TRACKING CLIP AND METHODS OF OPERATION THEREOF

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/522,461, filed on June 20, 2017, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of infant care and maternity trackers, and, more specifically, to devices and methods for tracking certain infant care operations and physiological sensations. BACKGROUND

[0003] Expectant mothers are often advised to keep careful records of certain physiological sensations during their pregnancy (e.g., kick counts, contractions, etc.). Similarly, parents of newborns are also advised to keep careful records of infant care operations (e.g., feeding times, diaper changes, bowel movements, etc.). In the latter case, keeping such records can often help parents remember to perform certain infant care operations on a regular basis to maintain the health of the infant. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests changing wet or soiled diapers frequently to decrease moisture on the skin in order to prevent diaper rash. See Clark-Greuel et al., Setting the Record Straight on Diaper Rash and Disposable Diapers, Clinical Pediatrics (2014); 53(95): 23S-26S and American Academy of Pediatrics. Diaper Rash Brochure (2010). One way to keep careful records is by using electronic devices such as electronic timers, smartphones, counters, etc. [0004] However, traditional timers, counters, and smartphones often come with brightly-lit displays or screens which can disturb or rouse a dozing child during feeding times or before naptime or bedtime. While a parent can use more conventional record-keeping tools such as a pen and paper, writing in the dark is often challenging and physical records are difficult to share and maintain among multiple caretakers. Moreover, traditional timers and counters, smartphones, and even pen and paper can become misplaced or lost, especially in the custody of a sleep-deprived parent or caretaker.

[0005] Therefore, a solution is needed that can assist parents or caretakers with careful tracking of newborn care operations. In addition, such a solution should also assist expectant mothers with careful tracking of certain physiological sensations. Such a solution should be discreet and easy to operate, even in dimly-lit environments. Moreover, such a solution should not be easily displaceable and should allow multiple parties to access its data. Furthermore, such a solution should be cost-effective to manufacture and assemble. SUMMARY

[0006] Devices and methods for tracking certain infant care operations and physiological sensations are disclosed. For example, a tracking clip is disclosed including a clip body, a clip base coupled to the clip body by a spring hinge assembly, a depressible cover coupled to at least a part of the clip body, and a printed circuit board (PCB) housed within the clip body.

[0007] The PCB can include a processor, a real-time clock integrated circuit (IC), a memory, an antenna, and a switch coupled to the PCB. The depressible cover can be configured to actuate the switch when depressed into the clip body.

[0008] The processor can be programmed to log data concerning a time period, a count, or a combination thereof in response to the switch being actuated. The processor can also be programmed to store the data in the memory. The processor can be further programmed to transmit the data concerning the time period, the count, or the combination thereof to a client device when the client device is in wireless communication with the tracking clip. The processor can also be programmed to log data concerning a click sequence, a click duration, or a combination thereof. The processor can be a 32-bit processor and the antenna can be a Bluetooth® antenna.

[0009] The tracking clip can also include a light-emitting diode (LED) electrically coupled to the processor. The LED can be enclosed by the clip body and the depressible cover. [0010] The clip body can have a body upper portion and a body lower portion. The body upper portion can extend longitudinally beyond the body lower portion such that an overhang is formed. The body lower portion can be defined by an arrangement of protuberances extending from an exterior surface of the body lower portion. The clip base can have a void configured to

accommodate the body lower portion. The clip base can also have a raised stopper extending from a body facing surface of the clip base. The body lower portion can have a cavity along the body lower portion configured to accommodate the raised stopper.

[0011] The clip base can include a pair of hinge knuckles extending from a body facing surface of the clip base. The clip body can have a hinge enclosure within the body lower portion. At least part of the pair of hinge knuckles can be configured to fit within the hinge enclosure. The spring hinge assembly can include at least a torsion spring and a hinge rod. Each of the pair of hinge knuckles can have a knuckle bore.

[0012] The torsion spring can have a first leg end, a second leg end, and at least seven helical turns. The torsion spring can also have a free angle of about 90° or less. The body upper portion can have an opening defined along the hinge enclosure and the first leg end of the torsion spring can extend through the opening and the second leg end of the torsion spring can be positioned in between the pair of hinge knuckles.

[0013] The clip body can be coupled to the clip base when the hinge rod extends through the knuckle bore on each of the pair of hinge knuckles. A spring lumen of the torsion spring can be positioned in between the pair of hinge knuckles.

[0014] The clip body can further include at least one securement stud and the PCB further has at least one test point. The PCB can be coupled to the clip body when the at least one securement stud is heat-staked through the at least one test point. The tracking clip can also include a battery housed within the clip body.

[0015] A method of tracking an infant care operation is disclosed involving depressing a depressible cover of a tracking clip into a clip body of the tracking clip. The tracking clip can include a clip base coupled to the clip body by a spring hinge assembly and a PCB housed within the clip body including a processor, a real-time clock integrated circuit (IC), a memory, an antenna, and a switch attached to the PCB. The method can also involve logging, using the processor, data concerning a time period, a count, or a combination thereof in response to the switch being actuated as a result of the depression of the depressible cover. The method can also involve storing the data in the memory and transmitting the data to a client device in wireless communication with the tracking clip via the antenna.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a tracking clip in an assembled state.

[0017] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a tracking clip with a depressible cover removed.

[0018] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of an example of a tracking clip.

