Pacifier with fluid passage and interchangeable shell

Abstract

A pacifier (101; 101'; 101''; 201) comprising a reusable sucking part (103; 103'; 203) and at least one interchangeable housing part (105; 105'; 205) which are releasably connectable to each other, wherein the sucking part (103; 103'; 203) comprises a nipple (107) and a shield (109; 21) which are connected to each other, wherein the sucking part (103; 103'; 203) comprises a passage (117) through which a fluid can pass from the outside of the mouth of a user of the pacifier to the pacifier The invention relates to a pacifier for use in a user's mouth, wherein the suction portion (103; 103'; 203) comprises at least one first connection device (111a), and wherein the housing portion (105; 105'; 205) comprises a housing (113; 1) and at least one second connection device (111b) releasably connectable to the at least one first connection device (111a), wherein the housing (113; 1) comprises at least one heat and moisture exchanger (HME) device (115a; 16) and / or at least one filter device (115b; 2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a pacifier, an exchangeable housing part which is configured for use in a pacifier, and a pacifier system. Background Art

[0002] For many years, clean air was viewed as an unlimited resource. However, increasing global air pollution has directed our attention to technologies related to improving the air we breathe. In its simplest form, individuals in heavily polluted cities have become conditioned to avoid being outdoors during certain hours of the day or times of the year or to wear respirators (similar to those worn in hospitals) to avoid spreading infectious diseases.

[0003] In humans, the nose, along with the mouth, receives and discharges air for breathing. As the first line of defense against dust particles, smoke, and other potential obstructions that would otherwise inhibit breathing, and as a kind of filter against airborne diseases, the hairs inside the nostrils filter the incoming air. In addition to acting as a filter, mucus contributes moisture to the components of the respiratory system. The nasal area also warms the incoming air to a level that is optimal for the body. Thus, by acting as the first interface between the external environment and the delicate lungs, the human nose conditions the incoming air, both in terms of thermo-humidity regulation and filtering during respiration.

[0004] On the other hand, the mouth does not protect the lungs - breathing through the mouth will expose the lungs to polluted and / or infected air and will also expose the lungs to dry cold air, which can have adverse effects, especially in young children.

[0005] EP 1 009 362 (Hadasit Medical Research Institute) relates to a device which will enable its user to bypass any obstruction in the nasal airway and maintain an open passage to the ambient air. More specifically, this is achieved by providing a pacifier comprising: a pacifier consisting of a nipple and a nipple neck; a shield fixedly attached to or integral with the nipple neck, the nipple being provided with at least one first opening adapted to communicate with the free atmosphere. Further, the pacifier is a breathe-through pacifier having an open passage to the ambient air between the at least one first opening and the atmosphere, enabling the user of the pacifier to inhale exclusively through the at least one first opening, which is sufficient to breathe, thereby bypassing any obstruction in the nasal airway. It is possible to provide a pacifier with a one-way valve which is sensitive enough to respond to minimal breathing efforts but does not admit exhaled air into the pacifier, thereby preventing mucous material from being deposited therein. In this case, the exhaled air will escape only between the baby's lips and the shield of the pacifier.

[0006] US2003034031 (Sleep Up Ltd) describes a pacifier that promotes mouth breathing. The pacifier is constructed so that sucking causes the airflow valve to assume a first operating state (in which the fluid communication channel is closed), and cessation of sucking allows the airflow valve to assume a second operating state (in which the fluid communication channel is open).

[0007] Despite the available technology, there remains a need in the field of soothers through which one can breathe for improved devices that are easy to use, not too expensive to produce, and that are able to improve and condition the inhaled air in a variety of ways. Summary of the invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved pacifier.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide a more versatile pacifier which will improve the quality of the inspired air.

[0010] This is achieved by a pacifier, an exchangeable housing part and a pacifier system according to the independent claims.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a pacifier is provided, comprising a reusable sucking part and at least one interchangeable housing part which are releasably connectable to each other, wherein the sucking part comprises a nipple and a shield which are connected to each other, wherein the sucking part comprises a passage through which a fluid can pass from the outside of a mouth of a user of the pacifier to the inside of a mouth of a user of the pacifier, and wherein the sucking part comprises at least one first connecting device, and wherein the housing part comprises a housing and at least one second connecting device which is releasably connectable to the at least one first connecting device, wherein the housing comprises at least one heat and moisture exchanger (HME) device and / or at least one filter device.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, an exchangeable housing part configured for use in such a soother is provided, wherein the housing part comprises a housing and at least one second connection device which can be releasably connected to the at least one first connection device of the sucking part, wherein the housing comprises at least one heat and moisture exchanger (HME) device and / or at least one filter device.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pacifier system comprising a reusable sucking part and at least two exchangeable housing parts according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0014] Hereby a universal pacifier is achieved. The sucking part can be reused and connected to different housing parts. Hereby different types of filter devices and / or HME devices can be used with the same sucking part. In addition, when the filter device or HME device has been used for a period of time, it may become clogged and no longer effective and needs to be replaced. With the present invention, a new housing part with a new, unused filter device and / or HME device can be easily connected to the sucking part.

