PACIFIER HOLDER

A pacifier holder includes a deformable, ballasted base, an elongate stem having a lower end attached to the base and which extends upright with respect to the base to an opposed upper end, and the upper end of the elongate stem is formed with a pacifier retaining structure to receive and operatively hold a pacifier having a nipple so as to retain the pacifier leaving the nipple operatively exposed in preparation for use. In response to placement of the base on a support surface, the base deforms to conform to the support surface to secure the stem with respect to the support surface.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to pacifiers and, more particular, to pacifier holders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A pacifier is a rubber, plastic, or silicone nipple given to an infant or young child to suck upon. In its standard appearance it has a nipple, a mouth shield, and a handle. The mouth shield is large enough to avoid the danger of the child choking on it or swallowing it.

Pacifiers provide a convenient way for infants and young children to soothe and comfort themselves by sucking. However, it is frustrating for both parent and child when the pacifier falls to the floor, out of reach and becoming contaminated with dirt and debris thereby being rendered unsanitary and unsuitable for continued use without first cleaning the pacifier. Pacifier clips can be used to keep the pacifier from falling to the floor, but for young babies with limited motor skills a pacifier dangling at the end of a clip is of no use. Accordingly, what is needed is a pacifier holder that overcomes the shortcomings of conventional pacifier clips and like or similar pacifier holders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the principle of the invention, a pacifier holder includes a deformable, ballasted base, an elongate stem having a lower end attached to the base and which extends upright with respect to the base to an opposed upper end, and the upper end of the elongate stem is formed with a pacifier retaining structure to receive and operatively hold a pacifier having a nipple so as to retain the pacifier leaving the nipple operatively exposed in preparation for use. In response to placement of the base on a support surface, the base deforms to conform to the support surface to secure the stem with respect to the support surface. Further to the present embodiment is a pacifier including a nipple, and the pacifier is retained by the pacifier retaining structure operatively holding the pacifier retaining the pacifier leaving the nipple operatively exposed in preparation for use.

According to the principle of the invention, a pacifier holder includes a deformable bag containing a ballast substance having an indefinite shape, an elongate stem having a lower end attached to the bag and which extends upright with respect to the bag to an upper end, and the upper end of the elongate stem is formed with a pacifier retaining structure to receive and operatively hold a pacifier having a nipple so as to retain the pacifier leaving the nipple operatively exposed in preparation for use. In response to placement of the bag on a support surface, the bag deforms to conform to the support surface, which, together with the ballast substance contained by the bag, secures the stem with respect to the support surface. In a preferred embodiment the ballast substance is a mass of particles. An extension is formed in the lower end of the stem, which extends partially into the ballast substance, and the ballast substance interacts with the extension of the lower end of the stem to brace the stem with respect to the deformable bag. Further to the present embodiment is a pacifier including a nipple, and the pacifier is retained by the pacifier retaining structure operatively holding the pacifier retaining the pacifier leaving the nipple operatively exposed in preparation for use.

According to the principle of the invention, a pacifier holder includes a deformable bag having a top and an opposed bottom and encloses a first volume containing a second volume of a ballast substance having an indefinite shape. The second volume of the ballast substance is lesser than the first volume enclosed by the deformable bag to form a void in the first volume enclosed by the deformable bag at the top of the deformable bag. An elongate stem has a lower end attached to the top of the deformable bag opposing the void in the first volume enclosed by the deformable bag at the top of the deformable bag, and extends upright with respect to the top of the bag to an upper end. The upper end of the elongate stem is formed with a pacifier retaining structure to receive and operatively hold a pacifier having a nipple so as to retain the pacifier leaving the nipple operatively exposed in preparation for use. In response to placement of the bottom of the bag on a support surface, the bag deforms and the bottom of the bag conforms to the support surface, which, together with the ballast substance contained by the bag and the void in the first volume enclosed by the deformable bag at the top of the deformable bag, secures the stem projecting upward from the top of the bag with respect to the support surface. In a preferred embodiment, the ballast substance is a mass of particles. An extension of the lower end of the stem extends into and through the void in the first volume enclosed by the deformable bag at the top of the deformable bag, and partially into the ballast substance, and the ballast substance interacts with the extension of the lower end of the stem to brace the stem with respect to the deformable bag. Further to the present embodiment is a pacifier including a nipple, and the pacifier is retained by the pacifier retaining structure operatively holding the pacifier retaining the pacifier leaving the nipple operatively exposed in preparation for use.