[0019] Figs. 4A and 4B illustrate perspective and side views, respectively, of an example of a torsion spring of the tracking clip.

[0020] Fig. 5 A illustrates an example of a clip body coupled to the clip base with a spring hinge assembly.

[0021] Fig. 5B illustrates an example of a clip base of the tracking clip with an example of part of the spring hinge assembly.

[0022] Fig. 6A illustrates a perspective view of an example of a clip body with a leg end of a torsion spring extending through an opening along the clip body.

[0023] Fig. 6B illustrates a bottom perspective view of an example of a clip body.

[0024] Fig. 7A illustrates a top plan view of an example of a PCB of the tracking clip.

[0025] Fig. 7B illustrates a bottom plan view of an example of the PCB.

[0026] Fig. 7C illustrates a bottom perspective view of an example of the PCB.

[0027] Fig. 8 illustrates a schematic block diagram of certain electronic components of the tracking clip.

[0028] Fig. 9A illustrates a client device in wireless communication with an example of a tracking clip.

[0029] Fig. 9B illustrates a client device in wireless communication with an example of a tracking clip and a server over a network.

[0030] Fig. 10 illustrates an example of a configuration GUI of an application running on a client device configured to communicate wirelessly with the tracking clip.

[0031] Fig. 11 illustrates an example of a timer GUI of an application running on a client device configured to communicate wirelessly with the tracking clip.

[0032] Fig. 12 illustrates an example of a counter GUI of an application running on a client device configured to communicate wirelessly with the tracking clip. [0033] Fig. 13 illustrates an example of a firmware update GUI of an application running on a client device configured to communicate wirelessly with the tracking clip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Fig. 1 illustrates that a tracking clip 100 can include a clip body 102, a clip cover 104 coupled to at least part of the clip body 102, and a clip base 106. The clip body 102 can have a body upper portion 108 and a body lower portion 110. As shown in Fig. 1, the body upper portion 108 of the clip body 102, the clip base 106, or a combination thereof can have a substantially oval or elliptic profile or footprint shape. Moreover, the clip cover 104 can be substantially shaped as an oval or elliptic disk or layer. In other variations, the body upper portion 108 of the clip body 102, the clip cover 104, the clip base 106, or a combination thereof can be shaped as a triangle, a rhombus, a trapezoid, a rectangle, or another type of polygon.

[0035] The body lower portion 110 can extend out of or be contiguous with the body upper portion 108. The body upper portion 108 can have a larger or longer profile or footprint than the body lower portion 110. For example, the body upper portion 108 can extend out longitudinally beyond the body lower portion 110 such that an overhang 112 is formed. The body lower portion 110 can be shaped substantially as a frustoconic having a rounded bottom. The body lower portion 110 can also be substantially acetabular-shaped or shaped as a bowl or a cup surrounded by a parabolic perimeter wall. The body lower portion 110 can also be shaped substantially as a conic, a cylinder, a tetrahedron, a square pyramid, a pentagonal pyramid, a hexagonal pyramid, a triangular prism, a cube or cuboid, a hexagonal prism, a trapezoidal prism, a dome, a parallelepiped, a dodecahedron, or a combination thereof.

[0036] The clip cover 104 can be coupled to at least part of the clip body 102 or a component housed within the clip body 102. For example, the clip cover 104 can be coupled to at least part of the clip body 102 or a component housed within the clip body 102 by an interference fit or staking, fasteners, adhesives, or a combination thereof. The clip cover 104 can be translatable or moveable relative to the rest of the clip body 102 even when coupled to part of the clip body 102 or a component housed within the clip body 102. The clip cover 104 can be depressed or pushed into the clip body 102 to actuate a switch 206 (see Fig. 2) housed within the clip body 102. Actuating the switch 206 will be discussed in more detail in the sections that follow. [0037] The tracking clip 100 can have a clip end 114 and a pivot end 116 longitudinally opposite the clip end 114. The pivot end 116 can be an end of the tracking clip 100 nearest or most proximal to a pivot structure 118 of the tracking clip 100. The clip end 114 can be an end of the tracking clip 100 longitudinally opposite the pivot end 116. A user of the tracking clip 100 can squeeze or pinch together the clip body 102 and the clip base 106 at the pivot end 116 or otherwise apply a force to the clip body 102 or the clip base 106 at the pivot end 116 while holding the other component steady in order to increase a distance between the clip body 102 and the clip base 106 at the clip end 114.

[0038] The clip body 102 can be coupled to the clip base 106 by a spring hinge assembly 500 (see Fig. 5A). The spring hinge assembly 500 will be discussed in more detail in the sections that follow.

[0039] The clip base 106 can have one or more base cutouts 120 defined along the clip base 106. The base cutouts 120 can be shaped as elongate slots or openings. The base cutouts 120 can be also be shaped as circles, triangles, rectangles or other polygons, ovals, ellipses, or a combination thereof. For example, a lanyard or string can be thread through the one or more base cutouts 120 such that the tracking clip 100 can be worn around a user's neck.

[0040] The clip body 102, the clip cover 104, the clip base 106, or a combination thereof can be made of or comprise a polymeric material, a metallic material, or a combination thereof. In some variations, a portion of the tracking clip 100 can be made of an organic material such as wood or bamboo. For example, the clip body 102, the clip cover 104, the clip base 106, or a combination thereof can be made of or comprise acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), one or more acrylics, or a combination thereof. For example, the clip body 102 can be manufactured as one molded piece of ABS plastic.