[0015] The use of an HME device inside the housing portion of the pacifier will save the child from the negative consequences of mouth breathing when nose breathing is prohibited for any reason. The HME (Heat and Moisture Exchanger) device will prevent dehydration of the mouth and throat (which causes discomfort). In addition, the HME prevents dry cold air from reaching the lungs. This prevents several negative consequences, such as increased work of breathing, mucus stagnation, reduced oxygen levels, etc.

[0016] The use of a filter arrangement inside the housing portion of the pacifier will reduce the amount of harmful substances that a child might otherwise inhale in a contaminated environment. This type of filter arrangement can be adapted to different environments with different contaminating toxic substances. Due to the releasably connected housing portions, the pacifier can be easily adapted for different situations and uses.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present invention, the passage includes a first end and a second end, and fluid can pass between the first end and the second end, the first end is arranged at a first connection interface of the sucking part, which is configured to cooperate with the second connection interface of the shell part, and the second end of the passage is arranged in a part of the pacifier, which is configured to be positioned in the user's mouth during use of the pacifier, whereby the fluid can pass through the passage between the first connection interface of the sucking part and the interior of the user's mouth during use of the pacifier.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, the shell of the shell part includes an internal space, which is defined by a cover, a surrounding wall connected to the cover, and a second connection interface arranged opposite to the cover, wherein the second connection interface at least partially opens to the internal space of the shell and is configured to cooperate with the first connection interface of the sucking part.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cover includes an air opening through which air can pass, and wherein the HME device and / or the filter device is arranged in the internal space of the shell, so that the air passing between the air opening in the cover and the second connection interface of the shell must also pass through the HME device and / or the filter device.

[0020] In some embodiments of the invention, the HME device and / or the filter device is secured within the interior space of the housing by at least one grid welded to the surrounding wall.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first connecting device or the second connecting device comprises at least one recess, and wherein the other of the first connecting device or the second connecting device comprises at least one protrusion, whereby the at least one recess is configured to receive the at least one protrusion when the sucking part and the shell part are connected.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present invention, the one of the first connecting device or the second connecting device comprising at least one recess further comprises a channel and a locking edge, which are configured to allow the housing part to rotate relative to the sucking part and to lock the protruding part.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present invention, the housing portion further comprises a movable inner housing, which is arranged to move freely inside the housing and which in a first position will cover the exhalation perforations arranged in the housing and in a second position will not cover the exhalation perforations but instead cover the inhalation openings arranged in the housing.

[0024] In some embodiments of the invention, the exhalation perforations are positioned in the peripheral wall of the housing so that exhaled air is directed towards the nose of a user of the pacifier.

[0025] Further embodiments are described in the dependent claims and in the detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1a A soother according to one embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in cross section in an assembled position.

[0027] Figure 1b Shown with Figure 1a The same pacifier as in the example above but in a detached position.

[0028] Figure 2a A soother according to another embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in cross section in an assembled position.

[0029] Figure 2b Shown with Figure 2a The same pacifier as in the example above but in a detached position.

[0030] Figure 3 A soother according to another embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in cross section in a disengaged position.

[0031] Figure 4a is an exploded view of a pacifier according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 4b A connecting mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which can be used to connect a sucking part and a housing part of a pacifier.

[0033] Figure 5a is an exploded view of a pacifier according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5b Yes Figure 5a A top view of the pacifier shown in when assembled.

[0035] Figure 5c It shows that Figure 5a The crown and stem of a pacifier are shown in FIG.

[0036] Figure 6a-6d Four different views are shown. Figure 5a The crown of the pacifier is shown in .

[0037] Figure 7a-7b The top view and the perspective side view show the Figure 5aThe stem of a pacifier is shown in FIG.

[0038] Figures 8a-8d Four different views are shown. Figure 5a The housing of the pacifier is shown in FIG.

[0039] Figure 9a-9b Yes Figure 5a Detailed view of how an illustrative device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be arranged to include HME device 16, filter device 2 and steering channel. In addition, it is presented from the arrows how the air flow can be directed for inspiration and exhalation.

[0040] Figure 10a-10b Yes Figure 5a is a pictorial diagram of how a pacifier according to an embodiment may be provided with a plate that may be used for manual compression to remove moisture and thereby regenerate the HME device.

[0041] Fig.11a , Fig.11b , Fig.11c and Fig.11d It illustrates how the housing of a pacifier may be attached via a locking mechanism, thereby enabling easy removal and reattachment of the housing.

[0042] Fig.12 Describes Figure 5a How the invention according to an embodiment can deflect the air flow during inhalation is shown in FIG.

[0043] Fig.13 Describes Figure 5a How the present invention according to an embodiment can divert the airflow during exhalation is shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3 FIG. 4 schematically shows a pacifier according to different embodiments of the present invention, which are very similar. Identical details are given the same reference numerals. FIG. 5-13 shows a pacifier according to another embodiment of the present invention and separate parts of the pacifier. However, some features of the pacifier according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5-13 can also be implemented in other embodiments.