According to the principle of the invention, a pacifier holder includes a deformable bag containing a ballast substance having an indefinite shape, an elongate stem having a lower end attached to the bag and which extends upright with respect to the bag to an upper end, and the upper end of the elongate stem is formed with a pacifier having a nipple operatively exposed in preparation for use. In response to placement of the bag on a support surface, the bag deforms to conform to the support surface, which, together with the ballast substance contained by the bag, secures the stem with respect to the support surface. In a preferred embodiment, ballast substance is a mass of particles. An extension of the lower end of the stem extends partially into the ballast substance, and the ballast substance interacts with the extension of the lower end of the stem to brace the stem with respect to the deformable bag.

According to the principle of the invention, a pacifier holder includes a deformable bag having a top and an opposed bottom and encloses a first volume containing a second volume of a ballast substance having an indefinite shape, and the second volume of the ballast substance lesser than the first volume enclosed by the deformable bag forming a void in the first volume enclosed by the deformable bag at the top of the deformable bag. An elongate stem has a lower end attached to the top of the deformable bag opposing the void in the first volume enclosed by the deformable bag at the top of the deformable bag, and extends upright with respect to the top of the bag to an upper end. The upper end of the elongate stem is formed with a pacifier having a nipple operatively exposed in preparation for use. In response to placement of the bottom of the bag on a support surface, the bag deforms and the bottom of the bag conforms to the support surface, which, together with the ballast substance contained by the bag and the void in the first volume enclosed by the deformable bag at the top of the deformable bag, secures the stem projecting upward from the top of the bag with respect to the support surface. In a preferred embodiment the ballast substance is a mass of particles. An extension of the lower end of the stem extends into and through the void in the first volume enclosed by the deformable bag at the top of the deformable bag, and partially into the ballast substance, and the ballast substance interacts with the extension of the lower end of the stem to brace the stem with respect to the deformable bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pacifier holder constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention including a deformable, ballasted bag and an elongate stem attached to the bag and extending upward with respect to the bag to an opposed upper end formed with a pacifier retaining structure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pacifier holder of FIG. 1 shown as it would appear with a pacifier held by the pacifier retaining structure formed in the upper end of the stem, and with the bag shown as it would appear situated against a support surface with the bag deforming to conform to the support surface to secure the stem with respect to the support surface;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the pacifier holder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmented sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmented exploded view of the upper end of the stem formed with the pacifier retaining structure;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view similar to that of FIG. 6, additionally illustrating the bag shown as it would appear situated against a support surface with the bag deforming to conform to the support surface to secure the stem with respect to the support surface;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the pacifier holder of FIG. 1 with a pacifier positioned in preparation for installation with the pacifier retaining structure formed in the upper end of the stem;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view somewhat similar to that of FIG. 9 illustrating the pacifier installed with the pacifier retaining structure formed in the upper end of the stem; and

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the pacifier retaining structure of the pacifier holder taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9 illustrating the pacifier, which is not shown in section for illustrative purposes, installed with the pacifier retaining structure.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is first directed to FIG. 1 in which there is illustrated a perspective view of a pacifier holder 20 constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention generally including a base 21, and a stem 22 formed with a pacifier retaining structure 23. Pacifier retaining structure 23 is constructed and arranged to receive and operatively hold a pacifier 24 illustrated in FIG. 2, and is attached to stem 22 which is, in turn, attached to base 21. Base 21 is soft and deformable and is constructed and arranged to provide a highly stable platform for pacifier retaining structure 23, and pacifier 24 installed with respect to pacifier retaining structure 23, when placed on a support surface, such as support surface 25 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 7. When a pacifier, such as pacifier 24, is attached to and held by pacifier retaining structure, such a pacifier is considered formed with pacifier retaining structure 23 and, moreover, formed with stem 22.

According to the principle of the invention, base 21 is soft, deformable, and ballasted. In a preferred embodiment, base 21 is a soft, deformable, ballasted bag 30. Bag 30 is a non-rigid, sealed container made of cloth, vinyl, leather, rubber, or other flexible material or combination of flexible materials. In the present embodiment, bag 30 is sealed and is substantially spheroidal in shape resembling a ball, and consists of a contiguous wall having an outer surface 31, and an opposed inner surface 32 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. Inner surface 32 encapsulates, surrounds, or otherwise bounds an interior volume 33. Because bag 30 is sealed, volume 33 is also sealed and is thus a sealed volume. For reference and orientation purposes, bag 30 has a top denoted at 30A, and an opposed bottom 30B, as referenced in FIGS. 1-3, and 6-9.