[0041] Fig. 2 illustrates that the tracking clip 100 can include a printed circuit board (PCB) 200 housed within a body cavity 202 of the clip body 102. The body cavity 202 can be a hollow or space within the clip body 102 configured to house certain electronic components of the tracking clip 100. The body cavity 202 can extend from the body upper portion 108 into the body lower portion 110.

[0042] The PCB 200 can include a communication module 204, a switch 206, a light-emitting diode (LED) 208, an antenna 210, or a combination thereof coupled to the PCB 200.

[0043] The communication module 204 can be a Bluetooth® module. For example, the communication module 204 can be a Bluetooth® low energy (BLE) module. As a more specific example, the communication module 204 can be a BLE module provided by Nordic®. In other variations, the tracking clip 100 can have a BLE chip coupled directly to the PCB 200 rather than as part of a BLE module. When the communication module 204 is a Bluetooth® module, the antenna 210 can be a Bluetooth® antenna. In other variations, the communication module 204 can be a WiFi module.

[0044] The switch 206 can be actuated when the clip cover 104 is depressed relative to the clip body 102 or pushed into the clip body 102. For example, the clip cover 104 can have a switch interface region along an underside of the clip cover 104 configured to contact a top surface of the switch 206.

[0045] The LED 208 can be a red-green LED. In other variations, the LED 208 can also be a red- green-blue (RGB) LED or a red-green-blue-white (RGBW) LED. The LED 208 can generate a flash of light (e.g., a red light or a green light) when the switch 206 is actuated or when the switch 206 is actuated in a certain sequence, for a certain duration, or a combination thereof. The LED 208 can be completely enclosed by the clip body 102 and the clip cover 104 when the tracking clip 100 is in the assembled state and the clip cover 104 covers the clip body 102.

[0046] Fig. 2 illustrates that the clip body 102 can include one or more securement studs 212 positioned within the body cavity 202. The securement studs 212 can be substantially cylindrical struts or columns protruding orthogonally or perpendicularly from an interior surface within the clip body 102. The securement studs 212 can be polymeric columns or struts extending from an interior surface within the clip body 102. In other variations, the securement studs 212 can comprise a metallic material. The PCB 200 can be secured within the clip body 102 when the securement studs 212 are extended or positioned through bores or holes on the PCB 200 and heat staked to the PCB 200. For example, the securement studs 212 can be heat staked or attached via thermoplastic staking to test points 700 (see Fig. 7A) on the PCB 200. The heat staking or thermoplastic staking can be undertaken using laser welding, ultrasonic welding, soldering, or a combination thereof. Although Fig. 2 illustrates the PCB 200 attached to the clip body 102 via two securement studs 212, it is contemplated by this disclosure that the PCB 200 can be attached to the clip body 102 via three or more securement studs 212.

[0047] Fig. 2 also illustrates that a leg of a torsion spring 214 can extend through a spring access opening 216 along the body upper portion 108 of the clip body 102. As shown in Fig. 2, the spring access opening 216 can be a slot defined near the pivot end 116 of the clip body 102. For example, the spring access opening 216 can be defined through a portion of the overhang 112. The spring access opening 216 can be a substantially rectangular slot or opening. In other variations, the spring access opening 216 can be a substantially circular opening or bore, an oval opening, a triangular opening, or a combination thereof.

[0048] The clip body 102 can also have an enclosure ledge 218. The enclosure ledge 218 can physically contact a part of the leg of the torsion spring 214 when the leg extends through the spring access opening 216. The torsion spring 214, the spring access opening 216, and the enclosure ledge 218 will be discussed in more detail in the sections that follow.

[0049] Fig. 3 illustrates that the clip cover 104 can be shaped substantially the same as the body upper portion 108 of the clip body 102. For example, the clip cover 104 and the body upper portion 108 of the clip body 102 can both be shaped substantially as ovals or ellipses. The clip cover 104 can have a slightly smaller footprint or profile than the body upper portion 108 of the clip body 102 so that the clip cover 104 can fit within a cavity defined by the body upper portion 108 of the clip body 102. In other variations, the clip cover 104 can be shaped differently from the body upper portion 108 of the clip body 102. For example, the clip cover 104 can be substantially circular and the clip cover 104 can cover only part of the body upper portion 108 of the clip body 102.

[0050] An exterior surface or user interface surface of the clip cover 104 can also be defined by a divot or depression extending vertically into a body of the clip cover 104. The divot or depression can be substantially circular. In other variations, the divot or depression can be substantially oval, elliptical, triangular, rectangular or other polygonal-shaped, or a combination thereof.

[0051] Fig. 3 also illustrates that the clip body 102 can have at least three securement studs 212. The securement studs 212 can be heat-staked to the PCB 200 in order to secure the PCB 200 to the interior of the clip body 102. Moreover, Fig. 3 illustrates that the clip body 102 can have or define a hinge enclosure 300 near a pivot end 116 of the clip body 102. As shown in Fig. 3, a hinge rod 302 can extend through openings along the hinge enclosure 300 and also through a spring lumen 410 (see Fig. 4B) of the torsion spring 214 housed within the hinge enclosure 300.

