 . Positioned within the pacifier retaining cap  45  are a pacifier receiver/speaker  49   a  and a second battery  75 . The pacifier receiver/speaker  49   a  comprises a miniature radio frequency (RF) receiver and a commercially available piezo-type miniature speaker unit. The pacifier receiver/speaker  49   a  receives a first signal  100  (see  FIG. 11 ) from a transceiver  60  and broadcasts an audible alarm  81 . The audible alarm  81  is heard through a plurality of pacifier apertures  47  which are depicted on a rear surface of the pacifier retaining cap  45  to alert a user of the location of the pacifier  40 . The second battery  75  is secured into an electrically connected position with the pacifier battery clips  49   b . With the second battery  75  within the pacifier battery clips  49   b  current is directed to the pacifier receiver/speaker  49   a  and awaits the first signal  100  to broadcast the audible alarm  81 . A bottom surface of the pacifier retaining cap  45  comprises an integrally molded pacifier handle  46  which enables a care provider or infant to grasp said pacifier handle  46 . The pacifier handle  46  is depicted as comprising an ergonomic “C”-shape, yet other shapes may be utilized without limiting the scope of the system  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a top perspective view of a transceiver  60  which is utilized as part of the system  10  and  FIG. 8 , a bottom perspective view of the transceiver  60 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The transceiver  60  preferably comprises a key-fob type unit comprising a compact decorative transceiver body  62  which is herein depicted as a flower design, yet other designs or figures may be utilized without limiting the scope of the system  10 . An upper surface of the transceiver body  62  comprises a transceiver activation button  64  at a central position. The transceiver body  62  is displayed from a desired location by an affixed key ring  66  which is inserted through a transceiver aperture  65  and is capable of facilitating a plurality of common keys  200  or similar items. The transceiver  60  is to be powered using an internal transceiver battery  68  (see  FIG. 11 ). The transceiver battery  68  is accessed by the transceiver battery compartment  67  on a bottom surface of the transceiver body  62 . The transceiver  60  preferably provides a compact size which further provides convenient storage in a user&#39;s pocket or purse. 
     The transceiver  60  provides a two-way communication means with the child accessories  20 ,  30 ,  40  via transmission of a first signal  100 , and with the recharging station  50  via receipt of a second signal  110 . Upon pressing the transceiver activation button  64 , the first signal  100  is transmitted to one (1) or more child accessories  20 ,  30 ,  40 , by initiating an audible alarm  81  from a receiver/speaker  29   a ,  38 ,  49   a  for a preset duration to locate the child accessories  20 ,  30 ,  40 . Wireless communication between the charging station  50  and the transceiver  60  is accomplished in like manner by pressing a transmitter button  57  located upon a front surface of the charging station  50  (see  FIG. 9 ) which in turn transmits a second signal  110  to the transceiver  60  to activate an audible alarm  81  from a transceiver/speaker  69  (also see  FIG. 11 ) for a preset duration which enables a user to locate the transceiver  60  when lost. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a perspective view of a recharging station  50  which is utilized as part of the system  10  and  FIG. 10 , a section view of the recharging station  50  taken along line D-D (see  FIG. 9 ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The system  10  comprises a recharging station  50  to provide a charging means to the batteries  70 ,  75  when the desired accessory  20 ,  30 ,  40  is not used and a locating means to the transceiver body  62 . The batteries  70 ,  75  are preferably common rechargeable lithium-ion button cell DC batteries which utilize current battery technologies. The first battery  70  is slightly larger that the second battery  75  which is provided in this fashion to fit a corresponding child accessory  20 ,  30 ,  40 . The batteries  70 ,  75  are removed from the respective receiver clips  29   b ,  39 ,  49   b  and charged as needed using the charging station  50 . The recharging station  50  comprises a generally rectangular recharging housing  51  which receives power from a common household AC outlet using a power cord  53 . The recharging station  50  is capable of providing a charging current coincidentally to a plurality of batteries  70 ,  75 . The batteries  70 ,  75  comprise differing cylindrical dimensions and are insertingly engaged into a plurality of respective first battery slots  52  and second battery slots  54  along a front surface of said recharging station  50 . The slots  52 ,  54  provide rectangular apertures being sized so as to slidingly receive the respective batteries  70 ,  75  within. Within each first battery slot  52  is a common first battery contact body  55   a  which accepts the first battery  70  for charging. Similarly, within each second battery slot  54  is a second battery contact body  55   b  which accepts the second battery  75  for charging. The battery contacts  55   a ,  55   b  include a pair of side walls, a rear wall, and a bottom panel which is in electrical communication with a shelf located beneath said bottom panel to interconnect each battery contact  55   a ,  55   b  to the power source. The battery contact body  55   a ,  55   b  is interconnected with electrical wiring  120  to charge said battery  70 ,  75  by forcing current through said battery  70 ,  75  in a conventional manner. Different sized batteries  70 ,  75  would correspond to varying internal space of the differently sized child accessories  20 ,  30 ,  40 . 