[0045] exist Figure 1a and Figure 1b In FIG. 1 , a pacifier 101 including an HME device 115a according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in an assembled state ( Figure 1a ) position and separation ( Figure 1b ) position. Figure 2a and Figure 2bIn the embodiment of the invention, a pacifier 101 ' comprising a filter device 115b is shown in an assembled state ( Figure 2a ) position and separation ( Figure 2b ) position. Figure 3 , a pacifier 101 ″ including both a HME device 115a and a filter device 115b according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in a disengaged position. Figure 4a A pacifier according to one embodiment of the invention is shown in exploded view. This may be any of the embodiments shown in Figures 1-3. Figure 4a No filter device or HME device is shown. All of these embodiments will now be described together with reference to Figures 1-4.

[0046] According to the invention, a pacifier 101; 101'; 101" is provided, comprising a reusable sucking part 103 and at least one exchangeable housing part 105 which are releasably connectable to each other. According to the invention, a pacifier system can also be provided, comprising one sucking part 103 and more than one housing part 105, which are intended to be used with the same sucking part 103. Hereby the sucking part 103 can be reused with different housing parts 105. The housing part 105 can be exchanged, which is due to the need to replace or clean the HME device 115a or the filter device 115b arranged therein, or because another type of HME device 115a or filter device 115b is required. Hereby the pacifier 101; 101'; 101" can be delivered as a kit with one sucking part 103 and several housing parts 105. As a first option in the invention, the housing part is intended to be completely exchangeable, i.e. the housing part is a disposable part which is discarded after use. However, alternatively, instead of replacing the entire housing part, the housing part may be released from the suction part and the filter device and / or the HME device may be replaced with a new one or cleaned for reuse.

[0047] The sucking portion 103 comprises a nipple 107 and a shield 109 connected to each other. The nipple 107 is configured to be sucked by a child, and the shield 109 is provided for preventing the nipple 107 from being swallowed, which is common for pacifiers. According to the present invention, the sucking portion 103 comprises a passage 117 through which a fluid can pass from the outside of the mouth of a user of the pacifier 101; 101'; 101" to the inside of the mouth of the user of the pacifier. Hereby the pacifier 101; 101'; 101" is a pacifier through which breathing can be performed, which is suitable for use, for example, when nose breathing is prohibited.

[0048] Furthermore, the suction part 103 comprises at least one first connection device 111a for connecting to the housing part 105. The housing part 105 comprises a housing 113 and at least one second connection device 111b which can be releasably connected to the at least one first connection device 111a. In this embodiment, the first connection device 111a comprises two opposing recesses and the second connection device 111b comprises two protrusions, whereby the recesses are configured to receive the protrusions when the suction part 103 and the housing part 105 are connected. In order to allow the protrusions to enter the recesses, the protrusions may be elastic. Another alternative is that, for example, the shield 109 is elastic and can be bent to allow the protrusions to enter the recesses. About Figure 4b Still further alternatives are shown and will be described further below. Figure 4b In the described embodiment, the projection does not need to be elastic. The number of recesses and projections can of course be another number than two. Furthermore, the recess can also be provided in the housing part 105 and the projection can also be provided in the suction part 103. In order to improve the connection and secure the connection, a rotation locking feature can also be provided. By rotating the housing part 105 relative to the suction part 103 (when they are connected), the first connection device 111a and the second connection device 111b can be arranged in a locked position. For example, the recess can be arranged as a groove, thereby allowing the projection to be guided in the groove when the housing part is rotated. In Figures 11a-11d An example of a rotational locking feature is shown in , which may also be used in this embodiment of the pacifier.

[0049] exist Figure 4b, which can be used to connect a sucking part 103' (the soother is not shown in this view) and a housing part 105' of a soother according to the invention. In this embodiment of the locking mechanism, a first connecting means 111a provided in the sucking part 103' comprises two protrusions (however, the number of protrusions can of course vary). A second connecting means 111b is provided in the housing part 105' and comprises two recesses 22' for receiving the protrusions and a channel 23' into which the protrusion 111a can be rotated, i.e. the recesses and the channel allow the housing part to be rotated relative to the sucking part when the protrusion has been received in the recesses. The locking edge 22a' locks the protrusion 111a in the channel 23'. The protrusion 111a, the recess 22' and the channel 23' can be dimensioned so that the friction between these parts keeps them connected to the required strength but allows the two parts to be disengaged. Furthermore, an inward angle of the channel 23' relative to the recess 22' or an additional channel directed inwardly may be used so that the housing portion 105' needs to be pushed toward the slightly inertial retracted suction portion 103' to allow the protrusion 111b to rotate in the channel 23'. Thus, the channel forms a greater "U" shape, wherein the tip of the U is directed toward the suction portion 103'.

[0050] According to the present invention, the housing 113 comprises at least one heat and moisture exchanger (HME) device 115a and / or at least one filter device 115b. Figure 1a and Figure 1b In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the housing 113 includes only the HME device 115a. Figure 2a and Figure 2b In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the housing 113 comprises only the filter device 115 b, while in FIG. Figure 3 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , housing 113 includes both an HME device 115a and a filter device 115b.