[0052] The spring access opening 216 can be positioned along a top of the hinge enclosure 300. As illustrated in Fig. 3, one of the legs of the torsion spring 214 can extend through the spring access opening 216 when the torsion spring 214 is secured by the hinge rod 302 within the hinge enclosure 300. The hinge rod 302, the torsion spring 214, and the hinge enclosure 300 will be discussed in more detail in the sections that follow. [0053] Fig. 3 also illustrates that the clip base 106 can include a pivot structure 118 extending from a body facing surface 304 of the clip base 106. The pivot structure 118 can include a pair of hinge knuckles 306 separated by a spring receiving space 308. Each of the hinge knuckles 306 can also have a knuckle bore 310 defined through the hinge knuckle 306. The pivot structure 118 will be discussed in more detail in the sections that follow.

[0054] The clip base 106 can also have a void 312 defined along the body facing surface 304. The void 312 can accommodate the body lower portion 110 of the clip body 102 when the clip body 102 is coupled to the clip base 106. The void 312 can also allow the tracking clip 100 to more securely latch onto or clip onto clothing or other types of fabric when such clothing or fabric is positioned in between the clip base 106 and the body lower portion 110 of the clip body 102.

[0055] The clip base 106 can also have a raised stopper 314 extending out of the body facing surface 304. Although not shown in Fig. 3, the raised stopper 314 can fit within a cavity defined along the body lower portion 110 of the clip body 102. The raised stopper 314 can assist in preventing the tracking clip 100 from becoming inadvertently detached from a secured surface such as a piece of clothing, a piece of fabric, a necklace, a lanyard, a string, or a combination thereof.

[0056] Figs. 4A and 4B illustrate that the torsion spring 214 of the spring hinge assembly 500 (see Fig. 5A) can be a preloaded helically- wound spring configured to exert a torque or rotary force on components of the tracking clip 100. The torsion spring 214 can have a first leg end 400 and a second leg end 402 connected by a helically-wound coil body 404. Fig. 4A illustrates one example of a torsion spring 214 having seven helical turns 406. In other variations, the torsion spring 214 can have between four and twelve helical turns 406. In additional variations, the torsion spring 214 can have less than four helical turns 406 or more than twelve helical turns 406. The helical turns 406 can be closely wound or have a slight pitch in between the helical turns 406. The helical turns 406 can be left-handed turns. In other variations, the helical turns 406 can be right-handed turns.

[0057] Fig. 4B illustrates that the first leg end 400 and the second leg end 402 can form a free angle 408 or free leg angle of about 90° or less. In other variations, the first leg end 400 and the second leg end 402 can form a free angle 408 or free leg angle of between about 90° and 120°. Fig. 4B also illustrates that the torsion spring 214 can have a spring lumen 410. The spring lumen 410 can be substantially cylindrical. Although a single torsion spring 214 is shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, it is contemplated by this disclosure that a double torsion spring can also be used in the tracking clip 100. [0058] The torsion spring 214 can store angular energy when the clip body 102 is squeezed or pinched together with the clip base 106 near the pivot structure 118 by a user. When the clip body 102 is separated from the clip base 106, an article of clothing, a necklace, a lanyard or string, or a combination thereof can be positioned in between the space now separating the clip body 102 and the clip base 106. The torsion spring 214 can then release this angular energy when the user releases either the clip body 102 or the clip base 106. The clip body 102 can converge with the clip base 106 to clip onto the article of clothing, the necklace, the lanyard or string, or a combination thereof.

[0059] Figs. 5A and 5B illustrates that the tracking clip 100 can have a spring hinge assembly 500 configured to couple the clip body 102 to the clip base 106 and allow the clip body 102 to pivot with respect to the clip base 106. The spring hinge assembly 500 can include the torsion spring 214, the hinge rod 302, the hinge enclosure 300, and the pivot structure 118.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 5B, the pivot structure 118 can include a pair of hinge knuckles 306 separated by a spring receiving space 308. Each of the pair of hinge knuckles 306 can have a knuckle bore 310 positioned on the hinge knuckle 306. The coil body 404 of the torsion spring 214 can be positioned, at least partially, in between the spring receiving space 308. The hinge rod 302 can extend through the knuckle bores 310 and the spring lumen 410 when the tracking clip 100 is in the assembled state.

[0061] Fig. 5 A illustrates that at least part of the pivot structure 118 including the pair of hinge knuckles 306 can be configured to fit within the hinge enclosure 300 of the clip body 102 when the clip body 102 is coupled to the clip base 106. When the pivot structure 118 is positioned, at least partially, within the hinge enclosure 300, the hinge rod 302 can extend through bores or openings along the lateral sides of the hinge enclosure 300, the knuckle bores 310, and the spring lumen 410. When the tracking clip 100 is assembled in this manner, the clip body 102, the clip base 106, or a combination thereof can rotate angularly or pivot about the hinge rod 302.

