ES2198574T3 - TETINA, PARTICULARLY OF THE TYPE OF PUPPET. - Google Patents

Abstract

A pacifier of the dummy type comprises a bubble body (18) on which the child sucks, and a stop disc (16) against which the child's lips (22, 24) rest supportingly in the pacifier's position of use. The bubble body (18) and the stop disc (16) are interconnected through an intermediate transition and connecting portion (20) accommodating possible front teeth (26, 28)/gums. The bubble body (18) is given an asymmetrical shape in respect of its connection point on the transition and connecting portion (20), comprising at least one elongate leg (18a) sloping downwardly in its longitudinal direction towards the free end thereof, forming an impact and support face for the adjacent portion of the tongue (34). The stop disc (16) comprises an upper and a lower portion (16a, 16b) somewhat displaced from each other in the longitudinal axial direction of the pacifier, forming suitable stop and support faces for the child's lips (22, 24).

Description

Teat, particularly the type of pacifier.

The present invention relates to a pacifier of according to the preamble of claim 1.

The use of pacifiers and teats has increased a lot during the last years due to the habit of sucking your finger. Approximately 90% of young children develop the habit of sucking your finger, and of these, about 60% use a pacifier / nipple. Research shows that the habit of pacifier / nipple lasts longer than before, and that Pacifiers / teats are used more intensively than in the past.

A serious effect of teat use associated with the well known and conventional nipple-type pacifiers is the called posterior cross bite with a forced bite. This is due to the fact that the bubble body shaped Nipple presses the tongue down on the floor of the oral cavity. In this way, the dental arch of the upper jaw loses support and is pressed in by the pressure of the cheek. Simultaneously, the tongue presses the dental arch of the jaw bottom out. Recent studies show that 26% of Swedish girls who use pacifiers have developed a cross bite posterior with a forced bite (Confer \ diametergaard B, Larsson E, Lindsten R. "The effect of sucking habits, cohort, sex, intercanine arch widths and breast and bottle feeding on posterior crossbite in 3-year-olds in Norway and Sweden. "Arn J Orthod Dentofac orthoped 1994; 106: 161.6).

Cross bite with force guide is a mistake severe bite that can lead to large deviations in the growth and development of the jaws. Therefore, the Social Security offers full treatment reimbursement, but the Teeth adjustment in young children is frequently complex and puts the child under unnecessary stress.

Another serious result of the use of pacifiers is the called "open bite" that is a consequence of the step thick and straight required by the pacifiers known among the teeth.

In a nipple-type pacifier, the bubble free nipple-shaped bubble body that the child sucks, has a disc-shaped butt body that forms an outer element adapted to rest on the lips of the child, preventing all  pacifier slip into the mouth where the child could try swallow it. Normally the outer stop disk has a handle or Similary.

Patents DE 38 40 178 and US 5 133 740 describe nipple-type soothers that show characteristics and common modes of operation The right pacifier means - the bubble body that mimics a nipple - in relation to each of these pacifiers, is designed and shaped like two bubbles partially molten which, in the non-molten area, show a U / V shaped cavity that narrows from two portions of bubble that project freely in a direction towards the disk butt The tip of the tongue will seek to enter this cavity. The double arch bubble body passes to a tube portion rectilinear or massive portion that extends at right angles to the outer stop disk. The patent GB-A-2 278 549 describes a pacifier Similary.

The design and shape of these known pacifiers they will force the naturally curved tongue out of their pathways / areas of natural movement. These two known solutions require a ample space inside the oral cavity where the tongue ideally should be able to stay on top along All the dental arch. These two known pacifiers carry a step thick and straight between the teeth, and this also results unfortunate, since a wide, thin and that extended inclined between the teeth. Too, with these two pacifiers the tongue is pressed down towards the dental arch of the lower jaw; and as a result an "open bite" may develop.

Pacifiers in accordance with patent DE 38 40 178 are specifically distinguished because the bubble body of the pacifier will force the tongue down and out of position natural inside the dental arch of the upper jaw. This may result in the development of the force guide of cross bite of the lower jaw as described in the introduction.

