Teether ball
The teether ball with flexible arms and a rattle toy addresses the need for effective teething relief and developmental stimulation by allowing pressure application at multiple gum locations and promoting motor skills through play, while being durable and engaging.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LOVEVERY INC
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing teething toys lack effective designs that provide comprehensive relief for teething discomfort and promote developmental benefits for infants, while also being durable and engaging for play.
A teether ball design featuring flexible arms with compound curvature and a rattle toy, made of silicone, that allows for teething at various gum locations, stimulates sensory development, and encourages fine and gross motor skills through play.
The teether ball provides relief for teething discomfort by allowing pressure application at multiple gum locations, stimulates sensory development, and enhances motor skills through play, while being durable and engaging.
Smart Images
Figure US2026012476_30072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Attorney Docket No.: 43852-0120WO1TEETHER BALLTECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to child-play toys, and more particularly to teethers.BACKGROUND
[0002] Teething toys are designed to provide relief to infants from teething discomfort. Teething toys are designed to be chewed on by teething infants to help soothe their gums. There are different types of infant teethers such as teething rings, teething poles, and teething necklaces. Improvements to teething toys are sought.SUMMARY
[0003] Implementations of the present disclosure include a teether having an overall envelope approximating a sphere. The teether has first and second hubs and a set of multiple arms connecting the first and second hubs. The first and second hubs are spaced apart and reside on opposite sides of the envelope. The set of multiple arms follow a periphery of the envelope. Each arm has a nominal cross-section of a size suitable for fitting between gums of a teething child. Adjacent arms of the set of multiple arms are sufficiently spaced apart at a midpoint between the first and second hubs to allow for teething on any individual arm of the set of multiple arms. Each arm has compound curvature so as to project curvature in multiple directions with respect to a longitudinal plane across the midpoint of the respective arm. Each of the first and second hubs defines an arm attachment circle containing connections with all of the arms of the set of multiple arms. The arm attachment circle is of a diameter less than 30 percent of an extent of the overall envelope in a plane parallel to the arm attachment circle.
[0004] In some implementations, each arm extends parallel to each other along at least a section of the arms. Each arm extends along a helical path in a first direction along a contour of the teether. In some implementations, the set of multiple arms includes a first set of arms and the teether includes a second set of arms extending parallel to each other along a section of the second set of arms and extending along a second helical path in a second direction opposite the first direction such that each arm of the second set of arms intersects a respective one of the first set of arms at the midpoint of the respective arm.
[0005] In some implementations, each arm defines a constant diameter along a length of the respective arm. In some implementations, the hubs include a thickness equal to the diameter of the arms. In some implementations, at least one arm of the set of multiple armsAttorney Docket No.: 43852-0120WO1includes teething textures disposed at a surface of the respective arm. In some implementations, the teething textures include outwardly projecting textures extending from the surface of the respective arm. The teething textures including at least one of dots, ribs, or helical bumps. In some implementations, the surface is void of surface depressions.
[0006] In some implementations, the teether is made of a flexible material. In some implementations, the teether is made of flexible silicone.
[0007] In some implementations, the arms and the hubs all include portions of a single contiguous mass of molded resin. In some implementations, the connections of the arms to the hubs include curved surfaces blending pairs of adjacent arms. In some implementations, the curved surfaces include a curvature radius of between 3 and 6 millimeters along a central plane of the adjacent arms. In some implementations, the teether including a stiffness sufficient to allow the teether to roll on a horizontal surface.
[0008] In some implementations, the teether further includes a rattle toy disposed inside the teether. In some implementations, the rattle toy includes a rattle ball inside the teether to make sound when shaken. The rattle ball is removable from the teether by flexing the arms of the teether.
[0009] In some implementations, the set of multiple arms includes six arms spaced an equal distance from each other.