[0062] Fig. 5A also illustrates that the first leg end 400 of the torsion spring 214 can extend through the spring access opening 216 defined along a top of the hinge enclosure 300. The second leg end 402 of the torsion spring 214 can be positioned within the spring receiving space 308 of the pivot structure 118. The second leg end 402 can contact or push against a part of the pivot structure 118. The second leg end 402 can remain substantially stationary or fixed when the clip body 102, the clip base 106, or a combination thereof is rotated. [0063] As can be seen in Figs. 2, 3, 5 A, and 6 A, the hinge enclosure 300 can have an enclosure ledge 218 which contacts at least part of the first leg end 400 when the first leg end 400 extends through the spring access opening 216. The enclosure ledge 218 can apply a bending force to the first leg end 400 when the clip body 102, the clip base 106, or a combination thereof is rotated by a user pinching together the clip body 102 and the clip base 106 at the pivot end 116 or pressing one component while holding the other steady. Once the user releases or lets go of the clip body 102, the clip base 106, or a combination thereof, the first leg end 400 can deflect the clip body 102 back to its closed position by releasing its stored angular energy and applying a force to the enclosure ledge 218. By releasing its stored angular energy and applying the force to the enclosure ledge 218, the torsion spring 214 can cause the tracking clip 100 to clip on to a surface, a piece of fabric, or an item in order to secure the tracking clip 100 to a surface, a piece of fabric, or an item.

[0064] Figs. 6A and 6B illustrate that the body lower portion 110 of the clip body 102 can have a pivot receiving cutout 600 configured to accommodate the pivot structure 118 on the clip base 106. The pivot receiving cutout 600 can be a hollow or cavity defined along a perimeter or bottom of the body lower portion 110. The pivot receiving cutout 600 can be located near or proximal to the overhang 112 of the clip body 102.

[0065] Fig. 6B also illustrates that an exterior surface of the bottom of the body lower portion 110 can be defined by an arrangement of protuberances 602. As shown in Fig. 6B, the protuberances 602 can be crescent shaped, annular shaped, or a combination thereof. In other variations, the protuberances 602 can be zig-zag shaped, cross-hatched, waffle-patterned, grooves, concentric circles, or a combination thereof. The protuberances 602 can be exaggerated or raised surface features. The protuberances 602 can be configured to induce friction or prevent the tracking clip 100 from inadvertently becoming displaced when clipped onto a surface, a piece of fabric, or an item. In other variations, the protuberances 602 can be replaced or additionally covered by a friction pad or friction inducing surface comprising rubber, synthetic rubber, a polymer having a high friction coefficient, or a combination thereof.

[0066] Fig. 7A illustrates that the PCB 200 can have a number of test points 700 defined on the PCB 200. The test points 700 can be bores or openings on the PCB 200 lined by a metallic or other conductive material. The test point 700 can be sized to allow a securement stud 212 (see Figs. 2, 3, and 6A) from the clip body 102 to extend through the test point 700 in order to heat-stake the PCB 200 to the clip body 102. The PCB 200 can be heat-staked to the clip body 102 in order to secure the PCB 200 within the clip body 102. Fig. 7A illustrates that three test points 700 can be arranged in a substantially triangular pattern on the PCB 200. It is contemplated by this disclosure that more than three test points 700 (e.g., four, five, etc.) or two test points 700 can be defined on the PCB 200.

[0067] Fig. 7A also illustrates that the PCB 200 can comprise a programming header 702 which allows a manufacturer of the tracking clip 100 to program one or more controllers or processors coupled to the PCB 200. The PCB 200 can also comprise a number of resistors 704 coupled to the PCB 200. In addition to their conventional usages, the resistors 704 can also be customized to provide details concerning the identity or version number of the PCB 200.

[0068] Figs. 7B and 7C illustrate that the underside of the PCB 200 can comprise a battery 706. As shown in Figs. 7B and 7C, the battery 706 can be a primary cell battery or a one-time use battery. In other variations, the battery 706 can be a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion battery or other type of battery. In additional variations, the PCB 200 can be electrically coupled to an inductive charge receiver housed within the clip body 102 for receiving wireless power.

[0069] Moreover, although the figures do not show the tracking clip 100 having a display, it is contemplated by this disclosure that the tracking clip 100 can also comprise an LED display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or a combination thereof for displaying a time, a click count, or a click type.

[0070] Fig. 8 illustrates that the tracking cliplOO can be controlled by at least one processor 800 coupled to the PCB 200. The processor 800 can be part of a communication chip or

communication module 204 along with a memory 802 and a real time clock IC 804. The real time clock IC 804 can be used by the processor 800 to keep track of an elapsed time when a user initiates depresses or pushes down on the clip cover 104 to actuate the switch 206. The processor 800 can also be electrically coupled to an antenna 210.

[0071] For example, the communication module 204 can be a Bluetooth® module. The communication chip can be a Bluetooth® communication chip and the antenna 210 can be a Bluetooth® antenna. As a more specific example, the Bluetooth® communication chip can be a Nordic® nRF8122 Bluetooth® low energy (BLE) chip and the processor 800 can be a 32-bit ARM® Cortex®-M0 processor.

[0072] In other instances, the communication module can be a WiFi module, the communication chip can be a WiFi chip, and the antenna 210 can be a WiFi antenna. Although not shown in Fig. 8, the tracking clip 100 can have both a Bluetooth® module or chip and a WiFi module or chip. [0073] The processor 800 can be electrically coupled to a memory 802 for storing times, click counts, click types or durations, or a combination thereof. The memory 802 can also store device firmware and other device software. The memory 802 can be a non-volatile computer storage medium such as an electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The memory 802 can also comprise flash memory and at least 16 MB of storage.

[0074] The processor 800 can also be coupled to the LED 208 via a LED monitor 806. The LED monitor 806 can be electrically coupled to an LED board or to part of the PCB 200. The LED 208 can include a red-green (RG) LED, a red-green-blue (RGB) LED, a red-green-blue-white (RGBW) LED, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED), or a super AMOLED.

