EP1781232A1

EP1781232A1 - A teat device for a baby

Info

Publication number: EP1781232A1
Application number: EP05763120A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Douglas David May
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-07-29
Filing date: 2005-07-28
Publication date: 2007-05-09
Anticipated expiration: 2025-07-28
Also published as: EP1781232B1; WO2006010935A1; ATE533460T1

Abstract

A teat device (2) for a baby which teat device (2) comprises: (a) a teat (4) having a base (6) and a free end (8); (b) a pair of jaw members (10, 12) which are movable between an open position in which they expose the teat (4) and allow the teat to be inserted into a baby's mouth and be sucked on in order to soothe the baby, and a closed position in which they cover the teat (4) and prevent the teat (4) becoming soiled; (c) biasing means (14) for biasing the jaw members (10, 12) into the closed position; and (d) a plurality of ventilation apertures (16) for ensuring that a baby using the teat device (2) is still able to breath if the teat device (2) should get stuck in the baby's mouth with the jaw members (10, 12) in the open position and also with the jaw members (10, 12) in the closed position; and the teat device (2) being such that the biasing means (14) operates to cause the jaw members (10, 12) to move towards the closed position immediately the teat device (2) is removed from the baby-s mouth so that the teat (4) does not become soiled if the baby drops the teat device, and the teat (4) also does not become soiled if the baby simply removes the teat (4) from its mouth and waves the teat device (2) about and in so doing brings the teat device (2) into contact with an unhygienic surface.

Description

A TEAT DEVICE FOR A BABY

This invention relates to a teat device for a baby.

Teat devices for babies are well known. The teat devices are sometimes referred to as teat devices, baby pacifiers or dummies. The known teat devices usually comprise a teat extending from one side of a base member. A ring, knob or other projection may extend from the other side of the base member. In use, the teat is placed in the mouth of a baby. The baby sucks on the teat and is thereby soothed or pacified. Similarly constructed known teat devices are also used for administering liquid medicines to babies, for taking babies temperatures, and for administering liquid or feeding substances from a baby bottle or other vessel. The base member is sufficiently large to prevent the baby swallowing the teat device when sucking on the teat. The teat device is often dropped by the baby. The teat is thus able to touch a floor or other surface and thereby become unhygienic.

It is an aim of the present invention to obviate or reduce the above mentioned problem.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided a teat device comprising:

(a) a teat having a base and a free end; (b) a pair of jaw members which are movable between an open position in which they expose the teat and allow the teat to be inserted into a baby's mouth and be sucked on in order to soothe the baby, and a closed position in which they cover the teat and prevent the teat becoming soiled;

(c) biasing means for biasing the jaw members into the closed position; and

(d) a plurality of ventilation apertures for ensuring that a baby using the teat device is still able to breath if the teat device should get stuck in the baby's mouth with the jaw members in the open position and also with the jaw members in the closed position;

and the teat device being such that the biasing means operates to cause the jaw members to move towards the closed position immediately the teat device is removed from the baby's mouth so that the teat does not become soiled if the baby drops the teat device, and the teat also does not become soiled if the baby simply removes the teat from its mouth and waves the teat device about and in so doing brings the teat device into contact with an unhygienic surface.

The teat device of the present invention is advantageous in a number ects. Firstly, if the teat device is dropped by the baby, then the biasing means causes the jaw members quickly to move towards the closed position and prevent the teat from becoming soiled due to contact with the floor. Secondly, if the baby simply removed the teat device from its mouth and waves the teat device around, the biasing means will close the jaw members around the teat and thus the teat will not become soiled if the baby brings the teat device into contact with an unhygienic surface, for example a dirty plate or a dirty part of a baby chair in which the baby is sitting. Thirdly, the presence of the plurality of apertures ensure that the baby will always be able to breath in the event that the teat device should get stuck in the baby's mouth, irrespective of whether the jaws are in the open position or in the closed position. Thus the teat device of the present invention provides optimum hygiene and safety.

