Whirlpool Rewards Innovative Mothers

Necessity may be "The Mother of Invention", but being a productive, resourceful and entrepreneurial mom takes a little more than that these days. Recognizing this, Whirlpool brand announced the winners of its third annual Mother of Invention Grant, awarding more than $40,000 to help moms make their inventions a reality. Beth House, from Diamond Bar, Calif., took home the grand prize -- a $20,000 business grant to help her execute plans for her invention, a Water Bottle Nipple Top and Pacifier innovation (pictured). The invention converts most juice and water bottles into nippled baby bottles and doubles as a pacifier. The idea came to House out of necessity during a family camping trip with her husband and their foster children. When they ran out of baby bottles, House came up with the concept of a nipple that would screw on to the opening of a water bottle. Other winning inventions include:

• Tidy Toys, a mobile toy-cleaning service: The business disinfects toys, books and more at doctor's offices, daycares, churches, etc.
• A product that monitors sick children.
• A bandeau wrap worn around the bustline of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers while showering to soothe, protect and support tender breast area.
• The Under Cover Plunger, a plunger with a handle that pivots to fold flat, and stores conveniently under the toilet tank lid.