Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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VENTED PACIFIER
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This non-provisional patent application claims priority to the provisional
patent application having Serial No. 60/834,504, which was filed on July 31,
2006.
to BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The vented pacifier relates generally to infant care accessories. More
specifically, the present invention refers to a hollow pacifier with an
internal rib
that prevents collapse of the pacifier walls as the pacifier is placed and
used in
the intraoral cavity and that prevents a vacuum from forming within an infant.
is A unique aspect of the present invention is an integral rib within a
tubular
shaped aperture within the nipple of the pacifier. The aperture starts at the
tip
and proceeds through the nipple that allows an infant to breath through the
pacifier without collapsing the nipple. The configuration of the nipple is
such that
collapse of the internal aperture is prevented. The shape of the pacifier
emulates
20 the shape of the human nipple during breast feeding. The nipple is oval and
proximately arch shaped in a superior direction that follows the roofline of
an
infant's mouth. The present invention emulates the normal human breast and
nipple shapes an infant encounters during breast feeding.
Babies, or infants, are also inclined to cry as a way of notifying parents of
25 their needs. At times, the cry of an infant is inappropriate and
inconvenient.
Parents seek ways to pacify their infants and restore some tranquility to a
home
or other environment. Also, infants have the instinct to suckle milk from
their
mothers. Following the suckling instinct, infants will suckle almost anything
placed into their mouths particularly items having a nipple shape. When
suckling,
3o an infant has a difficult time crying. Pacifiers having a fake nipple are
accepted
by infants and satisfy the infant, for a time. Also, pacifier use is
associated with a
significant decrease in sudden infant death syndrome.
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s Pacifiers generally have three parts: a nipple upon which the infant
suckles, a base upon which the nipple attaches, and a tab, or ring, extending
from the base that the caregiver can grasp. Many pacifiers through the years
have had solid nipples.
A pacifier of any design, whether it be the hollow type, that may have air
io pressure provided within its interior, because it has apertures, or even
the solid
nipple, induces the infant to suckle. When an infant undertakes that type of
activity, it obviously creates a vacuum in the mouth due to the constant
sucking
pressure. In addition, since the mouth cavity is accessible to the nasal
cavity,
and the ear passages, the vacuum may also generate further problems therein.
15 ' For example, in the various adjacent intra-oral passages, it has been
found
through medical study and tests that infections may be generated within the
ear
canals, when a constant sucking force is applied by the infant, which actually
can
lead to permanent damage in hearing, as well as ear fluid accumulation, motor
skills delay, speech delay, cognitive delay, and other maladies, as a result
of the
2o development of this negative pressure. Hence, providing a vented pacifier
eliminates the development of any vacuum, at the region of the pacifier,
within
the mouth, and any of the other passages or canals leading therefrom. It also
minimizes ear fluid, speech and motor delays, developmental delays, and other
maladies which can occur from fluid in the ear. Hence, medical complications
25 may be alleviated, through the usage of a vented pacifier, the type of this
design.
A solid nipple induces an infant to suckle. In suckling, though, an infant
creates a vacuum in its mouth and adjacent intra-oral passages. A vacuum
within the infant's mouth leads to crying in time, and possibly complications.
Many attempts have been made to provide a pacifier that relieves any
30 vacuums induced during suckling. An early patent to Meinecke, No. 652,034,
is
upon a nipple holder, circa 1900. The `034 patent shows a nipple that appears
to
be hollow, and then mounts upon a nut that has threadily engaged therein a
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handle, that incorporates a T-vent. This nipple holder, has a venting
structure,
but the nipple does not define that its head has any type of an opening
therethrough. Nevertheless, a vented type of nipple holder is disclosed that
shows a threaded engagement between the handle, and the nut that holds the
nipple in place.
