Transformable Pacifier

Abstract

The present invention relates to the following types of modified pacifiers: - A mouthpiece for children to hold in their mouth (1), - Handle (2), - at least one base flange (3) having a basic thickness (EB), on one side of which the mouthpiece (1) extends so as to present a suction length L, and on the other side of which the handle (2) extends; - a system for reducing the length L; A modified pacifier having: The system for reducing comprises at least one first adjusting flange (4) having a passage for the mouthpiece (1) and surrounding the mouthpiece (1), and means for connecting the first adjusting flange (4) to the base flange (3) such that the first adjusting flange (4) is located on the mouthpiece (1) side relative to the base flange (3), the first adjusting flange having a first adjusting thickness (EJ) at least equal to the base thickness (EB).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The field of the invention relates to the design and manufacture of childcare equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to tetine evolutionary pacifiers, i.e. pacifiers designed with a mouthpiece of decreasing length for a child to hold in their mouth in order to gradually induce a child to stop using the pacifier.

[0003] In the field of the present invention, it has been observed that a physiological sucking reflex is present in the fetus in the womb prior to birth.

[0004] Although this sucking reflex is virtually essential for the development of an infant with an innate need to suck and suck, it is not related exclusively to feeding: in fact, apart from feeding and hunger, sucking provides a sense of security and calms the child.

[0005] In other words, regardless of the correlation between nutrition and sucking, sucking is comforting and thus distinguishes nutritional sucking, which aims to satisfy the infant's hunger, from non-nutritional sucking that infants do on thumbs, pacifiers, stuffed toys, etc.

[0006] However, while sucking has benefits from the perspective of the infant's well-being by soothing the infant, it also has disadvantages, especially from an orthodontic perspective, especially if the sucking reflex persists for a long time in young children.

[0007] This defect tends to be accentuated during teething, when the child has a strong desire to suck or chew something, but even in this case sucking is necessary and highly satisfying for the child.

[0008] Experts have shown that in the long term, thumb sucking, pacifier sucking and extended bottle-feeding are not compatible with good dental development.

[0009] Furthermore, for many years, the increasing use of pacifiers has been noted, but pacifier sucking has been found to be as harmful as thumb sucking: in fact, because pacifiers are inserted between the upper and lower teeth, they can prevent the proper development of the front teeth.

[0010] However, pacifiers are still less harmful than thumbs for three reasons: - Pacifiers are flexible and shorter, causing less deformation of the palate. - Pacifiers can be easily put aside or thrown away, whereas thumbs cannot (they are always available). - Pacifiers are generally cleaner than hands, even though they are often lying around.

[0011] The best age to help children quit smoking is around 2-3 years old. At this age, children begin to develop their interests and spheres of interest. It is at this age that they begin to walk, talk, interact with other children, and possibly even start school.

[0012] Although thumb sucking may be tolerated up until the age of 4 or 5, once a child reaches the age of 2 or 3 it is advisable to start talking to the child about the habit, especially about the possible effects on the teeth, as well as how thumbs and pacifiers can hinder communication (you can't talk with your mouth closed).

[0013] So, in summary, although pacifiers are essential during the first few months, or even the first two years of life, they interfere with tongue positioning (hypoglossus) and therefore with the expansion of the palate, the normal development of the oral region and the formation of the dentition.

[0014] To address this situation, several solutions have been proposed by the prior art.

[0015] Two solutions are known, in particular those described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2002065537.

[0016] According to a first solution proposed by this patent document, a pacifier has a handle carried by a flange from which the nipple extends, and it is proposed to replace several nipples of different lengths in sequence, each replacement mouthpiece having a shorter length than the mouthpiece it replaces, the mouthpieces being removably attached to the flange so that the first mouthpiece can be removed from the flange and replaced by another mouthpiece that is shorter than the previous one.

[0017] A first drawback to this system lies in the fact that multiple nipples of different lengths must be manufactured, which increases manufacturing costs and, as a result, tends to be expensive.

[0018] Another drawback lies in the fact that the mouthpieces are removably attached, which poses a significant potential risk that whilst a child has one of the mouthpieces in their mouth, the mouthpiece may inadvertently become detached from the flange and the child may swallow the mouthpiece and choke on it.

[0019] According to a second solution proposed by the above cited document, the mouthpiece is connected to the handle by an internal traction member: rotation of the handle screws the traction member into the handle and gradually draws the mouthpiece towards the flange, resulting in a reduction in the length of the mouthpiece.

[0020] This solution involves the manufacture and assembly of additional parts, which also increases the cost of the device.

[0021] Also known is a pacifier having a mouthpiece for holding in the mouth, as described in GB 2259019, which has a flange that can be placed over the mouthpiece to perform cleaning, such that the child cannot use the pacifier while it is being cleaned, even if they wish to suck on it.

