pacifier

Abstract

This invention provides a pacifier that allows the user to generate negative pressure in the oral cavity necessary to hold the tongue in contact with the maxilla, and to detect whether or not it stimulates oral expansion, thereby guiding the correct growth of the face and related structures in the mouth-nose-respiratory complex. Furthermore, this pacifier acts as a guide for the eruption of primary teeth as they begin to emerge from the gums, and is therefore instructed to accompany the user at various stages of growth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a type of pacifier for use by infants, which makes it possible to visually demonstrate the presence of a vacuum pressure in the infant's oral cavity, particularly in the Donders space, and by maintaining said vacuum pressure, has means that also make it possible to indicate and promote the correct functionality of the infant's nose and mouth.

Background Art

[0002] [[ID=Eleven]] The use of pacifiers as a means of satisfying the sucking urge of infants has been practiced for centuries. Therefore, generally, pacifiers are part of the ordinary items used by infants.

[0003] Thus, for example, various complementary uses have been included in combination with pacifiers by providing means in the pacifier that make it possible to exert stimulatory effects on the infant, such as, inter alia, the reproduction of sounds or the parent's voice, or the supply of substances or drugs.

[0004] On the other hand, pacifiers are also related to the development of the infant's sucking ability, which has a special influence on the development of the entire facial skeletal structure and the related structures in the oral-nasal-respiratory complex.

[0005] Based on this fact, reviews of the scientific literature have shown that the relationship between oral development and the efficiency of nasal breathing extends widely. Furthermore, several studies have shown that difficulty in nasal breathing due to cleft palate may be a cause of sudden infant death.

[0006] According to the above, considering that pacifiers are elements that infants normally use as part of their development, there is a need to implement in the pacifier means that enable parents and / or medical staff to confirm the correct functionality of the infant's nose and mouth, even when the infant is awake or, even more importantly, when asleep.

[0007] Based on the fact that proper nasal and oral function in infants involves generating and maintaining negative pressure in the oral cavity (Donders space), which is necessary to hold the tongue in contact with the maxilla, and stimulating oral expansion, thereby guiding the correct growth of related structures in the face and mouth-nose-respiratory complex, the need to provide pacifiers that promote proper nasal and oral function in infants becomes clear. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0008] To address the identified need, according to a first aspect, the present invention provides a pacifier disclosed in claim 1, which can detect whether the user generates negative pressure in the oral cavity necessary to hold the tongue in contact with the maxilla, thereby stimulating oral cavity expansion and guiding the correct growth of the face and related structures in the mouth-nose-respiratory complex.

[0009] According to the above, the proposed pacifier comprises a base plate, a cup that can be airtightly connected to the base plate, and a nipple that can be connected to the base plate and / or the cup.

[0010] As is well known, the base plate acts as a stopper against the lips and is positioned to prevent the user from swallowing the nipple.

[0011] On the other hand, in addition to its known function of providing a suction element to the user, the papilla has an orthodontic design that allows a portion of it to be positioned between the tongue and the palate, specifically within the Donders space, and records negative pressure in the aforementioned space, where suitable pressure is essential to hold the tissues within the mouth, nose, and pharynx in ideal positions. Therefore, recording suitable negative pressure within the Donders space indicates suitable suction by the user, which demonstrates the correct function of the user's nose and mouth.

[0012] According to the above, the papilla is configured to establish fluid communication between the Donders void in the oral cavity and the cup so that the vacuum pressure in the Donders void is transmitted to the cup.

[0013] In this regard, the cup has an indicating means for showing the pressure being transmitted toward the cup, which in a preferred embodiment takes the form of a retractable region located in the cup, which is retracted under the influence of the negative pressure described above, and thus visually indicates that the negative pressure in the Donders space is sufficient and that suction is suitable. The transmission of vacuum pressure to the cup helps the cup maintain that vacuum pressure and thus also helps to hold the tongue in contact with the palate, i.e., the maxilla.

