Pacifier retention system

Abstract

A pacifier retention system includes a clip mechanism, a beaded tether, a stringing wire coupling a first end of the beaded tether to the clip mechanism, and a retention loop formed in the second end of the beaded tether.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/720,966 titled “Pacifier Retention System” filed on Sep. 26, 2005, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Most infants and many toddlers often desire to suck on a pacifier to provide soothing comfort when tired or agitated. Frequently, however, these children substitute one of their thumbs for a pacifier, especially when a pacifier is not readily available. Eventually, this thumb-sucking becomes a habitual practice that is undesirable to many parents for a variety of reasons including cleanliness ands social stigmas. Particularly, pacifiers often become lost or dirty when they fall from the infant's mouth or from a bag. A related problem occurs when parents attempt to retrieve a fallen pacifier while driving, resulting in potential loss of control of the vehicle.

Consequently, a number of pacifier clips have been developed to retain pacifiers with the suckling infant. One purpose of a pacifier clip is to prevent the pacifier from falling to the floor when the infant takes the pacifier out of his or her mouth. Traditional pacifier clips generally consists of a pinch clip glued to the back of a piece of plastic which is large enough in width and length to pass the small parts test for products which may present choking hazards for children. A ribbon connects the pacifier clip to a pacifier, and the pacifier clip is attached to the infant's clothing at a location which will permit the pacifier to reach the infants mouth. In this manner, a pacifier clip prevents loss of the pacifier to which it is attached. Pacifier clips are frequently sold together with pacifiers, although they are also sold as separate items.

SUMMARY

A pacifier retention system includes a clip mechanism having a stationary jaw body coupled to a spring arm. Additionally, the pacifier retention system includes a number of beads coupled to the clip mechanism by a stringing wire. Further, the beads are configured on the stringing wire to form a pacifier retention loop on an end opposing the clip mechanism.

DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present system and method and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present system and method and do not limit the scope thereof. The summary as well as other features and aspects of the present system and method will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a pacifier retention system, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a pacifier system, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pacifier retention system coupled to a pacifier, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a pacifier retention system coupled to an article of clothing, according to one exemplary embodiment.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present specification describes a system for retaining a pacifier with a suckling infant. More specifically, the present system and method includes a robust, yet attractive pacifier retention system including a clip mechanism, a stainless steel stringing wire, and an attractive yet functional bead design surrounding the stringing wire. According to the present specification, the pacifier retention system disclosed herein provides an attractive, safe, and convenient retention system that is easily cleaned. Additionally, according to one exemplary embodiment, the present clip mechanism is less likely to damage an infant's clothing compared to traditional clip systems.

As used in the present specification and the appended claims, the term “stainless steel” shall be interpreted broadly to include not only the commonly known stainless steel metal alloy, but also any other non-corrosive material such as brass, aluminum, and the like. Further, the stainless material may be resistant to corrosion due to any number of factors including, but in no way limited to, material make-up, post manufacture processes, coatings, and the like.

Additionally, as used herein, the term “bead” is meant to be understood broadly as including any physical element including a passage or orifice defined therein. Specifically, the term “bead” may include not only spherical members, but also any other three-dimensional member including a passage there through.

In the following specification, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present system and method for retaining a pacifier. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present method may be practiced without these specific details. Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Exemplary Structure