The teat device may be one in which the biasing means is a sheet of flexible material, and in which the teat base and the pair of jaw members are mounted on one side of the sheet of flexible material. The biasing means may alternatively be a mechanical hinge or other spring means.

Preferably, the teat device is one in which the sheet of flexible material has a curved profile when viewed from a side of the teat device, and in which the curved profile causes the biasing afforded by the sheet of flexible material.

The curved profile may be a W-profile. Alternatively, the curved profile may be a C-profile. Other profile shapes may be employed.

The teat device may be one in which the sheet of flexible material includes cut-outs which allow the sheet of flexible material to fold when the jaw members are moved to the open position, whilst providing a static section to which the base of the teat is secured.

The jaw members may be integrally moulded with the sheet of flexible material. Other means of fixing the jaw members to the sheet of flexible material may be employed.

The teat may be integrally moulded with the sheet of flexible material. Other means of fixing the teat to the sheet of flexible material may be employed.

Preferably, the sheet of flexible material is a thermoplastic vulcanizate elastomer. Such a material is able to be produced with the required integral biasing, whilst at the same time being non-toxic to the baby. A presently preferred thermoplastic vulcanizate elastomer is that sold under the Trade Mark Santoprene. Other safe and appropriate materials may be employed.

The teat device may include a handle.

The handle may be a flexible loop of material. Alternatively, the handle may be a knob. Other formations for the handle may be employed if desired. The handle may be integrally moulded with the sheet of flexible material. The teat device may be one in which the sheet of flexible material has ribs.

The teat device may be one in which the jaw members are in the shape of a cartoon character's mouth. Alternatively or in addition, the teat device may have images on the outside of the jaw members. The images may be images of cartoon characters. The teat device may be manufactured in one piece. Alternatively, for ease of manufacture and assembly, the teat may be pinned to the base.

The teat device will normally be used on its own. If desired however the teat device may be applied to a feeding bottle for a baby. In this case, the teat device may replace the removable Hd that is used on the feeding bottles.

The teat device may include a mouth guard piece for providing extra comfort for the baby as the baby sucks on the teat.

The teat device may be one in which the jaw members each have a central inner rim, and in which the central inner rim of both jaw members is cut away to help to avoid lip or finger trapping.

The teat device may be one in which the jaw members have widened rims for child comfort. These widened rims may be made from a soft material.

The teat device will usually be used for soothing or pacifying a baby. If desired, however the teat device may be used for other purposes such for example as dispensing liquid medicines to a baby, taking a baby's temperature, or administering liquid or feeding substances from a baby bottle or other vessel. Where the teat device is used to administer a liquid medicine, then the teat will usually have holes at both ends so that the medicine is easily put in the teat and obtained by the baby. The medicine may be placed in the teat using a pipette. If the teat device is to be used to take a babies temperature, then the temperature is obtained when the baby sucks on the teat. The temperature may be given in the form of a digital readout.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a first teat device, with a pair of jaw members in a closed position;

Figure 2 shows the teat device of Figure 1 with the pair of jaw members being in an open position;

Figure 3 illustrates a preferred curved profile for a sheet of material forming part of the teat device shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows the teat device of Figure 1 with the pair of jaw members in an intermediate position between the closed position shown in Figure 1 and the open position shown in Figure 2;

Figure 5 shows the underneath part of the teat device shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 shows a second teat device of the present invention with a pair of jaw members in an open position and also incorporating an integrated mouth guard piece for extra baby comfort when a baby is sucking the teat;

Figure 7 shows a third teat device of the present invention with a pair of jaw members in an open position and with the edges of the jaw members having wider rims for extra comfort for a baby when sucking the teat; Figure 8 shows a fourth teat device of the present invention with a pair of jaw members in a closed position and with ventilation apertures in the jaw members;

Figure 9 shows a fifth teat device of the present invention and shows from underneath a connecting cap that connects the teat to a base;

Figure 10 shows a sixth teat device of the present invention with a pair of jaw members in an open position and again shows a connecting cap that connects the teat to a base;

