Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a pacifier, comprising: a nipple; a protection cap; and a connection mechanism, for connecting the nipple to the cap, the connection mechanism comprise a springy element wherein in the idle state of the springy mechanism the nipple is entirely protected by the cap from contact with a plane, and in the non-idle state thereof the nipple outstands from the plane, thereby enabling being used by an infant. According to one embodiment the connection mechanism comprises: a cylinder; a sliding plug fitting closely inside the bore of the cylinder; a spring keeping the plug secured to an opening of the cylinder, the nipple being connected to the plug. The springy element may be based on a spring, bellows, an elastic object, and so forth.

Abstract: A pacifier holder is disclosed having a stuffed toy affixed to a pacifier.

Abstract: A pacifier includes an inner substrate layer and an outer substrate layer comolded over the inner substrate layer. The outer substrate layer forms a nipple and a handle. The inner substrate layer has a first portion covered by the outer substrate layer and a portion uncovered by the outer substrate layer forming a shield portion.

Abstract: A pacifier comprising an endotracheal tube holding means for intubated infants. The pacifier further comprises a nipple member attached to a flange member, wherein a channel is disposed longitudinally along the nipple and flange to accommodate an endotracheal tube. A slot, smaller in circumference than the tube, is disposed along the channel and allows the tube to be inserted and removed from the pacifier. The channel is larger in circumference than the tube, so that once the tube is inserted into the pacifier, it is supported in the channel, but can move longitudinally through the channel relative to the pacifier.

Abstract: Described are pacifiers comprising polyester compositions comprising polyesters which comprise (a) a dicarboxylic acid component having terephthalic acid residues; optionally, aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues or ester residues thereof; 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a pacifier, and more particularly, but without limitation, to a pacifier that is configured to activate one or more output devices based on whether a nipple of the pacifier is located in a baby's mouth. An embodiment of the invention provides a pacifier that includes: a hollow nipple; a sensor located within an interior space of the nipple; and a Light Emitting Diode (LED) located within the interior space of the nipple, the sensor configured to detect whether the nipple is located in a user's mouth, the pacifier configured to illuminate the LED based on the detected location of the nipple with respect to the user's mouth. Embodiments of the invention provide pacifiers that are configured to reward use, entice the baby to reinsert the pacifier when it has been dislodged, and/or alert a caretaker when the pacifier has been dislodged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pacifier and nipple member for delivery of active ingredients into the oral cavity of an infant or patient. The pacifier includes a porous nipple member and a base member adapted to remain outside the oral cavity of the infant. The porous nipple member includes at least one reservoir or chamber therein for receiving a thin-film containing an active ingredient. The base member may be removably attached to the neck of the nipple member, or the nipple and base members may form a single unit. Reusable and disposable forms are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention features a pacifier comprising (a) a nipple with a first end and a second end, the first end has a perforation; (b) an attachment device having a first end and a second end, the first end of the attachment device fluidly mates with the second end of the nipple, the second end of the attachment device has a port to receive a tube, the attachment device further has a divider member disposed therein; and (c) a seal system having a seal member and a spring member.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a child pacifier comprising a nipple for inserting into a child's mouth, a pacifier housing, the pacifier housing including a plate section adapted to receive the nipple, a spring section, a pacifier middle section coupled to the plate section such that the spring section is positioned between the plate section and the pacifier middle section, a button coupled to the pacifier middle section, the button having an outer face, and at least four shields pivotally coupled to the spring section at a plurality of pivot points, the at least four shields enclosing the nipple when the spring section is disengaged, whereby engaging the spring section causes the at least four shields to pivot about the plurality of pivot points allowing access to the nipple.

