Oral soothing device for infants and waste collection and disassembly method thereof

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an oral soothing device (10) for an infant, configured to be disassembled by a caregiver of the infant. The oral soothing device has a disassembly control system (16) which can be transformed from a first state to a second state in a manner defined by the disassembly control system. In the first state, the disassembly control system provides a disassembly impediment of the oral soothing device. The transformation of the disassembly control system to the second state removes said impediment. The disassembly control system is further configured such that the transformation from the first state to the second state is irreversible, wherein once the disassembly control system has been transformed from the first state to the second state, the first state can no longer be assumed by an action of the caregiver. A disassembly method of the oral soothing device and a waste collection method of a discarded oral soothing device are also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an oral soothing device for infants, which is configured to be removed by the infant's caregiver.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for waste collection for oral soothing devices.

[0003] The present invention also provides a method for disassembling an oral soothing device. Background Technology

[0004] Oral soothing devices such as comfort objects and teething toys can be sucked or chewed by infants to provide comfort. For example, comfort objects can relieve stress, irritability, or discomfort to calm an infant, while teething toys can relieve pain during teething. Typical comfort objects may include a rubber (e.g., silicone) nipple for insertion into the infant's mouth, a rigid plastic guard to prevent the infant from swallowing or choking on the comfort object, and a handle for holding the comfort object in place. Teething toys are similar devices inserted into the infant's mouth but replacing the rubber nipple; teething toys typically include a sturdy, rigid protrusion, such as a rigid plastic protrusion, for the infant to safely chew on.

[0005] While oral soothing devices can be helpful for both caregivers and infants, several safety aspects must be carefully considered when designing such devices. For example, ideally, oral soothing devices should not be easily disassembled into small parts during infant use, as this could pose a choking risk.

[0006] Therefore, oral soothing devices typically have a limited lifespan and may need to be replaced periodically to ensure adequate safety and hygiene. For example, prolonged use of oral soothing devices can lead to damage, increasing the risk of small parts separating and causing choking hazards, and making the device more difficult to clean effectively. In such cases, old oral soothing devices should be disposed of properly (e.g., recycled), as continued use may pose health risks to infants.

[0007] Because oral soothing devices do not include small parts that could pose a choking risk, they are typically not designed to be disassembled into their components at the end of their lifespan. For example, it may not be possible to separate the silicone nipple from the plastic baffle component. While this clearly has advantages in terms of safety, it can pose disposal-related challenges because it may not be possible to separate the materials for recycling.

[0008] WO 2018 / 203328 A1 discloses a device for dispensing medicine to an infant, the device including a nipple-like portion in fluid communication with a compressible reservoir.

[0009] GB 08897A AD1914 discloses a rubber soothing device having a stopper configured to deform the soothing device in order to fix a baffle in place.

[0010] US 2005 / 065551 A1 discloses a pacifier assembly having a cap for protecting the nipple. The cap is pivotally mounted on a baffle assembly.

[0011] US 7,857,831 B2 discloses a lip closure tool configured to encourage infants to unconsciously close their mouths and keep their mouths closed.

[0012] US 5,540,720 A discloses a teething aid and toy comprising an upper and lower sheet of transparent plastic material, the upper and lower sheets being sealed together along their edges to form an inner cavity between the upper and lower sheets. Summary of the Invention

[0013] It is desirable to provide an oral soothing device that helps ensure the safety of infants while facilitating proper disposal of the device at the end of its lifespan.

[0014] This invention is defined by the claims.

[0015] According to an example of a first aspect of the invention, an oral soothing device for an infant is provided, the device being configured to be disassembled by a caregiver of the infant. The oral soothing device includes a disassembly control system capable of transitioning from a first state to a second state in a manner defined by the disassembly control system. In the first state, the disassembly control system provides an obstacle to the disassembly of the oral soothing device; the transition to the second state eliminates the obstacle; and the disassembly control system is configured such that the transition from the first state to the second state is irreversible. Once the disassembly control system has transitioned from the first state to the second state, the first state can no longer be used by the caregiver's actions.

[0016] While it is beneficial for oral soothing devices to be removable at the end of their lifespan, relatively easy-to-remove devices may pose a choking risk to infants using them. Therefore, a disassembly control system that provides barriers to the removal of the oral soothing device can reduce the likelihood of an infant accidentally removing it, while still allowing for easy removal using the control system. Furthermore, since the first state is no longer available once the disassembly control system has transitioned from the first state to the second state, the system can provide caregivers with an indicator, such as a visual indicator, that the oral soothing device has reached the end of its lifespan.

[0017] The oral soothing device can be in the form of a comfort object configured to be sucked by an infant to relieve discomfort or irritability, for example, to soothe an infant.

[0018] Alternatively, oral soothing devices can take the form of teething chewers, which are configured for infants to chew on to relieve teething pain.

[0019] In some embodiments, the oral soothing device is in the form of a combined soothing object-teething chewer device configured for the infant to suck on to soothe discomfort or irritability and configured for the infant to gnaw on to soothe teething pain.

[0020] This soothing-teething device can be considered to have the dual functions of a soothing object and a teething device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the device may include a nipple, such as an elastomeric (e.g., silicone) nipple.

[0022] In some embodiments, the device may include a teething element, such as a rigid (e.g., rigid plastic) teething element.

[0023] The disassembly control system can switch from a first state to a second state without the caregiver needing to touch the nipple and / or teething device components. This improves the user experience.

[0024] For example, the surface of an oral soothing device that is not a pacifier and / or teething chewer element may be manipulable (e.g., pressable) to induce a change.

[0025] The disassembly control system can be configured in any suitable manner, provided that the disassembly control system provides a disassembly barrier to the oral soothing device in the first state, but irreversibly transitions to the second state (so that the first state can no longer be used by the caregiver's actions) to remove the disassembly barrier.