[0014] As described above, the retractable area of ​​the cup can be a membrane that can be conveniently retracted to provide visual feedback to any user of the pacifier of the present invention, particularly to any person who can ascertain the correct function of the infant's nose and mouth. The retraction of the retractable area indicates that nasal breathing is being performed comfortably and without strain on the user.

[0015] Optionally, in other alternative embodiments, the indicator means for showing the pressure transmitted to the cup may be an LED light, or it may detect vacuum pressure and transmit the detection to an external device such as a computer or smartphone for subsequent processing.

[0016] With respect to the latter, the pacifier comprises an electronic unit coupled to a cup, the electronic unit being configured to receive an indicator signal indicating the retraction of the retractable region of the cup and / or the presence of a vacuum in the Donders gap, and an indicator means coupled to the electronic unit to indicate the retraction of the retractable region and / or the presence of a vacuum in the Donders gap captured by the electronic unit.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the electronic unit comprises a sensor positioned on a base plate and configured to detect the retraction of a retractable region and / or the presence of a vacuum in the Donders gap. The sensor is preferably a switch that activates when the retractable region is retracted, and thus the activation of the sensor activates a display means which can be an LED light or an auditory signal, etc., that is selectively turned on or off as described above. It is even more preferable that the display means is an LED light positioned on the electronic unit.

[0018] In another embodiment, the pacifier comprises a casing intended for the arrangement of an electronic unit and a flexible tube designed to fluidly connect a cup to the casing, the electronic unit having a sensor for detecting the pull-in and / or vacuum pressure of a pullable area, processing means for processing the detected data, storage means for storing the data, and communication means for transmitting the data for further processing or analysis, or downloading it in an editable format. In a preferred embodiment, the casing takes the form of a clip intended to be attached to the user's clothing.

[0019] On the other hand, the papilla comprises a proximal end connected to a base plate and a distal end intended to be positioned in the Donders space of the oral cavity. The papilla is preferably hollow and comprises at least one hole located at the distal end, such that the hole transmits vacuum pressure from the Donders space to the cup, thereby causing retraction of the retractable area. It is important to note that the design of the position of the hole (or multiple holes) on the papilla is critical in order to perform measurements solely within the Donders space without any other influences, such as positive pressure on the palate from the tongue.

[0020] Here, the base plate comprises a housing configured to connect to the proximal end of the nipple and a connection port intended to connect to a cup, the housing and connection port being positioned on the base plate so as to enable fluid communication between the nipple and the cup. Furthermore, both the housing and connection port are configured to seal and connect the nipple and the cup to the base plate so as to visually indicate their presence when vacuum pressure is fully transmitted to the cup.

[0021] In addition to the above, the pacifier includes an intraoral screen configured to be interposed between the outer portion of the teeth and the inner portion of the lips and cheeks. The incorporation of this dental screen is intended to act as a guide for deciduous teeth as they begin to erupt from the gums without causing malocclusion, enabling the transition from edentulous newborns who are consuming liquid foods (breast milk / formula) to solid foods, and thus assisting in weaning.

[0022] This screen, like the rest of the pacifier components, is made from hypoallergenic materials and can be fitted according to the oral morphology of each user's Frankel space, where Frankel space is defined as the space between the teeth and the lips and cheeks.

[0023] In a second embodiment, the present invention provides a pacifier comprising a base plate and a cup having a retractable region that is airtightly connectable to the base plate, as in the embodiments described above. In contrast to the embodiments described above, the pacifier comprises an intraoral screen connectable to the base plate and / or cup, the intraoral screen being in fluid communication with the cup, the intraoral screen being interposed between the outer portion of the tooth and the inner portion of the lip and cheek and configured to act as a guide for the eruption of deciduous teeth beginning to emerge from the gums, and the retractable region is retracted by vacuum pressure from the oral cavity being transmitted to the cup.

[0024] In this second embodiment, the user generates a suitable vacuum within the Donders space, for example, by using the pacifier of the first embodiment. In this way, suction is preferably performed, and tissue, bone growth, and the eruption of deciduous teeth are promoted according to the normal development stage, and the papilla is removed. In this way, the retractable region of the cup shrinks under the influence of the oral vacuum pressure, and the above-mentioned suitable suction is visually shown. When the vacuum pressure is transmitted to the cup, the cup helps to maintain the vacuum pressure, and thus also helps to hold the tongue in contact with the palate, that is, the maxilla.