Abstract: A pacifier securing device for securing a pacifier in an infant's mouth is provided. The pacifier securing device includes first and second supports that are attached on one end to a pacifier and on another end to a hat. The size, color and decorative accents on the hat are customizable based on age, size and preference of the wearer. The hat is constructed of any material approved for use in manufacturing apparel for infants. The first and second supports are constructed of any stretchy material that is approved for use in manufacturing apparel for infants. The length and width of the first and second supports varies depending on the age and size wearer as well the desired tautness of the supports. The first and second supports may be configured as one continuous elongate piece or one substantially v-shaped piece.

Abstract: A Developmental Pacifier is provided to help infants with functional feeding development and to assist with specific developmental problems in young children such as developmental delays, prematurity, gastro-esophageal reflux, autism spectrum disorder, hypotonicity, cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, microcephaly, and other sensory integrative dysfunctions. The developmental pacifier of the present invention encourages acceptance of food textures and stimulates oral-motor awareness, and reduces or eliminates functional feeding problems in children. The Developmental Pacifier has a nipple with an upper portion and a base portion, a base, and sensory elements. A series of Developmental Pacifiers with varying sensory elements may be used for certain treatment regimens as prescribed by a medical practitioner, pediatric occupational therapist, or other pediatric specialist.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, improved capabilities are described for a pacifier accommodation device. The pacifier accommodation device may be comprised of a protrusion adapted to be placed inside an infants mouth; a platform wherein the protrusion is attached; a resilient side member, wherein the member is attached to the platform; and an earpiece attached to the side member, wherein the earpiece is adapted to secure the resilient side member to an infant's ear.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a pacifier within reach of a mouth of a child is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cord connected at both ends to a garment, wherein a first end of the cord is detachably coupled to the garment so as to allow the insertion of the cord into a pacifier ring when the first end of the cord is detached from the garment. The cord may be positioned horizontally across a chest area of the child's garment, such that a midpoint of the cord is located substantially on a midpoint of the garment. Further, the cord may be an elastic cord covered in an inelastic fabric. Also, the first end of the cord may be a piece of hook and loop fabric for coupling with a hook and loop fabric on the garment.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a pediatric pacifier with a passage. An oropharyngeal airway may be inserted through the passage and into a patient's airway. The pacifier may be resilient and may be softer than the oropharyngeal airway. The pacifier may be removably coupled to the artificial airway. The pacifier may encircle, to varying degrees, various portions of the artificial airway. The pacifier may be sized so that no air may pass between the artificial airway and the patient's airway tissue. The pacifier and artificial airway may have numerous channels such as, for example, a first channel for conducting air and a second channel for aspirating fluids. The pacifier and/or artificial airway may come in sets that include variously sized pacifiers and/or artificial airways. The pacifier may also include a non-resilient plug that prevents the patient from fully closing its mouth and occluding its airway.

Abstract: A two-piece joint designed to allow a one-piece silicone pacifier to be removably attached to an appealing stuffed toy, soothing blanket, or other article that might be attractive to an infant. One section of the joint includes the back of the pacifier, and the second section of the joint is made as a receiver that accepts the male joint members and permit the pacifier to be semi-permanently attached to the toy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction or chewing article for babies or small children comprising at least one mouthpiece made of a substantially elastomer material containing at least one elastomer component. According to said invention, the elastomer material contains at least one type of liquid crystal pigment (LC-pigment).

