TWO-PARK DENTITION HANDLE FOR BABY CHIPP
The present invention relates to pacifiers for babies and the like, and in particular to a pacifier having a soft and bite-shaped overmolded outer covering. Devices to help babies in the process of teething are common in the field. These devices are usually flexible and allow deformation when the baby bites over the device, thus forcing the baby's teeth through the gum without inflicting pain on the baby. These devices can be adapted to be attached to a nipple or similar functional device to be sucked by the baby, thus calming the baby between its foods, and / or satisfying its urge to suck. Until now, these devices have not usually taken full advantage of modern manufacturing processes and materi The above devices typically comprise a single material that is too rigid for teething purposes, or too soft, such that the device is not elastic enough to withstand the required repeated deformation. The International Publication No. WO 94/23686 discloses a pacifier with a mouth guard with chewable beads along the outer edge of the mouth guard, a portion of the nipple retained in the guard portion or in the mouth portion. protector for the mouth and on the side of the protector portion remote from the nipple portion, a lid-shaped handle portion which is secured on the protector portion and / or adhered thereto. One aspect of the present invention is to provide a baby pacifier and the like, which has a two-part teething construction that includes a rigid handle member and a soft outer handle member. The rigid internal handle member is connected to the pacifier and has an external surface configured to be clamped. The soft outer handle member overlaps at least a portion of the outer surface of the rigid internal handle member, and securely connects thereto to define a chewable portion of the construction of the handle adapted for teething. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a baby pacifier and the like, which includes providing a teat member configured to be received in the mouth of a user, forming a rigid internal handle member with an external surface thereof. configured to be clamped, to mold a soft outer handle member on at least a portion of the external surface of the rigid internal handle member, to securely connect with it, and to define a handle in two parts with a chewable portion adapted for teething, and connect the handle in two parts with the nipple member. Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a pacifier for babies and the like, which includes a teat member and a teething handle in two parts. The teat member is configured to be received in the user's mouth. The two-part teething handle is connected to a nipple member, and has a rigid inner handle member and a soft outer handle member. The rigid internal handle member has an external surface configured to be clamped. The external handle member overlaps at least a portion of the outer surface of the rigid internal handle member, and securely connects thereto to define a chewable portion of the handle construction adapted for teething. The main objects of the present invention are to provide a two part suction pad for pacifiers which is very convenient, especially for traveling and the like, because it alleviates the need for a separate teething device. The handle in two parts includes a rigid internal handle member, with a soft outer handle member superimposed on it for effective teething action, as well as an easy-grip handle. The teething handle has an uncomplicated design that facilitates manufacturing, and makes the pacifier easy to clean and sanitize. Preferably, the soft outer handle member comprises first and second molded bearings on the upper and lower surfaces of the inner handle member. Also in a preferable manner, the upper and lower surfaces of the inner handle member are generally flat; and the cushions have generally arcuate outer surfaces, which protrude outwardly from the upper and lower surfaces of the inner handle member. Ideally, the upper and lower faces of the inner handle member include recesses where the outer handle member is molded. The recesses preferably have a D-shaped lateral cross-sectional configuration. It is preferred that at least two of the recesses are arranged oppositely on the upper and lower faces of the inner handle member, and are interconnected by an opening extending between the same, through which the overmold material flows to interconnect the first and second bearings integrally. The construction of the handle suitably has a generally annular shape. In addition, it is preferred that the outer handle member cover the larger portions of the upper and lower faces of the inner handle member. It is further preferred that the inner handle member have opposed side surfaces extending between the upper and lower surfaces; and the outer handle member does not cover the opposite lateral surfaces of the inner handle member. Opposing side surfaces of the inner handle member are preferably arched. It is preferable that the side surfaces of the inner handle member include an inner side edge, and an outer side edge; and the upper and lower surfaces of the inner handle member are oriented in a non-parallel relationship, such that the inner side edge is thicker than the outer side edge. Preferably, the inner handle member includes a cylindrical shaft portion that pivotally mounts the handle construction in the pacifier. Preferably, the upper and lower surfaces of the inner handle member each include three of these cushions. Further, it is preferred that the pacifier have a nipple member that includes a mounting opening extending laterally through a forward portion thereof; and the inner handle member includes a cylindrical shaft portion pivotally received in the mounting opening. These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art, with reference to the following specification, the claims, and the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a bottom plan view of a pacifier incorporating the present invention. Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a rigid internal handle member of the pacifier. Figure 3 is a top plan view of the rigid internal handle member. Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of the rigid internal handle member. Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the rigid internal handle member. Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the rigid internal handle member, taken along the line VI-VI of Figure 3. Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the rigid internal handle member, taken along line VII-VII of Figure 3. Figure 8 is a top perspective view of the teething handle in two parts of the baby pacifier. Figure 9 is a top plan view of the teething handle in two parts. Figure 10 is a bottom perspective view of the teething handle in two parts. Figure 11 is a bottom plan view of the teething handle in two parts. Figure 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the two part teething handle, taken along line XII-XII of Figure 11. Figure 13 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the teething handle in two. parts, taken from area XIII of Figure 12. Figure 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the two-part teething handle, taken along line XIV-XIV of Figure 11. Figure 15 is a view in fragmentary fragmented cross-section of the teething handle in two parts, taken from area XV of Figure 14. For the purposes of the present description, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" ", and its derivatives, will refer to the invention oriented in the mouth of a user in an upright sitting position. However, it must be understood that the invention must assume different alternative orientations and sequences of steps, except where expressly specified otherwise. It should also be understood that the specific invention and the processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and described in the following specification, are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein, should not be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly report otherwise. Reference numeral 1 (Figure 1) generally designates a baby pacifier that incorporates the present invention. The pacifier 1 includes a handle 10 having a rigid internal handle member 12 and a soft outer handle member 14, and a pacifier portion 11 configured to be inserted in the user's mouth. The inner handle member 12 is configured to be connected to the pacifier portion 11, and is configured to be held by a baby. The outer handle member 14 overlaps at least a portion of the inner handle member 12, and securely connects thereto to define a chewable portion of the handle 10 adapted for teething. The inner handle member 12 illustrated (Figure 2) has a generally annular shape defining an internal space 13 therein. The inner handle member 12 is constructed of a rigid plastic, polypropylene, or similar material. The inner handle member 12, as illustrated, is generally ring-shaped, although it is noted that the inner handle member 12 can be provided in other geometric shapes. The inner handle member 12 (Figures 2 to 4) is defined by a generally flat top surface 18, a generally flat bottom surface 20, an inner side edge 22, and an external side edge 24. The inner side edge 22 and the edge outer side 24 extend between upper surface 18 and lower surface, and have a generally arcuate shape. The inner side edge 22 is slightly thicker than the inner side edge 24, thereby making the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 20 thin slightly towards the inner space 13. The inner handle member 12 is provided with a portion of cylindrically shaped shaft 16 extending along one side thereof. The shaft portion 16 is configured to allow the pacifier portion 11 (Figure 1) to be pivotally mounted with the handle 12. The upper surface 18, the lower surface 20, the inner side edge 22, and the outer side edge 24 are folded in such a way that the inner handle member 12 has a generally cylindrical cross-sectional area (Figure 13) immediately adjacent the axis portion 16, thereby defining circularly shaped ends 17. The upper surface 18 and the lower surface 20 vary in their width around the circumference of the inner handle member 12, such that the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 20 are at their maximum width in a position juxtaposed from the shaft portion 16 through the handle member 12, and tapers to a minimum width 'at the ends 17. The handle member 12 (Figure 7) is further provided with first, second, and third upper recesses 26, 28, and 30, respectively, extending inward, to the upper surface 18, and first, second, and third lower recesses 32, 34, and 36, respectively, extending inwardly to the lower surface 20. The first upper recess 26 and the second upper recess 28 are of a generally circular shape. The third upper recess 30, the first lower recess 32, the second lower recess 34, and the third lower recess 36 have an oval, generally curved longitudinal cross sectional shape, and follow along the curve defined by the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 20. The upper recesses 26, 28, and 30, and the lower recesses 32, 34, and 36, are located centrally within the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 20, respectively. The inner handle member 12 is further provided with first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth openings 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, and 48, respectively, extending between the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 20, and are located in positions uniformly juxtaposed