[0022] Further known is a pacifier having a mouthpiece for holding in the mouth, as described in EP 1 275 366 A1, which has a pad that mimics the sensation provided by a breast nipple. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0023] The present invention aims inter alia to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0024] More specifically, the invention aims to propose a modified pacifier that is easy to use, without creating any danger to the child in terms of accidentally swallowing small parts.

[0025] The present invention also aims to propose a tetine evolutive that is of simple design and inexpensive to manufacture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0026] These objects, as well as others which will become apparent hereinafter, are achieved by the present invention, which relates to the following types of modified pacifiers: - A mouthpiece for the child to hold in their mouth, - Handles; - at least one base flange having a basic thickness, on one side of which the mouthpiece extends with a suction length L and on the other side of which the handle extends, - a system for reducing the length L; A modified pacifier having: The system for reducing comprises at least one first adjusting flange having a passage for the mouthpiece and surrounding the mouthpiece, and coupling means for coupling the first adjusting flange to the base flange such that the first adjusting flange is located on the mouthpiece side relative to the base flange, the first adjusting flange having a first adjusting thickness at least equal to the base thickness, The pacifier, characterized in that the system for reducing comprises at least one second adjusting flange having a passage for the mouthpiece and surrounding the mouthpiece, and fixing means for fixing the second adjusting flange to the first adjusting flange so that the second adjusting flange is positioned on the mouthpiece side relative to the first adjusting flange, and the second adjusting flange has a second adjusting thickness at least equal to the base thickness.

[0027] In this way, by joining the second flange to the first flange, thickness is added to the first flange, which results in a reduction in the protruding portion of the mouthpiece that is held in the mouth, thus changing the length of the mouthpiece that is held in the mouth.

[0028] Thus, the principle for shortening the pacifier for use is quite simple; simply slide the second flange around the mouthpiece and press it against the first flange to join them.

[0029] In the modified pacifier according to the invention, the risk of swallowing small parts is non-existent or almost non-existent. In fact, the flange is the part of the pacifier that remains outside the child's mouth. It is designed to abut against the child's lips and generally has a size larger than the opening of the child's mouth to prevent the child from swallowing it.

[0030] Furthermore, the modified pacifier according to the invention is particularly simple in design and, as will become apparent below, is easy and cheap to manufacture.

[0031] Furthermore, by implementing a second adjustment flange, the protruding portion of the mouthpiece that is held in the mouth can be further reduced.

[0032] Of course, the gradual decrease in thickness of each adjusting flange may necessitate a varying number of adjusting flanges, as will become apparent below.

[0033] This feature also shows that the second adjusting flange has the same mounting arrangement as the first adjusting flange, in that it slides around the mouthpiece and is joined to the preceding flange.

[0034] According to an advantageous solution, the connecting means are integrated into the first adjustment flange and / or into the base flange.

[0035] Thus, in other words, there are no additional parts to the first adjustment flange or the base flange to enable the two flanges to be fixed together.

[0036] According to a preferred solution, the coupling means comprise snap-in means integrated in the first adjustment flange.

[0037] Such a design allows for easier and faster assembly of the two flanges while still ensuring effective mechanical strength.

[0038] Preferably, the first snap-in means and the second snap-in means are designed to non-removably cooperate.

[0039] It can be seen that by making the first adjustable flange undetachable from the base flange in this manner, there is no risk of a child accidentally swallowing the first adjustable flange.

[0040] According to an advantageous solution, the first adjustment flange has a contour which matches the contour of the base flange.

[0041] In this way, the edges of the first adjustment flange are flush with the edges of the base flange and extend contiguously with one another, thus avoiding the formation of shoulders on either edge of the two flanges that could be uncomfortable for a child or provide a support or grip for trying to separate the two flanges.

[0042] According to an advantageous solution, the first and the second adjusting flanges are identical.

[0043] Thus, insofar as all of the adjustment flanges are identical and can be mass produced, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0044] According to a particular embodiment, the pacifier has a set of five identical adjustment flanges.

[0045] Of course, as indicated above, the number of these adjustment flanges can be varied as required, in particular depending on the progressivite of change desired, resulting in a variation in the thickness of the adjustment flanges.

[0046] Preferably, the adjustment flange is perforated.

[0047] This allows for circulation of saliva and air between the flanges, allowing drying between the base and the adjustment flange. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0048] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given purely as an illustrative and limiting example, and from the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a modified pacifier according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an adjustable flange of a modified pacifier according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a variation of a pacifier having a first adjustment flange. [Figure 4] 13A-13C are schematic diagrams of modified pacifiers according to the present invention having different stacking adjustment flanges. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0049] As shown in FIG. 1, the modified pacifier according to the present invention generally comprises: - a mouthpiece 1 for a child to hold in his / her mouth, generally made of silicone; - 2 handles; a base flange 3 from one side of which the mouthpiece 1 extends, the mouthpiece 1 having a length L from the base flange 3 to a free end of the mouthpiece 1, and a handle 2 extending from the other side of the base flange 3 relative to the mouthpiece 1; has.