[0025] The intraoral screen has a tube protruding therefrom, and this tube has an open end that defines a channel through which fluid communication with the cup is established. In this regard, when the intraoral screen is located in the oral cavity and occupies the Frankel space, one open end is directed towards the inside of the oral cavity, and the other end is directed towards the cup, and the cup is airtightly connected to the above end.

[0026] Alternatively, in this second embodiment, it is possible to provide a papilla that can be connected to the intraoral screen, and the papilla is configured to establish fluid communication between the Donders space of the oral cavity and the cup so that the retractable region of the cup can be retracted by the vacuum pressure within the Donders space.

[0027] This embodiment is possible because the user may need the papilla at a certain point during the weaning process.

[0028] Therefore, the papilla has a proximal end connected to the base plate and a distal end assumed to be disposed in the Donders space of the oral cavity.

[0029] The papilla is preferably hollow and has at least one hole disposed at the distal end so that at least one hole transmits the vacuum pressure from the Donders space to the cup, causing the retraction of the retractable region.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] The foregoing and other advantages and features will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0031] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a pacifier with a nipple portion visible. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a pacifier from another perspective. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a pacifier where the incorporation of an intraoral screen combined with the nipple portion can be confirmed. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a pacifier where the incorporation of an intraoral screen combined with the nipple portion can be confirmed from another perspective. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a pacifier where the intraoral screen can be confirmed. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a pacifier where the intraoral screen can be confirmed from another perspective. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view showing the components of the pacifier in a disassembled state. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing the components of the pacifier in a disassembled state and further showing an electronic unit. [Figure 9] It is a view of an alternative embodiment where the casing is connected to the cup by a flexible type of tube.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0032] In the following detailed description, many specific details are set forth in the form of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present teachings may be practiced without such details.

[0033] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 4, in a preferred embodiment of the first embodiment, the present invention discloses a pacifier 1 intended for use by an infant, comprising a base plate 2, a cup 4, and a nipple 3.

[0034] Within the scope of this detailed description, the terms “user,” “baby,” or “infant” are used interchangeably to refer to the users of Pacifier 1, taking into consideration that Pacifier 1 is primarily intended for infants aged 0–18 months.

[0035] The base plate 2 is provided with a connection port 2A intended for connection to the cup 4, and in this embodiment, as can be seen in Figure 7, the connection is made in a sealed state by a snap-fit ​​connection so that the cup 4 can be removed from the connection port 2A.

[0036] The base plate 2 also includes a housing 2B in the form of a through-hole, intended to be sealed and connected to the nipple 3. This housing 2B overlaps with the connection port 2A, allowing fluid communication between the nipple 3 and the cup 4.

[0037] Similarly, the papilla 3 is hollow 3 and has an orthodontic design, which, in addition to providing a sucking function, allows the papilla 3 to be positioned between the infant's tongue and palate. The papilla 3 has a proximal end 3B, which is airtightly connected to the base plate 2, particularly the housing 2B, via the proximal end 3B. The proximal end 3B has a projection 3D, which prevents the papilla 3 from being unintentionally removed once the proximal end 3B is connected to the housing 2B. The papilla 3 also has a distal end 3A that is positioned between the infant's tongue and palate, particularly in the Donders space of the oral cavity. Given the hollow configuration of the papilla 3, the distal end 3A has multiple holes 3C such that vacuum pressure is transmitted from the Donders space to the cup 4 via the holes 3C, causing the retractable area 4A of the cup 4 to be retracted.