[0026] In some embodiments, the disassembly control system includes a defined breakable portion of the oral soothing device, which a caregiver can irreversibly break to transition the disassembly control system from a first state to a second state.

[0027] This defined (in other words, predetermined) breakable portion (e.g., weakened portion) can represent a (e.g., breakable) disassembly control system that facilitates the operation of disassembling oral soothing devices.

[0028] By configuring the oral soothing device to preferentially break at a defined (in other words, predetermined) breakable portion, the components of the oral soothing device can be easily separated from each other, while the broken portion (resulting from the breakage of the breakable portion) can clearly indicate that the oral soothing device should no longer be used.

[0029] It should be noted that the term "predetermined" in the sense of a fractured part can refer to the location and manner of fracture determined before the caregiver receives the oral soothing device. In other words, the location and manner of fracture are defined in the manufacturing process, which is employed during the manufacture of the oral soothing device.

[0030] By defining (in other words, pre-determining) the breakable portion, the caregiver's actions (in other words, the caregiver's actions when operating the disassembly control system) can cause the disassembly control system to break preferentially at the breakable portion, so as to transition from the first state to the second state.

[0031] The defunctable portion may be defined at least partially by a slit in the wall of the oral soothing device (e.g., a slit that extends partially through the wall).

[0032] In some embodiments, the oral soothing device includes a first material and a second material, wherein the second material is composed differently from the first material, and wherein the oral soothing device is configured to be disassembled by a caregiver when a second state of the disassembly control system is employed, so as to separate the first material and the second material from each other. Because the first material and the second material are composed differently from each other, in other words, have different chemical compositions relative to each other, disassembling the oral soothing device to separate the first material and the second material from each other facilitates the recycling of one or both of the first material and the second material.

[0033] In some embodiments, the wall of the oral soothing device includes an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface at least partially defining the cavity of the oral soothing device, wherein the defined breakable portion is at least partially defined by a slit extending partially through the wall from the cavity toward the outer surface.

[0034] By positioning the suture inside the oral soothing device, the likelihood of debris accumulating in the suture can be reduced.

[0035] While the disassembly control system is in the first state, the outer surface can be (at least) touched by the caregiver.

[0036] In some embodiments, when the disassembly control system is in the first state, the location of the disassembly control system of the oral soothing device is visible and / or indicated to the caregiver.

[0037] For example, when the disassembly control system is in its first state, the caregiver can see the defined breakable portion of the disassembly control system. As another example, the location of the disassembly control system (e.g., the defined breakable portion) can be indicated to the caregiver by a label or by a clearly identifiable actuating element (e.g., a button) designed to be operated by the caregiver.

[0038] This can help caregivers switch the disassembly control system from the first state to the second state.

[0039] Oral soothing devices may include oral components for at least partial insertion into an infant's mouth.

[0040] In addition to oral components, oral soothing devices may include, for example, auxiliary components attached to oral components.

[0041] In some embodiments, disassembling the oral soothing device includes separating the auxiliary components from the oral components.

[0042] The oral soothing device may be in the form of a comforting object, and the oral component may be in the form of a pacifier component, which includes a pacifier for insertion into the infant's mouth.

[0043] In addition to the nipple component, the comfort object may include, for example, auxiliary components attached to the nipple component.

[0044] In some embodiments, disassembling the soothing device may include separating the auxiliary component from the nipple component.

[0045] In other words, in the first state, the disassembly control system provides an obstacle that allows the auxiliary component and the nipple component to be separated from each other.

[0046] In some embodiments, the disassembly control system itself attaches oral components (such as nipple components) to auxiliary components at least in part.

[0047] For example, auxiliary components and oral cavity components can be attached to each other by means of a defined breakable portion of the disassembly control system.

[0048] In this way, the disassembly control system can simultaneously switch from the first state to the second state, thereby enabling the auxiliary components to be separated from the oral cavity components.

[0049] This helps reduce the likelihood of oral soothing devices being reused once they have reached the end of their lifespan. Configuring the disassembly control system in this way also prevents auxiliary components and oral components from reattaching to each other, serving as another indicator that the oral soothing device has reached the end of its lifespan.

[0050] In some embodiments, the auxiliary component includes at least one of a baffle and a gripping element for gripping the oral soothing device; and / or wherein the oral component (such as a nipple component) includes an oral insertion component and a cap for insertion into the infant's mouth.

[0051] One or more of the baffle, gripping element, and cap may include an internal fixation for attaching the mouth insertion component to the oral soothing device, for example, inside the oral soothing device.

[0052] When the device is in the form of a soothing object, the mouth insert can be the device's nipple.

[0053] When the device is in the form of a teething device, the mouth insertion part can be the teething device element of the teething device.

[0054] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the disassembly control system is included in the baffle.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion of the disassembly control system may be included in the cap.

[0056] For example, the cap can be included in the housing of the oral soothing device, such that the surface of the cap forms part of the outer surface of the oral soothing device.

[0057] Baffles and / or caps may represent easily accessible components that are particularly convenient for combining with or disassembling the control system.

[0058] In some embodiments, the oral cavity component includes a first material, and the auxiliary component includes a second material that is different in composition from the first material.

[0059] For example, oral components may include silicone nipples, and auxiliary components may include baffles and / or gripping elements made of rigid plastic materials.

[0060] Since the first material and the second material are different in composition, that is, they have different chemical compositions relative to each other, separating the oral cavity components from the auxiliary components makes it easier to recycle one or both of the first and second materials.

[0061] In some embodiments, the oral soothing device includes a proximity portion that can be manipulated by a caregiver to access the disassembly control system, enabling the caregiver to disassemble the oral soothing device and / or change the disassembly control system from a first state to a second state.