[0010] Implementations of the present disclosure also include a child play teether-rattle set that includes a teether ball and a rattle ball. The teether ball includes first and second hubs and a set of multiple arms. The first and second hubs are spaced apart on opposite sides of the ball. The set of multiple arms connect the first and second hubs and follow a periphery of the ball. The teether ball defines an inner volume between the hubs and the multiple arms. Each arm has a nominal cross-section of a size suitable for fitting between gums of a teething child. Adjacent arms of the set of multiple arms are sufficiently spaced apart at a midpoint between the first and second hubs to allow for teething on any individual arm of the set of multiple arms. Each arm has compound curvature so that each arm has curvature in multiple directions with respect to a longitudinal plane across the midpoint of the respective arm. Each of the first and second hubs defines an arm attachment circle containing connections with all of the arms of the set of multiple arms. The rattle is disposed inside the inner volume of the teether ball. The arms of the teether ball are bendable and the rattle is sized to allow the rattle to be removed from the teether ball upon bending open two adjacent arms of the teether ball.Attorney Docket No.: 43852-0120WO1
[0011] In some implementations, the rattle includes a rattle ball including a diameter that is between 10 and 15 millimeters smaller than an inner diameter of the inner volume of the teether ball.
[0012] In some implementations, the teether ball is a one-piece teether ball made of flexible silicone.
[0013] In some implementations, the teether ball including a stiffness sufficient to allow the teether ball to roll on a horizontal surface.
[0014] Particular implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented so as to realize one or more of the following advantages. For example, the teether ball of the present disclosure provides relief for teething discomfort at various locations of the teething child’s gums. The complex curvature of the arms may help to allow the child to concentrate teething pressure on one side of the mouth or the other, as the arm is bitten at various orientations. The teether ball can also offer developmental benefits by stimulating various senses and aiding in sensory exploration and tactile development. Additionally, the teether ball and rattle encourage an infant to grasp the teether ball and insert or remove the rattle to or from the ball, promoting the development of fine motor skills. Moreover, because the teether ball can roll on flat surfaces upon being thrown or kicked by the child, the rattle ball can encourage the child to crawl to the teether ball, promoting the development of gross motor skills.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. l is a front view of an example child play teether.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a top view of the example child play teether in FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example child play teether-rattle set.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the teether in FIG. 3, taken along line 4-4.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a front view of an example child play teether according to a different implementation of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a top view of the child play teether in FIG. 5.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0021] The teether-rattle set of the present disclosure features a flexible teether ball and a rigid rattle ball disposed inside the teether ball. The teether ball has a stiffness sufficient to resist up to 50 pounds of bite force and to allow the teether to roll on a horizontal surface. However, the teether ball is soft and flexible enough to enable its arms to flex to allow the rattleAttorney Docket No.: 43852-0120WO1ball to be inserted into or removed from the teether ball. For example, the arms of the teether ball are bendable and the rattle ball is sized to allow the rattle to be removed from the teether ball upon bending open two adjacent arms of the teether ball.
[0022] The teether ball is designed to be easily graspable while having a geometry that does not have a natural place to bite (e.g., void of crevices and depressions). Moreover, the high-stress transitional regions such as the joint points between the arms and the hubs of the teether ball are not very accessible for teething, minimizing the opportunities for the teether to tear or break. The arms of the teether ball deform in multiple planes when the child bites on the arms. The deformation at multiple planes and asymmetry in the teething is believed to enhance the teething effect. For example, the deformation at multiple planes can allow the arms to apply pressure at various locations of the teething child’s gums, enhancing the teething effect of the teether.
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a child play teether 100 (e.g., a teether ball 100) that has two hubs 104, 106 and multiple arms 102 connecting the hubs 104, 106. The teether 100 has an overall envelope 110 (shown in dashed lines) approximating a sphere. The hubs 104, 106 are, with the teether 100 in its natural state (e.g., in equilibrium or in a non-compressed state), spaced apart from each other. The hubs 104, 106 reside on opposite sides of the envelope 110.
[0024] The set of arms 102 connect the hubs 104, 106 and generally follow a periphery of the envelope 110. Each arm 102 has a nominal cross-section 112 of a size suitable for fitting between gums of a teething child. Adjacent arms 102 are sufficiently spaced apart at a midpoint 108 between the first and second hubs 104, 106 to allow for teething on any individual arm 102.