Figure 11 shows a seventh teat device of the present invention with a pair of jaw members in a closed position and with ventilation apertures in the jaw members, the ventilation apertures being curved ventilation apertures which may additionally act to help to prevent any trapping of a baby's lips or fingers during use of the teat device;

Figure 12 shows an eighth teat device with a pair of jaws in a closed position, and again shows ventilation apertures in the jaw members which may additionally act to help to prevent any trapping of a baby's lips or fingers during use of the teat device;

Figure 13 shows a teat device produced as a one piece device and with a pair of jaw members in a closed position;

Figure 14 shows the teat device of Figure 13 but with the pair of jaw members in an open position;

Figure 15 shows a teat device like Figure 1 but without a handle;

Figure 16 is a view like Figure 2 but of the teat device shown in Figure 15; Figure 17 is a view of a teat device like Figure 5 but with a handle extending in a different direction;

Figure 18 shows another teat device having flexible sheet material with a C-profile when viewed from a front side as shown;

Figure 19 shows the teat device of Figure 18 but with a pair of jaw members in an open position;

Figure 20 shows another teat device of the present invention and with flexible sheet material which is flat and which is not curved when viewed from a side of the teat device;

Figure 21 shows the teat device of Figure 20 but with a pair of jaw members in an open position;

Figure 22 is a view of a teat device like Figure 5 but shows the underside of flexible sheet material having a ribbed formation;

Figure 23 shows another teat device of the present invention, with a pair of jaw members in an open position;

Figure 24 shows the teat device of Figure 23 but with the pair of jaw members being in a closed position;

Figure 25 shows the teat device attached to a bottle and with a pair of jaw members in a closed position;

Figure 26 shows the teat device on the bottle as shown in Figure 25 but with the pair of jaw members being in an open position;

Figure 27 shows a teat device in a form for administering liquid medicines to babies; and Figure 28 shows a teat device in a form for taking the temperature of babies.

Referring to Figure 1 - 5, there is shown a teat device 2 comprising a teat 4 having a base 6 and a free end 8.

The teat device 2 also comprises a pair of jaw members 10, 12 which are movable between an open position as shown in Figure 2 and a closed position as shown in Figure 1. In the open position, the jaw members 10, 12 expose the teat 4 and allow the teat 4 to be inserted into a baby's mouth and be sucked on in order to soothe the baby. In the closed position, the jaw members 10, 12 cover the teat 4 and prevent the teat 4 from becoming soiled.

The teat device 2 further comprises biasing means 14 for biasing the jaw members 10, 12 into the closed position shown in Figure 1.

The teat device 2 further comprises a plurality of ventilation apertures 16 for ensuring that a baby using the teat device 2 is still able to breath if the teat device 2 should get stuck in the baby's mouth. The ventilation apertures are positioned throughout the teat device 2 such that the baby is still able to breath irrespective of whether the jaw members 10, 12 are in the open position or in the closed position. In both positions of the jaw members 10, 12, the ventilation apertures ensure that the baby is still able to breath if the teat device 2 should get stuck in the baby's mouth and even the baby's throat. Thus optimum safety is provided by the teat device 2.

The teat device 2 is such that biasing means 14 operates to cause the jaw members 10, 12 to move towards the closed position immediately the teat device 2 is removed from the baby's mouth. Thus the teat 4 does not become soiled if the baby drops the teat device 2. Without the prompt closing of the jaw members 10, 12, the teat 4 would become soiled when the teat device 2 was dropped to the floor or other non-hygienic surface. In addition, the biasing means 14 ensures that the teat 4 also does not become soiled if the baby simply removed the teat from its mouth, and whilst still holding the teat device 2, waves the teat device 2 about and in so doing brings the teat device 2 into contact with an unhygienic surface such for example as a dirty plate or a part of a baby seat in which the baby is sitting. Thus the teat device 2 provides optimum hygiene at all times.

The biasing means 14 is in the form of a sheet of flexible material 18. The teat base 4 and the pair of jaw members 10, 12 are mounted on one side 20 of the sheet of flexible material 18.