[0062] The need to manipulate the access portion (e.g., break the access portion) to operate the disassembly control system and / or disassemble the oral soothing device can provide another visual indicator that the oral soothing device should no longer be used, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidental use of the oral soothing device after the caregiver believes it has reached the end of its lifespan. This also reduces the likelihood of accidental operation of the disassembly control system during use of the oral soothing device (e.g., in infants).

[0063] In some embodiments, the proximal portion is included in the oral cavity component and / or defined between the oral cavity component and the auxiliary component.

[0064] For example, the access portion may be included in the nipple of an oral cavity component (e.g., a nipple component). Alternatively, the access portion may be included in a teething element of an oral cavity component (e.g., a teething chewer component).

[0065] Oral components (such as elastomer nipples) may be easily broken to access the disassembly control system, thereby enabling caregivers to switch the disassembly control system from a first state to a second state and / or disassemble the oral soothing device. For example, caregivers may use an instrument / tool ​​(e.g., a screwdriver) to punch an opening in the nipple to access the disassembly control system, thereby switching the disassembly control system from a first state to a second state.

[0066] Thus, even if it is unsuccessful to separate the oral components from the auxiliary components, the oral soothing device may become unusable.

[0067] In other embodiments, the access portion may be included in or defined by a cap on the oral component. For example, the cap may be removable from the oral component to allow a caregiver access to the removal control system.

[0068] Alternatively or additionally, in embodiments in which the auxiliary component includes a baffle, the access portion may be included within the baffle.

[0069] In some embodiments, the disassembly control system is configured such that transitioning from the first state to the second state requires the caregiver to use tools.

[0070] This reduces the likelihood of an infant accidentally removing the oral soothing device.

[0071] According to a second aspect of the invention, a waste collection method is provided, the waste collection method comprising: collecting one or more parts of a disassembled oral soothing device of any embodiment described herein with respect to the first aspect.

[0072] Waste collection methods may include, for example, collecting disassembled oral cavity components and / or disassembled auxiliary components, in order to enable the disassembled oral cavity components and / or disassembled auxiliary components to be recycled.

[0073] In some embodiments, the waste collection method further includes: disassembling the oral soothing device.

[0074] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method is provided, the method comprising: changing a disassembly control system of an oral soothing device of any embodiment described in the first aspect from a first state to a second state.

[0075] In some embodiments, the method includes: disassembling the oral soothing device after transitioning to the second state.

[0076] More generally, the embodiments described herein with respect to the first aspect may be applicable to the second and third aspects, the embodiments described herein with respect to the second aspect may be applicable to the first and third aspects, and the embodiments described herein with respect to the third aspect may be applicable to the first and second aspects.

[0077] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from one or more embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0078] To better understand the invention and to more clearly show how it is practiced, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings by way of example only, wherein:

[0079] Figure 1 An exterior view of an oral soothing device in the form of a comforting object is provided;

[0080] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an oral soothing device in the form of a calming agent according to one embodiment is provided;

[0081] Figure 3 The disassembly control system of the oral soothing device is shown during the transition from the first state to the second state. Figure 2 Oral soothing equipment;

[0082] Figure 4 This illustrates the process of changing the disassembly control system using an appliance / tool. Figure 2 Oral soothing equipment;

[0083] Figure 5 It is shown in the disassembled state. Figure 2 Oral soothing equipment;

[0084] Figure 6 An external view of an oral soothing device in the form of a chewing appliance is provided; and

[0085] Figure 7 The first state is shown. Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an oral soothing device. Detailed Implementation

[0086] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0087] It should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples illustrate exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method, they are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, system, and method of the present invention will be better understood from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are schematic only and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0088] An oral soothing device (such as a comforter) for an infant is provided, configured to be disassembled by the infant's caregiver. The oral soothing device has a disassembly control system that can transition from a first state to a second state in a manner defined by the disassembly control system. In the first state, the disassembly control system provides an obstacle to the disassembly of the oral soothing device. The disassembly control system removes the obstacle when transitioning to the second state. The disassembly control system is also configured such that the transition from the first state to the second state is irreversible, wherein once the disassembly control system has transitioned from the first state to the second state, the first state can no longer be adopted by the caregiver's actions. A method for disassembling the oral soothing device and a method for collecting waste from discarded oral soothing devices are also provided.

[0089] Typically, oral soothing devices (e.g., pacifiers, teething toys, or combination pacifier-teething toys) will comprise several different components, such as a nipple or rigid protrusion for insertion into the infant's mouth, a baffle to prevent the infant from swallowing the oral soothing device, or any of several other components. While it is expected that these components are made of different materials that differ in composition for functional reasons, this can have cascading effects on the recyclability of the oral soothing device. That is, different materials with different compositions may need to be placed in different waste disposal channels due to different material handling (e.g., recycling) requirements. Therefore, it may be desirable for such an oral soothing device to be separable from the different materials so that each material can be placed in an appropriate waste channel for recycling or disposal. However, as mentioned above, for safety reasons, the ability to separate the components of the oral soothing device must be carefully weighed. For example, an easily detachable oral soothing device may be advantageous in terms of waste disposal (e.g., recycling), but it creates a risk that the oral soothing device may be unintentionally disassembled during use (e.g., by the infant), resulting in a choking risk. In contrast, while non-removable oral soothing devices may have an advantage in terms of infant safety when made of multiple different types of materials, they are less ideal in terms of disposal. More generally, and regardless of whether an oral soothing device is made of multiple materials with different compositions, easily removable oral soothing devices may pose a choking risk to infants.

[0090] Additionally, oral soothing devices typically have a limited lifespan and may therefore require periodic replacement to ensure continued safety and hygiene. For example, use of pacifiers can lead to damage or wear, such as damage or wear to a pacifier inserted into an infant's mouth due to chewing. Once an oral soothing device has been damaged or worn, the likelihood of small parts separating may increase, potentially posing a choking risk. Furthermore, wear or damage to an oral soothing device may make effective cleaning between uses more difficult, which could also pose a hygiene risk. Therefore, it is important to minimize the risk of accidental use of oral soothing devices that have reached the end of their lifespan.