[0038] As can be seen, in this preferred embodiment, the cup 4 has a tubular cylindrical shape with a closed end as a cover, and the retractable region 4A is located in the cover. The rigidity of the cover is selected so that its retractable region 4A can be conveniently retracted under the influence of vacuum pressure. The retractable region 4A is preferably the entire cover and consists of a flexible membrane configured to be retracted under the influence of vacuum pressure and return to its original state when the vacuum pressure is released. Therefore, the material from which the cup 4, and in particular the retractable region 4A, is manufactured is selected so that when the retractable region 4A is retracted, this retraction can be visually observed by a person, such as a medical professional or a parent of an infant.

[0039] Therefore, when an infant uses the pacifier 1, the distal end 3A of the nipple 3 is placed in the Donders space, thereby capturing the vacuum, and this vacuum is indicated by the retraction of the retractable region 4A of the cup 4.

[0040] As can be seen in Figure 8, in a preferred embodiment of this first embodiment, the pacifier 1 comprises a sleeve 2C protruding from a base plate 2, a connection port 2A positioned opposite the base plate 2, and a housing 2B positioned at least partially inside the sleeve 2C. The electronic unit 6 is configured to be positioned inside the sleeve 2C and is configured to be coupled to the cup 4 to receive the retractable region 4A of the cup 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic unit 6 comprises a sensor 7 in the form of a switch, which is activated by retracting the retractable region 4A in the presence of a vacuum pressure in the oral cavity. In addition to indicating the presence of a vacuum by the retractable region 4A, the electronic unit 6 comprises an LED light (not shown) connected to the sensor 7, i.e., the switch, and an energy accumulator 8 in the form of a battery that supplies power and energy to the LED when the LED is activated by the switch. In this way, the user is indicated by the retraction of the cup 4 and also by the illumination of the LED.

[0041] In another alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the electronic unit 6 is housed in a casing 9, which is fluidly connected to the cup 4 by a flexible tube 9A. In addition to a sensor 7 for detecting the pull-in area and / or vacuum pressure, the electronic unit 6 includes processing means (not shown) for processing the detection data from the sensor 7, storage means (not shown) for storing the data, and communication means (not shown) for transmitting the data for further processing or analysis, or for downloading it in an editable format. As can be seen in Figure 9, the casing 9 preferably takes the form of a clip intended to be attached to the user's clothing. In this regard, the clip has an opening 9B for connecting to clothing.

[0042] In addition to the above, preferably a Goretex® type membrane 8A is placed inside the sleeve 2C and configured to prevent fluid from the user's mouth from coming into contact with the control unit 6.

[0043] Similarly, alternatively, the connection between the cup 4 and the base plate 2 via the connection port 2A may be screw-in.

[0044] In this modified version of the first embodiment, as can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the pacifier 1 is equipped with an intraoral screen 5 that can be connected to the papilla 3, particularly in the region near the proximal end 3A. The intraoral screen 5 is envisioned to be interposed between the outer portion of the tooth and the inner portion of the lip and cheek in the so-called Frankel space, and is configured to act as a guide for the eruption of deciduous teeth as they begin to emerge from the gums.

[0045] The intraoral screen 5 is made from a flexible polymer material such as flexible silicone, which can be cut to fit the size of an infant's mouth. As described above, the intraoral screen is intended to occupy the Frankel space, which is the labial vestibule. This space is the area between the outer part of the tooth (or the part where the tooth is expected to erupt) and the inner part of the lip and cheek. By implementing this intraoral screen 5 in the pacifier 1, the teeth can erupt and develop favorably without causing malocclusion.

[0046] The intraoral screen 5 may optionally be connectable to the papilla 3, or it may be integrally formed with the papilla 3.

[0047] On the other hand, a second embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 5 and 6, which shows a pacifier 10 for a more advanced developmental stage, in which weaning is assumed and therefore the nipple is removed. Thus, the pacifier 10 in this second embodiment comprises a base plate 20, a cup 40 which is airtightly connectable to the base plate 20 and has a retractable region 40A, and an intraoral screen 50 which is connectable to the base plate 20, the intraoral screen 50 being in fluid communication with the cup 40 by a channel 52 which connects these two elements, and the intraoral screen 50 is interposed between the outer portion of the tooth and the inner portion of the lip and cheek, occupying the Frankel space, acting as a guide for the eruption of deciduous teeth beginning to erupt from the gums, and is configured to prevent malocclusion.