Bag 30 is ballasted, as previously pointed out. According to the principle of the invention, the ballasted characteristic of bag 30 means that bag is provided with, or otherwise configured with, ballast that, according to the principle of the invention, does not impede or prevent bag 30 from deforming and that also enhances the stability of bag 30, or that otherwise stabilizes bag 30, when bag 30 is placed onto a support surface, such as support surface 25 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 7. In the present embodiment, the ballast imparted to bag 30 is provided by a volume of a ballast substance denoted at 40 in FIGS. 6 and 7. Ballast substance 40 has a weight, and, according to the principle of the invention, an indefinite shape causing it to take the shape of the container into which it is placed, which, in this instance, is volume 33 of bag 30 as defined by inner surface 32. Ballast substance 40 in the present embodiment consists of a mass of particles 41, such as metal pellets in a preferred embodiment, such as iron pellets, and ceramic pellets, plastic pellets, sand particles, or the like, can be used having a weight and an indefinite shape being characteristics of the ballast imparted to bag 30 that does not impede bag 30 from deforming and that enhances the stability of bag 30, or that otherwise stabilizes bag 30, when bag 30 is placed onto a support surface, such as support surface 25 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 7, and further details of this aspect of pacifier holder 20 will be discussed in greater detail later in this specification. Although ballast substance 40 is a mass of particles 41 in the present example, ballast substance 40 can be provided in the form of a liquid having a weight and an indefinite shape, such as water, mineral oil, etc. If water is used is the ballast substance, it may be fortified with antifungal and/or antibacterial agents to suppress fungal and bacterial growth. Because bag 30 is sealed thereby sealing volume 33, ballast substance 40 is prevented from spilling from bag 30.

And so volume 33 of bag 30 contains the volume of ballast substance 40, which imparts the ballast and the associated ballast characteristics to bag 30. According to the principle of the invention, the volume of ballast substance 40 is somewhat lesser than volume 33 of bag 30 to form a void 42 in volume 33 of bag 30, which is formed between ballast substance 40 and inner surface 32 of bag 30. In the present example, the volume of ballast substance 40 is approximately ten percent less than volume 33 of bag 30, but the difference between the respective volumes can vary as may be desired. In FIGS. 6 and 7, bag 30 is illustrated in an upright position, such that void 42 is formed in volume 33 at top 30A of bag 30.

Bag 30, including ballast substance 40 formed in bag 30, together define an overall weight bag 30. Stem 22, including pacifier retaining structure 23 formed in stem 22, also has an overall weight. However, the overall weight of bag 30 is greater than the overall weight of stem 22 including pacifier retaining structure 23 formed therewith, and also a pacifier held by pacifier retaining structure 23, such as pacifier 24 illustrated in FIG. 2.

Looking to FIGS. 1-3 and 6-9, stem 22 consists of a slim, elongate body 50 having opposed lower and upper ends 51 and 52. Lower end 51 is attached or secured to top 30A of bag 30, and body 50 extends away from and upright with respect to top 30 of bag 30 to upper end 52, which is formed with pacifier retaining structure structured to receive and operatively hold a pacifier having a nipple so as to retain the pacifier leaving the nipple operatively exposed in preparation for use. Stem 22 is formed of plastic, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like, and is preferably integrally formed, such as by conventional molding techniques, but may be formed of two or more attached parts. Stem 22 can be rigid, if desired, but is preferably flexible allowing it to be flexed and bent. In an alternate embodiment, stem 22 is bendable and is formed of bendable material, such as dense, bendable rubber, bendable plastic, or the like.