     The charging station  50  further comprises a plurality of battery charging indicator lights  56 , a transmitter button  57 , and a power button  58 . The power button  58  provides normal activation of the charging station  50  and is preferably a slide switch having an illuminated button so as to indicate the charging station  50  is operational. The charging indicator lights  56  are preferably light-emitting diodes (LED&#39;s) which provide communication of a charging status for one (1) or more batteries  70 ,  75  inserted within respective battery slots  52 ,  54 . The number of indicator lights  56  equals the number of slots  52 ,  54  therein each indicator light  56  is positioned adjacent to an individual slot  52 ,  54 . The indicator lights  56  preferably blink as to define an in-process charging status and are at a steady state when charging is complete, yet other configurations may be utilized without limiting the scope of the system  10 . The transmitter button  57  is preferably a common pushbutton which is depressed to transmit a second signal  110  to locate the transceiver  60 . The transmitter button  57  is interconnected to charger transmitter  59  (see  FIG. 11 ) emits the second signal  110  to the transceiver  60 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11  is an electrical block diagram of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The transceiver  60  is powered with a rechargeable button cell transceiver battery  68  (which may be recharged with the recharging station  50 ) as the transceiver activation button  64  is depressed. The transceiver activation button  64  transmits a first signal  100  from the transceiver/speaker  69  to the child accessories  20 ,  30 ,  40 . Each child accessory  20 ,  30 ,  40  comprises respective receiver/speaker  29   a ,  38 ,  49   a  which broadcasts an audible alarm  81  when the signal  100  locates said accessory  20 ,  30 ,  40 . Each accessory  20 ,  30 ,  40  is powered with a respective battery  70 ,  75  and interconnected with electrical wiring  120 . 
     In the instance that the transceiver  60  is misplaced the recharging station  50  is utilized to locate said transceiver  60 . With current supplied to the recharging station  50  by the power cord  53  the transmitter button  57  is depressed to transmit a second signal  110  via the charger transmitter  59  to the transceiver/speaker  69 . When the transceiver  60  is located an audible alarm  81  is broadcasted from the transceiver/speaker  69 . 
     The charging station  50  preferably lowers the power rating distributed from the AC power cord  53  to levels which can handle the DC batteries  70 ,  75  with common techniques such as a transformer. With the power button  58  activated current is sent to each battery contact body  55   a ,  55   b . When a battery  70 ,  75  is inserted into the battery contact body  55   a ,  55   b  a respective indicator light  56  illuminates and said battery  70 ,  75  charges. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 11 . 
     The method of utilizing the system  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the system  10 ; purchasing a desired number of infant bottles  20 , infant cups  30 , and pacifiers  40  along with the charging station  50  and transceiver  60 ; plugging the charging station  50  into a conventional wall outlet using the cord  53 ; activating the charging station  50  by pressing the power button  58 ; inserting a desired number of first batteries  70  into the first battery slots  52 ; inserting a desired number of second batteries  75  into the second battery slots  54  based upon anticipated child accessories  20 ,  30 ,  40  to be utilized; allowing a sufficient period of time for said batteries  70 ,  75  to obtain a charge as indicated by the respective indicator lights  56 ; loading each battery  75 ,  70  into respective clip  29   b ,  39 ,  49   b ; threadingly attaching the retaining caps  26 ,  35 ,  45  upon each child accessory  20 ,  30 ,  40 ; filling the infant bottles  20  and infant cups  30  with a desired fluid; allowing a child or children to utilize the child accessories  20 ,  30 ,  40  for drinking or comforting in a normal manner; transmitting a first signal  100  to activate all utilized receiver/speakers  29   a ,  38 ,  49   a  which causes them to broadcast an audible alarm  81 ; locating and retrieving the child accessories  20 ,  30 ,  40  to be used for continued use or cleaning; completing normal use of the child accessories  20 ,  30 ,  40  until ready for normal washing and/or sterilization; removing the batteries  70 ,  75  from the retaining caps  26 ,  35 ,  45 ; returning the batteries  70 ,  75  into the battery slot portions  52 ,  54  of the charging station  50  until needed again; and utilizing the transmitter button  57  portion of the charging station  50  to locate the transceiver  60  in an event of a misplaced transceiver  60 ; and, benefiting from timely location and retrieval of the child accessories  20 ,  30 ,  40  using the present invention  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6