[0091] More generally, and in consideration of the problems identified above, it may be desirable to provide an oral soothing device that helps ensure the safety of the infant while facilitating proper disposal of the oral soothing device at the end of its lifespan.

[0092] refer to Figures 1 to 6The oral soothing device 10 of this disclosure is configured to be disassembled by a caregiver of the infant and has a disassembly control system 16 that can transition from a first state to a second state in a manner defined by the disassembly control system 16. In the first state, the disassembly control system 16 provides an obstacle to the disassembly of the oral soothing device 10. The disassembly control system 16 removes the obstacle when transitioning to the second state. The disassembly control system 16 is also configured such that the transition from the first state to the second state is irreversible, wherein once the disassembly control system 16 has transitioned from the first state to the second state, the first state can no longer be adopted by the caregiver's actions.

[0093] It should be noted that, as described in this article Figures 1 to 5 The oral soothing device 10 is in the form of a comfort object 10, and is referred to accordingly, while Figure 6 The oral soothing device 10 takes the form of a teething appliance 10, and is therefore called a teething appliance 10. However, it should be noted that regarding Figures 1 to 5 Any features or embodiments discussed in the comfort object 10 may be applicable to the comfort object 10 (such as...) Figure 6 and Figure 7 (A soothing object) or suitable for combination soothing objects - teething chewer 10 (not shown).

[0094] This disassembly control system 16, which provides obstacles to the disassembly of the comfort object 10, can reduce the likelihood of an infant accidentally disassembling the comfort object 10, while still allowing for easy disassembly using the disassembly control system 16. Furthermore, since the first state is no longer usable once the disassembly control system 16 has transitioned from the first state to the second state, the system 16 can provide the caregiver with an indicator, such as a visual indicator, that the comfort object 10 has reached the end of its lifespan. Either the caregiver can visually identify that transitioning the disassembly control system 16 from the second state to the first state is infeasible, or if the caregiver attempts to transition the disassembly control system 16 from the second state to the first state, they will realize that it is impossible, thus reducing the chances of reusing the comfort object 10.

[0095] The disassembly control system 16 may include any suitable mechanism, feature, or combination of features to meet the above-described requirements of system 16. For example, system 16 may include a disposable mechanism that can be actuated by a caregiver to change the disassembly control system 16 from a first state to a second state. This mechanism may include, for example, a mechanical button or lever that can be irreversibly pressed by a caregiver to unlock a locking mechanism that holds the components of the comforter 10 together, thereby enabling the disassembly of the comforter 10. Figure 1As indicated by arrow 16, the button may be located, for example, on top of the comforter 10. The fact that a pressed button or lever cannot be reversed minimizes the risk of the comforter 10 being reused. Although the transformation of system 16 (e.g., actuation of the mechanism) cannot be reversed by user operation, system 16 can be reset by the manufacturer and / or by an industrial processor of one or more parts of the disassembled comforter 10 collected during waste collection.

[0096] Regardless of the specific solution chosen for system 16, the disassembly control system 16 can be configured in any suitable manner, as long as the disassembly control system 16 provides a disassembly barrier for the oral soothing device in the first state, but irreversibly transitions to the second state (so that the first state is no longer used by the caregiver's actions) to remove the disassembly barrier.

[0097] Returning to the example of the locking mechanism described above, an obstacle can be provided, for example, by the force required by the spring-controlled operating system, so that the infant can press the button or lever and the likelihood of operating the mechanism is reduced.

[0098] Disassembling the comforter 10 can refer to separating any part of the comforter 10 from another part. When the device 10 is in the form of a chewing appliance 10 (such as in...) Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the case of oral soothing device 10, disassembly may refer to the separation of any part of the teething appliance 10 from another part. When the oral soothing device 10 is a combination soothing-teething appliance 10, disassembly may include separating the soothing part of the device 10 from the teething appliance part of the device 10.

[0099] exist Figures 1 to 5 In the non-limiting illustrative example, the disassembly control system 16 is located at least partially on top of the comforter 10; however, the disassembly control system 16 may also be located elsewhere on the comforter 10, depending on the design requirements of the comforter 10 in question.

[0100] Once the caregiver has transitioned system 16 (e.g., operating system 16) from the first state to the second state, the barrier to disassembly is removed. Consequently, the caregiver will be able to disassemble system 16. For example, transitioning system 16 may allow the caregiver to access parts of the comforter 10 that were previously inaccessible, thereby facilitating disassembly and removal of components. Alternatively, when system 16 transitions from the first state to the second state, system 16 itself may cause disassembly of the comforter, for example, by separating one part from another.

[0101] The disassembly control system 16 is variable in a manner defined by the disassembly control system 16 itself. In other words, the disassembly control system 16 is not variable in an indiscriminate manner, but rather in a manner specified by the design features of the disassembly control system 16 itself. For example, the design features of the disassembly control system 16 may define a portion of the comfort object 10 that is configured to break preferentially in order to change the system 16 from a first state to a second state, in contrast to a comfort object that can break only at arbitrary locations, such as those defined by the caregiver's actions.

[0102] In some embodiments (such as) Figures 1 to 5 In the embodiment, the comforter 10 includes oral components 12A, 12B for at least partial insertion into the infant's mouth. Specifically, Figures 1 to 5 The oral cavity component is a nipple component 12A, 12B, which includes an oral insertion component 12A (as nipple 12A) for insertion into the infant's mouth. The nipple 12A can be made of a relatively soft (e.g., flexible) material such as silicone. For example, the nipple 12A can be molded from said material (e.g., via injection molding). More generally, the nipple 12A can be made of any suitable material, such as any material that meets the requirements of safety, hygiene, durability, and manufacturability.