The patent to Schmidt, et al, No. 1,518,823, shows a combination nipple
and pacifier, and the nipple shows an aperture, for allowing fluids to be
emptied
from the accompanying nursing-bottle. Because, when the nipple is applied or
threadily engaged into the pacifier, particularly the blind bore, it has no
ability to
vent. Hence, this pacifier was not designed for venting.
ls The patent to Mueller, No. 2,824,561, shows a combination infant pacifier
and feeding device. This particular pacifier has a vented style. It describes
that
the longitudinal bore, in combination with the plastic tube, does equalize air
pressure in the pacifier body, and this device is more involved with the
filling of
the pacifier body, such as with syrup, honey, medicines, or the like, and then
closed with a stopper. The patent description mentions little about the tube
and
the bore for venting purposes. Yet, the device will inherently function that
way,
since it describes these features for purposes of equalizing air pressure in
the
pacifier body, during usage. This device may collapse when in use.
The patent to Clegg, No. 3,426,755, shows a pacifier, used as a medicine
feeder. Hence, once again, when all the feeding instrumentation is removed,
this
device would act as a vented pacifier. But, the patent does not describe
venting if
the device is used as a pacifier. This device also may collapse during usage.
The patent to Davidson, No.3,610,248, shows a gum exercise device.
This is not just a pacifier, but has the cavity therein, where the hollow
membrane,
3o has a series of apertures therein, and with the membrane being filled with
a
hydrophilic plastic material. It does describe that the closure member can be
removed, and medication may be located within the cavity, and then re-closed
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with the closure means, to allow for the delivery of medicines, or the like,
to a
child. This device also may collapse during usage.
The patent to Lerner, No. 4,132,232, shows an integrally molded pacifier
for infants. But, it does coritain a variety of apertures, so that if the
pacifier is
inadvertently swallowed, the infant will still be able to breathe through
these
io various apertures. This device also may collapse during usage.
The patent to Hinkle, No. 4,896,666, shows a face mask assembly and
pacifier that tightly contacts the face of the wearer, and is more useful than
being
used for nipple purposes, such as during preoperative procedures, when
anesthetics are applied. While the pacifier does have at least one aperture
` therein, this particular aperture functions as a passageway to allow medical
gas
therethrough, when applying medicines or anesthetics to the patient, or infant
patient. This device also may collapse during usage.
The patent to Clayton, No.6,197,044, shows a feeding system and
apparatus for infants. While the claim of this device defines an improved
pacifier, having the usual nipple and mouth guard, the nipple incorporates an
inner lumen that is configured to removably receive a tubular member which
provides a passageway for oral fluids to enter into the infant. This device
also
may collapse during usage.
The patent to Ashton, No. 6,454,788, discloses a method and apparatus
for oral hydration and medication administration using a pacifier. This
apparatus
includes a nipple and shield, but incorporates a refillable reservoir,
apparently for
medication administration. It does incorporate a number of fluid-flowing
physiologic gutters for forwarding medication and medical fluids adjacent to
the
tongue of the user to avoid stimulating the gag reflex. This particular device
further includes an access assembly that is removably attached to a flange,
and
a detachable reservoir for holding liquids that are adapted for connection to
the
neck of the device, for delivering and administering liquids through the
nipple to
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an infant or young child. This device also may collapse during usage.
The patent to Pechenik, et al., No. 6,588,613, shows an infant-feeding
nipple, not just a pacifier per se. This device defines a nipple for use with
an
infant bottle unlike the present invention and that delivers water-based
fluids to
the child through the nipple. This device also may collapse during usage.
The patent to Williams, et al., No. 6,776,157, is upon a medical pacifier
and method for use thereof for the induction of anesthesia and other gases to
an
infant. This device may collapse as well during usage.
The published application to Silver, No. US 2004/0124168, is upon an
artificial nipple of integrated structure, for feeding purposes, and
apparently has
' a snap engagement onto a container. The engagement is achieved through its
arrangement of grooves and lips. This invention from Silver does not serve as
an improved feeding nipple and when it is radially compressed, it does not
allow
the passage of any fluid therethrough.
Finally, the published application to Avital, No. US2003/0083696 is a
standard pacifier, but the back end of its tube section is completely opened
for
full access to the atmosphere. This device also may collapse during usage.
In the preceding work of these applicants, Pat. Nos. 5,779,071 and
5,570,796, venting and internal tubes prevent the formation of partial vacuums
during suckling and resist spills. The preceding work allows an infant to use
a
bottle as intended but without generating a vacuum inside the bottle. In the
medical literature, vacuums in the mouth and adjacent passages of an infant
lead to ear aches and other predicaments. As infants use pacifiers to sooth
themselves, pacifiers can induce vacuums and resulting adverse effects upon
infants. Preventing vacuums induced by infants suckling provides health
benefits
to the infant.