[0051] The passage 117 comprises a first end 117a and a second end 117b between which fluid can pass, the first end 117a being disposed at a first connection interface 119a of the sucking portion 103 configured for mating with a second connection interface 119b of the housing portion 105. The second end 117b of the passage 117 is disposed in a portion of the nipple 107 configured to be positioned within a user's mouth during use of the pacifier 101; 101'; 101'', whereby fluid can pass through the passage 117 between the first connection interface 119a of the sucking portion 103 and the interior of the user's mouth during use of the pacifier. The passage 117 hereby extends through the nipple 107 and through the shield 109.

[0052] The housing 113 of the housing portion 105 includes an interior space 121 defined by a cover 123, a peripheral wall 125 connected to the cover 123, and a second connection interface 119b disposed opposite the cover 123. The second connection interface 119b at least partially opens into the interior space 121 of the housing 113 and is configured to cooperate with the first connection interface 119a of the suction portion 103.

[0053] Furthermore, the cover 123 comprises an air opening 127 through which air can pass. The HME device 115a and / or the filter device 115b are arranged in the inner space 121 of the housing 113, so that the air passing between the air opening 127 in the cover 123 and the second connection interface 119b of the housing 113 must also pass through the HME device 115a and / or the filter device 115b.

[0054] In some embodiments, the HME device 115a and / or the filter device 115b may be secured within the interior space 121 of the housing 113 by being welded to at least one grid 131 of the surrounding wall 125. Figure 4a Such a grid is shown in .

[0055] Another embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 5-13. Figure 5a FIG. 2 shows a pacifier 201 according to an embodiment of the present invention in an exploded view, and FIG. Figure 5b , Figure 5c 6, 7, 8 and 11 show the separate parts of the pacifier 201. Fig.12 and Fig.13 The soother 201 is shown in different positions. Like the previously described embodiments, the soother 201 according to this embodiment of the invention comprises a reusable sucking part 203 and at least one exchangeable housing part 205 which are releasably connectable to each other.

[0056] The sucking portion 203 comprises a nipple 107 and a shield 21 connected to each other, wherein the sucking portion 203 comprises a passage 117 through which a fluid can pass from the outside of the mouth of a user of the pacifier to the inside of the mouth of the user of the pacifier. The sucking portion 203 comprises at least one first connection device 22. The housing portion 205 comprises a housing 1 and at least one second connection device 24 that can be releasably connected to the at least one first connection device 22. The housing 1 comprises one or more of the following: a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) device 16 and a filter device 2. In the embodiment shown in Figures 5-13, the filter device 2 is shown as being arranged as a top layer of the housing portion 205. However, in this embodiment, the filter device 2 can also be arranged inside the housing 1, as in the embodiment described with respect to Figures 1-4.

[0057] The passage 117 includes a first end 117a and a second end 117b, between which a fluid can pass (in Figure 9a ). The first end 117a is disposed at a first connection interface 119a of the suction portion 203, which is configured to mate with a second connection interface 119b of the housing portion 205, and the second end 117b of the passageway 117 is disposed in a portion of the nipple 107 that is configured to be positioned within a user's mouth during use of the nipple 201, whereby fluid can pass through the passageway 117 between the first connection interface 119a of the suction portion 203 and the interior of the user's mouth during use of the nipple. The passageway hereby extends through the nipple 107 and through the shield 21.

[0058] The housing 1 may have a shape that is ergonomically suitable for its intended use, as will be discussed in more detail below. The skilled person will appreciate that, for example, any plastic may be useful, as long as there is no chemical leakage and / or unpleasant taste for the user. The housing may, for example, be substantially circular and, where appropriate, be provided with openings (such as perforations) for the airway and one or more valves, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0059] Further, the housing 1 of the pacifier 201 may comprise one or more membranes to enable a valve function when in mobile engagement in combination with a suitably arranged disc: through an opening in such a disc, a valve function is created during breathing, since the membrane will then move towards the user due to the pressure to open the airway. As the skilled person will appreciate, "mobile engagement" here means the possibility of shifting between an open position during inspiration, in which air can pass, and a closed position during exhalation.

[0060] Thus, more specifically, the housing 1 of this embodiment of the invention enables the valve function by a combination of a mobile part (comprising a membrane and a stem designed as a leaf) and a fixed part (crown) relative to the aforementioned mobile part, both of which are arranged in the same cylindrical part, as will appear from the description of the accompanying drawings below. This design offers several advantages, such as protecting the filter from the effects of humidification and thus increasing its usefulness and life; enabling the HME to be compressed so as to remove any mucus or secretions that would otherwise reduce its usefulness; and enabling air to be inhaled only via the outermost filter device, ensuring its purity. Furthermore, this design enables the use of inhalation and exhalation to create a regulated microclimate around the user's breathing hole, allowing the user to breathe regulated air through both the mouth and the nose, without any mechanical manipulation of the user's nose. This is a clear advantage, especially when treating small babies.