[0075] The processor 800 can also be coupled to a power monitor 808. The power monitor 808 can monitor or control the amount of power used by the various electronic components.

[0076] Fig. 8 illustrates that the tracking clip 100 can also include an optional power supply port 810. The power supply port 810 can be accessed through openings or cutouts defined along the clip body 102. The power supply port 810 can include a universal serial bus (USB) port such as a micro USB, a mini USB port or a USB-C port.

[0077] The processor 800 can be programmed to log or record data concerning a time period or elapsed time, a count, or a combination thereof in response to the switch 206 being actuated by the clip cover 104. The processor 800 can also be programmed to log or record data concerning an actuation sequence or click sequence (e.g., a single-click, a double-click, a triple-click, etc.), an actuation duration or click duration (e.g., a short click, a long click, etc.), or a combination thereof in response to the switch 206 being actuated by the clip cover 104. The processor 800 can also be programmed to store this data in a local memory or storage unit such as the memory 802.

[0078] Fig. 9A illustrates that a client device 900 can be in wireless communication directly with the tracking clip 100 through a short-range wireless communication protocol 902. The short-range wireless communication protocol 902 can be a Bluetooth® protocol 902. The short-range wireless communication protocol 902 can also be a ZigBee® protocol, a near-field communication (NFC) protocol, or any combination thereof.

[0079] The client device 900 can be a portable computing device such as a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, a smartwatch, a personal entertainment device, or a combination thereof. In other variations not shown in Fig. 9A, the client device 900 can be a desktop computer, a workstation, another server, or a combination thereof. The client device 900 can have a client processor 904, a client memory 906, a communication unit 908, and a locational unit 910 having a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver, such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. The client processor 904 can be coupled to the client memory 906, the communication unit 908, and the locational unit 910 through high-speed buses 912.

[0080] The client processor 904 can include one or more CPUs, GPUs, ASICs, FPGAs, or a combination thereof. The client processor 904 can execute software stored in the client memory 906 to execute the methods described herein. The client processor 904 can be implemented in a number of different manners. For example, the client processor 904 can be an embedded processor, a processor core, a microprocessor, a logic circuit, a hardware FSM, a DSP, or a combination thereof. As a more specific example, the client processor 904 can be a 32-bit processor such as an ARM™ processor.

[0081] The client memory 906 can store software, data, logs, or a combination thereof. In one variation, the client memory 906 can be an internal memory. In another variation, the client memory 906 can be an external storage unit. The client memory 906 can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. For example, the client memory 906 can be a nonvolatile storage such as NVRAM, Flash memory, disk storage, or a volatile storage such as SRAM. The client memory 906 can be the main storage unit for the client device 900.

[0082] The communication unit 908 can be a wired or wireless communication interface. For example, the communication unit 908 can be a network interface card of the client device 900. The communication unit 908 can be a wireless modem or a wired modem. In one variation, the communication unit 908 can be a WiFi modem. In other variations, the communication unit 908 can be a 3G modem, a 4G modem, an LTE modem, a Bluetooth® component, a radio receiver, an antenna, or a combination thereof. The client device 900 can connect to or communicatively couple with a WLAN, a wide area network, or a combination thereof using the communication unit 908. The client device 900 can transmit or receive packets or messages using the communication unit 908.

[0083] The locational unit 910 can have a GPS component such as the GPS receiver, an inertial unit, a magnetometer, a compass, or any combination thereof. The locational unit 910 can receive GPS signals from a GPS satellite. The inertial unit can be implemented as a multi-axis

accelerometer including a three-axis accelerometer, a multi-axis gyroscope including a three-axis MEMS gyroscope, or a combination thereof.

[0084] The client device 900 can also have a display 914. The display 914 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) touchscreen, a lighting-emitting diode (LED) touchscreen, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) touchscreen, a super AMOLED touchscreen, or a combination thereof.

[0085] In certain variations, the display 914 can be a retina display, a haptic touchscreen, or a combination thereof. For example, when the client device 900 is a smartphone, the display 914 can be the touchscreen display of the smartphone.

[0086] Although not shown in the figures, it is contemplated by this disclosure that the client device 900 can be a standalone console or hub having a console processor, a console memory, a console communication unit, and a console display. The console or hub can be a dedicated wireless communication device for wirelessly connecting the tracking clip 100 with the client device 900.

[0087] The processor 800 of the tracking clip 100 can be programmed to transmit stored data concerning a time period or elapsed time, a click count, an actuation sequence or click sequence (e.g., a single-click, a double-click, a triple-click, etc.), an actuation duration or click duration (e.g., a short click, a long click, etc.), or a combination thereof to the client device 900 when the client device 900 is in wireless communication with the tracking clip 100. The processor 800 can also be programmed to transmit stored data to the client device 900 in response to a sync request or in response to a user input applied to an application 1002 (see Fig. 10) running on the client device 900. For example, the processor 800 can be programmed to transmit a log file, a comma-separated values (CSV) file, a text file, or a combination thereof to the client device 900.

