Abstract: The teething pacifier of the invention is formed with a guard plate having a handle and a chewing plate formed on opposed surfaces thereof. The handle and the chewing plate are substantially co-planar and perpendicular to the plane of the guard plate. The chewing plate is formed with a first and a second lateral segment that are separated by a gap. The teething pacifier is configured for engaging the entire gum line of the infant user and ease teething while providing a soothing sucking device.

Abstract: A containment vessel for teething and feeding includes an elongate object having axially opposed end portions and a central portion extending between the end portions, and a mesh pouch attached to the central portion. The pouch has an opening, which can be closed when the pouch is attached to the elongate object. The pouch can have a flap which is wrapped around the central portion and attached to the pouch prior to placing an object in the bag and closing the opening. In an alternative, the opening of the pouch is captured between inside surfaces of a two-part object. The elongate object preferably resembles a bone, the vessel being especially suitable for dogs.

Abstract: An infant teething toy device is provided that comprises a set of one to four horizontally aligned rings with a teething surface fixedly attached to each. The rings are open at their base for adjustably securing the device to the fingers of an infant user. The attached teething surface may be an oval shape which extends across the length of the child's hand, or alternatively it may comprise a set of small teething surfaces individually attached to finger rings. The teething surfaces may have surface texture consisting of nubs or grooves to facilitate stimulation of a child's gums. A variety of teething surface shapes and textures are provided to assist the child in alleviating differing levels of discomfort and prevent the child from chewing or biting his or her fingers.

Abstract: Sleep mouthpieces are provided. One such mouthpiece includes an intraoral component including first and second troughs configured to receive a user's upper and lower teeth or ridges. The troughs are separated by a distance, thereby providing an opening that can allow mouth breathing. The mouthpiece includes an extraoral component connected to the intraoral component by first and second columns. The columns can be positioned at first and second ends of the intraoral component. The columns can also be positioned at first and second ends of the opening. The columns can also be positioned between the ends of the opening and the ends of the intraoral component. The extraoral component includes first and second retention portions extending from the first and second columns away from a center of the intraoral component and away from the opening. The first and second retention portions are configured to contact the user's face.

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: The infant mouthpiece of the present invention comprises a U-shaped mouth mold for inserting into the mouth of the infant, wherein the mouth mold comprises a top, a bottom, a center, a distal end, a proximal end, and a plurality of ridges disposed along the top of the mouth mold. The infant mouthpiece further comprises a female portion of a plug and a stopper, wherein the stopper comprises a proximal side, a distal side, and a center. The mouth mold, the stopper, and the female portion of the plug are connected such that the proximal end of the mouth mold is connected to the distal side of the stopper and the proximal side of the stopper is connected to the female portion of the plug.

Abstract: A varied response teether (10) with an outer surface (12) created at least in part by a first elastomeric material and an inner portion (22) including an elastomeric material that has at least one different property than the first elastomeric material.

Abstract: A biologic-response teether (150). The teether (150) has a shield (160) and one or two generally “T”-shaped bite portions (170, 180) projecting from the shield (160). The bite portions (170, 180) each define an elongated stem (171, 181) closest to the shield (160) and two arms (169, 168) that are coupled to and transverse to the stem (171, 181).

Abstract: A liquid-fillable teething device fabricated in the shape of a letter of the alphabet, wherein the liquid-fillable teething device has at least one non-smooth textured surface thereon is provided.

Abstract: A teething toy for infants and small children is styled as an illustrated book. The toy includes a number of page-like leaves, which in the preferred embodiment are fabricated from a cloth-like material, and a number of attached teething elements. The teething elements are preferably made from a relatively hard resilient material that is textured to provide effective teething relief. In one embodiment, the teething elements are integrated into artwork that is printed on the attached page leaf. The teething toy combines effective teething relief for an infant or small child with subtle encouragement to the child that books are worthwhile objects of attention.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus that has particular utility for feeding infants, small children and adults that are at risk for choking on soft food includes a mesh enclosure that is open at a first end and closed at a second end. A mesh holder engages and holds open the first open end of the mesh enclosure and has an opening communicating with the interior of the mesh enclosure through which food may be inserted into the mesh enclosure. A closure mechanism is mounted to the mesh holder for movement between a first open position wherein the opening is uncovered and food may be inserted or removed from the mesh enclosure and a second closed position wherein the food is secured within the mesh enclosure. The closure mechanism advantageously remains engaged with the mesh holder in both the first and second positions.

Abstract: The present invention includes a teething pacifier for infants comprising: a nipple, where said nipple includes an inner chamber; a mouth shield, where said mouth shield supports the nipple and prevents accidental swallowing of the nipple; a handle; where said handle is attached to the outer side of the mouth shield; and a non-toxic liquid within the inner chamber, where the non-toxic liquid is capable of being frozen. In one exemplary embodiment, the non-toxic liquid may include either water, saline or distilled water. The present invention also includes a method of making a teething pacifier comprising the steps of: assembling a hollow nipple with an inner chamber onto to a mouth shield; attaching a handle to the outer side of the mouth shield; inserting a non-toxic liquid into the inner chamber of the nipple; and sealing the liquid in the inner chamber.