US 5 133 740 describes a nipple with Many features in common with conventional teats. Yes the tongue is placed inside that cavity, it will take a form unnatural and cannot keep its place in the veil of the palate. After a long time, this can result in a development Disappointed of the bite.

The present invention has aimed at main provide a pacifier that allows and favors a correct positioning of the tongue during suction. This shape, the tongue will rest along the dental arch of the upper jaw, keeping its support from the side of the veil of the palate to balance the pressure of the cheek. While the child sucks bubble pacifier body, tongue should have the opportunity to go as far as possible within the mouth.

According to the invention, the object is realized by means of a pacifier whose own characteristics appear in claim 1 below.

Other additional advantageous features of the invention according to claim 1 is defined in the following corresponding subclaims. Thus, an object additional, but important, is to ensure that the pacifier is introduced  in the right position inside the mouth; mainly due to the asymmetric shape of the bubble body.

So, the bubble body of the pacifier which is carried by an intermediate transition and connection portion, it is asymmetric in the side elevation view (use position) and is formed as a curved element, possibly double curved, in plate shape comprising two bubble portions of different lengths, a relatively long bubble part, bottom that passes with relative smoothness to a bubble part substantially shorter, upper at an angle to the part longer bubble, as seen in elevation view.

This design and shape, especially in combination with new features of the outer stop disk, prevent the tongue is pressed down and forward against the jaw lower.

The outer tip of the tongue, in position correct use of the lower bubble part of the body of bubble, is preferably located at a distance greater than transition center and the connecting portion of the bubble body  in the connecting piece that the end of the outer tip of the short bubble part.

The stopper disk consists of two halves substantially laterally displaced: In a section longitudinal center of the stopper disk, the two parts / halves Longitudinal are asymmetric in relation to said center, where the surface of the upper butt disk part arranged towards the bubble body it extends mainly concave, at least through a part of its length, extending the corresponding surface of the stopper disk lower in a mainly convex way, at least through a part of the length of it. The purpose of such design and form has been to keep the jaws in the upper position and inferior in relation to each other. Bottom pallets They will rest against the inside of the upper blades. In addition, the position is favorable for optimal positioning of the tongue and the resting position of it. It achieves a intentionally inclined pacifier step between teeth, which It helps to avoid erroneous positions of the pallets. This form of the top disk that, in its entirety or through the largest part of its length (height) may show a lateral curvature concave, referring to its position of use, preparing for the outer portion of the child's mouth, also contributes to the correct orientation of the pacifier in the mouth. If the body of Pacifier bubble slides in a wrong position, 180º turned down, the lower outer flat part in this wrong position of use corresponding to the outer flat part superior in the structure itself, it will hit the nose, while the top of the butt disk that is the part bottom of the structure itself, will hit the chin of nasty way. The child will feel disgust immediately and will show, for example, spitting the pacifier or turning it over to its correct position while keeping it in the mouth.

In the use position, the short part of the bubble, which may constitute a short continuation of the portion bubble body suction, will rest against the part front of the palate, behind the pallets and, in combination with the remaining part of the specially shaped bubble, allows the tongue is not forced out of the upper part of the oral cavity.

The free end of the long part of the bubble can be relatively pointed to reliably avoid that the tongue is placed under the bubble. The short part of the Bubble is defined by relatively flat faces.

The intermediate transition and connection portion, particularly in an approximately central portion, it should be formed by a relatively small thickness combined with a relatively large width, to compensate for the tendency to strength of said relatively small thickness. In this portion thin, wide approximately centrally of the length of the transition and connection portion (about halfway between the bubble body and the stopper disk) is very advantageous to form grooves arranged in the opposite direction with transverse shapes notch-like, displaced in the longitudinal direction of the transition portion. The groove arranged down that It constitutes the upper slot in use position, it houses the paddles of the upper part of the mouth while the groove bottom arranged upwards houses the vanes of the part lower mouth.