around the circumference of the handle 12. The first opening 38 and the sixth opening 48 are located centrally within the first upper recess 26 and the second upper recess 28, respectively, and are centrally located within one end of the first lower recess 32 and the second lower recess 34, respectively. The second opening 40 and the fifth opening 46 are located centrally within the end of the third upper recess 30, and are located centrally within the ends of the first lower recess 32 and the second lower recess 34, respectively. The third opening 42 and the fourth opening 44 are centrally located and arranged along the length of the third upper recess 30, and centrally located within the ends of the third lower recess 36. The internal handle member 12 (Figure 6) ) is further provided with an upper channel 50, a first lower channel 52, a second lower channel 54, and a third lower channel 56. The channels 50, 52, 54, and 56 each have a shaped lateral cross section configuration U. The upper channel 50 is centrally disposed within the third upper recess 30, and extends between the second opening 40 and the fifth opening 46. The first lower channel 52 is centrally disposed within the second lower recess 34, and extends between the fifth opening 46 and the sixth opening 48. The second lower channel 54 is centrally disposed within the first lower recess 32, and extends between the first opening 38 and the second opening 40. The third can the lower 56 is centrally disposed within the third lower recess 36, and extends between the third opening 42 and the fourth opening 44. The outer handle member 14 is overmolded in the inner handle member 12, such that a mechanical bonding of chemical material between the outer handle member 14 and the inner handle member 12, thereby adapting the handle of the pacifier 10 for teething. The outer handle member 14 is constructed of a material suitable to be "chewed" by a baby or child, such as, SYNPRENE®, a modified thermoplastic elastomer manufactured by Synergistics, Inc., or other material exhibiting similar properties. The outer handle member 14 includes a first upper cushion 58, a second upper cushion 60, a third upper cushion 62, a first lower cushion 64, a second lower cushion 66, and a third lower cushion 68. As illustrated, the outer handle member 14 is configured to form cushions 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, and 68, although it is noted that outer handle 14 can be configured to cover a greater or lesser amount of internal handle member 12. In In the illustrated example, the outer handle member 14 has a generally arcuate shape that extends outwardly. The outer handle member 14 (Figures 8 to 11) is formed such that each cushion 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, and 68 fills each respective recess 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 entirely, and
36, and extends to each channel 50, 52, 54, and 56 (Figures 12 and 13) associated therewith. The external handle member 14
(Figures 14 and 15) further extends in and through each opening 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, and 48, thereby securing the outer handle 14 through the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 20 The configuration of the inner handle member 12 increases the durability of the handle 10. More specifically, by forming the outer handle member 14 within the recesses 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36 of the leg member. inner handle 12, the edges of outer handle member 14 are contained within recesses 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36, thereby protecting outer handle member 14 from "detaching" from the inner handle member 12. In addition, the channels 50, 52, 54, and 56 provide a greater surface area for the outer handle member 14, to adhere thereto during the molding process. Finally, the formation of the outer handle member 14 such that it extends through the openings 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, and 48 connects the cushions 58, 60, and 62 associated with the upper surface 18 of the inner handle member 12 with the cushions 64, 66, and 68 associated with the lower surface 20 of the inner handle member 12, thereby securing the outer handle member 14 around the inner handle member 12. In use, the portion of pacifier 11 (Figure 1) of baby pacifier 1, can be placed in the baby's mouth, thus calming the baby between meals, and / or satisfying the urge to suck the baby. The baby can easily and securely hold handle 10 of the pacifier 11, 1
due to the shape of the rigid inner handle member 12 and the deformable outer handle member 14. The pivot connection between the pacifier portion 11 and the handle 10 allows the baby to move the hands and arms without altering the relative position of the portion of pacifier 11 inside the baby's mouth. The baby can also insert the handle 10 into the mouth, thereby satisfying the baby's urge to bite or chew. The soft outer handle member 14 causes the handle 10 to be biteable, such that the baby can chew on the handle 10, thereby aiding in the teething process of the baby, while reducing the pain felt by the baby. The two-part teething handle provides the pacifier with extra convenience, particularly for traveling and the like, because a separate teething device is not needed. The combination of the hard inner handle with the soft cushions projecting outward provides an effective teething device, as well as an easy-to-hold handle that can be easily cleaned and sanitized. In the above description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications to the invention may be made without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. These modifications must be considered 'included in the following claims, unless these claims, by their language, expressly inform it otherwise.