[0025] In some aspects, “nominal cross-section” refers to a cross-section of a size that may not perfectly reflect the actual cross-sectional area of the arm due to manufacturing tolerances or variations in material properties.
[0026] Each arm 102 has compound curvature so as to project curvature in multiple directions with respect to a plane 114 that extends across the midpoint 108 of the respective arm 102. For example, each arm 102 curves and extends along multiple planes so that a centerline 109 of each arm 102 does not extend along only a single plane. In other words, the centerline 109 of each arm 102 curves simultaneously in multiple directions. For example, the centerline 109 of each arm may follow a helix. Each arm 102 extends generally parallel to each other at the midpoint 108 and converges at its end as it nears the hubs 104, 106. Each arm 102 extends along a helical path along a contour of the teether 100.Attorney Docket No.: 43852-0120WO1
[0027] Referring also to FIG. 2, each arm 102 follows the spherical contour while following a helical path such that each arm 102 curves along multiple planes, curving away from the central longitudinal plane 114. The compound curvature is believed to provide an improved teething effect as a child bites down on two places along a single arm.
[0028] Each hub 104, 106 defines an arm attachment circle 116 that contains connections 118 with all of the arms 102. As shown in FIG. 2, the arm attachment circle 116 has a diameter “de” that is less than 30% of an extent of the overall envelope 110 in a plane parallel to the arm attachment circle 116. For example, the diameter of such circle 116 is less than (e.g., less than half) the diameter “D” of the teether 100, and the surface area of the circle 116 is less than 30% of the surface area of the overall envelope 110 of the teether 100.
[0029] Each arm 102 defines a constant diameter “da” along a length of the respective arm 102. The hubs 104, 106 have a thickness “t” that is substantially equal to the diameter “da” of the arms. The diameter “da” of the arms 102 and the thickness “t” of the hubs 104, 106 can be, for example, between 7 and 15 millimeters (e.g., 10 mm). Thus, the teether 100 defines an internal diameter “d” that is generally constant in all directions (e.g., the same internal diameter between hubs 104, 106 and between arms 102). In other words, the teether 100 defines an inner volume “v” bounded between the inner surfaces of the arms 102 and the hubs 104, the inner volume “v” being substantially spherical in shape. The outer diameter “D” is also constant along the periphery of the teether 100. The outer diameter “D” corresponds with the diameter of the overall envelope of the teether.
[0030] The connections 118 of the arms 102 to the hubs 104, 106 include curved surfaces 119 that blend pairs of adjacent arms 102. In some aspects, the curved surfaces 119 have a curvature radius “r” of between 3 and 6 millimeters (e.g., 4.6 mm) along a central plane of the hubs or the adjacent arms 102.
[0031] In some aspects, the teether 100 is made of a flexible material. For example, the teether is made of flexible silicone. Also, the teether can be a one-piece teether, all made of the same material. For example, the arms and the hubs can all be portions of a single contiguous mass of molded resin. In some aspects, the teether 100 is made of liquid silicone rubber having 50 A short hardness. The teether 100 can be designed to pass a rigorous bite and tear test at 50 lbs. of bite force. The teether ball can be made by injecting moldable resin into a closed cavity mold comprising a clamshell about a single movable core that forms the interior space between the arms. The soft durometer allows the cured teether to be stretched and removed from the mold, as well as to allow the insertion and removal of the rattle.Attorney Docket No.: 43852-0120WO1
[0032] Although the teether 100 is shown with six arms spaced an equal distance from each other, the teether can include more or less arms, arms extending in different directions, arms spaced different distances from each other, and arms having different textures, designs, and characteristics.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows a child play teether-rattle set 300 that includes a teether ball 200 and a rattle 210 (e.g., a rattle toy). The rattle 210 resides inside the inner volume of the teether ball, the arms of the teether ball bendable and the rattle sized to allow the rattle to be removed from the teether ball upon bending open two adjacent arms of the teether ball. The teether-rattle set 300 has multiple functions, encouraging child play and fostering development while serving as a teether. For example, the teether ball 200 provides gum soothing while the rattle 210 provides a source of stimulation and development by encouraging children to grab, shake, and throw the sound-making rattle 260.