A design like this of said intermediate portion of transition, and especially the insignificant thickness, they will contribute positively to allow the language to arrive as far as possible in the mouth during suction.

The butt disk, particularly outside the limiting walls, may be advantageously formed by edges of pearl-shaped circumference that cause disgust of the child if the butt disk or parts of it reach the lips.

The stopper disk or portions thereof may be formed by a series of side vent holes that are extends through the wall of stopper disk.

Other advantages and features of a pacifier shaped and designed in accordance with the present invention explained in detail below in connection with an example no limiter of a possible embodiment illustrated by diagrams in the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a side elevation view of a pacifier formed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows the same pacifier in it side elevation view in the position of use thereof, in which the upper and lower lip, the jaw have been illustrated upper and lower with some teeth as well as the tongue;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the Pacifier seen obliquely from below.

In the embodiment of the example, the pacifier of according to the invention is illustrated in the form of a nipple that It generally comprises the following parts / portions: a ring Non-mandatory handle 10 hanging for free rotation in one piece  carrier 12 that is firmly connected to or that is part member of, respectively, a fixing portion 14 firmly connected to a stopper disk 16 that incorporates two asymmetric parts 16a and 16b extending below the one of the other, extending the central portion (vertical) longitudinal thereof irregularly, nonlinearly, between the upper and lower end, with reference to the position of use, figure 2. Between the stopper disk 16 and the bubble body 18, a transition and connection portion 20 is mounted, which carries the bubble body 18 at the free end thereof.

In said longitudinal central plane (shaded in Figure 2), the two longitudinal parts 16a and 16b which they constitute extensions of each other, they are staggered approximately in relation to each other. In the position of use, the bottom of the stopper disk 16b, with the surface arched arranged towards the bubble body 18, apart from the place of connecting the central portion in the transition portion and connection 20 on the stopper disk 16, will be separated at a distance somewhat larger from an imaginary plane through the loop ring 10 suspended vertically from the piece. These parts of disks of mutually displaced abutments 16a and 16b form surfaces of stopper suitable for the child's lips, upper lip 22, figure 2, making them rest resting on the part of the stopper disk 16a, while the lower lip 24 rests resting on the stop disk part 16b.

In figure 3 it appears that the stop disk 16 it has lateral transverse vent holes 26. Thus, in case that the child was introduced the stopper disc 16 in the mouth, even I could breathe.

In Figures 1-3 it appears that the butt disk 16 has a concave curve laterally.

The intermediate transition and connection portion 20 It is formed and sized so that it presents a small thickness and a relatively large width, especially in the area where portion 20 will be placed in the mouth, between the pallets 26 of the upper part of the mouth and the vanes 28 of the part lower mouth, figure 2.

In the last mentioned area, the portion of transition and connection 20 has two slots in the opposite direction with longitudinal transverse shapes similar to a notch 30 and 32, respectively, see particularly Figure 3.

Figure 2 shows how the pallets upper 26 fit as a guide in the upper, open groove up, directed down 30 of portion 20, while that the lower vanes 28 fit as a guide in the groove bottom open down 32 of portion 20. The groove lower 32 is located closer to the bubble body 18 than the upper slot 30 of the transition and connection portion 20.

The bubble body 18 taken to the free end of the transition and connection portion 20 has an external face 18 'arranged away from the transition and connection portion 20, as well as a concave angle at the place of connection of the body of bubble 18 at the free end of portion 20, so that said outer face 18 ', possibly having a concave curvature lateral, with respect to said connection place, comprises a lower outer face portion, large 18a 'that passes to a upper outer face portion much smaller 18b ', the edge outside of the entire outer face 18 'in elevation view lateral, figures 1 and 2, extending along a curve irregular.

The lower part 18a of the bubble body 18 it has an approximately regular thickness from its outer end free to the place of connection of the bubble body 18 in the transition and connection portion 20. Thus, the bottom 18a It has approximately parallel faces. It has been found that parallel faces are especially favorable for the tongue positioning inside the mouth during suction.