As can best be seen from Figures 1 , 3 and 4 the sheet of flexible material 18 has a curved profile 22 and viewed from a side of the teat device, this side being the front side as viewed in Figure 1. The curved profile 22 causes the biasing afforded by the sheet of flexible material 18. The curved profile 22 is a W-profile as shown. The curved profile is able to be formed as an integral part of the teat device 2 during moulding of the teat device 2. Thus the biasing means 14 is able to be formed as an integral part of the teat device 2, although separate biasing means may be employed if desired. Whilst the biasing may be integral with the sheet of flexible material, the biasing action may also be created when a non-biased sheet of flexible material is bonded to the curved shaped bases of the jaw members. This may enable easy manufacture and construction.

The teat device 2 is such that the sheet of flexible material 18 includes cut-outs 24 which allow the sheet of flexible material to fold when the jaw members 10, 12 are moved to the open position, whilst providing a static section 26 to which the base 6 of the teat 4 is secured. The jaw members 10, 12 are integrally moulded with the sheet of flexible material 18. The teat 4 is also integrally moulded with the sheet of flexible material 18. The teat may alternatively be a separate part that is attached to the sheet of flexible material using an appropriate attachment means. The sheet of flexible material 18 is a thermoplastic vulcanizate elastomer. Other types of flexible sheet material may be employed.

The teat device 2 includes a handle 28. The handle 28 is a flexible loop of material as shown.

The jaw member 10 has a base 30. The jaw member 12 has a base 32. The bases 30, 32 are mounted on the sheet of flexible material 18. Thus movement of the jaw members 10, 12 to the open position shown in Figure 2 causes the sheet of flexible material 18 to fold as shown. The folding of the sheet of flexible material 18 automatically causes a biasing force in the sheet of flexible material 18 biasing the jaw members 10, 12 to the closed position shown in Figure. If the teat 4 is formed integrally with the sheet of flexible material 18 or is connected to the sheet of flexible material 18, then the teat 4, the jaw members 10, 12 and the sheet of flexible material 18 all form a one-piece component in use. The W-shaped head profile of the sheet of flexible material 18 is especially advantageous for providing the closing biasing force for the jaw members 10, 12.

The cut-outs 24 in the sheet of flexible material 16 are arcuate cut¬ outs as shown. The cut-outs 24 facilitate the folding of the sheet of flexible material 18 from the position shown in Figure 1 to the position shown in Figure 2, whilst at the same time allowing retention of the biasing force required to close the jaw members 10, 12. In addition, the cut-outs 24 define the static section 26 for the teat 4 as mentioned above.

The cut-outs 24 extend only through the sheet of flexible material 18. In contrast, the illustrated arcuate ventilation apertures 16 extend through the bases 30, 32 of the jaw member 10, 12 and also through the sheet of flexible material 18. These arcuate ventilation apertures 16 enable the baby to breath if the teat device 2 should become lodged in the baby's mouth. The arcuate ventilation apertures 16 will enable breathing irrespective of whether the jaw members 10, 12 are in the closed position shown in Figure 1 or are in the open position shown in Figure 2.

The teat 4 has a circular ventilation aperture 16 as shown. This also facilitates breathing. In addition, the ventilation aperture 16 in the teat free- end 8 helps to stop a suction forming in the teat 4 and the teat 4 collapsing.

Ventilation apertures may also be provided in the parts of the jaw members 10, 12 surrounding the teat 4, in order to provide a further safety feature for enabling the baby to breath in the event that the teat device 2 should become lodged in the baby's mouth. In use, the jaw members 10, 12 are opened to the position shown in Figure 2 by squeezing the ends of the bases 30, 32 together. The teat 4 is then inserted into the baby's mouth. If the teat device 2 is removed from the baby's mouth, then the sheet of flexible material 18 automatically causes the jaw members 10, 12 to close around the teat 4, thereby preventing the teat 4 from becoming soiled. The jaw members 10, 12 will close around the teat 4 if the teat device 2 is removed from the baby's mouth and dropped to the floor, or if the teat device 2 is simply removed from the baby's mouth and waved around by the baby and brought into contact with a non-hygienic surface.