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary pacifier retention system (100) according to one exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the exemplary pacifier retention system (100) includes, but is in no way limited to, a clip mechanism (110) formed of a jaw body (120) and a spring arm (130). A beaded tether (160) is coupled to the clip mechanism (110) by a stringing wire (140) and a number of ring clamps (150). According to the exemplary illustrated embodiment, the end of the stringing wire (140) opposite the clip mechanism (110) forms a retention loop (170) configured to couple a pacifier handle. Further details of the present pacifier retention system (100) will be described in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 1-4.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the retention portion of the pacifier retention system (100) includes a clip mechanism (110). According to one exemplary embodiment, the clip mechanism (110) is configured to securely clip to an infant's clothing without causing damage to the infant's clothing. Traditionally, pacifier retention systems were coupled to a child's clothing using a safety pin or a bi-actuating clip system. While typically effective in securing the pacifier to an infant's clothing, the traditional pacifier retention mechanisms also suffered from a number of shortcomings. Particularly, safety pins securely coupled pacifier systems to an infant's clothes, but the securing mechanism includes piercing a pointed rod through the infant's clothes. Often times the action of piercing the pointed rod of the safety pin through the infant's clothes is the generation of a future hole. Additionally, the pointed rod, if released from the housing of the safety pin, may cut or puncture the skin of an infant. Additionally, the bi-actuating clip system couples an infant's clothes in a pinching fashion and often includes jaws with interference protrusions that may also cause damage to an infant's clothes. In contrast to the traditional securing systems mentioned above, the present pacifier retention system uses a coupling system that does not damage an infant's clothing and does not present a potential health risk to the infant.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the individual components of the pacifier retention system (100). As illustrated in FIG. 2, the present clip mechanism (110) includes a large jaw body (120) that curves upon itself, forming a concave member. Additionally, a spring arm (130) is rotatably coupled to the base of the jaw body (120) and resistively coupled to the extending arm of the jaw body. According to this exemplary embodiment, the large jaw body (120) of the clip mechanism (110) is sufficient size to reduce any likelihood of a choking hazard if an infant were to suck on the pacifier retention system (100). Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the large jaw body is free of sharp gripping protrusions configured for coupling the clothing of an infant, potentially causing snags or holes. Rather, the present clip mechanism (110) squeezes a desired section of an infant's clothing between two planar members. Specifically, a child's clothing is inertly secured between the spring arm (130) and a flat face section (125) of the large jaw body (120). According to one exemplary embodiment, the clip mechanism (110) of the present exemplary pacifier retention system (100) may be made of any number of non-corrosive and non-toxic materials including, but in no way limited to, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, any number of non-corrosive alloys, plastics, and the like. Once securely clipped to an infant's clothing, the present exemplary pacifier retention system (100) may prevent a pacifier (300; FIG. 3) from dropping to the ground and potentially contaminating the pacifier.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the clip mechanism (110) includes a coupling orifice (135) formed in the base of the jaw body (120). According to this exemplary embodiment, the coupling orifice allows for a stringing wire (140) to be coupled to the clip mechanism (110). According to the illustrated embodiment, the pacifier retention system includes a beaded tether (160) coupled to the clip mechanism (110) by a stringing wire (140). While the stringing wire may be constructed of any number of suitable materials including polymers, fibrous strings, and the like, according to one exemplary embodiment, the stringing wire (140) includes a plurality of stainless steel strands coated in a polymer such as nylon. According to this exemplary embodiment, the stainless steel strands coated in polymer provide a secure coupling means that improves cleaning capabilities and sanitation when compared to traditional pacifier tethers. More specifically, according to one exemplary embodiment, the stringing wire (140) includes an ACCUFLEX stringing wire including approximately 49 strands of stainless steel coated in nylon. The incorporation of nylon over the strands of stainless steel provide germ control due to their ability to withstand multiple washes in a conventional dishwasher. Additionally, the incorporation of multiple strands of stainless steel rather than a single strand provides added strength, less likelihood of complete failure from fatigue, and increased flexibility.

According to one exemplary embodiment, a first end of the stringing wire (140) may be coupled to the clip mechanism (110) by passing the first end of the stringing wire (140) through the coupling orifice (135) and back upon itself to form a loop. According to this exemplary embodiment, once the stringing wire (140) is formed back upon itself, the stringing wire (140) may be secured in the loop configuration by a ring clamp (150) or other securing device. Alternatively, the stringing wire (140) may be coupled to the clip mechanism (110) by any number of coupling means including, but in no way limited to, an adhesive, a tying of the stringing wire (140) around the coupling orifice (135), a mechanical fastener, and the like.