[0048] The vacuum created by the retractable area 40A of cup 40 is generated by oral suction by the infant, and the maintenance of this vacuum is an indicator of proper airway function and the proper development of all related morphological structures, namely the tissues of the mouth, nose, and pharynx, as well as the growth of the mandible.

[0049] As can be seen in Figure 7, the oral cavity screen 50 is provided with a tube 51 protruding therefrom, which has an open end defining a channel 52, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, through which fluid communication with the cup 40 is established.

[0050] It is important to note that the base plate 20 and cup 40 of this second embodiment have the same shape and function as those described for their respective analogues in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of such elements in the first embodiment of the present invention is extended to these.

[0051] Optionally, a papilla 30 that can be connected to an intraoral screen 50 can be incorporated into the pacifier 10, and the papilla 30 is configured to establish fluid communication between the Donders void in the oral cavity and the cup 40, such that the retractable region 40A of the cup 40 is retracted by the vacuum pressure in the Donders void, and the vacuum becomes visually apparent.

[0052] The papilla 30 comprises a proximal end 30B which is connected to the intraoral screen 50, particularly at the entrance of the channel 52, and a distal end 30A which is intended to be positioned in the Donders space.

[0053] Furthermore, the papilla 30 is hollow and has a plurality of holes 30C located at the distal end 30A such that vacuum pressure is transmitted from the Donders gap to the cup 40 via the papilla 30, causing the retractable region 40A to be retracted.

[0054] Similarly, in this second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the pacifier 10 includes a sleeve 20C protruding from a base plate 20, a connection port 20A positioned opposite the base plate 20, and a housing 20B positioned at least partially inside the sleeve 20C. The electronic unit 60 is configured to be positioned inside the sleeve 20C and is configured to be connected to the cup 40 to receive the retractable region 40A of the cup 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic unit 60 includes a sensor 70 in the form of a switch, which is activated by retracting the retractable region 40A in the presence of a vacuum pressure in the oral cavity. In addition to indicating the presence of a vacuum by the retractable region 40A, the electronic unit 60 includes an LED light (not shown) connected to the sensor 70, i.e., the switch, and an energy accumulator 80 in the form of a battery that supplies power and energy to the LED when the LED is activated by the sensor 70. In this way, the user can demonstrate the presence of a vacuum in the Donders void by pulling in cup 4 and by the illumination of the LED.

[0055] In another alternative embodiment of this second embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the electronic unit 60 is housed in a casing 90, which is fluidly connected to the cup 40 by a flexible tube 90A. In addition to a sensor 70 for detecting the pull-in area 40A and / or vacuum pressure, the electronic unit 60 includes processing means (not shown) for processing the detection data from the sensor 70, storage means (not shown) for storing the data, and communication means (not shown) for transmitting the data for further processing or analysis, or for downloading it in an editable format. As can be seen in Figure 9, the casing 90 preferably takes the form of a clip intended to be attached to the user's clothing. In this regard, the clip has an opening 90B for connecting to clothing.

[0056] In addition to the above, preferably a Goretex® type membrane 80A is placed inside the sleeve 20C and configured to prevent fluid from the user's mouth from coming into contact with the control unit 60.

[0057] Similarly, alternatively, the connection between the cup 40 and the base plate 20 via the connection port 20A may be screw-type.

Claims

1. Base plate (2), A cup (4) that can be airtightly connected to the base plate (2), the cup (4) having a retractable region (4A), A pacifier (1) comprising a nipple (3) connectable to the base plate (2) and / or the cup (4), the nipple (3) being configured to establish fluid communication between the Donders void in the oral cavity and the cup (4) such that the vacuum pressure in the Donders void causes the retractable region (4A) of the cup (4) to be retracted.

2. The pacifier (1) according to claim 1, wherein the nipple (3) comprises a proximal end (3B) connected to the base plate (2) and a distal end (3A) intended to be positioned in the Donders space of the oral cavity.