The outer portion of the transition portion and connection 20 next to the place of connection of the bubble body 18, is that is, in the area of said step for portion 20 between teeth, can be tilted advantageously, preferably so oblique up in the use position, contributing to allow the tongue to adopt a natural and convenient position in the mouth during suction. The design and shape are especially advantageous to avoid cross bite.

Conventional nipple-type pacifiers cause frequently bite errors such as open bite and bite crossed in the lateral segments. The open bite represents an unsightly and functional problem for the young child, but to often corrects itself once the child stops using the pacifier. On the other hand, very often the cross bite is moves to permanent denture. As explained above, cross bite is formed when known pacifiers force the tongue down on the floor of the oral cavity. This shape, tongue 34 presses the dental arch of the lower jaw 36 out. Simultaneously, the dental arch of the jaw upper 38 loses the support of tongue 34, and the pressure of the cheek presses the dental arch of the upper jaw 38 towards inside. There is a disproportion between the widths of the arches  teeth in the upper and lower jaws, which often It results in a cross bite. The cross bite that results from Use of conventional pacifiers is often combined with a guide lower jaw force This constitutes an error of Serious functional bite that requires orthopedic treatment be initiated at an early stage to avoid a negative influence in the growth and development of the jaws.

In accordance with the present invention, the design and general form of the pacifier have been carried out with a view to avoid the development of the cross bite with a force guide of the lower jaw of children and thus prevent mainly that the pacifier press the tongue down on the floor of the cavity pray, which could result in the dental arch of the jaw upper be too narrow and that the dental arch of the lower jaw widens too much. When you clench your teeth, The lower jaw is pressed to the side. The pacifier of according to the invention, on the contrary, it is designed and shaped to avoid cross bite with force guide of the lower jaw; This is achieved through the form, special positioning and orientation of the bubble body inside of the mouth in relation to the tongue 34, figure 2, confers the free, unrestricted position and condition of the tongue. By under the tongue, the underlying salivary glands, the frenulum, etc., 34 'are taking positions without restriction, without be substantially affected by the bubble body 18 of the pacifier. Mainly, the pacifier prevents the tongue 34, 34 ' is pressed down on the floor of the oral cavity.

The passage section directed upwards inclined between the vanes 26, 28 as well as the special design of the stop disk 16, when the pacifier according to the invention is use for a long period of time, will result in the correct position of the teeth, where the end portion Free outer vane / bottom vanes 28 slide towards the inner side of the upper vane / vanes 26. In addition, possibly the opposite molars 42, 44 will adopt a mutual positioning and orientation correct to each other.

The face 18a ', 18b' of the bubble body 18 which comes in contact mainly with the upper side of the tongue 34, figure 2, according to figure 3, may present a approximately oval circumference shape, possibly with a weak lateral curvature, at least through a portion longitudinal of it. The bubble body 18, particularly The detailed design and shape of its outer face 18a ', 18b' will be continuously the most important issue of modifications and adaptations based on experiments and experiences. However, the bubble body 18 will have an asymmetrical shape similar to a plate in relation to its connection point in relation to the transition and connection portion 20 at the adjacent axial end of the same. As mentioned, said angular level piece can have a weak concave curvature in at least one direction, possibly presenting a double curvature, that is, a weak concave curvature combined both in the longitudinal direction and on the side, at least through a certain extension longitudinal of the bubble body 18, referred to a body of elongated bubble (oval) 18. However, nothing should avoid the use of a resting surface 18a ', 18b' on the body of bubble 18 for tongue 34, which has substantially a square / circular circumferential shape.

The outer face 18b 'of the bubble body 18 It can possibly be omitted.