According to one exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the large size of the coupling orifice (135) adds to the safety of the present clip mechanism (110) compared to traditional pacifier retention systems. Specifically, the relatively large size of the coupling orifice (135) causes the stringing wire (140) to slide on coupling orifice when pivoted. According to one exemplary embodiment, the sliding, as opposed to pivoting, of the stringing wire (140) reduces the likelihood of pinching of the infant's skin or binding of the stringing wire on the clip mechanism.

With the stringing wire coupled to the clip mechanism (110), the beaded tether (160) may be formed on the stringing wire (140). More specifically, according to one exemplary embodiment, the stringing wire (140) may be passed through a center lumen on a plurality of beads to form a beaded tether (160). According to this exemplary embodiment, the beaded tether (160) forms a protective cover on the stringing wire (140), thereby preventing the stringing wire (140) from cutting or harming the infant. Additionally, the inclusion of the beads forming the beaded tether (160) limit the bending angle effected on the stringing wire (140) during use. Specifically, the beads prevent the stringing wire (140) from being bent to tight angles, thereby reducing the likelihood of kinking, fatigue, or failure of the stringing wire (140) from repeated use. Additionally, the beads forming the beaded tether (160) further protect the surface of the stringing wire (140) from an infant in the case of failure of one or more strands of the stringing wire. According to the present exemplary system, the beads used to form the beaded tether (160) may assume any number of configurations. Particularly, according to one exemplary embodiment, the beaded tether (160) may include letter beads spelling names, shaped theme beads, sport beads, beads representing cars, and the like. However, alternative configurations and bead shapes may also be incorporated into the present exemplary system.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the beaded tether (160) is a single beaded length, culminating in a small beaded retention loop (170). However, according to various exemplary embodiments, the beaded tether (160) may include any number of lengths of beads. According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the beaded retention loop (170) is configured to removably secure a pacifier to the pacifier retention system by doubling an end of the retention loop (170) upon itself and terminating the loop with a ring clamp (150). According to one exemplary embodiment, the ring clamp (150) mechanically secures the stringing wire (140) to form the retention loop (170), preventing catastrophic rupture of the retention loop (170). Further, the pacifier retention loop (170) is disposed on an end of the stringing wire (140) opposing the clip mechanism (110). While the present exemplary embodiment is described in the context of using a ring clamp (150) to secure the stringing wire (140) upon itself to form the retention loop (170), alternative constructions may be used including, but in no way limited to, tying the stringing wire upon itself, using an adhesive, or using an alternative mechanical fixture mechanism.

FIG. 3 illustrates the retention loop (170) being oriented such that it is coupling a pacifier (300), according to one exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the retention loop (170) may be passed through an orifice of the pacifier (300). Once passed through the pacifier orifice, the remainder of the pacifier retention system (100) may be passed through the retention loop (170), starting with the clip mechanism (110), as illustrated in FIG. 3. As the clip mechanism (110) and the beaded tether (160) are passed through the retention loop (170), a double retention knot is formed, securely retaining the pacifier (300). One particular advantage of using the present securing system to couple a pacifier (300) is that the beaded retention loop (170) is devoid of sharp or abrasive edges. Consequently, the retention loop (170) of the pacifier (300) remains free of cuts and/or scratches that may disfigure the retention loop.

Once the pacifier (300) is retained by the present pacifier retention system (100) as illustrated in FIG. 3, the clip mechanism (110) may be employed to couple the pacifier (300) and the pacifier retention system (100) to a shirt (400) or other article of clothing of an infant. Once coupled, the pacifier (300) may be presented to the infant. As illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4, the clip mechanism (110) of the pacifier retention system (100) is coupled to the sleeve of an infant's shirt (400) or other article of clothing, according to one exemplary embodiment. As shown, the sleeve of the infant's shirt (400) is disposed between the spring arm (130) and a flat face section (125) of the large jaw body (120). The pressure provided by the spring arm (130) against the flat face section (125) of the large jaw body (120) securely fastens the pacifier retention system (100) to the clothing of the infant. As shown, no puncture or other potentially cloth damaging interaction is used to secure the pacifier retention system (100). Consequently, damage to the infant's shirt (400) or other article of clothing is minimized. Furthermore, as mentioned previously, use of the present pacifier retention system (100) will reduce contamination and loss of the pacifier when spit out by the infant.