3. The pacifier (1) according to claim 2, wherein the nipple (3) is hollow and comprises at least one hole (3C) located at the distal end (3A) such that the hole (3C) transmits the vacuum pressure from the Donders gap to the cup (4) via the nipple (3), thereby causing the retractable region (4A) to be retracted.

4. A pacifier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising an intraoral screen (5) connectable to the papilla (3), which is intended to be interposed between the outer portion of the tooth and the inner portion of the lip and cheek, and configured to act as a guide for the eruption of deciduous teeth as they begin to grow from the gums.

5. The pacifier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising an electronic unit (6) coupled to the cup (4), the electronic unit (6) configured to receive an indicator signal indicating the retraction of the retractable region (4A) and / or the presence of a vacuum in the Donders gap, wherein an indicator means coupled to the electronic unit (6) is configured to indicate the retraction of the retractable region (4A) and / or the presence of a vacuum in the Donders gap.

6. The pacifier (1) according to claim 5, wherein the electronic unit (6) comprises a sensor (7) disposed on the base plate (2) and configured to detect the retraction of the retractable region (4A) and / or the presence of a vacuum in the Donders gap.

7. The pacifier (1) according to claim 5, comprising a casing (9) designed to accommodate the arrangement of the electronic unit (6), and a flexible tube (9A) configured to fluidly connect the cup (4) to the casing (9), wherein the electronic unit (6) comprises a sensor for detecting the retraction of the retractable region (4A) and / or the vacuum pressure, processing means, storage means, and communication means.

8. Base plate (20) and A cup (40) that can be airtightly connected to the base plate (20), the cup (40) having a retractable region (40A), An intraoral screen (50) connectable to the base plate (20) and / or the cup (40), which is in fluid communication with the cup (40) such that the retractable area (40A) can be retracted when vacuum pressure from the oral cavity is transmitted to the cup (40), and is interposed between the outer portion of the tooth and the inner portion of the lip and cheek, and is configured to act as a guide for the eruption of deciduous teeth as they begin to erupt from the gums. A pacifier (10) equipped with [a specific feature].

9. The pacifier (10) according to claim 8, wherein the oral cavity screen (50) comprises a tube (51) protruding therefrom, and the tube (51) has an open end that defines a channel (52) through which fluid communication with the cup (40) is established.

10. The pacifier (10) according to claim 8 or 9, comprising a papilla (30) connectable to the oral cavity screen (50), the papilla (30) configured to establish fluid communication between the Donders void in the oral cavity and the cup (40) such that the retractable region (40A) of the cup (40) is retracted by the vacuum pressure in the Donders void.

11. The pacifier (10) according to claim 10, wherein the nipple (30) comprises a proximal end (30B) connected to the base plate (20) and a distal end (30A) intended to be positioned in the Donders space of the oral cavity.

12. The pacifier (10) according to claim 11, wherein the nipple (30) is hollow and comprises at least one hole (30C) located at the distal end (30A) such that the hole (30C) transmits the vacuum pressure from the Donders gap to the cup (40) via the nipple (30), thereby causing the retractable region (40A) to be retracted.

13. The pacifier (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, comprising an electronic unit (60) coupled to the cup (40), the electronic unit (60) configured to receive an indicator signal indicating the retraction of the retractable region (40A) and / or the presence of a vacuum in the Donders gap, wherein an indicator means coupled to the electronic unit (60) is configured to indicate the retraction of the retractable region (40A) and / or the presence of a vacuum in the Donders gap.

14. The pacifier (10) according to claim 13, wherein the electronic unit (60) comprises a sensor (70) disposed on the base plate (20) and configured to detect the retraction of the retractable region (40A) and / or the presence of a vacuum in the Donders gap.

15. The pacifier (1) according to claim 13, comprising a casing (90) designed to accommodate the arrangement of the electronic unit (60), and a flexible tube (90A) configured to fluidly connect the cup (40) to the casing (90), wherein the electronic unit (60) comprises a sensor for detecting the retractable region (40A) and / or the vacuum pressure, processing means, storage means, and communication means.

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