Referencing FIGS. 3, 6, and 7, a rivet or rivet-like structure is utilized in the preferred embodiment to attach and secure lower end 51 of stem 22 to bag 30 and, more particularly, to top 30A of bag 30 in the preferred embodiment herein disclosed. This rivet or rivet-like structure is formed in lower end 51 of stem 22, and consists of a pin 60, which extends through an opening 65 formed in top 30A of bag 30, and which is formed and extends between an outer plate 61 formed in juxtaposition against outer surface 31 formed at top 30A of bag 30, and in inner plate 62 formed in juxtaposition against inner surface 32 formed at top 30A of bag 30. Outer and inner plates 61 and 62 formed in lower end 51 of stem 22 are considerably enlarged with respect to opening 65, and are also illustrated in FIG. 3 as is opening 65 formed in top 30A of bag 30. A tight, rivet or rivet-like securement or attachment is represented by pin 60 extending through opening 65 formed in top 30A of bag 30 between outer plate 61 formed in juxtaposition against outer surface 31 at top 30A of bag 30 inner plate 62 formed in juxtaposition against inner surface 32 at top 30A of bag 30, thereby ensuring that opening 65 is sealed and that bag is, therefore, sealed to seal volume 33 to prevent ballast substance 40 from leaking at the attachment point between lower end 51 of stem 22 and top 30A of bag, in which stem 22 is thereby supported and extends upright with respect to top 30A of bag 30 from lower end 51 of stem 22 to upper end 52 of stem 22.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, lower end 51 of stem 22 is further formed with an extension 70, which extends downwardly and away from inner plate 62 also formed in lower end 51 of stem 22. As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, bag 30 is illustrated in an upright position, such that void 42 is formed in volume 33 at top 30A of bag 30, and in this orientation of bag 30 there is a physical relationship between extension 70 of ballast substance 40 in that extension 70 of lower end 51 of stem 22 extends into and through void 42 formed in upper end 30A of bag and partially into ballast substance 40, and ballast substance 40 interacts with extension 70 formed in lower end 51 of stem 22 to brace stem 22 with respect to bag 30, in accordance with the principle of the invention.

Pacifier retaining structure 23 relates to upper end 52 of stem 22 as illustrated in FIG. 1, and is adapted to receive and retain a pacifier relative to upper end 52 of stem 22, in accordance with the principle of the invention. When a pacifier, such as pacifier 24, is attached to and held by pacifier retaining structure 23, such a pacifier is considered formed with pacifier retaining structure 23 and, moreover, formed with stem 22, and further, formed with upper end 52 of stem, in accordance with the principle of the invention.

Looking to FIGS. 1, 3-10, pacifier retaining structure 23 consists of a body 80 formed of plastic, rubber, silicone, or other like or similar material or combination of materials and has soft, supple characteristics. Body 80 is thus soft and supple, and is broad, flat, and substantially circular in shape, and has opposed, parallel faces 81 and 82, and opposed upper and lower ends 83 and 84. A central opening 85 is formed in body 80, and extends through body 80 from face 81 to face 82. Face 81 can be considered an outer face of body 80, and face 82 can be considered an inner face of body 80.

Lower end 84 of body 80 of pacifier retaining structure 23 is attached to upper end 52 of stem 22, and body 80 extends upwardly and away from upper end 52 of stem 22 to upper end 83 of body 80 of pacifier retaining structure 23. In the present example as best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 10, lower end 84 of body 80 is positioned atop and against upper end 52 of stem 22, and the attachment of lower end 84 of body 80 of pacifier retaining structure 23 to upper end 52 of stem 22 is provided by a pin 92 connected to and formed between upper end 52 of stem 22 and lower end 84 of body 80. Pin 92 has an upper end 92A that extends into a blind socket 94 formed in lower end 84 of body 80, and an opposed lower end 92B that extends into a blind socket 95 formed in upper end 52 of stem 22, whereby pin 92 pins or otherwise ties together upper end 52 of stem 22 to lower end 84 of body 80 of pacifier retaining structure 23. The formation of pin 92 connecting lower end 84 of body 80 of pacifier retaining structure 23 and upper end 52 of stem 22 formed a pinned engagement joint between lower end 84 of body 80 of pacifier retaining structure 23 and upper end 52 of stem 22. Pin 92 is preferably formed of a bendable, resilient material, such as bendable metal, to allow body 80 of pacifier retaining structure 23 to bend with respect to stem at the pinned connecting point between lower end 84 of body 80 of pacifier retaining structure 23 to upper end of stem 22 provided by pin 92. If desired, an adhesive may between applied to the pinned engagement joint formed between lower end 84 of body 80 of pacifier retaining structure 23 and upper end 52 of stem 22 to rigidly secure lower end 84 to upper end 52. In other embodiments, other forms of mechanical engagement assemblies can be formed between lower end 84 of body 80 of pacifier retaining structure 23 and upper end 52 of stem 22 without departing from the invention, such as a threaded engagement assembly, a snap fastening engagement assembly, or the like. If desired, lower end 84 of body 80 may be overmolded to upper end 52 of stem 22, and, if desired, integrally formed, such as by molding, with upper end 52 of stem 22.