[0034] Moreover, the rattle toy 210 is removable from the teether 200 upon flexing of the arms 202, encouraging child play as the child struggles to remove and re-insert the rattle 210 inside the teether 200. For example, the rattle 210 is sized such that the arms 202 of the teether 200 can be substantially bended and spaced apart to allow the rattle 210 to be inserted or removed. Such feature can encourage child play and help develop motor skills.
[0035] In some aspects, the rattle toy 210 is designed as a rigid (e.g., made of rigid ABS plastic) rattle ball 210 with lose solid pieces 234 (e.g., plastic beads or pellets) disposed inside the rattle ball 203 to make sound when the rattle ball 203 is shaken. The rattle ball 210 can have two or more colors has a diameter grater than 60% the internal diameter (e.g., see internal diameter “d” of the teether ball in FIG. 2) of the teether 200. In some aspects, the rattle ball 210 has a diameter that is between 10 and 15 millimeters smaller than the inner diameter of the inner volume of the teether 200.
[0036] The teether ball 200 is similar to the teether ball 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2, with the main exception being that the teether ball 200 has teething surfaces 220, 230, 240. As shown, at least one arm 202 has teething textures disposed at a surface 231 of the respective arm 202. The teething textures comprise outwardly projecting textures extending from the surface 231 of the respective arm. The teething textures include, for example, helical bumps 220, dots 230, ribs 240, or a combination of these. In some aspects, the surface 231 of each arm 102 is void of surface depressions, which helps eliminate weak points in the teether 200.
[0037] FIG. 4 shows a cross section of an arm 202 of the teether 200 taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3. As shown, the arm 202 and the dots 230 (or other teething textures) are made of a single contiguous mass of molded resin. For example, the teether 200 can be made usingAttorney Docket No.: 43852-0120WO1injection molding into a cavity that has the shape of the teether 200 with the teething features or textures.
[0038] FIGS. 5 and 6 show a teether 300 according to a different implementation of the present disclosure. The teether 300 has a first set of arms 402 that extend along a first helical path similar to the helical path of the arms of the teether in FIGS. 1 and 2. The teether 300 also has a second set of arms 403 that extend along a second helical path in a second direction opposite the first direction such that each arm of the second set of arms 403 intersects a respective one of the first set of arms 402 at the midpoint of the respective arms 402. The arms 402, 403 form rhombus-shaped spaces 450 between each two pairs of adjacent arms 402, 403.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 6, the teether 300 has hubs 304 that are similar in dimension and size as the hubs of the teether in FIG. 1. The arms 402, 403 meet at the hubs 304 such that each respective arm of the first group of arms 402 is adjacent and merges with a respective arm of the second group of arms 403.
[0040] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.EXAMPLES
[0041] In an example implementation, a teether has an overall envelope approximating a sphere. The teether has first and second hubs and a set of multiple arms connecting the first and second hubs. The first and second hubs are spaced apart and reside on opposite sides of the envelope. The set of multiple arms follow a periphery of the envelope. Each arm has a nominal cross-section of a size suitable for fitting between gums of a teething child. Adjacent arms of the set of multiple arms are sufficiently spaced apart at a midpoint between the first and second hubs to allow for teething on any individual arm of the set of multiple arms. Each arm has compound curvature so as to project curvature in multiple directions with respect to aAttorney Docket No.: 43852-0120WO1longitudinal plane across the midpoint of the respective arm. Each of the first and second hubs defines an arm attachment circle containing connections with all of the arms of the set of multiple arms. The arm attachment circle is of a diameter less than 30 percent of an extent of the overall envelope in a plane parallel to the arm attachment circle.