Abstract: A cap for reusable pacifiers and feeding bottles, where the cap is advantages in that it enables same to be quickly sterilized in a microwave oven. The cap is characterized in that it includes a conventional body suitable for fitting over a nipple holder. A port is provided in the upper cap portion to enable steam to escape. A valve attached to the top of the cap port is characterized in that it has a small ventilated cap housing an upside-down flexible vessel. The cap can be attached either to a feeding bottle or to a pacifier to enable the sterilization in a microwave oven. A feeding bottle or pacifier can be sterilized simply by filling the same with a small amount of water, closing the valve cap and boiling the water in a microwave oven. The water turns into steam and sterilizes the inside of the entire feeding bottle or pacifier and the pressurized steam escapes through the valve.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing pacifier has a centered nipple upon a guard and a reservoir communicating through the guard to the nipple. The reservoir, opposite the guard, has a cap, and upon removing it, a caregiver places medicine into the reservoir. Then the caregiver returns the cap to seal the reservoir. The infant then suckles the nipple, ingesting the medicine drawn from the reservoir. Alternately, the pacifier includes an air permeable membrane, a flexible cap, for dispensing medicine under pressure through a nipple into an infant that has difficulty taking medicine. The infant then suckles upon the nipple and the caregiver presses upon the cap raising the flow of medicine through the nipple into the mouth of the infant. The cap augments the natural suckling of the infant with pressure and without spilling medicine.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of pacifiers, and particularly to pacifiers with integral protective nipple housing and methods thereof. The present invention is particularly adaptable as a pacifier for comforting an infant's suckling instinct, while being capable of integrally providing a protective nipple housing when the pacifier is not being used in order to keep the nipple from getting dirty. The present invention can also be combined with any type of pacifier attachment bands or strings in order to, for example, attach the pacifier to the infant's clothing so that it will not fall on the floor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lubricious polymeric composition that includes polymer and one or more lubricants. Articles formed from the lubricious polymeric composition possess enhanced softness, flexibility and lubricity. The present disclosure also provides a method for making an article formed from a lubricious polymeric composition having polymer and one or more lubricants.

Abstract: A baby pacifier having a base portion and an attached nipple portion, the pacifier being arranged to actuate an alarm if the pacifier has fallen out of the mouth of a baby using same, a detection circuit being substantially disposed in the base portion of the pacifier, the detection circuit including an interconnected heat sensor positioned inside the pacifier nipple, the detection circuit being arranged to generate a first signal on detecting a significant fall in the temperature measured by the heat sensor, an alarm transmission circuit being responsive to the first signal and in response to receipt thereof generating a second signal, the second signal being transmitted to and received by switching means supplying/cutting electric power to an alarm means.

Abstract: A device which comprises pacifiers used by animals.

Abstract: Caregivers such as parent and day care providers desire to keep the infants under their care as happy as possible. One way that caregivers try to accomplish this is by modifying the environment of the infants as they analyze signals of their happiness, alertness and/or agitation. This analysis requires the caregiver to have enough time and opportunity to observe the infant's signals, and remember the behavior to detect patterns. This becomes additionally difficult when multiple caregivers provide care such as with day cares. Further, at times the caregiver may not wish to be in the same room as the infant, such as during naps, or during the night.

Abstract: A pacifier device including a pacifier portion connected to a strap portion, preferably a resilient strap portion. The pacifier device allows the child to grab and manipulate the pacifier device without aid or assistance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system, method, and device for detecting non-nutritive sucking events produced by an infant; patterns comprising such events (i.e., rhythmic sucking patterns, or RSPs); and relating said events and/or RSPs to performance of a disposable absorbent article worn by the infant. The frequency and/or amplitude and/or other characteristics of non-nutritive sucking changes in response to liquid insults introduced to a disposable absorbent article. Accordingly, changes to RSPs offer detectable and measurable indicia of an infant's perception of the performance of a disposable absorbent article. Furthermore, such information may be used to support and/or substantiate marketing communications to consumers, or to guide selection and/or management of research-and-development programs.

Abstract: An improved gas delivery device for infants which is simple and easy to use is disclosed and described. The gas delivery device can include a gas supply chamber and a nipple directly connected to the supply chamber. The gas supply chamber can define a substantially hollow region and can have a front portion which has the nipple connected thereto. The front portion has a plurality of holes which are designed to direct gas forward from the hollow region toward the infant. The nipple can be a substantially continuous material. Such a gas delivery device is unobtrusive, easy to use, and inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: A pacifier assembly having a pivotally mounted cover on a shield assembly is disclosed. The assembly allows convenient protection for the nipple by being selectably moved between an open and closed position. In one embodiment, two nipples are provided on opposite sides of the shield assembly. The cover can be positioned to protect one nipple while exposing the other. Once the assembly is dropped to the floor and the sanitary condition of the exposed nipple is compromised, the cover can be moved to cover the dirtied nipple and expose the unused nipple. In another embodiment, the dual nipple pacifier includes two covers. Thus, the covers can protect both nipples simultaneously for transporting the assembly in a sanitary manner. One nipple can be exposed by pivoting one of the covers. Preferably, the covers nest within one another over the protected nipple.