[0061] The following continues the description of the specific embodiment as shown in Figures 5-13, however, some details surrounding, for example, the HME device 115a; 16 and the filter device 115b; 2 will also be relevant to the previously described embodiment as described with respect to Figures 1-4.

[0062] HME materials are widely used in the field of artificial noses. The properties of HME are specified in an international standard (ISO 9360) and are defined as "devices intended to retain a portion of the moisture and heat exhaled by the patient and return it to the respiratory tract during inspiration". The material that constitutes the active part of the HME is often called the exchange medium or membrane. The medium consists of a range of materials, such as cellulose, polymer foam, metal fiber, ceramic or paper. The medium is often treated with a desiccant (e.g., calcium chloride or lithium chloride) and can exhibit different properties depending on the manufacturer's intentions.

[0063] In addition to the medical scenarios mentioned above, HME materials are also used in other situations (when insufficient air moisture dries out the airways and thickens secretions causing ciliary damage along with discomfort). However, it is also well known that wet HME increases the work of breathing, making its placement in respiratory aids important.

[0064] 5-13, the HME device 16 is arranged closer to the individual's mouth than the filter device 2, which enables excess moisture to be removed from the HME device 16 before the exhaled air reaches the filter device 2. Therefore, a soother according to some embodiments of the present invention may include an HME device that is arranged to be regenerated by manual compression.

[0065] More specifically, a pacifier according to the present invention may include means for diverting moisture or liquid and / or exhaled air from compression of the HME device 16 away from passing through the filter device 2. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, moisture from exhaled air may otherwise have a negative impact on the filter. The diverted liquid may be allowed to exit the housing, for example via a slit, perforation or other suitable opening or valve, and such liquid may be directed towards a desired location.

[0066] Further, a soother according to the invention may comprise means for diverting exhaled air and / or inhaled air, such as slits or perforations, as outlined in more detail in the accompanying drawings.

[0067] Furthermore, a pacifier according to the invention may comprise means to condition air inhaled only through the nose by filter means arranged on the outside of the housing.A pacifier according to the invention may comprise an external design that influences the airflow around the device by influencing the airflow generated by the breathing effort.

[0068] To facilitate breathing of the individual, the inlet for airflow through the housing may be specifically designed to achieve optimal airflow and minimal resistance.Apparatus according to the present invention may include features that are specifically shaped to suit the characteristics of the oral region of a human individual.

[0069] Various steering and other designs are explained in greater detail in the context of FIGS. 5-13 provided below.

[0070] As emerges from the above, the pacifier 101; 101'; 101"; 201 according to the invention (such as the embodiments shown in Figures 1-4 and the embodiments shown in Figures 5-13) may comprise one or more filter means 115b; 2, such as at least one chemical or mechanical filter. Such a filter may be any kind of conventionally used bacterial and / or particle filter. The filter means may for example be a pleated filter or an electrostatic filter. In order to purify the inhaled air from unpleasant or harmful particles, the pacifier according to the invention may comprise a particle filter defined by a cut-off point of about 2.5 μm, such as in the range of 0.1-10 μm.

[0071] Filter device 115b; 2 may be arranged in a circular manner to align with a cross section of, for example, cylindrical housing 113; 1. In embodiments as shown in FIGS. 5-13 , filter device 2 may be located at a distal end of the device, ie further from the user's mouth than HME device 16.

[0072] More specifically, the filter device 115b;2 is arranged in the pacifier 101;101';101'';201 of the present invention to remove tiny harmful particles generated by industry, internal combustion engines and other human activities associated with pollution. Particulate matter is a heterogeneous mixture composed of carbonaceous combustion materials (such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), biogenic materials, salts and other inorganic materials (such as transition metals). The size of such particles can be classified as 10 PM (2,5-10 μm), 2,5 PM (0.1-2.5 μm) or ultrafine particles (< 0.1 μm).

[0073] It is well known that the filtration process is complex and a variety of filters exist on the market today covering a wide range of applications such as, but not limited to, respiratory protection, air cleaning of smaller effluents, handling of hazardous materials, removal of asbestos fibers and diesel particulates.

[0074] Mechanical filters are generally divided into membrane filters and fiber filters. The properties and performance of these filters vary widely depending on the intended use. In this context, the important aspects of the filter are its efficiency with respect to the removal of certain particle sizes and its performance when wet. For humans, it is generally believed that the smaller the particle, the lower it travels into the respiratory tract. The device described herein is not limited to any specific filter type, but can be adapted to fit different filters depending on the desired application. A commercially available illustrative particle filter is 3M™ particulate respirator 8670F. This is a filter approved by the FDA, which is intended for public use to reduce exposure to airborne particles.