The current invention, on the other hand, provides means for venting of a
pacifier allowing an infant to breath through the pacifier. The infant need
not
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stretch its mouth or eject the pacifier to breathe. The infant can orient the
present
invention in any direction and still breathe. The infant does so by grasping
recesses for the teeth and the gums upon the nipple of the invention with the
inferior offset closer to the distal end of the pacifier. The shape of the
nipple
deviates superiorly moving distally and has an oval shape to emulate the shape
to of the breast and the nipple during breast-feeding.
The present art overcomes the limitations of the prior art where a need
exists for eliminating vacuum within infants using pacifiers. That is, the art
of the
present invention, a vented pacifier allows air to pass in and out of a hollow
pacifier with a rib running lengthwise through the pacifier, preventing
collapse.
is ` This eliminates the formation of a vacuum within the mouth and adjacent
passages of an infant. The aperture of the present invention permits the
passage
of air for breathing and allows drainage of incidental saliva from the
aperture.
The present invention provides for easy cleaning, endures inadvertent chewing,
and allows an infant to breathe without removing the pacifier. The pacifier,
20 uniquely withstands compressive forces by the infant's jaws which keeps the
venting mechanism of the invention functioning at all times. And the infant is
encouraged to suckle upon the present invention as the shape of the pacifier
emulates the human breast and nipple during breast-feeding between mother
and child.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention improves a pacifier by forming a rib
within the hollow nipple. This pacifier has a nipple perpendicular to and
centered
upon a guard. The guard extends beyond the closed lips of a typical infant.
The
invention has offsets for the teeth and gums of an infant with the inferior
offset
closer to the distal end of the pacifier. Opposite the nipple, the guard has a
tab,
or ring, or other means for grasping the pacifier. The major aperture extends
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from the tip of the nipple towards and then through the guard. A rib is
provided,
extending the entire length of the pacifier which ensures that the pacifier
venting
aperture is always open. The major aperture allows the passage of air into and
out of the pacifier. However, infants salivate especially when suckling on a
pacifier. A vertical aperture intersects the horizontal aperture ahead of the
guard.
io The vertical aperture permits drainage of saliva that enters the horizontal
aperture back into the mouth of an infant. The pacifier deviates superiorly at
the
guard end and then slightly inferiorly at the opposite end, thus emulating the
human breast anatomy during suckling. The pacifier also has an oval shaped
nipple.
The present invention allows for instant and complete movement of air
through the pacifier thus allowing the pacifier to remain in place as the
infant
breathes normally. An infant using the present invention does not create
pressure in the mouth or intra-oral cavity. Using the present invention, an
ambient or positive pressure arises in the intra-oral cavity that simulates
the
sensation of breast feeding, a soothing activity for infants. Without creating
negative pressure in the intra-oral cavity, pressure remains ambient in the
middle
ear. Negative pressure, unlike ambient pressure, causes middle ear infections
especially shown in non-vented pacifiers. Fluid accumulation in the ear leads
to
ear infections, as well as developmental, motor, and speech delays in infants
still
using non-vented pacifiers. Also while using the invention, an infant does not
create a negative pressure in the intraoral cavity, air taken in around a
pacifier is
minimized and also air ingestion is minimized. In non-vented pacifiers, the
infant
creates a negative pressure in the intra-oral cavity which generates a
pressure
gradient that induces an infant to swallow and ingest air. Ingested air often
leads
to colic, fussiness, reflux, gas, and other gastro-intestinal disorders.
In time, infants begin to outgrow their pacifiers and they must be weaned
of the devices. The present invention allows normal breathing by an infant so
an
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infant can alternate readily between a vented pacifier and unassisted
breathing.
With confidence in breathing, an infant can easily minimize and eventually
discontinue use of the vented pacifier. Transitioning easily away from a
vented
pacifier, an older infant is less likely to place objects in the mouth which
promotes healthy formation and alignment of teeth as they grow in. Further, an
io easy transition from the vented pacifier encourages regular feedings in
contrast
to snacking which promotes tooth decay.