As previously mentioned, pacifier retaining structure 23 is adapted to receive and retain a pacifier, such as pacifier 24. In FIGS. 8-10 there is seen a conventional and well-known and readily available pacifier 24 consisting of a broad pacifier base or body 101 having opposed inner and outer faces 102 and 103, and a soft, supple nipple 104 attached to body 101. Nipple 104 has an inner end 104 attached to body 101 in a conventional manner, and extends outwardly and away from inner face 102 of body 101 to an outer end 104B, which is conventionally enlarged with respect to inner end 104A as illustrated.

To apply pacifier 24 to pacifier retaining structure 23 in accordance with the principle of the invention, pacifier 24 is taken up, such as by hand, and is registered with respect to face 81 of body 80 of pacifier retaining structure 23 directing inner face 102 and outer end 104B of nipple 104 toward face 81 as illustrated in FIG. 8. At this point, pacifier 24 is moved toward face 81 of body 80 in the direction indicated by the arrowed line A in FIG. 8 and outer end 104B of nipple 104 is forcibly inserted into and through opening 85 through body 80 until nipples 104 passes into and through opening 85 and inner face 102 of body 101 of pacifier 24 is presented substantially up against face 81 of body 80 to locate inner end 104A of nipple 104 at opening 85 formed in body 80 of pacifier retaining structure 23 as best illustrated in FIG. 10. With pacifier 24 so installed with respect to pacifier retaining structure 23 as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, pacifier 24 is operatively held by pacifier retaining structure in that head 104B of nipple 104 of pacifier 24 is juxtaposed with respect to face 82 of body 80 of pacifier retaining structure 23 leaving nipple 104 operatively exposed extending away from face 82 of body 80 of pacifier retaining structure 23 in preparation for use, and body 101 of pacifier 24 is juxtaposed with respect to face 81 of body 80 of pacifier retaining structure 23. With pacifier 24 installed with respect to pacifier retaining structure 23 and thereby held and retained by pacifier retaining structure 23 as discussed and illustrated in conjunction with FIGS. 9 and 10, pacifier holder 20 holding pacifier 24 may then be put to use. Opening 85 through body 80 of pacifier retaining structure 23 is a pacifier-receiving opening.

Body 101 of pacifier 24 is substantially coextensive with respect to body 80 of pacifier retaining structure 23. Moreover, head 104A of nipple 104A of pacifier 24 and body 101 of pacifier 24 are each enlarged with respect to opening 85 formed through body 80 as illustrated in FIG. 10, which together capture pacifier 24 with respect to body 80 of pacifier retaining structure thereby retaining pacifier 24 in place once installed with body 80, in accordance with the principle of the invention. Only by taking up pacifier 24, such as by hand, and forcibly drawing pacifier 24 away from face 81 of body 80 of pacifier retaining structure 23 in the direction indicated by the arrowed line B in FIG. 9, which is the opposite direction with respect to the direction indicated by the arrowed line A in FIG. 8 discussed in conjunction with the installation of pacifier 24 to body 80 of pacifier retaining structure 23, and forcibly withdrawing nipple 104 from opening 85 through body 80 can pacifier 24 be detached from body 80, such as for cleaning or replacement.

With reference in relevant part to the various figures, this specification presents pacifier holder 20, which includes deformable, ballasted base 21 and elongate stem 22 having lower end 51 end attached to base 21 and which extends upward or otherwise with respect to base 21 to opposed upper end 52, which is formed with pacifier retaining structure 23 to receive and operatively hold a pacifier, such as pacifier 24 having nipple 104 so as to retain pacifier 24 leaving nipple 104 operatively exposed in preparation for use as illustrated and previously explained in connection with FIGS. 9 and 10. In response to placement of base 21 on support surface 25, which is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 7, base 21 deforms to conform to support surface 25 to secure stem 22, and thus pacifier retaining structure 23 formed in upper end 52 of stem 22, with respect to support surface 25. The structural ability of base 21 to deform in combination with the ballast imparted to base 21 that does not impede the ability of base 21 to deform provides a stable platform for stem 22 securing stem 22, and pacifier retaining structure 23 formed in upper end 52 of stem 22, with respect to support surface 25, in accordance with the principle of the invention.