[0075] Therefore, the present invention according to an embodiment as shown in Figures 5-13 involves the use of a filter device 2 combined with an opening in the housing 1 and / or an air guiding channel in its structure. This is as follows to condition the air around the user's breathing hole using clean conditioned inhaled air and exhaled air. During inhalation, the polluted air moves through the filter device 2 and is cleaned. The clean air further moves through the HME device 16 and moves down to the respiratory tract. During exhalation, the clean air from the user's respiratory tract is diverted through the opening / perforation 14 in the housing 1 (further described below with respect to Figure 8) in such a way that it dilutes the polluted air around the user's breathing hole, and the clean air can then be inhaled. Experienced experts can raise the issue of oxygenation and / or re-breathing problems. Considering the large amount of surrounding air and the rapid diffusion of molecules in the air, this is considered to be negligible. In addition to technical experiments, the airflow and microclimate around the user can also be visualized by specific simulation techniques. Using experimental tests in the laboratory, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can be used to measure and visualize the content of air and airflow. This technique can then be combined with computer simulations to calculate and generate the exact and optimal composition of the filter device and also used to guide how to optimize the airflow to create regulated cavitation around the desired areas (i.e., mouth and nose apertures). CFD techniques can also be used to track the velocity and distribution of particles and contaminants to demonstrate and confirm the functionality and uniqueness of the device.

[0076] The above-mentioned resistance that occurs when breathing through active HME materials sometimes presents a greater problem for young infants and children than for adults (who are aware of the advantages of using HME materials). However, for experienced experts in this field, this is not an effect to be avoided, as described below. The present invention has proven to be advantageous in this regard. The present invention combines several functions to optimize and mimic normal respiratory physiology, which is particularly important for infants. HME provides moisture, purification and heating to the inhaled air. The resistance that occurs when breathing through the HME device and the filter device is beneficial to exhalation because it increases the end-expiratory pressure, which in turn keeps the user's lungs more open and has a positive effect on oxygenation. This principle is widely used in health care to improve the patient's oxygenation, especially when the airway is damaged by a breathing tube. Therefore, this effect is consciously targeted in this embodiment of the present device.

[0077] According to this embodiment of the invention, the housing part 205 comprises a movable inner housing 13a, which is arranged to move freely inside the housing 1 and which in a first position will cover the exhalation perforations 14 provided in the housing 1 and in a second position will not cover the exhalation perforations 14 but instead cover the inhalation openings 227 provided in the housing 1. Suitably, the exhalation perforations 14 are positioned in the surrounding wall of the housing 1 so that the exhaled air is directed towards the nose of the user of the pacifier. The freely movable inner housing 13a will hereby be pulled closer to the user's mouth during inhalation and hereby cover the exhalation perforations 14 and hereby prevent air from entering the user's mouth through the exhalation perforations 14. During exhalation, the inner housing 13a will be forced outwards (i.e. in a direction out of the user's mouth) and hereby the exhalation perforations 14 will be opened and allow the exhaled air to leave through them.

[0078] The invention also relates to a locking mechanism, which is arranged between the housing part 205 and the suction part 203, or more specifically between the housing 1 and the shield 21, so as to enable safe exchange of the housing part 205 including the filter. The locking mechanism may be arranged as a feature of the device according to the invention and enables easy exchange of filter devices and HME devices which are known to have a limited service life.

[0079] This replaceability also makes it possible to use different filter types according to the needs of the user (for example, depending on the type of contamination). One advantage of the present invention is that such a lock is easily designed to be childproof, but at the same time intuitively easy to replace for adults. The housing 1 is locked in place in a shield 21 having a slit 22 (which is part of the first connection device 111a), while a small spike 24 (corresponding to the second connection device 111b) is located on the housing 1. In order to remove the housing 1, the shield 21 must be bent according to its curvature so that the housing 1 can be rotated, and the housing removes the spike 24 from the slit 22 when rotating, so that the housing 1 can be removed. In order to reassemble the device, the shield 21 is bent, and the housing 1 is reattached and rotated back again. Thereafter, the shield 21 is released, which causes the shield to straighten slightly by its inherent rigidity, thereby locking the housing 1 from rotation via the locking edge 22a on the slit 22 in the shield 21.

[0080] The present invention therefore relates to a device as described above comprising means for assembling and disassembling the housing part 105; 205 from the sucking part 103; 203 in a child-safe manner, thereby enabling the filter means and the HME means to be swapped, thus optimizing the functioning of the device.