The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe exemplary embodiments of the present system and method. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the system and method to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the system and method be defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A pacifier retention system comprising:

a clip mechanism;

a beaded tether;

a stringing wire coupling a first end of said beaded tether to said clip mechanism; and

a retention loop formed in said second end of said beaded tether.

2. The pacifier retention system of claim 1, wherein said clip mechanism further comprises:

a curved jaw body forming a concave overhang with a flat face surface;

a coupling orifice formed in a base of said curved jaw body; and

a spring arm rotatably coupled to said base of said curved jaw body;

wherein said spring arm is resistively coupled to said flat face surface of said curved jaw body.

3. The pacifier retention system of claim 2, wherein said first end of said beaded tether is coupled to said coupling orifice.

4. The pacifier retention system of claim 3, further comprising a first and a second ring clamp;

wherein said first ring clamp is configured to compressibly secure said stringing wire against itself on a first end to form a loop around said coupling orifice; and

wherein said second ring claims is configured to compressibly secure said stringing wire against itself on a second end to form said retention loop.

5. The pacifier retention system of claim 1, wherein said stringing wire comprises a metal.

6. The pacifier retention system of claim 5, wherein said metal comprises a stainless steel.

7. The pacifier retention system of claim 6, wherein said stainless steel stringing wire is coated by a polymer.

8. The pacifier retention system of claim 7, wherein said polymer comprises a nylon.

9. The pacifier retention system of claim 6, wherein said stringing wire comprises approximately 49 strands of stainless steel coated in nylon.

10. A pacifier retention system comprising:

a clip mechanism including a curved jaw body forming a concave overhang with a flat face surface, a coupling orifice formed in a base of said curved jaw body, and a spring arm rotatably coupled to said base of said curved jaw body, wherein said spring arm is resistively coupled to said flat face surface of said curved jaw body;

a beaded tether having a first end and a second end;

a stringing wire coupling a first end of said beaded tether to said coupling orifice of said clip mechanism;

a retention loop formed in said second end of said beaded tether; and

a first and a second ring clamp, wherein said first ring clamp is configured to compressibly secure said stringing wire against itself on a first end to form a loop around said coupling orifice, and wherein said second ring claims is configured to compressibly secure said stringing wire against itself on a second end to form said retention loop.

11. The pacifier retention system of claim 10, wherein said stringing wire comprises a metal.

12. The pacifier retention system of claim 11, wherein said metal comprises a stainless steel.

13. The pacifier retention system of claim 12, wherein said stainless steel stringing wire is coated by a polymer.

14. The pacifier retention system of claim 13, wherein said polymer comprises a nylon.

15. The pacifier retention system of claim 12, wherein said stringing wire comprises approximately 49 strands of stainless steel coated in nylon.

16. A method of forming a pacifier retention system comprising:

presenting a clip mechanism including a curved jaw body forming a concave overhang with a flat face surface, a coupling orifice formed in a base of said curved jaw body, and a spring arm rotatably coupled to said base of said curved jaw body, wherein said spring arm is resistively coupled to said flat face surface of said curved jaw body; and

coupling a first end of a beaded tether including a metal stringing wire to said coupling orifice.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said coupling a first end of said beaded tether to said coupling orifice comprises:

passing a first end of said metal stringing wire through said coupling orifice; and

coupling said first end of said metal stringing wire to itself to form a retention loop.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising forming a retention loop on a second end of said beaded tether.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said forming a retention loop on a second end of said beaded tether comprises:

doubling a second end of said metal stringing wire back upon said metal stringing wire; and

coupling said second end of said metal stringing wire to said metal stringing wire.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising disposing a plurality of beads on said retention loop by passing said metal stringing wire through a lumen in said beads.