Pacifier holder 20 ensures that a baby's pacifier will not only stay clean, but it will stay exactly where it needs to be so baby can continue soothing themselves, even if they spit out the pacifier for a minute. Parents simply position base 21 on a surface near the baby or rest it directly on the baby's body when they are in a car seat or other carrier. Stem 22 attaches to any standard pacifier, such as pacifier 24, and extends toward baby, positioning the nipple of the pacifier perfectly.

In this particular example, base 21 consists of a deformable, ballasted bag 30 21 and lower end 51 of elongate stem 22 is attached to top 30A bag 30 and which extends upward or otherwise with respect to top 30A of bag 30 to opposed upper end 52, which is formed with pacifier retaining structure 23 to receive and operatively hold a pacifier, such as pacifier 24 having nipple 104 so as to retain pacifier 24 leaving nipple 104 operatively exposed in preparation for use as illustrated and previously explained in connection with FIGS. 9 and 10. In response to placement of bag 30 on support surface 25, which is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 7, bag 30 deforms to conform to support surface 25 to secure stem 22, and thus pacifier retaining structure 23 formed in upper end 52 of stem 22, with respect to support surface 25. Again, the structural ability of bag 30 to deform in combination with the ballast imparted to bag 30 that does not impede the ability of bag 30 to deform provides a stable platform for stem 22 securing stem 22, and pacifier retaining structure 23 formed in upper end 52 of stem 22, with respect to support surface 25, in accordance with the principle of the invention.

In FIGS. 2 and 7 as a matter of example, bottom 30B is shown as it would appear placed against support surface 25 illustrating the deformation of bottom 30B of bag 30 denoted at 30′ in FIG. 7, concurrently with the corresponding deformation of ballast substance 40 denoted at 40′ in FIG. 7, with respect to support surface 25 against which it is placed. In this example, support surface 25 is planar or flat as illustrated, and bag 30 together with ballast substance 40 formed with bag 30 illustrated in FIG. 7 are deformed at 30′ and 40′, respectively, to conform bottom 30B of bag 30 to flat or planar support surface 25. Because support surface 25 is flat in this example, bottom 30B of bag 30 is, therefore, flattened as shown to conform to support surface 25. As such, bottom 30B of bag 30, including ballast substance 40, flattens and spreads across support surface 25 as illustrated providing a base-of-support denoted generally at 110 in FIGS. 2 and 7 between bag 30 and support surface 25 that, in conjunction with overall weight of bag 30 including the ballast imparted to bag by ballast substance 40 denoted in FIG. 7, secures bag 30 with respect to support surface 25 and, therefore, stem 22 formed with pacifier retaining structure 23. With pacifier 24 applied to and held by pacifier retaining structure 23 as illustrated in FIG. 2, pacifier holder 20 functions to set pacifier 24 in place holding nipple 104 operatively exposed in preparation for use, such as by an infant or young child who takes in nipple 104, including outer end 104B of nipple 104, by mouth and sucks. However, when the infant or young child spits nipple 104 out of her mouth or otherwise releases nipple 104, pacifier 24 remains secured to pacifier retaining structure 23 and remains held in place by stem 22 secured with respect to support surface 25 by bag 30 applied to support surface 25 as herein described thereby eliminating the possibility of pacifier 24 falling to the floor and becoming contaminated and unsuitable for continued use. In this respect, an infant or small child may repeatedly take in and spit out nipple 104 of pacifier 24 at will, and pacifier holder 20 secures stem 22 and pacifier 24 held by pacifier retaining structure 23 formed in upper end 52 of stem 22 in place with respect to support surface 25.