In the preferred embodiment, the hollow pacifier with a vertical aperture
oriented inferiorly or completely through the horizontal aperture is
manufactured
into the nipple of the invention.
Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a new and improved
vented pacifier for use by infants.
It is a further object of the present invention to vent continuously and
automatically through the invention.
It is a still further object of the present invention to remove promptly any
saliva or other liquids that accumulate in the invention.
It is a still further object of the present invention to prevent abnormal
suckling by an infant.
It is a still further object of the present invention to prevent abnormal,
frequent, and significantly negative pressure non-nutritive suckling by an
infant.
It is a still further object of the present invention to prevent disordered,
abnormally timed, and irregularly patterned breathing, suckling, or swallowing
by
an infant.
It is a still further object of the present invention to prevent negative
pressure in the middle ear.
It is a still further object of the present invention to prevent formation of
fluid in the ear and attending complications.
It is an even still further object of this invention is to prevent rapid air
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ingestion around the pacifier and its attending complications.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide for ease of
cleaning.
It is a still further object of the present invention to minimize fussiness,
air
ingestion, reflux, and colic of infants when using the present invention.
to It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a location
for
teeth or gums in an offset position.
Lastly, it is another object of this invention is to prevent leakage of saliva
through or around the present invention.
These and other objects may become more apparent to those skilled in
the art upon review of the invention as described herein, and upon undertaking
a
study of the description of its preferred embodiment, when viewed in
conjunction
with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In referring to the drawings,
Fig. 1 is a top view of a pacifier vented in accordance with the present
invention;
Fig. 2 is a rear view of the present invention;
Fig. 2a is a rear view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention
where the opening is partially closed;
Fig. 3 shows a front view of the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a side view of the present invention;
Fig. 5 is a side view of the present invention with the nipple offset;
Fig. 6 is a front view of the nipple offset upwards; and,
Fig. 7 is a top view of the present invention with a tab.
The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the
various figures.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention overcomes the prior art limitations by providing a
vented pacifier that provides a non-collapsible aperture to permit continuous
and
automatic venting as an infant breathes while suckling on the present
invention.
In referring to the drawings, and in particular Fig. 1, the preferred
embodiment of
io the vented pacifier 1 of this invention is disclosed. The vented pacifier
has a tab
1a or ring for grasping the present invention. The tab is located towards the
outside of the guard. The guard 2 has a generally oval shape and FIG. 1 shows
the edge of the guard. Opposite the tab, the present invention has a nipple 4.
The nipple is perpendicular to and centered upon the guard. The nipple has a
shape and texture that mimics a human nipple. Generally the nipple is oval
shaped in cross section with a narrow neck 10 proximate to the guard. The
nipple has the flexibility to move left and right and up and down as an infant
chews, moves its jaws, or suckles upon the nipple. In an alternate embodiment,
the tab is replaced with a protrusion of a different shape. In an alternate
2o embodiment, the guard has a round or elliptical shape.
Through the center lengthwise, the nipple has a horizontal aperture 6. The
horizontal aperture extends from the guard, through the neck, and opens 7 at
the
opposite end of the nipple. The opening 7 is at the surface of the nipple and
may
have any diameter, or alternatively may be a slit, series of slits, or other
shaped
opening. The horizontal aperture has sufficient diameter to aid an infant in
breathing. The horizontal aperture cooperates with an opening 3 extending
through the guard so that an infant may suckle upon the nipple and breathe
through the nipple simultaneously.
The entire length of the horizontal aperture 6 has a rib 6a which prevents
~0 closure of the aperture. Approximately one third of the distance from the
distal
end, the pacifier has a vertical aperture 8 that intersects and is
perpendicular to
the horizontal aperture. The vertical aperture communicates with the
horizontal
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aperture and drains any saliva or other liquids that enter the horizontal
aperture.
The vertical aperture 8 is spaced outward from the guard. This spacing clears
the lips of an infant suckling upon the nipple and allows drainage of fluids
back to
the inside of the infant's mouth. The tab is located at the edge of the guard,
generally away from the center and on the periphery of the guard.