[0103] Although Figures 1 to 5 In the example, oral cavity components 12A and 12B are nipple components 12A and 12B that include a silicone nipple 12A for insertion into an infant's mouth. However, oral cavity components 12A and 12B can be teething chewer components 12A and 12B for insertion into an infant's mouth, such as the rigid plastic teething chewer element 12A of the teething chewer 10, etc. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The rigid plastic teething chewer element shown is illustrated.

[0104] The nipple components 12A and 12B may also include other parts of the pacifier 10, such as a cap 12B forming the outer shell of the pacifier 10. The cap 12B may include an outer surface 20 that is accessible to the infant and caregiver during use of the pacifier 10. The cap 12B may be used to prevent (e.g., obstruct) access to the internal working parts of the pacifier 10 during use. Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the cap 12B may have a smooth shape that does not have features that would make it difficult to effectively clean the soothing material 10, such as gaps and / or joints that could collect dirt.

[0105] The cap 12B can be made of a different material than the nipple 12A. For example, the cap 12B can be made of a rigid plastic material, such as by injection molding, while the nipple 12A can be made of a soft, flexible material as described above.

[0106] Although Figures 1 to 5 The nipple components 12A and 12B are shown as having a nipple 12A and a cap 12B, but the nipple components 12A and 12B may include any number of additional parts of the pacifier 10. These parts may be connected via any suitable connection arrangement, such as via an interference fit between these parts, mechanical fastening such as screws or bolts, or via adhesive. Although the connection arrangement between the nipple 12A and the cap 12B is in... Figure 1 It is not visible in the middle, but the connection is arranged in Figures 2 to 5 As can be seen and will be discussed further in this paper.

[0107] In some embodiments (such as) Figures 1 to 5 In the embodiment described above, the soothing device 10 also includes auxiliary components 14A and 14B attached to the nipple components 12A and 12B. For example, the auxiliary components 14A and 14B may include a baffle 14B (see [example description missing]). Figures 1 to 5 The baffle 14B is arranged to prevent the infant from swallowing the pacifier 10 while it is in the infant's mouth. The baffle 14B may serve as a flange wider than the nipple 12A and is configured to conform to the area around the infant's lips and face when the nipple 12A is in the infant's mouth, thereby preventing the infant from swallowing the pacifier 10.

[0108] Alternatively or additionally, auxiliary components 14A, 14B may include other parts of the comforter 10, such as grasping elements for holding the comforter 10. For example, the grasping element may be configured as a handle or pull ring held outside the infant's mouth while the nipple 12A is inside the infant's mouth, allowing the infant or caregiver to grasp the comforter 10 or attach a string to hold the comforter 10. Although Figures 1 to 5 The gripping element is not shown, but it may be attached to the baffle 14B, for example, via a rotary joint.

[0109] More generally, auxiliary components 14A, 14B may include any part of the pacifier 10 attached to the nipple components 12A, 12B. Attachment may be via any suitable attachment system, such as via an interference fit between the nipple components 12A, 12B and the auxiliary components 14A, 14B, mechanical fastening such as screws or bolts, or via adhesive. Alternatively, and as discussed below, in situations such as... Figures 2 to 5 In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiments, the nipple components 12A, 12B and the auxiliary components 14A, 14B can be attached to each other by disassembling the control system 16 itself.

[0110] The baffle 14B, gripping element, and / or cap 12B may include an internal fastener for securing the nipple 12A to the device. This prevents the nipple 12A from becoming detached.

[0111] Auxiliary components 14A and 14B can be made of any suitable material, such as rigid plastic or rubber (such as silicone rubber). Specifically, a non-limiting example is mentioned, wherein baffle 14B is made of a rigid plastic material, for example, molded from a rigid plastic material. Baffle 14B can be made, for example, of the same rigid plastic material as cap 12B and / or gripping elements.

[0112] In embodiments where the comforter 10 includes nipple components 12A and 12B, the disassembly control system 16 can transition from a first state to a second state without the caregiver needing to touch the nipple 12A. This can improve the user experience.

[0113] For example, the disassembly control system 16 can be arranged such that a caregiver can change the system 16 by grasping the system 16 onto a part of the pacifier 10 that is not part of the pacifier 12A, while manipulating (e.g., pressing) the surface of the pacifier 10 that is not part of the pacifier 12A to induce a change. This may include, for example, pressing a button to operate a mechanism of the disassembly control system 16 to change the system 16 from a first state to a second state, as discussed above; or causing a breakable portion of the disassembly control system 16 to break, as described herein.

[0114] In some embodiments, the soothing object 10 includes a first material and a second material, wherein the second material is composed differently from the first material. For example, and as discussed above, the material of the nipple 12A may be composed differently from the material of the baffle 14B, the cap, or the grasping element.

[0115] In embodiments where the comforter 10, as described above, comprises different materials with varying compositions, there may be an additional advantage to facilitating the disposal (e.g., recycling) of the different materials in different waste channels. That is, in such embodiments, the comforter 10 can be configured to be disassembled by a caregiver to separate the first material from the second material.

[0116] The pacifier includes nipple components 12A, 12B for at least partially inserting into an infant's mouth (e.g., nipple 12A can be used to insert into an infant's mouth) and auxiliary components 14A, 14B attached to the nipple components 12A, 12B (such as...). Figures 1 to 5 In an embodiment of the auxiliary components shown, disassembling the soothing device 10 may include separating the auxiliary components 14A, 14B (e.g., baffle 14B) from the nipple components 12A, 12B.

[0117] In such an embodiment, the nipple components 12A, 12B and the auxiliary components 14A, 14B can be made of materials with different compositions, as discussed above. Specifically, the nipple 12A can be made of a flexible material such as rubber (e.g., silicone rubber), while the cap 12B and the auxiliary components 14A, 14B can be made of rigid plastic materials. Thus, system 16 can facilitate the recycling of the different components.