Claims (10)

1. A nipple-type pacifier comprising at least the following components: a bubble body (18) for the child to suck, a stopper disk (16) that forms an impact face against the child's lips (22, 24 ) and a transition and connection portion (20) mounted between the bubble body (18) and the stopper disk (16), the bubble body (18) being asymmetrically shaped in relation to its connection point in a portion of adjacent end of the transition and connection portion (20), and the bubble body (18) comprising a concavely curved outer face (18 ') which, in its use position, is disposed inwardly in the oral cavity of the child, thus forming the face (18 ') a sliding area for an opposite portion of the child's tongue (34), wherein said bubble body (18) comprises two bubble parts (18a, 18b) of different length that, in use position, it constitutes an upper bubble part (18b) and a bur part lower bushing (18a), and in which the lower bubble part (18a) is inclined downwards and the upper bubble part (18b) is inclined upwards thus providing said asymmetrical shape of the bubble body (18) as observed in the side view, characterized in that the upper bubble part (18b) is shorter than the lower bubble part (18a) and because the upper bubble part (18b) has an outer face portion (18b ') and the part of lower bubble (18a) has an outer face portion (18a ') which forms an angle between them, combining the two face portions (18a', 18b ') to form said curved outer face (18') and because the stopper disk (16) consists of two longitudinal stopper disk portions (16a, 16b) which extend in the continuation of each and which constitute, in use position, a portion of upper stopper disk (16a) and a lower bumper disc portion (16b), the disc portion (16a) intended ad scan against the child's upper lip (22), and the disc portion (16b) intended to rest against the child's lower lip (24), and because the two longitudinal disc portions (16a, 16b) are displaced in relation to the with each other, the surface of the lower disk portion (16b) disposed towards the bubble body (18) that is located closer to the bubble body (18) than that of the corresponding surface of the upper disk portion ( 16a). 2. A pacifier as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the outer free end of the longer bubble part (18a) is located at a greater axial distance from the point of connection to the end portion of the transition portion and connection (20) than that of the outer free end of the shorter bubble part (18b). A pacifier as set forth in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outer surface of the lower stopper disk portion (16b) disposed towards the bubble body (18) has a convex curvature through a part of its longitudinal extension, while the corresponding outer surface of the upper stopper disk (16b) has a concave curvature through a part of its longitudinal extension, while the corresponding outer surface of the upper stopper disk (16b) has a curvature concave through a part of its longitudinal extension. A pacifier as set forth in claim 3, characterized in that said convex curvature of the lower stopper disk portion (16b) is more pronounced at a distance from the stopper disk connection point (16) in the end portion adjacent to the transition and connection portion (20), while said concave curvature of the upper stopper disk portion (16a) is more pronounced in the vicinity of the stopper stopper connection point (16) in the end portion adjacent to the transition and connection portion (20). 5. A pacifier as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stopper disk (16) is formed with a concave lateral curvature on the surface disposed towards the bubble body (18). 6. A pacifier as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said transition and connection portion (20) is formed with a small thickness and a large width, the thickness dimension results from a consideration of the side view, being the width dimension arranged at a right angle thereto. 7. A pacifier as set forth in claim 8, characterized in that the transition and connection portion (20) is formed by two grooves (30, 32), which in the cross section are similar to a notch and, in use position , constitutes an upper groove (30) and a lower groove (32) with the upper groove (30) being open upwards and directed downwards, while the lower groove (32) is open downwards and directed upwards, the grooves ( 30,32) being intended to provide a vane guide housing (26,28) and because the upper groove (30) is separated by a greater distance from the connection point of the transition and connection portion (20) to the bubble body (18) than that of the lower groove (32). A pacifier as set forth in claim 7, characterized in that the lower groove (32) is located at or in the immediate proximity of the bubble body connection point (18) in the adjacent end portion of the transition portion and connection (20). 9. A pacifier as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the minus the bubble body (18) and the transition and connection portion (20) are constituted by a unit of the same material. 10. A pacifier as set forth in any of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the outer axial end portion of the transition and connection portion (20), adjacent to its point of connection to the bubble body (18), and with reference to its position of use, it follows a section inclined upwards, following the place of passage between the possible pallets (26, 28), or gums, a section inclined upwards.