Abstract: A pacifier, a system and a method for maintaining proper dentitions in a child are provided. The pacifier may have a bulb which is connected to an external shield by an isthmus. A child may suck on the bulb when the pacifier is worn in the mouth. The isthmus connecting the bulb and the external shield may be flat. Moreover, the isthmus may have a thickness which may be less than a thickness of known connectors, and may be wider from side-to-side than connectors associated with known pacifiers which connect a bulb and an external shield. As a result, the pacifier may prevent the child from developing, for example, an open bite or other malocclusion. The pacifier may or may not incorporate a thickened pillow to aid in the reduction of pain associated with teething.

Abstract: A pacifier rattle toy, with duel, gripped handles. There are gears at the end of the handles that are placed in the rattle. There are corresponding flappers to the said gears in the rattle to make a clicking noise. A feature of this pacifier toy would be a pacifier that has the capability of being locked down, and also taken off. This is useful for cleaning. Another function of this unique feature would be; if the parent chooses, for teething, the pacifier could be filled with water, and frozen. By having a pacifier on a handle you are giving the child the choice of when he/she would like to use a pacifier. This freedom encourages self-confidence. This new pacifier toy encourages fine motor skills and three of the five senses. This pacifier toy is to also include a stand by which the pacifiers may stably sit in the freezer while they are freezing.

Abstract: Kessler Project is a pacifier that can be filled with distilled water or the like and then be refrigerated or frozen. The preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes a mouth guard, a nipple, a ring, a cap, and a base. To use the preferred embodiment of Kessler Project, an individual would remove the cap on the base and fill the nipple and base of the device with water. The cap would then snap onto the base of the device, allowing the user to place the device into a refrigerator or freezer to cool. Once the appropriate water temperature is reached, the device is removed from the refrigerator or freezer and given to the infant. The ring of the device is dimensioned to be easy for an infant to grasp to allow him to place the nipple into his mouth. The mouth guard prevents the device from being swallowed when the nipple is inserted into the baby's mouth. The design of the device allows the baby to place the nipple in his mouth without having to constantly hold the cold ring of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for adding medicine to a standard baby bottle nipple. The apparatus comprises a nipple that has side measurements to allow a caretaker to place a volume of liquid medicine within the nipple. Then, the medicine can be capped off with a stopper and the nipple attached to a standard baby bottle with milk or formula mixture within it. The stopper does have a small hole to allow the milk or formula to enter the nipple, where it will be consumed with the liquid medicine mixture. However, due to the small nature of the hole in the stopper, the medicine will be consumed in large part before the infant or toddler even begins to consume the milk or formula mixture.

Abstract: An anti-swallow pacifier includes: a base member having nipple member protruding forwardly from the base member, a bivalve shell having a pair of half-shell pieces hingedly secured to the base member having a restoring spring retained on the base member for resiliently automatically closing the two half-shell pieces for covering the nipple portion, an anti-swallow shield circumferentially formed on a rear portion of the base member for preventing from swallow of the pacifier by a baby as the shield may be obstructed beyond the baby's mouth without being swallowed, and a handle secured to the anti-swallow shield.

Abstract: A container for storing a pacifier including a teat and a pacifier shield, the pacifier being attached to a pacifier strap by a fastening clip, and the container being capable of being fastened or being fastened to the pacifier strap between the fastening clip and the pacifier.