Rotating the vented pacifier, FIG. 2 shows the rear view of the invention,
likely as a caregiver would view it. The guard 2 has a generally oval shape
having rounded edges for comfort and sufficient length to cover an infant's
mouth. The tab 1 a extends away from the guard and is perpendicular to the
guard, as well as generally on the periphery of the guard and is not easily
grasped by the infant, preventing accidental removal from the mouth by an
infant, but is easily grasped by a caregiver, an opening 3 communicates to the
horizontal aperture 6. The opening also shows an end of the rib 6a that
stiffens
the horizontal aperture lengthwise which prevents complete collapse of the
nipple. Here the rib 6a is shown as rectangular in cross section though other
shapes are possible. When an infant compresses the nipple, the rib maintains
the horizontal aperture as open for breathing, feeding, and delivery of
medicine.
As the rib partially divides the tube, breathing by the infant can occur
simultaneously with feeding or medicine delivery. Liquid food and medicine can
be dispensed to the infant through the horizontal aperture to one side of the
rib.
The opening 3 introduces air into the nipple that flows onward to the infant.
From time to time, a caregiver may seek to adjust the flow of air through
the opening. Fig. 2A shows a rear view of an alternate embodiment where the
guard 2 has an oval shape as before along with a ring 1 a generally below the
opening 3. The opening admits air into the horizontal aperture 6 that has a
lengthwise rib 6a as previously described. For air flow regulation, this
alternate
embodiment has a pivoting bar 12 to one side of the opening. The bar is
generally planar and rectangular in shape with two opposite ends. One end of
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the bar is pivotally connected to the guard, as at 13. The bar has a slight
curve
lengthwise to temporarily secure the end opposite the pivot in the position
selected by the caregiver. The width of the bar is sufficient to completely
close
the opening so the present invention operates similar to a non-venting
pacifier if
desired by the caregiver. Though a pivoting bar 12 is described, other devices
io that partially and then totally close the opening, such as a round turning
disc or
spiral or nautilus shaped plate, are foreseen.
But the user of the invention would view it as shown in FIG. 3, a front
view. An infant would view the guard with the nipple extending perpendicular
therefrom. The nipple has a generally oval shape 5 with the exit 7 of the
horizontal aperture 6. The oval shape of the nipple emulates the breast shape
an
infant feels during feeding. The horizontal aperture permits air to enter the
opening 3 at the guard and flow through to the exit 7 of the nipple 4.
Towards,
the distal end, the vertical aperture 8 extends perpendicular to the
horizontal
aperture 6 and drains the liquid contents, if any, within the horizontal
aperture. In
use, a caregiver places the vented pacifier 1, nipple first into the mouth of
an
infant. The infant then suckles on the nipple normally. In suckling, the
infant
works its mouth and intra-oral passages and thus draws air in through the
horizontal aperture 6 maintained open by the rib 6a extending lengthwise in
the
nipple. The infant can then exhale and inhale through the aperture as desired
in
normal breathing patterns. A caregiver may also dispense food and medicine
through the opening into the horizontal aperture maintained open by the rib.
FIG. 4 shows the side of the vented pacifier, particularly the vertical
aperture 8. The vertical aperture extends through the pacifier 1 and the
horizontal aperture and communicates outside of the nipple at exits 9. The
exits
3o and vertical aperture are located approximately one third of the length of
the
nipple away from the opening 7. This provides for drainage of excess saliva,
which is returned to the oral cavity. The vertical aperture is parallel to the
plane
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of the guard and is on the opposite side of the guard from the tab. This
orientation of the vertical aperture permits drainage of saliva and other
fluids
when the nipple is placed within the infant's mouth. The tab generally has a
central opening for securement of a keeper or strap. The strap keeps the
pacifier
with the infant when the infant releases it from his mouth. Here the nipple is
to shown wider to reflect the oval cross section.
Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of the pacifier from the side. The
pacifier has a tab 1a joining to a guard 2 generally below the center towards
the
edge of the guard. Opposite the tab, the pacifier has a nipple 5 of a somewhat
arcuate shape. The nipple deviates superiorly near the guard, shown as 5a, and
inferiorly at the free end of the nipple, shown as 5b, thus mimicking the
human
breast anatomy an infant encounters during feeding. The construction of the
nipple allows it to move left and right, up and down, as an infant moves its
jaws,
chews, and suckles upon the nipple. The nipple has recesses 11 for an infant's
gums or teeth, with the inferior recesses slightly more distal than the
superior
2o recesses. The recesses 11 are located away from the guard and generally
above
the center of the guard, and at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions. The recesses
engage the infant's gums thus guiding the tab toward the infant's chin which
keeps the vertical tube upright for drainage. The recesses extend into the
nipple
but do not intersect the horizontal aperture 6. As before, the horizontal
aperture
has a lengthwise rib 6a that prevents complete closure of the horizontal
aperture.
The horizontal aperture also allows for simultaneous feeding and medicine
delivery as the infant breathes through the aperture. The vertical aperture is
located between the recesses and the opening 7, generally about one third of
the length of the pacifier away from the opening.
Turning the pacifier, Fig. 6 shows the other embodiment from the front as
an infant would see it. The pacifier has a guard 2 that extends outwards from
the
mouth of an infant. The guard has a generally oval shape with the nipple 5
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joining to the guard. The nipple joins to the guard, often centrally, as at
5a, then
extends outwards and upwards from the guard to the inferiorly located free
end,
as at 5b. Where the nipple bends to form the free end, the nipple has opposed
recesses 11. Here, Fig. 6 shows the lower recess upon which an infant places
his gums or teeth when gripping the pacifier. The recesses extend partially
io across the width of the nipple. As before, the nipple has a horizontal
aperture 6
through the length of the nipple that allows passage of air from the opening 7
then into the intra-oral cavity when the pacifier is in usage. The horizontal
aperture has a lengthwise rib 6a that prevents closure of the aperture by jaw
action of the infant upon the nipple. The horizontal aperture drains through
the
vertical aperture 8, as shown in Fig. 5, here oriented upright with the lower
exit 9
visible.
Fig. 7 shows the other embodiment of the pacifier from above where the
pacifier has a guard, generally an oval shaped planar form. The guard has a
tab
upon one surface and the nipple upon the opposite surface. The tab joins
perpendicular to the guard generally towards the edge so that the tab may be
below the nipple during usage. The tab has a central opening, or hole, that
provides attachment for a strap or other keeper that connects the pacifier to
an
infant's clothing to prevent loss of the pacifier when the infant
inadvertently
removes the pacifier from its mouth. Opposite the tab, the nipple joins to the
guard, above the tab. The nipple has a tapering shape to mimic a human nipple.
From the guard at 5a, the nipple narrows slightly and extends upwards, or
superiorly, and then curves outwards generally horizontally. The nipple widens
slightly at the free end 5b. Where the nipple curves between superior and
inferior
portions, a recess allows an infant to grip the nipple with his or her teeth,
or
gums. The recess is a depression partially across the width of the nipple.
Fig. 7
shows a recess upon the top of the nipple and a matching recess is upon the
bottom as previously shown in Fig. 6. The nipple has a horizontal aperture 6
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extending lengthwise through the nipple from the guard to the free end. A rib
6a
runs the length of the horizontal aperture and prevents complete collapse of
the
horizontal aperture thus maintaining a flow of air for the infant. The
horizontal
aperture drains fluids using the vertical aperture 8 here shown on an end with
the
exit 9.
From the aforementioned description, a vented pacifier has been
described. This vented pacifier is uniquely capable of draining fluids, such
as
saliva, from a breathing aperture within a nipple without impeding air flow
through the nipple. This vented pacifier also supports continuous and
automatic
venting of the oral cavity of an infant during breathing. The vented pacifier
prevents collapse of the vent tube and permits introduction of liquids, foods,
and
medicines through the vent tube and into the oral cavity of an infant during
breathing. This vented pacifier and its various components may be manufactured
from many materials including but not limited to polymers, low density
polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, silicone,
ferrous
2o and non-ferrous metals, their alloys, and composites.
Variations or modifications to the subject matter of this invention may
occur to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the development as described
herein. Such variations, if within the scope of this development, are intended
to
be encompassed within the principles of this invention, as explained herein.
The
description of the preferred embodiment, in addition to the depiction within
the
drawings, are set forth for illustrative purposes only.
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