[0118] Figures 2 to 5 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the appeaser 10 is shown during the various stages of the disassembly control system 16 transitioning from a first state to a second state.

[0119] exist Figures 2 to 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the disassembly control system 16 includes a defined breakable portion 18 of the comforter 10, which is irreversibly broken by the caregiver to transition the disassembly control system 16 from a first state to a second state.

[0120] This defined (in other words, predetermined) breakable portion 18 (e.g., weakened portion) can represent an operationally convenient (e.g., breakable) disassembly control system 16 that allows auxiliary components 14A, 14B and nipple components 12A, 12B to be disassembled from each other.

[0121] By configuring the comforter 10 to break preferentially at the defined (in other words, predetermined) breakable portion 18, the components of the comforter 10 can be easily separated, and the broken portion (resulting from the breakage of the breakable portion 18) can clearly indicate that the comforter 10 should no longer be used.

[0122] It should be noted that the term "predetermined" in the sense of a breakable part can refer to the location and manner of breakage determined before the caregiver receives the comfort item. In other words, the location and manner of breakage can be defined in the manufacturing process, which is employed during the manufacture of the comfort item.

[0123] By defining (in other words, predetermining) the breakable portion 18, the caregiver's actions (in other words, the caregiver's actions when operating the disassembly control system 16) can cause the disassembly control system 16 to break preferentially at the breakable portion 18, so as to change from the first state to the second state.

[0124] exist Figures 2 to 5 In one embodiment, the breakable portion 18 is defined by a portion of the wall of the thinned comforter 10. Thus, the thinned portion can be weaker relative to the thicker adjacent portion (e.g., cap 12B or auxiliary component 14A), such that when force is applied to the breakable portion or cap 12B by the caregiver's action, the disassembly control system 16 will preferentially break at the thinned area.

[0125] Although Figures 2 to 5 In each of the figures, the defined fractureable portion 18 is shown as the region where the wall thickness is reduced, but any other suitable defined fractureable portion 18 may be included in the comforter 10. For example, the defined fractureable portion 18 may include perforations, tear strips, or portions of the comforter 10 made of a material that is relatively weaker than adjacent portions. More generally, any design of the fractureable portion 18 may be employed, provided that it is clearly defined (e.g., predetermined), such that the comforter 10 preferentially breaks at the defined location when the user operates the disassembly control system 16, in order to facilitate the disassembly of the comforter 10.

[0126] In some embodiments (such as) Figures 2 to 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the disassembly control system 16 (e.g., defining the breakable portion 18) attaches the nipple components 12A, 12B to the auxiliary components 14A, 14B. More specifically, in Figures 2 to 5 In one embodiment, the breakable portion 18 is defined to attach the cap 12B to the auxiliary component 14A, which may also form a part comprising the outer shell of the soothing element including the outer surface 20.

[0127] exist Figure 2 The attachment of the nipple component 12A and the auxiliary component 14B can be seen most clearly in the middle. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the soothing device 10 before the transformation of system 16 is shown, at which point the nipple component 12A is still attached to the auxiliary component 14B via the breakable portion 18. In other words, Figure 2 The defined breakable portion 18 prior to fracture is shown.

[0128] In such an embodiment, the cap 12A, the defined fractureable portion 18, and the auxiliary component 14A can be molded into a single rigid plastic part, for example, via injection molding. Alternatively, the defined fractureable portion 18 can be formed via a machining process during which material is removed at the location of the defined fractureable portion 18 to, for example, weaken the portion 18.

[0129] Although not shown in the figures, cap 12A is alternatively attached to auxiliary member 14A by a mechanism that cannot be separated without breaking the mechanism (e.g., defining the breakable portion 18). For example, the mechanism may include a snap-fit, screw-fit, or bayonet-fit.

[0130] To alter the disassembly control system 16, for example, to break the breakable part 18, a caregiver can apply force to the disassembly control system 16. For example, in Figures 2 to 5In this embodiment, the caregiver can press on the cap 12B to break the breakable portion 18 and detach the nipple components 12A, 12B from the auxiliary components 14A, 14B. The caregiver can apply this action by any suitable means, such as by pressing the cap 12B with their hand or using an instrument. The cap 12B may also include a protrusion (not shown) that allows the caregiver to break the breakable portion 18 by pressing the protrusion against a surface such as a table.

[0131] The force required to break the fractured part 18 can be controlled by modifying its design, thereby controlling the magnitude of the disassembly obstacle. For example, in Figures 2 to 5 In the case of the appeasement 10, the thickness of the thinned portion 18 can be increased or decreased to increase or decrease the force required to break the defined fractureable portion 18, respectively.

[0132] Figure 3 This demonstrates how user actions, as described above, will... Figure 2 The comforter 10 after the disassembly control system 16 is switched to the second state. Since the material between the cap 12B and the auxiliary component 14B has been broken to separate the nipple components 12A, 12B from the auxiliary components 14A, 14B, which in this example includes shearing damage to the material defining the breakable portion 18, the caregiver cannot switch the disassembly control system 16 from the second state to the first state. In other words, the disassembly control system 16 cannot be reversed by the user's action. Since it is obvious to the caregiver that the breakable portion 18 has been broken, this can be used as a visual indicator that the comforter 10 has reached the end of its service life. Once the disassembly control system 16 has been broken, the comforter 10 can be easily disassembled into its constituent parts, thereby minimizing the risk of reuse and facilitating the disposal of the comforter 10.

[0133] Because in Figure 3 In the non-limiting illustrative example, the cap 12B has been pushed into the comforter 10 during the operation of disassembling the control system 16, so this can further indicate to the caregiver or any other person that the comforter 10 is no longer suitable for use, even if the comforter 10 has not been disassembled at this time.