Abstract: A breathing aid for an infant is adapted for delivery of inhalable medication in a gentle flow to an area immediately adjacent the baby's nasal passageway. An oral member formed as a pacifier carries a hollow tube, the open top end of which extends just above the upper rim of the mouth guard of the pacifier. A swivel connector secured to the bottom of the tube allows easy adjustment of the position of the breathing aid in relation to the mouth guard and to a connecting hose, through which oxygen or other medication is delivered.

Abstract: A non-removable snap fastener used to attach a pacifier, teething ring, toy or other article to any garment of children's clothing. It is comprised of a non-removable female part of a snap fastener, which is attached to any garment of children's clothing, and preferably, though not necessary for effectiveness, incorporated into a decoration of flowers, animals, toys or any other attractive decoration for any garment of children's clothing, created using embroidery, appliqué, needlepoint or other craft. The corresponding male part of the snap fastener is attached to one end of a strap, having both female and male parts of a snap fastener attached to the other end of the strap, which is used to secure the article onto the strap for the child's use.

Abstract: An infant care apparatus including a nipple having a nipple passage for drawing fluid therethrough. A fitting is adapted to secure the infant care apparatus on a closure adapted to regulate flow between the infant care apparatus and a container. A valve is adapted to regulate flow between the nipple passage and the closure.

Abstract: A pacifier includes a nipple, a shield and a handle. The nipple comprises a pair of wings extending longitudinally along a bulbous end of the nipple. The wings allow for air to exit and enter the space between the palate and the nipple to prevent a vacuum therebetween. Alternatively, the nipple has a channel system comprising a series of holes on the surface of the nipple, some contacting the palate, to also allow the air to enter and exit the space between the palate and the nipple. The stem of the nipple may also have a transverse hole which receives the baby teeth to prevent an open bite.

Abstract: A device for feeding a young child without the threat of choking, this device comprising a handle member in combination with an elongate food-receiving mesh container having an aperture in one end thereof. A ring component too large to swallow is mounted in the aperture. One end of the handle member has a circularly disposed sealing surface, and having a securing member around its adjacent exterior surface. A closure ring having a securing member around its interior surface is able to interfit with the securing member of the handle end. The closure ring has a central aperture of a size to closely receive the container, but not permitting the passage of the ring component. When the closure ring has been tightened upon the handle end, the ring component will tightly engage the circularly disposed sealing surface on the handle, holding the container in an operative position.

Abstract: A nipple configuration for use on baby bottles and in breast shields particularly adapted for feeding and nursing newborns. The configuration includes body and nipple portions integrally formed of a soft flexible material and defining raised ridges or other surface irregularities thereon so as to provide the feel of a mother's breast and nipple. The nipple projects outwardly from the body portion and defines a fluid passageway extending axially therethrough and a plurality of discharge openings in the extended end thereof. A flexible reinforcing tube extends through the passageway communicating the fluid openings with the interior of the body portion and preventing the nipple from collapsing upon being sucked by a newborn. The device can also be used on a pacifier for developing the sucking reflex and, in a modified form, for feeding and nursing newborns having a cleft-lip or palate.

Abstract: A strap fastener intended for locking at least one strap tightenably arranged in the strap fastener. The locking of the strap or each of the straps is effected by means of a leaf spring (1) and a roller (2, 3) rotatably arranged in some distance from an end edge (4, 5) of the leaf spring (1). The distance is adapted in such a manner that the strap or each of the straps during the locking may be clamped between the respective roller (2, 3) and edge (4, 5).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a baby bottle nipple, comprising a fastener including a sealing surface adapted to be fastened on a baby bottle, and a wall adapted to be contacted with a baby's mouth, the wall having at least one opening to allow milk to pass through, the wall including a nipple portion with the opening being provided in the nipple portion, wherein the wall is comprised of polyisoprene rubber made with a neodymium catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides an infant teething gel applicator for the application of anesthetic gel, having a teething portion to administer a regulated and minimal dosage of medication, and a collar to fit inside a standard baby bottle. The collar extends radially in a first plane and the teething portion extends laterally from the collar and is aligned longitudinally in a direction generally orthogonal to the collar. The teething portion has an outer engaging surface with a plurality of protrusions extending outward therefrom. Each individual protrusion contains a single minute pore configured to harbor medication, which is dispersed upon an infant chewing the device.