[0042] In an example implementation combinable with any other example implementation, each arm extends parallel to each other along at least a section of the arms. Each arm extends along a helical path in a first direction along a contour of the teether. In an example implementation combinable with any other example implementation, the set of multiple arms includes a first set of arms and the teether includes a second set of arms extending parallel to each other along a section of the second set of arms and extending along a second helical path in a second direction opposite the first direction such that each arm of the second set of arms intersects a respective one of the first set of arms at the midpoint of the respective arm.
[0043] In an example implementation combinable with any other example implementation, each arm defines a constant diameter along a length of the respective arm. In an example implementation combinable with any other example implementation, the hubs include a thickness equal to the diameter of the arms. In an example implementation combinable with any other example implementation, at least one arm of the set of multiple arms includes teething textures disposed at a surface of the respective arm. In an example implementation combinable with any other example implementation, the teething textures include outwardly projecting textures extending from the surface of the respective arm. The teething textures including at least one of dots, ribs, or helical bumps. In an example implementation combinable with any other example implementation, the surface is void of surface depressions.
[0044] In an example implementation combinable with any other example implementation, the teether is made of a flexible material. In an example implementation combinable with any other example implementation, the teether is made of flexible silicone.
[0045] In an example implementation combinable with any other example implementation, the arms and the hubs all include portions of a single contiguous mass of molded resin. In an example implementation combinable with any other example implementation, the connections of the arms to the hubs include curved surfaces blending pairs of adjacent arms. In an example implementation combinable with any other example implementation, the curved surfaces include a curvature radius of between 3 and 6 millimeters along a central plane of the adjacent arms. In an example implementation combinable withAttorney Docket No.: 43852-0120WO1any other example implementation, the teether including a stiffness sufficient to allow the teether to roll on a horizontal surface.
[0046] In an example implementation combinable with any other example implementation, the teether further includes a rattle toy disposed inside the teether. In an example implementation combinable with any other example implementation, the rattle toy includes a rattle ball inside the teether to make sound when shaken. The rattle ball is removable from the teether by flexing the arms of the teether.
[0047] In an example implementation combinable with any other example implementation, the set of multiple arms includes six arms spaced an equal distance from each other.
[0048] In an example implementation, a child play teether-rattle set includes a teether ball and a rattle ball. The teether ball includes first and second hubs and a set of multiple arms. The first and second hubs are spaced apart on opposite sides of the ball. The set of multiple arms connect the first and second hubs and follow a periphery of the ball. The teether ball defines an inner volume between the hubs and the multiple arms. Each arm has a nominal cross-section of a size suitable for fitting between gums of a teething child. Adjacent arms of the set of multiple arms are sufficiently spaced apart at a midpoint between the first and second hubs to allow for teething on any individual arm of the set of multiple arms. Each arm has compound curvature so that each arm has curvature in multiple directions with respect to a longitudinal plane across the midpoint of the respective arm. Each of the first and second hubs defines an arm attachment circle containing connections with all of the arms of the set of multiple arms. The rattle is disposed inside the inner volume of the teether ball. The arms of the teether ball are bendable and the rattle is sized to allow the rattle to be removed from the teether ball upon bending open two adjacent arms of the teether ball.
[0049] In an example implementation combinable with any other example implementation, the rattle includes a rattle ball including a diameter that is between 10 and 15 millimeters smaller than an inner diameter of the inner volume of the teether ball.
[0050] In an example implementation combinable with any other example implementation, the teether ball is a one-piece teether ball made of flexible silicone.
[0051] In an example implementation combinable with any other example implementation, the teether ball including a stiffness sufficient to allow the teether ball to roll on a horizontal surface.