In FIGS. 2 and 7, bottom 30B is set against support surface 25 thereby locating top 30A at an elevated and opposed relation with respect to support surface 25. Because stem 22 extends outwardly and upright with respect to top 30A of bag 30, in FIGS. 2 and 7 stem 22 extends upright from top 30A of bag 30 with respect also to support surface 25 thereby supporting pacifier 24 at pacifier retaining structure 23 at an elevated location with respect to support surface 25. This is set forth for illustrative purposes, and it is to be understood that bag 30 can be positioned against support surface 25 or adjusted with respect to support surface 25 in any selected orientation so as to position stem 22 and thus pacifier retaining structure 23 and also pacifier 24 held by pacifier retaining structure 23 at any angle or orientation or position with respect to support surface 25 or other support surface. The deformability of bag 30 allows bag to be rolled over support surface 25 as desired after it is placed against support surface 25, for instance, to position stem 22, and thus pacifier 24 held by pacifier retaining structure 23, in a desired orientation, whereby bag 30 will deform to conform to support surface 25 as it is rolled from side-to-side, front-to-back, etc. Moreover, although support surface 25 is illustrated as the support surface onto which bag 30 is set for the purpose of illustrating a use of pacifier holder 20, bag 30 may be set on any surface, including any irregular surface, and will function identically as herein described. Moreover, bag 30 may be placed on the lap of a child sitting in a chair or seat and used in accordance with this disclosure. If desired, stem 22 may be structured to be bendable to allow a user to bend stem 22 to locate pacifier retaining structure 23 at a desired position with respect to bag 30 to position a pacifier, such as pacifier 24, held by pacifier retaining structure 23 at a desired location to provide the best possible access to the pacifier by an infant or young child.

As seen in FIG. 7, bag 30 is illustrated in an upright position, such that void 42 is formed in volume 33 at top 30A of bag 30, and in this orientation of bag 30 extension 70 of lower end 51 of stem 22 extends into and through void 42 formed in upper end 30A of bag and partially into ballast substance 40, and ballast substance 40 interacts with extension 70 formed in lower end 51 of stem 22 to brace stem 22, and also pacifier 24 held by pacifier retaining structure 23, with respect to bag 30, in accordance with the principle of the invention.

The invention has been described above with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications may be made to the embodiment without departing from the nature and scope of the invention. Various changes and modifications to the embodiment herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof.

Having fully described the invention in such clear and concise terms as to enable those skilled in the art to understand and practice the same, the invention claimed is:

Claims

1. A pacifier holder, comprising:

a deformable, ballasted base;
an elongate stem having a lower end attached to the base, and which extends upright with respect to the base to an opposed upper end;
the upper end of the elongate stem formed with a pacifier retaining structure to receive and operatively hold a pacifier having a nipple so as to retain the pacifier leaving the nipple operatively exposed in preparation for use; and
in response to placement of the base on a support surface, the bag deforms to conform to the support surface to secure the stem with respect to the support surface.

2. The pacifier holder according to claim 1, further comprising a pacifier including a nipple, and the pacifier retained by the pacifier retaining structure operatively holding the pacifier retaining the pacifier leaving the nipple operatively exposed in preparation for use.

3. The pacifier holder according to claim 1, wherein the pacifier retaining structure comprises a broad, flat body having opposed, parallel inner and outer faces, and a central, pacifier-receiving opening formed in the body extending from the inner face to the outer face.

4. A pacifier holder, comprising:

a deformable bag containing a ballast substance having an indefinite shape;
an elongate stem having a lower end attached to the bag, and extends upright with respect to the bag to an upper end;
the upper end of the elongate stem formed with a pacifier retaining structure to receive and operatively hold a pacifier having a nipple so as to retain the pacifier leaving the nipple operatively exposed in preparation for use; and
in response to placement of the bag on a support surface, the bag deforms to conform to the support surface, which, together with the ballast substance contained by the bag, secures the stem with respect to the support surface.

5. The pacifier holder according to claim 4, wherein the ballast substance is a mass of particles.

6. The pacifier holder according to claim 4, further comprising:

an extension of the lower end of the stem extends partially into the ballast substance; and
the ballast substance interacts with the extension of the lower end of the stem to brace the stem with respect to the deformable bag.

7. The pacifier holder according to claim 4, further comprising a pacifier including a nipple, and the pacifier retained by the pacifier retaining structure operatively holding the pacifier retaining the pacifier leaving the nipple operatively exposed in preparation for use.

8. The pacifier holder according to claim 4, wherein the pacifier retaining structure comprises a soft, supple body, which is broad and flat and has opposed, parallel inner and outer faces, and a central, pacifier-receiving opening formed in the body extending from the inner face to the outer face.