[0088] Fig. 9B illustrates that the client device 900 can also be in wireless communication with a server 916 over one or more networks 917. The networks 917 can include any multi-hop network or wide area network (WAN) that covers regions, countries, continents, or a combination thereof. Examples of the networks 917 can include a cellular network such as a 3G network, a 4G network or a long-term evolution (LTE) network, a satellite network; a sonic communication network; the Internet; or a combination thereof. The networks 917 can include a number of wireless local area networks (WLANs). The WLANs can include networks established under the IEEE's 802.11 protocol or a successor thereof. For example, the WLANs can include a number of wireless- fidelity (WiFi) networks.

[0089] The server 916 can have a processing unit 918, a memory unit 920, and a server communication unit 922. The processing unit 918 can be coupled to the memory unit 920 and the server communication unit 922 through high-speed buses 924.

[0090] The processing unit 918 can include one or more CPUs, graphical processing units (GPUs), Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination thereof. The processing unit 918 can execute software stored in the memory unit 920 to execute the methods described herein. The processing unit 918 can be implemented in a number of different manners. For example, the processing unit 918 can be an embedded processor, a processor core, a microprocessor, a logic circuit, a hardware finite state machine (FSM), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a combination thereof. As a more specific example, the processing unit 918 can be a 64-bit processor.

[0091] The memory unit 920 can store software, data, logs, or a combination thereof. The memory unit 920 can be an internal memory. Alternatively, the memory unit 920 can be an external memory, such as a memory residing on a storage node, a cloud server, or a storage server. The memory unit 920 can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. For example, the memory unit 920 can be a nonvolatile storage such as non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), Flash memory, disk storage, or a volatile storage such as static random access memory (SRAM). The memory unit 920 can be the main storage unit for the server 916.

[0092] The server communication unit 922 can include one or more wired or wireless

communication interfaces. For example, the server communication unit 922 can be a network interface card of the server 916. The server communication unit 922 can be a wireless modem or a wired modem. In one variation, the server communication unit 922 can be a WiFi modem. In other variations, the server communication unit 922 can be a 3G modem, a 4G modem, an LTE modem, a Bluetooth® component, a Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) component, a radio receiver, an antenna, or a combination thereof. The server 916 can connect to or communicatively couple with a WLAN, a wide area network, or a combination thereof using the server communication unit 922. The server 916 can transmit or receive data packets or messages using the server communication unit 922.

[0093] For example, the client device 900 can upload data received from the tracking clip 100 concerning a time period or elapsed time, a click count, an actuation sequence or click sequence (e.g., a single-click, a double-click, a triple-click, etc.), an actuation duration or click duration (e.g., a short click, a long click, etc.), or a combination thereof to the server 916. The client device 900 can upload such data to the server 916 to be backed up. The client device 900 can also upload such data to the server 916 such that the data received from the tracking clip 100 is made available to other client devices.

[0094] The tracking clip 100 can transmit the same data to multiple client devices 900. For example, the tracking clip 100 can sync with one client device 900 and transmit data concerning a morning feeding, a lunchtime feeding, and a night-time feeding to the client device 900. The same tracking clip 100 can then sync with another client device 900 and transmit the same data concerning the morning feeding, the lunchtime feeding, and the night-time feeding to the client device 900.

[0095] Moreover, the first client device 900 can also transmit the data concerning the morning feeding, the lunchtime feeding, and the night-time feeding to the server 916. In this case, a second client device 900 can download the data concerning the morning feeding, the lunchtime feeding, and the night-time feeding from either the server 916 or from syncing with the tracking clip 100. In some instances, the second client device 900 may already have received certain data (e.g., data concerning the morning feeding only) from the tracking clip 100 from a previous sync or connection with the tracking clip 100. In these instances, the second client device 900 can download the remaining data from the server 916 or by further syncing with the tracking clip 100.

[0096] Fig. 10 illustrates that a configuration GUI 1000 can be rendered by the client device 900. The configuration GUI 1000 can be rendered through an application 1002. The application 1002 can be written or coded using the Swift™ programming language, the Objective-C programming language, or a combination thereof. The application 1002 can also be written using the Java™ programming language, the Python™ programming language, or a C programming language.

[0097] The configuration GUI 1000 can be shown on a display 914 of the client device 900 when a user opens up or runs the application 1002 on the client device 900. The configuration GUI 1000 can also be included as part of an onboarding process for new users of the tracking clip 100.

[0098] Fig. 10 illustrates that the tracking clip 100 can be configured to be used as a feeding timer, a diaper counter, a sleep timer, a contraction timer, or a fetus kick counter. A user can apply a user input (such as a touch or click input) to a feeding timer button 1004, a diaper counter button 1006, a sleep timer button 1008, a contraction timer button 1010, or a kick counter button 1012 to configure the tracking clip 100.

[0099] In one variation, a client processor 904 of the client device 900 can parse or interpret data or files received from the tracking clip 100 a certain way in response to a user applying a user input to one of the buttons. For example, the client processor 904 of the client device 900 can parse or interpret data or files received from the tracking clip 100 as timing data in response to a user applying a user input to the feeding timer button 1004. In addition, the client device 900 and the application 1002 can also parse or interpret data concerning the click type or the actuation type (e.g., a single-click, double-click, etc.) in accordance with the configuration chosen. For example, in response to a user applying a user input to the feeding timer button 1004, the client device 900 and the application 1002 can parse or interpret data concerning a single-click as the start or end of a feeding session and a double-click as a mother's indication that she is switching feeding sides (e.g., switching from the left breast to the right breast) or switching to a new bottle.