[0050] The base flange has a thickness, referred to as base thickness EB, for example in the range of 1-2 mm (this thickness may be the average thickness of the peripheral edge if the peripheral edge thickness is not constant).

[0051] In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the pacifier has at least one first adjusting flange 4, shown in Figure 2. As shown in this figure, the adjusting flange has a central passage 40 through which the mouthpiece 1 passes, such that the adjusting flange surrounds the mouthpiece 1 when the adjusting flange is attached to the pacifier.

[0052] Additionally, the accommodation flange has a thickness, referred to as accommodation thickness EJ, that is greater than or equal to the base thickness EB (which may be the average thickness of the periphery if the thickness is not constant).

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3, the pacifier also has a means for joining the base flange and the first adjustable flange 4 so that the first adjustable flange 4 is located on the mouthpiece 1 side with respect to the base flange.

[0054] According to this design of the modified pacifier of the present invention, the first adjustment flange 4 is attached to the pacifier by being pressed against the base flange 2 while the mouthpiece 1 passes through the passage 40 .

[0055] In this way, it can be seen that the first adjusting flange forms a system of decreasing length L, in that the length of the mouthpiece 1 protruding from the base flange is reduced by the thickness of the first adjusting flange. In other words, the length of the mouthpiece protruding from the adjusting flange is equal to L-EJ.

[0056] According to this embodiment according to the invention, the means for connecting the first adjusting flange 4 to the base flange 3 are integrated directly into the first adjusting flange and / or into the base flange, preferably only into the adjusting flange.

[0057] For this purpose, the first adjusting flange has on one side thereof a pair of hooks 41, facing each other and arranged on either side of the adjusting flange. These hooks are elastically deformable and are designed and manufactured in such a way that the base flange can be assembled by snapping onto the adjusting flange. The hooks 41 of the first adjusting flange thus constitute a snap-fitting means.

[0058] Preferably, the hooks forming the first snap-fitting means are designed to non-removably hold the base flange.

[0059] 4, the first adjusting flange 4 has a contour that matches the contour of the base flange 3. More specifically, the adjusting flange 4 has the same shape and dimensions as the base flange 3.

[0060] As shown in Figure 4, the modified pacifier according to the invention comprises at least one second adjusting flange 5 which, like the first adjusting flange 4, has a passage for the mouthpiece 1 and surrounds the mouthpiece 1, the fastening means making it possible to fix the second adjusting flange on the first adjusting flange in such a way that the second adjusting flange 5 is located on the side of the mouthpiece 1 relative to the first adjusting flange 4. To that end, the second adjusting flange has a pair of hooks 41 identical to the first adjusting flange.

[0061] To simplify manufacturing, the first and second adjusting flanges are identical.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 4, and in order to further reduce the length L of the mouthpiece, the pacifier has a set of five identical adjustment flanges which are intended to be stacked on top of each other and fixed to each other.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the adjustment flanges 4, 5 are perforated and have a plurality of holes 42.

[0064] The base flange 3 may also be perforated, having a number of holes 30, which do not necessarily have to be arranged to correspond to the holes in the adjustment flange.

Claims

1. - A mouthpiece for children to hold in their mouth (1), - Handles (2) - at least one base flange (3) having a basic thickness (EB), on one side of which the mouthpiece (1) extends so as to present a suction length L, and on the other side of which the handle (2) extends; a system for reducing the length L; A modified pacifier having: the reducing system comprises at least one first adjusting flange (4) having a passage for the mouthpiece (1) and surrounding the mouthpiece (1), and coupling means for coupling the first adjusting flange (4) to the base flange (3) so that the first adjusting flange (4) is located on the mouthpiece (1) side relative to the base flange (3), the first adjusting flange having a first adjusting thickness (EJ) at least equal to the base thickness (EB); The reducing system comprises at least one second adjusting flange (5) having a passage for the mouthpiece (1) and surrounding the mouthpiece (1), and fixing means for fixing the second adjusting flange (5) to the first adjusting flange (4) so ​​that the second adjusting flange (5) is located on the side of the mouthpiece (1) relative to the first adjusting flange (4), and the second adjusting flange (5) has a second adjusting thickness at least equal to the base thickness.

2. 2. A pacifier according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling means are integrated into the first adjustment flange (4) or the base flange (3) or both.

3. 3. A pacifier according to claim 2, characterized in that said coupling means comprise snap-fit ​​means integrated into said first adjustment flange (4).

4. A modified pacifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first adjustment flange (4) has a contour that matches the contour of the base flange (3).

5. 2. The pacifier of claim 1, wherein the first and second adjusting flanges (4, 5) are identical.

6. A modified pacifier according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a set of five identical adjustment flanges (4), (5).

7. 2. A pacifier according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjusting flanges (4), (5) are perforated.

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