9. A pacifier holder, comprising:

a deformable bag having a top and an opposed bottom and enclosing a first volume containing a second volume of a ballast substance having an indefinite shape, the second volume of the ballast substance lesser than the first volume enclosed by the deformable bag forming a void in the first volume enclosed by the deformable bag at the top of the deformable bag;
an elongate stem having a lower end attached to the top of the deformable bag opposing the void in the first volume enclosed by the deformable bag at the top of the deformable bag, and extends upright with respect to the top of the bag to an upper end;
the upper end of the elongate stem formed with a pacifier retaining structure to receive and operatively hold a pacifier having a nipple so as to retain the pacifier leaving the nipple operatively exposed in preparation for use; and
in response to placement of the bottom of the bag on a support surface, the bag deforms and the bottom of the bag conforms to the support surface, which, together with the ballast substance contained by the bag and the void in the first volume enclosed by the deformable bag at the top of the deformable bag, secures the stem projecting upward from the top of the bag with respect to the support surface.

10. The pacifier holder according to claim 9, wherein the ballast substance is a mass of particles.

11. The pacifier holder according to claim 9, further comprising:

an extension of the lower end of the stem extends into and through the void in the first volume enclosed by the deformable bag at the top of the deformable bag, and partially into the ballast substance; and
the ballast substance interacts with the extension of the lower end of the stem to brace the stem with respect to the deformable bag.

12. The pacifier holder according to claim 9, further comprising a pacifier including a nipple, and the pacifier retained by the pacifier retaining structure operatively holding the pacifier retaining the pacifier leaving the nipple operatively exposed in preparation for use.

13. The pacifier holder according to claim 9, wherein the pacifier retaining structure comprises a soft, supple body, which is broad and flat and has opposed, parallel inner and outer faces, and a central, pacifier-receiving opening formed in the body extending from the inner face to the outer face.

14. A pacifier holder, comprising:

a deformable bag containing a ballast substance having an indefinite shape;
an elongate stem having a lower end attached to the bag, and extends upright with respect to the bag to an upper end;
the upper end of the elongate stem formed with a pacifier having a nipple operatively exposed in preparation for use; and
in response to placement of the bag on a support surface, the bag deforms to conform to the support surface, which, together with the ballast substance contained by the bag, secures the stem with respect to the support surface.

15. The pacifier holder according to claim 14, wherein the ballast substance is a mass of particles.

16. The pacifier holder according to claim 14, further comprising:

an extension of the lower end of the stem extends partially into the ballast substance; and
the ballast substance interacts with the extension of the lower end of the stem to brace the stem with respect to the deformable bag.

17. A pacifier holder, comprising:

a deformable bag having a top and an opposed bottom and enclosing a first volume containing a second volume of a ballast substance having an indefinite shape, the second volume of the ballast substance lesser than the first volume enclosed by the deformable bag forming a void in the first volume enclosed by the deformable bag at the top of the deformable bag;
an elongate stem having a lower end attached to the top of the deformable bag opposing the void in the first volume enclosed by the deformable bag at the top of the deformable bag, and extends upright with respect to the top of the bag to an upper end;
the upper end of the elongate stem formed with a pacifier having a nipple operatively exposed in preparation for use; and
in response to placement of the bottom of the bag on a support surface, the bag deforms and the bottom of the bag conforms to the support surface, which, together with the ballast substance contained by the bag and the void in the first volume enclosed by the deformable bag at the top of the deformable bag, secures the stem projecting upward from the top of the bag with respect to the support surface.

18. The pacifier holder according to claim 17, wherein the ballast substance is a mass of particles.

19. The pacifier holder according to claim 17, further comprising:

an extension of the lower end of the stem extends into and through the void in the first volume enclosed by the deformable bag at the top of the deformable bag, and partially into the ballast substance; and
the ballast substance interacts with the extension of the lower end of the stem to brace the stem with respect to the deformable bag.
Patent History
Publication number: 20110024599
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 30, 2009
Publication Date: Feb 3, 2011
Inventor: REBECCA M. FINELL (Tempe, AZ)
Application Number: 12/512,309
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Having Staff Retaining Or Centering Means (248/523); To Hold A Particular Article (248/176.1); Filled With Fluent Material (248/346.2)
International Classification: A47G 29/00 (20060101);