[0134] Although the disassembly control system 16 of this disclosure cannot be reversed by a user's action, this does not preclude the disassembly control system 16 from being reversed, for example, by a manufacturer. For example, after a caregiver changes the system 16 from a first state to a second state, the comfort object 10 can be collected by a manufacturer capable of subsequently resetting the disassembly control system 16 so that it can be reused after refurbishment. This is particularly applicable when the disassembly control system 16 includes complex mechanisms. Alternatively, the comfort object 10 (such as disassembled parts of the comfort object 10) can be collected, and one or more disassembled parts of the disassembled comfort object 10 can be recycled.

[0135] In some embodiments (such as) Figures 2 to 5 In one embodiment, the wall of the comforter 10 includes an outer surface 20 and an inner surface 22, the inner surface 22 at least partially defining the interior cavity of the comforter. For example, before the change of the disassembly control system 16, the baby's caregiver may not be able to access the interior cavity. In such an embodiment, the breakable portion 18 may be at least partially defined by a seam 24 (see [example missing]). Figure 2 The slit 24 extends partially through the wall from the cavity toward the outer surface 20.

[0136] In other words, the seam can be located inside the comforter 10, so that the outer surface of the comforter 10 can be a continuous smooth surface. This makes the comforter 10 easier to clean.

[0137] In at least some embodiments, when the disassembly control system 16 is in a first state, the position of the disassembly control system 16 of the comforter 10 is visible and / or indicated to the caregiver. Therefore, the caregiver can visually identify the location where the action is performed in order to change the disassembly control system 16.

[0138] In embodiments where visible features of the disassembly control system 16 are included in the outer surface of the comforter 10 (such as visually perceptible buttons), caregivers will be able to easily identify the location of the operating system 16. However, in embodiments where the system 16 is located inside the comforter 10 (such as the one described above where the seam 24 is located inside), the system 16 is located within the comforter 10. Figures 2 to 5 In one embodiment, visual markings applied to the outer surface 20 can assist caregivers in identifying the location of the operating system 16.

[0139] Although Figures 1 to 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the disassembly control system 16 is included in the cap 12B, but the system 16 can also be included in the baffle 14B. More generally, the system 16 can be included in any suitable component of the soothing element 10.

[0140] To further reduce the likelihood of an infant accidentally disassembling the comfort object 10, in some embodiments, the comfort object 10 may also include an access portion that can be manipulated by a caregiver to approach the disassembly control system 16, so that the caregiver can change the disassembly control system 16 from a first state to a second state and / or disassemble the comfort object 10.

[0141] For example, a caregiver may need to break the access portion to access and disassemble the control system.

[0142] In such an embodiment, the access portion may be included in the nipple components 12A, 12B. Alternatively or additionally, the access portion may be defined between the nipple components 12A, 12B and the auxiliary components 14A, 14B.

[0143] For example, the access portion may be made of a silicone nipple 12A, requiring the caregiver to break the nipple in order to access and disassemble the control system 16 and / or the comforter 10 after the control system 16. This may be a particularly advantageous embodiment because the comforter 10 becomes unsuitable for future use if the nipple 12A is damaged during disassembly (e.g., by using a tool).

[0144] In some embodiments, the disassembly control system 16 is configured such that a caregiver needs to use tool 24 to transition from the first state to the second state.

[0145] For example, disassembling the control system 16 may require the use of a special tool configured to facilitate the transformation of the system 16.

[0146] Alternatively, system 16 can be configured to operate using common household tools such as scissors, bottle openers, or screwdrivers.

[0147] exist Figure 4 As can be seen from the non-restrictive illustrative examples, when using Figure 3 After the defined breakable portion 18 breaks, the caregiver needs to use an instrument to puncture the nipple 12A in order to push the cap 12B out of the comforter 10. In this example, the nipple 12A may be the access portion.

[0148] Alternatively, the disassembly control system 16 can be configured such that the cap 12A can be removed from the pacifier 10 without tools, but simply by pulling it out of the pacifier by hand. This can be achieved, for example, by providing a loose fit at the interface between the nipple 12A, the cap 12B, and the baffle 14B, allowing the caregiver to easily pull the component out through the hole created by breaking the defined breakable portion 18.

[0149] Figure 5The illustration shows the comforter 10 after the disassembly control system 16 has been fully switched to the second state and the nipple components 12A, 12B have been completely separated from the auxiliary components 14A, 14B. Therefore, depending on the specific configuration of the comforter 10, the caregiver can choose to further separate the nipple 12A from the cap 12B to dispose of and / or recycle the comforter. Figure 5 In a non-limiting illustrative example, a caregiver can simply pull apart the nipple 12A and the cap 12B, which are attached via an interference fit. Alternatively, the cap 12B cannot be attached to the nipple 12A, so the caregiver does not need to perform the additional step of separating the nipple 12A from the cap 12B as described above.

[0150] Although not shown in the figure, the oral soothing device 10 may also include features (e.g., a cavity) for storing food (e.g., fruit, fruit puree, or frozen food).

[0151] Figure 7 Provides a presenting teeth chewer 10 (such as Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an oral soothing device 10 in the form shown, the teething appliance 10 and about Figures 1 to 5 The oral soothing devices discussed are similar to 10. It should be reiterated that the information discussed in this article... Figures 1 to 5 Any of the features discussed in the comfort object 10 may be applicable to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The teething appliance 10, wherein the reference numerals indicate components with similar functions.

[0152] The oral cavity components 12A and 12B of the teething chewer 10 include an oral insertion component 12A in the form of a teething chewer element 12A. The teething chewer element 12A may be, for example, a rigid protrusion, such as a rigid plastic protrusion. The oral cavity components also include a cap 12B, which is similar to the cap 12B of the soothing object 10. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The teething appliance 10 also includes a baffle 14B and a gripping element 26.