In the open position of the teat device 2 shown in Figure 2, it will be noticed that the jaw members 10, 12 have concave recesses 34, 36 respectively, with the recesses being defined by jaw rims 38, 40 respectively. Figure 3 shows the W-shaped profile of the sheet of flexible material 18. For simplicity of illustration, the bases 30, 32 have been shown as forming part of a continuous sheet of material. It will be noticed that the bases 30, 32 follow the contour of the sheet of flexible material 18. The sheet of flexible material 18 may be a material which has a memory which causes the sheet of material 18 to return to its non-stressed condition, thereby increasing the biasing force provided. The biasing force should be such that the jaw members 10, 12 close promptly, but at the same time do not exert undue force on the baby's face when the jaw members 10, 12 are in the open position and the teat 4 is in the baby's mouth. In Figure 6 - 28, similar parts as in Figure 1 - 5 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding.

In Figure 6, there is shown a teat device 42 which is additionally provided with a mouth guard 44. The mouth guard 44 is shaped as shown and the teat 4 is positioned centrally with respect to the mouth guard 44 as shown. The mouth guard 44 may give extra comfort to the baby when the teat device 42 is in use and the teat 4 is being sucked on.

Figure 7 shows a teat device 46 in which the jaw members 10, 12 have elongate recesses 48, 50 respectively, instead of the concave recesses 34, 36.

Figure 8 shows a teat device 52 in which the jaw members 10, 12 are provided with ventilation apertures in the form of transversely extending slots 54.

Figure 9 shows a teat device 56 which is like the teat device 2 except that the teat 4 is secured to the sheet of flexible material 18 by a connecting member 58 which extends through an aperture in the sheet of flexible material 18, and which is larger than the aperture in the sheet of flexible material 18 so that the teat 4 cannot be pulled away from the sheet of flexible material 18.

Figure 10 shows a teat device 60 in which the teat 4 is secured in position by a securing formation 62.

Figure 11 shows a teat device 64 in which the jaw rims 38, 40 are provided with curved portions 66. The curved portions 66 define an opening 68 which may be effective to prevent any trapping of the baby's lips or fingers during use of the teat device 64.

Figure 12 shows a teat device 70 which is like the teat device 64 except that the curved portions 66 define a different shaped opening 68.

Figure 13 shows a teat device 72 which is like the teat device 2 shown in Figure 1 but which is produced as a one-piece moulding. Figure 13 shows the teat device 72 with the jaw members 10, 12 in the closed position.

Figure 14 shows the teat device 72 with the jaw members 10, 12 in the open position.

Figure 15 shows a teat device 74 which is like the teat device 2 shown in Figure 1 but which does not have a handle 28. Figure 15 shows the teat device 74 with the jaw members 10, 12 in the closed position.

Figure 16 shows the teat device 74 with the jaw members 10, 12 in the open position.

Figure 17 shows a teat device 76 which is like the teat device 2 as

viewed in Figure 5 except that the teat device 76 has a handle 28 which has been turned through 90° with respect to the handle 28 as shown in Figure 5. The handle 28 in the teat device 76 may be made from a more rigid material than the handle 28 in the teat device 2. Both handles may be secured to the sheet of flexible material 18 in the same manner that the teat 4 is secured to the sheet of flexible material 18.

Figure 18 shows a teat device 78 in which the sheet of flexible material 18 has a C-shaped profile when viewed from the front as shown in Figure 18. The teat device 78 may be such that the base of the jaw members 10, 12 are curved, circular or ball-shaped and are such that this shape helps to cause the jaw members 10, 12 to close under tension. Figure 18 shows the teat device 78 with the jaw members 10, 12 in the closed position.

Figure 19 shows the teat device 78 with the jaw members 10, 12 in the open position.

Figure 20 shows a teat device 80 which is such that the sheet of flexible material has a flat profile when viewed from the front as shown in Figure 20. Figure 20 shows the teat device 80 with the jaw members 10, 12 in the closed position.

Figure 21 shows the teat device 80 in the open position.