[0081] With reference to FIGS. 5-8 , the invention will be described by way of an example in which all parts are arranged inside a cylindrical housing 1 . From the outside, towards the user's mouth, first a filter device 2 (e.g., as described above) is attached to the housing 1 . Under this filter device 2 is a circular movable piece 3 as wide as the inner diameter of the wall of the housing 1 to provide a substantially air-tight and liquid-tight seal, having three spokes 4 adjoining in the middle of a ring (here illustrated as a circular hub 5 ), all parts 3-5 together forming a crown 6 . On the inner part of the hub 5 is a short knob 7 , i.e. pointing inwards. The short shaft 8 is not cylindrical but can be any other shape (e.g., triangular) to prevent the crown 6 from rotating relative to the leaves 10 . Attached to the knob 7 but freely movable up and down along its length is a thin but air- and liquid-impermeable circular (or any other geometric shape corresponding to the housing 1 and the crown 6 ) membrane 9 as wide as the inner diameter of the housing 1 . This membrane 9 is perforated, the openings of which correspond to the spokes 4 of the crown. Vice versa, the leaves of the membrane overlap the perforations in the crown. This enables the inhalation of air, since the leaves 10 will move inwards, exposing the holes in the crown 6. When exhalation begins, the air will push the leaves 10 outwards, closing the opening and stopping the air from flowing outwards in this way. The leaves 10 are united in a ring 11 at their outermost part, which is as wide as the inner diameter of the housing 1. This ring 11 continues downward along the inner part 12 of the housing, thus including a slightly smaller and much thinner cylinder itself, which is called the stem 13. In the housing cylinder 1, there are perforations 14, which allow an outward airway 20. When the stem 13 moves outwards with the leaves 10 during exhalation, these perforations 14 will be exposed and airflows may be outwards. These airflows are controlled by the shape of the opening and other aerodynamic modulations, for example being directed in an upward manner towards the position where the user's nose will be located. When the leaves 10 move inwards during inspiration, the stem 13 moves downwards in the housing 1, thereby covering the perforations 14 and preventing air from entering the housing in this way. The HME device 16 is placed inside and proximal to the stem 13, and since all the inner parts 3, 13 are movable with respect to the inner surface 12 of the housing 1, the HME device 16 can be compressed via external manual pressure on the crown 6. Thus, the HME device is able to be renewed (refreshment) and regenerated when wet (see also Figure 10). This possibility of compressing the HME device requires that the wall of the stem 13 is soft and compressible to a certain extent (see Figure 10).

[0082] Figure 9a -b describes in detail the valve mechanism and the diversion of the airflow. At the beginning of inspiration, the leaves 10 move inwards, as in Figure 9a , thereby allowing air to be inhaled through the pacifier 19. Figure 9bThe valve function during exhalation is depicted. The leaflets 10 and stem 13 have moved outwardly, thereby blocking the airway through the filter device 2. Exhaled air 20 leaves the housing 1 via the perforations 14, thereby protecting the filter device from moisture. The exhaled air is directed toward a desired location (e.g., the user's nose), thereby allowing the contaminated air to be diluted with clean air.

[0083] FIG10 depicts how the HME device 16 is refreshed via manual compression. Pressure on the crown 6 will compress the HME device, causing it to remove excess moisture, which is expelled through the perforations in the nipple of the pacifier (through the passage 117 in the sucking portion 203). The internal elasticity of the HME device causes it to resume its usual shape after compression ends, thereby resetting the device to its original state.

[0084] Figures 11a-11d A locking mechanism for the housing 1 (housing part 205 in the suction part 203) is described in the shield 21 of the device. Fig.11a In the embodiment, the shield 21 is bent according to its curvature, thereby exposing a small slit 22 (which is part of the first connecting device 111a, which in this embodiment further includes a channel 23), which enables the installation of a spike 24 in the housing 1 (corresponding to the second connecting device 111b). This allows the housing to be inserted into the shield and, after rotating the housing, releases the shield, allowing it to maintain its usual shape. This causes the small slit 22 to surround a small knob 25 on the outside of the housing 1, preventing it from rotating. Due to the position of the spike 24 inside the small channel 23 in the shield, the straightening of the shield prevents the housing from being removed. The need to bend the shield, combined with the need to simultaneously rotate the housing in order to remove it, makes this a safe and child-proof locking mechanism. Fig.11b is a detailed view of the locking mechanism. Fig.11c -d shows how the device Fig.11c Rotate and lock in Fig.11d Unlock in.

[0085] Fig.12 Depicts how the present invention diverts airflow during inhalation. Fig.13 Describes how the present invention diverts airflow during exhalation. More specifically, Fig.12 and Fig.13 , arrows are used to show how the air flows through the device. As can be seen, depending on the manufacturer's intention, the exhaled air ( Fig.13) can take one or more paths. Inhaled air passes through the filter device 2 and reaches the user's respiratory tract 17 and 18 via the HME device 16, thereby enabling the creation of a conditioned microclimate around the user's breathing aperture. Exhaled air 20 is diverted from the housing 1 in order to avoid moistening the filter device 2 and using conditioned air to flush the polluted outside air with clean air from the lungs, thus diluting the outside air from toxic substances. This conditions the air around the breathing aperture and contributes to the creation of a microclimate that is more suitable for breathing than the surrounding air.

[0086] As emerges from these figures, according to the invention, both inhalation and exhalation can be utilized to condition the air, but neither excludes the other. In other words, the two functions can be operated independently of each other. Therefore, due to these and other advantages, the invention enables a more suitable microclimate to be created around the respiratory tract of the user, thereby avoiding the need for any mechanical or other device to be inserted or otherwise manipulated in the user's nose. The advantage of this is that the user-friendliness and comfort of the device are considerable and the usability is increased, especially in the case of infants.