Abstract: A wrist teether relieves teething pain by cooling an infant's gums without causing either the infant or an adult the discomfort associated with handling a cold teether. The wrist teether is a doughnut-shaped bracelet containing cooled capsules, such as freezer cubes. The wrist teether attaches around the infant's wrist and permits the infant itself to apply the cooled capsules to its gums without grasping the teether. The wrist teether is elastic and constricts around the infant's wrist so that it does not fall off. A multi-layered wrist-facing side of the wrist teether insulates the infant's wrist from the cooled capsules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the size of lips. The apparatus is a clear or flesh colored polymer strip with a strong moisture activated adhesive on one side. A user inserts the apparatus on the inside of their lip with an attached applicator. Once in proper position, the user simply pulls the applicator away. When in place the lip enhancer maintains a stretch in the inner lip tissue, causing more of the lip to be exposed externally, thus making the lip appear noticeably larger. Users may talk, eat, and drink while using the lip enhancer.

Abstract: A teat (1, 1′, 1″) comprising at least a shaft (4) and a nipple (2), wherein structured surface areas are provided at least in a partial region thereof, and the structured surface areas are formed by at least one rough surface zone (7) having a surface roughness of 100 &mgr;m at the most, in particular of 50 &mgr;m at the most.

Abstract: The Flexible Baby Feeding Stick is a new method of feeding the 4 to 18+ month-old baby. The stick is approximately 4 inches long with two approximately ¾ inch diameter balls on either end. The entire surface is covered with a raised bumpy pattern which holds baby food, as well as massaging the gums of the teething infant. The baby can hold either end or the middle of the stick, and suck off the food from the stick. There is no “up” or “down” on the stick as there is on a spoon. Therefore, the baby will not become frustrated by having food slide off the stick (as it does on a spoon) before they get the stick to their mouth. The feeding stick is a safe tool to encourage a baby to self-feed.

Abstract: A tooth-hardening apparatus 10 according to the present invention includes a tooth-hardening member 11 of a plate shape having a projection 13 on its surface, and a nipple 15 attached on the tooth-hardening member 11. The nipple has a predetermined hardness to provide a pacifier function and a tooth-hardening function. A space 21 is formed in the tooth-hardening member 11. The space 21 is covered with an upper transparent cover 18 and a lower transparent cover 19.

Abstract: This article for nursery care, which is in particular a feeding bottle or a comforter, comprises a body, a tip for suction intended to penetrate at least partially in an infant's mouth, as well as a member on which the infant's lips abut during such suction.

Abstract: A medical pacifier for delivering anesthesia and other gases into the oral cavity of a patient, such as an infant or child, is provided. The pacifier includes a nipple member adapted to be received within an oral cavity of the patient, the nipple member having a conduit extending therethrough and an outlet opening provided therein. A base is attached to the nipple member and adapted to remain outside the oral cavity. The base includes an inlet opening provided therein and a lumen extending therethrough which is in fluid communication with the conduit of the nipple member. The inlet opening is adapted to be connected to an external gas source such that gas can flow through the base and the nipple member for delivery via the outlet opening into the oral cavity of the patient.

Abstract: A ready-to-use, sterile, one time use sensory diversion device is described. The device can be used by medical practitioners during examination and performance of medical procedures on infant and juvenile patients. The device is typically manufactured in the form of a pacifier and includes a sweetener composition, either formed as a coating on the carrier nipple portion or is provided separately for user application to the carrier portion prior to or in conjunction with removal of the device from its sterile package.