Abstract: A water toy is disclosed herein. In one aspect, the water toy is comprised of a non-rigid material which has an injection molded main body and flap. This flap is integral with the main body and connected via a living hinge. The flap can be either in an open or closed position. When the flap is in the closed position, an inner chamber is defined and it is capable of containing enough air to enable the toy to float. When the flap is in the open position, access is provided to the inner chamber for cleaning or drying. Teething portions may also be provided in features of the water toy.

Abstract: A toothbrush for infants includes an elongate grasping region with a head at one end and a bottom at the other end. The head of the toothbrush includes a plurality of bristles, which may be formed from a soft, resiliently compressible material. The elongate grasping region may have dimensions that enable it to be held by an infant's hand while preventing its insertion and, thus, over-insertion of the toothbrush, into the infant's mouth. Various other features may be included to guide an infant's hand to an appropriate location on the toothbrush, as well as to enable an infant to grip the grasping region, particularly when moisture is present on the surface of the grasping region.

Abstract: An infant teething device is provided and includes a plurality of teething elements, wherein each of the plurality of teething elements is constructed via a cylindrical tube-like structure to form a continuous ring-like structure which defines a center cavity, wherein the plurality of teething elements are associated with each other such that the cylindrical tube-like structure of one of the plurality of teething elements pass through the center cavity of an adjacent teething element of the plurality of teething elements, wherein the center cavities of each of the plurality of teething elements include a diameter of sufficient size to snugly fit over a human hand and loosely associate with a wrist of a human arm.

Abstract: The present invention is an infant teether or teething device with a hollow metal exterior, which may be comprised of, but shall not be limited to, sterling silver, aluminum or any other rust-resistant metal material and which may have a handle or portion of the exterior of the teether being composed of either metal covered by rubber, plastic, or a similar material or a handle composed solely of rubber, plastic, or a similar material to prevent the handle from becoming too cold. Inside the teether will be a liquid or gel that has the ability to remain cold for a prolonged time period following refrigeration or freezing. Said liquid or gel center may be comprised of, but shall not be limited to, water, food grade propalyne glycol, any other food grade, freezer-friendly gel or similar non-toxic material. The interior liquid or gel shall be enclosed in a sealed bag, expandable plastic material or other enclosed container capable of being frozen while holding a liquid and/or gel in order to prevent leakage.

Abstract: Teething, imbibing, and entertainment apparatus and methods utilizing fluids, wherein such fluids may be room temperature, warmed, chilled, frozen, and/or partially-frozen. A fillable body allows a user to imbibe warmed, chilled, frozen, and/or partially-frozen fluids through one or more apertures. A plurality of chewable exterior features, protrusions, and nipples further aid in easing teething pain and/or entertainment. A detachable nipple allows the apparatus to be used with a variety of nipples having differing configurations and sizes. The handles facilitate holding of the apparatus by young users with limited motor skills such as infants and toddlers. The methods allow a child to chew on frozen liquids to at least partially thaw such liquids such that the chilled liquid and/or slush may be directed to the user's gums, teeth, mouth, and/or throat via aperture(s). Similarly, methods of directing a heated liquid to a child's gums, teeth, mouth, and/or throat are also disclosed.

Abstract: A replaceable article can be secured to and removed from the binding or backing of a children's book. The device can be chewed on without damage to the book or injury to the child. The device can slide onto the binding area and extend away from the book to provide an attracting appearance. The article may be replaced or partially replaced and the size of the device avoids any significant issue of potential choking for the child.

Abstract: A baby teething device is provided that includes a shield, a handle depending from the shield, a nipple-like portion depending from the shield opposite the handle, and teething ridges defined on the nipple-like portion. The teething ridges can include a series of generally linear ridges that are substantially parallel to the shield and/or a plurality of concentric teething ridges.

Abstract: An infant chew toy apparatus includes an elongate handle and a flange or other lateral member disposed on the handle. The flange extends laterally from the handle. A protrusion is disposed on the flange. The protrusion may comprise a nipple, and may be oriented directionally opposite of and parallel to the handle. The flange may be disposed on an end of the handle, with another flange disposed on the opposite handle end. The apparatus is designed to make it convenient for infants to grip, chew, and pick up the apparatus, and portions of it may be constructed of suitably durable plastic or other material for teething purposes, with other portions constructed of softer material.

Abstract: A teething device is provided. Such teething device includes a covering member for covering at least one of a hand of an infant, a wrist of an infant, and a combination thereof. Such covering member is manufactured from a first predetermined material and has a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape. A securing mechanism is operably connected to such covering member at a predetermined location thereon for releasably securing such covering member to at least one of such infant's hand, such infant's wrist, and a combination thereof. At least one teething member is operably connected to at least a predetermined portion of such covering member. Such at least one teething member is manufactured from a second predetermined material and has a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape.