Figure 22 shows a teat device 82 which is like the teat device 2 shown in Figure 5 except that the teat device 82 has a sheet of flexible material 18 having ribs 84 as shown. The ribs 84 give the sheet of flexible material 18 increased biasing strength for biasing the jaw members 10, 12 to the closed position.

Figure 23 shows a teat device 86 which is of a slightly different design to previously shown teat devices. The teat device 86 is shown in Figure 23 with the jaw members 10, 12 in the open position.

Figure 24 shows the teat device 86 with the jaw members 10, 12 in the closed position. Figure 25 shows a teat device 88 attached to the top of a bottle 90 which may contain a drink or a liquid feed for the baby. Figure 25 shows the teat device 88 with the jaw members 10, 12 closed.

Figure 26 shows the teat device 88 with the jaw members 10, 12 open. As can best be seen in Figure 26, the teat device 88 includes attachment means 92 for attaching the teat device 88 to the top of the bottle 90. Any suitable and appropriate attachment means 92 may be employed.

Figure 27 shows a teat device 94 that may be used to administer liquid medicines to babies. It will be noticed that the teat 4 is provided with markings 96 for giving liquid amounts in millilitres. The markings 96 may give liquid amounts in any desired units. The teat device 94 has a handle 98 in the form of a knob as shown.

Figure 28 shows a teat device 100 for taking the temperature of babies. The teat 4 is provided with markings 102 for providing the temperature in ⁰F and with markings 104 for providing the temperature in ⁰C.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the teat device of the present invention may take other shapes than those shown. The biasing means 14 may be a mechanical hinge and spring means such for example as a coil spring or a rubber band. The jaw members may be in the shape of a character's mouth, for example Donald Duck. The teat device may be designed and made of appropriate materials enabling it to be placed in a microwave oven for sterilizing the teat device.

Claims

1. A teat device comprising:

(a) a teat having a base and a free end;

(b) a pair of jaw members which are movable between an open position in which they expose the teat and allow the teat to be inserted into a baby's mouth and be sucked on in order to soothe the baby, and a closed position in which they cover the teat and prevent the teat becoming soiled;

(c) biasing means for biasing the jaw members into the closed position; and

2. A teat device according to claim 1 in which the biasing means is a sheet of flexible material, and in which the teat base and the jaw members are mounted on one side of the sheet of flexible material.

3. A teat device according to claim 2 in which the sheet of flexible material has a curved profile when viewed from a side of the teat device, and in which the curved profile causes the biasing afforded by the sheet of flexible material.

4. A teat device according to claim 3 in which the curved profile is a W- profile.

5. A teat device according to claim 3 in which the curved profile is a C- profile.

6. A teat device according to any one of claims 2 - 5 in which the sheet of flexible material includes cut-outs which allow the sheet of flexible material to fold when the jaw members are moved to the open position, whilst providing a static section to which the base of the teat Is secured.

7. A teat device according to any one of claims 2 - 6 in which the jaw members are integrally moulded with the sheet of flexible material.

8. A teat device according to any one of claims 2 - 7 in which the teat is integrally moulded with the sheet of flexible material.

9. A teat device according to any one of claims 2 - 8 in which the sheet of flexible material is a thermoplastic vulcanizate elastomer.

10. A teat device according to any one of the preceding claims and including a handle.

11. A teat device according to claim 10 in which the handle is a flexible loop of material.

12. A teat device according to claim 10 in which the handle is a knob.

13. A teat device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the sheet of flexible material has ribs.

14. A teat device according to any one of the preceding claim in which the jaw members are in the shape of a cartoon character's mouth.

15. A teat device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the jaw members have images on the outside of the jaw members.

16. A teat device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the teat device is manufactured in one piece.

17. A teat device according to any one of claims 1 - 15 in which the teat is pinned to the base.

18. A teat device according to any one of the preceding claims and including a mouth guard piece for providing extra comfort to the baby as the baby sucks on the teat.

19. A teat device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the jaw members each have a central inner rim, and in which the central inner rim of the jaw members is cut away to help avoid lip or finger trapping.

20. A teat device according to claim 1 in which the biasing means is a mechanical hinge.