Claims
Attorney Docket No.: 43852-0120WO1WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A teether having an overall envelope approximating a sphere and comprising:first and second hubs spaced apart and residing on opposite sides of the envelope; and a set of multiple arms connecting the first and second hubs and following a periphery of the envelope, each arm having a nominal cross-section of a size suitable for fitting between gums of a teething child, adjacent arms of the set of multiple arms sufficiently spaced apart at a midpoint between the first and second hubs to allow for teething on any individual arm of the set of multiple arms;wherein each arm has compound curvature so as to project curvature in multiple directions with respect to a longitudinal plane across the midpoint of the respective arm; and wherein each of the first and second hubs defines an arm attachment circle containing connections with all of the arms of the set of multiple arms, the arm attachment circle being of a diameter less than 30 percent of an extent of the overall envelope in a plane parallel to the arm attachment circle.
2. The teether of claim 1, wherein each arm extends parallel to each other along at least a section of the arms, each arm extending along a helical path in a first direction along a contour of the teether.
3. The teether of claim 2, wherein the set of multiple arms comprises a first set of arms and the teether comprises a second set of arms extending parallel to each other along a section of the second set of arms and extending along a second helical path in a second direction opposite the first direction such that each arm of the second set of arms intersects a respective one of the first set of arms at the midpoint of the respective arm.
4. The teether of claim 1, wherein each arm defines a constant diameter along a length of the respective arm.
5. The teether of claim 4, wherein the hubs comprise a thickness equal to the diameter of the arms.
6. The teether of claim 4, wherein at least one arm of the set of multiple arms comprises teething textures disposed at a surface of the respective arm.Attorney Docket No.: 43852-0120WO17. The teether of claim 6, wherein the teething textures comprise outwardly projecting textures extending from the surface of the respective arm, the teething textures comprising at least one of dots, ribs, or helical bumps.
8. The teether of claim 6, wherein the surface is void of surface depressions.
9. The teether of claim 1, wherein the teether is made of a flexible material.
10. The teether of claim 9, wherein the teether is made of flexible silicone.
11. The teether of claim 1, wherein the arms and the hubs all comprise portions of a single contiguous mass of molded resin.
12. The teether of claim 11, wherein the connections of the arms to the hubs comprise curved surfaces blending pairs of adjacent arms.
13. The teether of claim 12, wherein the curved surfaces comprise a curvature radius of between 3 and 6 millimeters along a central plane of the adjacent arms.
14. The teether of claim 11, wherein the teether comprising a stiffness sufficient to allow the teether to roll on a horizontal surface.
15. The teether of claim 1, further comprising a rattle toy disposed inside the teether.
16. The teether of claim 15, wherein the rattle toy comprises a rattle ball inside the teether to make sound when shaken, the rattle ball being removable from the teether by flexing the arms.
17. The teether of claim 1, wherein the set of multiple arms comprises six arms spaced an equal distance from each other.
18. A child play teether-rattle set, comprising:a teether ball comprising:Attorney Docket No.: 43852-0120WO1first and second hubs spaced apart on opposite sides of the ball; and a set of multiple arms connecting the first and second hubs and following a periphery of the ball, the teether ball defining an inner volume between the hubs and the multiple arms, each arm having a nominal cross-section of a size suitable for fitting between gums of a teething child, adjacent arms of the set of multiple arms sufficiently spaced apart at a midpoint between the first and second hubs to allow for teething on any individual arm of the set of multiple arms;wherein each arm has compound curvature so that each arm has curvature in multiple directions with respect to a longitudinal plane across the midpoint of the respective arm, and each of the first and second hubs defines an arm attachment circle containing connections with all of the arms of the set of multiple arms; and a rattle disposed inside the inner volume of the teether ball, the arms of the teether ball bendable and the rattle sized to allow the rattle to be removed from the teether ball upon bending open two adjacent arms of the teether ball.
19. The child play teether-rattle set of claim 18, wherein the rattle comprises a rattle ball comprising a diameter that is between 10 and 15 millimeters smaller than an inner diameter of the inner volume of the teether ball.
20. The child play teether-rattle set of claim 18, wherein the teether ball is a one-piece teether ball made of flexible silicone.
21. The child play teether-rattle set of claim 18, wherein the teether ball comprising a stiffness sufficient to allow the teether ball to roll on a horizontal surface.