[0100] In this and other variations, the client device 900 can also transmit one or more signals or commands to the tracking clip 100 to configure the tracking clip 100. For example, the client device 900 can transmit one or more signals or commands to the processor 800 of the tracking clip 100 to generate a flash of light of a certain color using the LED 208 when a certain click type or actuation type (e.g., a single-click, a double-click, etc.) is received.

[0101] Fig. 10 also illustrates that the configuration GUI 1000 can include a sync icon 1014, a settings icon 1016, or a combination thereof. The sync icon 1014 can cause the client device 900 to wirelessly communicate with the server 916 and sync data or back up data received from the tracking clip 100 to the server 916. The settings icon 1016 can cause the application 1002 to generate a settings GUI or a settings screen which gives a user of the tracking clip 100 the option to re -configure the tracking clip 100 or change its configuration from one operational mode to another. For example, applying a user input to the settings icon 1016 can ultimately lead the user back to the configuration GUI 1000 which provides the user an opportunity to change the configuration of the tracking clip 100.

[0102] Fig. 11 illustrates that the application 1002 can render a timer GUI 1100. The application 1002 can display or render the timer GUI 1100 when a user applies a user input to the sync icon 1014 when the tracking clip 100 has been previously configured as a feeding timer. The timer GUI 1100 can display a time elapsed, a current time, and one or more buttons concerning the feeding session. For example, a mother breastfeeding her child can use the tracking clip 100 during a feeding session. The mother can initiate the timing of the feeding session by clicking on the clip cover 104 once (e.g., a single-click). The mother can then clip the tracking clip 100 on to a side of an article of clothing or an article of jewelry indicative of the feeding side (e.g., a left bra strap or the left side of a necklace to indicate that the left feeding side is being timed). Once the child has finished feeding on the left side, the mother can once again apply a single-click to the clip cover 104 to pause the feeding session. The mother can then click on the clip cover 104 in quick succession (e.g., a double -click) to indicate that the mother is now switching feeding sides. At this point, the mother can unclip the tracking clip 100 from one side of the article of clothing or jewelry and clip the tracking clip 100 onto another side of the article of clothing of jewelry. The mother can then apply a single-click to the clip cover 104 again to resume timing the entire feeding session and initiate the start of a new timer for the right side. Once the mother is finished with the entire feeding session, the mother or another use can open the application 1002 on a client device 900 and click on the sync icon 1014 to sync the data gathered from the feeding session with the client device 900. The client device 900 can, in turn, sync the data with the server 916. The tracking clip 100 can locally store multiple time periods, counts, kicks, etc. in the memory 802 of the tracking clip 100.

[0103] Fig. 11 illustrates that the timer GUI 1100, as well as other GUIs of the application 1002, can display a dashboard icon 1102. A user can apply a user input to the dashboard icon 1102 to bring up a dashboard or summary page. The dashboard page can provide information concerning synced data received from the tracking clip 100 including all synced feeding times, sleep times, diaper changes, etc. recorded by the tracking clip 100.

[0104] Fig. 12 illustrates that the application 1002 can render a counter GUI 1200. The application 1002 can display or render the counter GUI 1200 when a user applies a user input to the sync icon 1014 when the tracking clip 100 has been configured as a diaper counter. The counter GUI 1200 can display the number of times a diaper has been changed. A user can then enter additional data through the counter GUI 1200 concerning the type of diaper (e.g., dirty diaper, wet diaper, wet and dirty diaper, etc.). By configuring the tracking clip 100 as a counter, such as a diaper counter or a kick counter, the application 1002 and the client device 900 can parse or interpret data received from the tracking clip 100 differently than if the tracking clip 100 were configured as a timer. For example, when the tracking clip 100 is configured as a counter, each click of the clip cover 104 recorded by the tracking clip 100 can be interpreted as a discrete event or count instead of the initiation of a timing session.

[0105] Fig. 13 illustrates that the application 1002 can render a firmware update GUI 1300 to inform a user that a firmware 1302 of the tracking clip 100 is being updated. The firmware 1302 of the tracking clip 100 can be updated when a user runs the application 1002 on a client device 900 within wireless communication range of the tracking clip 100. Updates to the firmware 1302 can be pushed to the tracking clip 100 via the client device 900 periodically to improve the functioning of the tracking clip 100 or introduce new device features.

[0106] Each of the individual variations or embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other variations or embodiments. Modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s) to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the present invention.

[0107] Methods recited herein may be carried out in any order of the recited events that is logically possible, as well as the recited order of events. Moreover, additional steps or operations may be provided or steps or operations may be eliminated to achieve the desired result.

[0108] Furthermore, where a range of values is provided, every intervening value between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the invention. Also, any optional feature of the inventive variations described may be set forth and claimed independently, or in combination with any one or more of the features described herein.

[0109] All existing subject matter mentioned herein (e.g., publications, patents, patent applications and hardware) is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety except insofar as the subject matter may conflict with that of the present invention (in which case what is present herein shall prevail). The referenced items are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such material by virtue of prior invention.

[0110] Reference to a singular item, includes the possibility that there are plural of the same items present. More specifically, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," "said" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as "solely," "only" and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a "negative" limitation. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0111] This disclosure is not intended to be limited to the scope of the particular forms set forth, but is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents of the variations or embodiments described herein. Further, the scope of the disclosure fully encompasses other variations or embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art in view of this disclosure.