[0153] During assembly, the teething appliance element 12A is secured in place by the baffle 14B and the cap 12A. For example, in Figure 7 As can be seen, cap 12A includes clip feature 28, which enables cap 12A to be locked in place.

[0154] Teething appliance 10 includes a disassembly control system 16, which is connected to... Figures 1 to 5The disassembly control system of the soothing device 10 shown is similar. Specifically, the cap 12A includes a defined breakable portion 18, for example, a weakened portion, in the form of a slit extending from the inner surface 22 toward the outer surface 24, which can be operated in the same manner as the soothing device 10. At the end of the service life of the teething device 10, the caregiver can break the defined breakable portion 18, thereby changing the system 16 from a first state to a second state and facilitating the removal of the cap 12A, thereby removing the teething device element 12A, for example, disassembling the teething device 10.

[0155] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 In a particular embodiment, the defined fractureable portion 18 can be broken by pushing the chewing element 12A from below so that force is applied to the cap 12A. Figure 7 The visible clip 28 is arranged to resist the force, such that the defined breakable portion 18 breaks preferentially before the clip 28 breaks or is not clamped. Therefore, after the breakable portion 18 breaks, the caregiver cannot change the system 16 from the second state to the first state.

[0156] It should be pointed out that, although Figure 6 and Figure 7 The teething chewer 10 includes a clamp 28, but the cap 12A and the removal control system 16 can also be formed as molded parts in the same manner as the teething chewer 10. Conversely, the clamp mechanism 28 of the teething chewer 10 can also be used for... Figures 1 to 5 Among the 10 items of comfort.

[0157] A waste collection method is also provided, which includes collecting one or more parts of a disassembled oral soothing device 10 from any of the embodiments described herein.

[0158] For example, the method may include: collecting Figures 1 to 7 The oral soothing device 10 includes disassembled oral components 12A, 12B and / or disassembled auxiliary components 14A, 14B. For example, one of the disassembled components may be labeled "Plastic A", while another disassembled component may be labeled "Silicone B".

[0159] The method may also include: disassembling the oral soothing device 10.

[0160] A method is also provided, the method comprising: changing the disassembly control system 16 of the oral soothing device 10 of any embodiment described herein from a first state to a second state.

[0161] The method may also include: after transitioning to the second state, disassembling the oral soothing device 10, such as a comforter 10 or a teething appliance 10.

[0162] By studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality.

[0163] The fact that certain measures are referenced in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be advantageous. If the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or description, it should be noted that the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to "configured to". If the term "arranged" is used in the claims or description, it should be noted that the term "arranged" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system", and vice versa.

[0164] No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An oral soothing device (10) for an infant, the oral soothing device being configured to be disassembled by a caregiver of the infant, the oral soothing device including a disassembly control system (16), the disassembly control system (16) being capable of transitioning from a first state to a second state in a manner defined by the disassembly control system, wherein in the first state, the disassembly control system provides an obstacle to the disassembly of the oral soothing device, the disassembly control system transitioning to the second state eliminating the obstacle, and wherein the disassembly control system is configured such that the transition from the first state to the second state is irreversible, and once the disassembly control system has transitioned from the first state to the second state, the first state can no longer be used by the caregiver's actions.

2. The oral soothing device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the disassembly control system (16) includes a defined breakable portion (18) of the oral soothing device, the defined breakable portion (18) being irreversibly broken by the caregiver to change the disassembly control system from the first state to the second state.

3. The oral soothing device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the oral soothing device comprises a first material and a second material, the second material being different in composition from the first material, wherein the oral soothing device is configured to be disassembled by the caregiver to separate the first material and the second material from each other.

4. The oral soothing device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the wall of the oral soothing device includes an outer surface (20) and an inner surface (22), the inner surface (22) at least partially defining the cavity of the oral soothing device, the defining fractured portion (18) being at least partially defined by a slit (24) extending partially through the wall from the cavity toward the outer surface.

5. The oral soothing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the disassembly control system is in the first state, the position of the disassembly control system (16) of the oral soothing device is visible and / or indicated to the caregiver.

6. The oral soothing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising an oral component (12A, 12B) for at least partially inserting into the infant's mouth; and an auxiliary component (14A, 14B) attached to the oral component, wherein the disassembly of the oral soothing device comprises: The auxiliary component is then separated from the oral cavity component.

7. The oral soothing device (10) according to claim 6, wherein the disassembly control system (16) at least partially attaches the oral components (12A, 12B) to the auxiliary components (14A, 14B).

8. The oral soothing device (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the auxiliary components (14A, 14B) include at least one of a baffle (14B) and a gripping element for gripping the oral soothing device; and / or wherein the oral components (12A, 12B) include an oral insertion component (12A) and a cap (12B) for insertion into the mouth of the infant.

9. The oral soothing device (10) according to claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the disassembly control system (16) is included in the baffle (14B).

10. The oral soothing device (10) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein at least a portion of the disassembly control system (16) is included in the cap (12B).

11. The oral soothing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a access portion operable by the caregiver to access the disassembly control system (16) so that the caregiver can disassemble the oral soothing device and / or change the disassembly control system from the first state to the second state.

12. The oral soothing device (10) of claim 11 according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the approach portion is included in the oral component (12A, 12B) and / or defined between the oral component and the auxiliary component (14A, 14B).

13. The oral soothing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the disassembly control system (16) is configured such that the transition from the first state to the second state requires the caregiver to use a tool (24).

14. A waste collection method, comprising: Collect one or more parts of the disassembled oral soothing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The waste collection method according to claim 14, wherein the method further comprises: Disassemble the oral soothing device.

16. A method comprising: The disassembly control system of the oral soothing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 is changed from the first state to the second state.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the method further comprises: After the transition to the second state, the oral soothing device is disassembled.

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