[0087] The pacifier according to the present invention is able to condition both the inhaled air and the exhaled air. The present invention may be a passive air conditioning device comprising a HME device and / or a filter device. The device is able to condition the air around the aperture of the individual's respiratory system. An advantage of the present invention is that, contrary to certain prior art, it is driven only by the individual's breathing. In this context, it is understood that the term "individual" refers to a human user.

[0088] The term "conditioning" is used herein to refer to a general improvement in the quality of breathable air. The term "breathable" pacifier is used herein to refer to a pacifier that allows an individual to breathe through it. The term "mouth breathing" is used herein to refer to breathing through an individual's mouth rather than through the nose.

Claims

1. A pacifier comprising a reusable sucking part and at least one interchangeable housing part which are releasably connectable to each other, in, The sucking part includes a nipple and a shield connected to each other, wherein the sucking portion includes a passage through which fluid passes from the outside of the mouth of a user of the pacifier to the inside of the mouth of the user of the pacifier, so that the pacifier is a pacifier through which breathing can be performed, And wherein the sucking part comprises at least one first connecting device, and wherein the housing portion comprises a housing and at least one second connection device which can be releasably connected to the at least one first connection device, wherein the housing comprises at least one heat and moisture exchanger device and / or at least one filter device, including a bacterial and / or particle filter, wherein the shell of the housing portion comprises an interior space defined by a cover, a peripheral wall connected to the cover, and a second connection interface disposed opposite the cover, wherein the second connection interface at least partially opens into the interior space of the shell and is configured to cooperate with the first connection interface of the sucking portion, wherein the cover comprises an air opening through which air can pass, and wherein the heat and moisture exchanger device and / or the filter device are arranged in the internal space of the shell, so that the air passing between the air opening in the cover and the second connection interface of the shell must also pass through the heat and moisture exchanger device and / or the filter device.

2. The pacifier according to claim 1, wherein: The passageway includes a first end and a second end, with fluid passing between the first end and the second end, the first end being disposed at a first connection interface of the sucking portion, the first connection interface being configured to mate with a second connection interface of the housing portion, and the second end of the passageway being disposed in a portion of the nipple configured to be positioned within a user's mouth during use of the nipple, whereby fluid passes through the passageway between the first connection interface of the sucking portion and an interior of a user's mouth during use of the nipple.

3. The pacifier according to claim 1, wherein: The heat and moisture exchanger device and / or the filter device are fixed in the inner space of the housing by at least one grid welded to the surrounding wall.

4. The pacifier according to claim 1, wherein: The first connecting device or the second connecting device comprises at least one recess, and wherein the other of the first connecting device or the second connecting device comprises at least one protrusion, whereby the at least one recess is configured to receive the at least one protrusion when the suction part and the shell part are connected.

5. The pacifier according to claim 4, wherein: The one of the first or second connecting means comprising at least one recess further comprises a channel and a locking edge configured for allowing the housing portion to rotate relative to the suction portion and for locking the protruding portion.

6. The pacifier according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The housing portion further comprises a movable inner housing, which is arranged to move freely inside the housing and which in a first position will cover an exhalation perforation arranged in the housing and in a second position will not cover the exhalation perforation but instead covers an inhalation opening arranged in the housing.

7. The pacifier according to claim 6, wherein: The exhalation perforations are positioned in the peripheral wall of the housing so that exhaled air is directed towards the nose of the user of the pacifier.

8. An interchangeable housing part configured for use in a pacifier according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The housing part comprises a housing and at least one second connection device which can be releasably connected to the at least one first connection device of the suction part, Therein, the housing comprises at least one heat and moisture exchanger device and / or at least one filter device, including a bacterial and / or particle filter.

9. An interchangeable housing part according to claim 8, wherein: The shell of the shell part includes an interior space, which is defined by a cover, a surrounding wall connected to the cover, and a second connection interface arranged opposite to the cover, wherein the second connection interface at least partially opens to the interior space of the shell and is configured to cooperate with the first connection interface of the sucking part.

10. An interchangeable housing part according to claim 9, wherein: The cover comprises an air opening through which air passes, and wherein the heat and moisture exchanger device and / or the filter device are arranged in the internal space of the shell, so that the air passing between the air opening in the cover and the second connection interface of the shell must also pass through the heat and moisture exchanger device and / or the filter device.

11. An exchangeable housing part according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: The heat and moisture exchanger device and / or the filter device are fixed in the inner space of the housing by at least one grid welded to the surrounding wall.

12. An exchangeable housing part according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: The second connection means comprises at least one recess or at least one projection.

13. An exchangeable housing part according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: The housing portion further comprises a movable inner housing, which is arranged to move freely inside the housing and which in a first position will cover an exhalation perforation arranged in the housing and in a second position will not cover the exhalation perforation but instead covers an inhalation opening arranged in the housing.

14. An interchangeable housing part according to claim 13, wherein: The exhalation perforations are positioned in the peripheral wall of the housing so that exhaled air is directed towards the nose of the user of the pacifier.

15. A pacifier system comprising a reusable sucking part and at least two exchangeable housing parts according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

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