Abstract: A teething toy that is chewable and sensory stimulating uses a hollow cylinder made of a soft clear polymeric material. It is approximately half filled with a colored fluid. Shiny particle specks and different shaped multicolored floating objects are suspended in the fluid. Nipple shaped protrusions extend from each spherical end. A circular handle with oval cross section extends from the side of the cylinder. Directly opposite this handle is a rectangular shaped handle with oval cross section. The sides of both handles have small extension knobs protruding from the narrow sides of the cross sections. Options include longitudinal ribs running along the cylinder surface for easy grasp and manipulation. Additional options include rectangular grips extending from the sides of the toy. Other options include a suction cup end suspended from a flexible plastic cord that tethers the toy to a surface such as a high chair tray.

Abstract: Infant soothers for providing stimulation to an infant are disclosed herein. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided an infant soother for placement over at least a portion of a tube. The infant soother includes a slip sleeve having a body with a first end, a second open end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the slip sleeve has an outside surface that includes a teething surface.

Abstract: A multipurpose ring structure comprising a plurality of rings connected together and arranged at 120 degree angles to each other. The individual rings may be hollow or solid. In hollow embodiments, the rings may be filled with other substances. The multipurpose ring may be used as a toy, rattle, or teething ring.

Abstract: Jewelry in the form of necklaces, bracelets, and bangles has a prominent component that is smooth and has a shape that is round or has rounded edges with no sharp edges or points. The jewelry is ornamentally attractive and is useful when worn on the person of a caregiver so that an infant can teeth on the jewelry. The jewelry is nontoxic and dishwasher safe.

Abstract: A teething device for use by an infant. The teething device has a base manufactured from a first predetermined material and the base has a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape. There is at least one projection protruding from a first predetermined side of the base such that the at least one projection will fit in an infant's mouth. The at least one projection is manufactured from a second predetermined material and has a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape. A handle member manufactured from a third predetermined material and has a third predetermined size and a third predetermined shape and the handle member protrudes from a second predetermined side of the base.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention includes an oral stimulatory device. In certain embodiments, the oral stimulatory device is configured for soothing gums, for instance, the gums of a teething infant. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the oral stimulatory device includes a tubular body. In certain embodiments, the tubular body is configured for being partially positioned in an oral cavity of a user, such as an infant, and is adapted for being deformed. Although the oral stimulatory device may be fabricated from any suitable material, in certain embodiments, the tubular body of the oral stimulatory device is fabricated from a material comprising silicone. For instance, in one embodiment, the tubular body comprises a material that is at least about 50%, that is at least about 60%, that is at least about 70%, that is at least about 80%, that is at least about 90%, such as 95%, or even 99% or 100% food grade silicone.

Abstract: The invention discloses a cup apparatus that comprises a child's training cup that is modified to clean a child's baby teeth and gums with comfortable, cleaning elements are perpendicular to each other. To use the device and methods of this invention for cleaning the upper four front baby teeth, the child's lips surround the mouthpiece holes so that when he sips liquid from the cup apparatus, his four front teeth come in contact with the tooth cleaning members. The device is designed for children from about 6 months to about three years old. It removes plaque-like and decay-producing substances decay painlessly and effortlessly as well as reducing parental involvement in the child dental health.

Abstract: A jewelry item includes a plurality of objects that are made of a material that is suitable for infant teething and that have an outward appearance resembling a stone, a bead or other decorative ornamental object. The objects are made from a material that is a non-toxic substance that will retain its structural integrity when subjected to the forces and environment of a baby chewing on the object. In a method of making a teething necklace, a non-toxic resilient material is formed into a plurality of structures that have an ornamental outward appearance. Each of the plurality of structures are strung together by passing a string member through a longitudinal bore defined by each of the structures.

Abstract: A lip closing tool can be configured to encourage an infant or the like to close his/her mouth unconsciously and keep his/her mouth closed, thereby encouraging formation of a habit of nasal respiration. The lip closing tool can include a lip contact portion that is contacted by the outer surface of the lips during use, and a main body that is configured to be disposed inside the oral cavity during use. The main body can include a teeth contact portion that is disposed on the outer surface of the teeth during use and extends in a left-right direction. A thin lip contacting portion can connect the lip contact portion to the teeth contact portion and can be contacted by the upper and lower lips during use. The teeth contact portion can be formed entirely and integrally from a flexible material. Stimulation portions can be provided by enlarging the volume of the teeth contact portion near the end of right and left paths thereof.

Abstract: A teething device designed with a handle for older infants and toddlers to direct the teething surface toward their back teeth for relief from teething pain. The teething devices comprises a handle and a teething assembly fixed to the handle. The teething assembly comprises a teething surface and a mouth guard fixed to and extending outward from the teething surface.

Abstract: Teat, pacifier, drinking spout or teething ring, comprising a base body which is made from at least one polymer material, and a transparent, unlcoloured layer, applied to the base body on the outside thereof from a latex and/or a polymer solution by dipping.

Abstract: A teething holder for use with a child's teething item, and more particularly a teething device having a flexible and elastic loop, a lock for releaseably locking the loop around a teething object, such as a biscuit, and an attachment element, for attaching the teething device, such as to a baby's bib or chair.

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 device to aid in infant teething or pacifying the infant. The device may be worn around the neck or other body member of a parent or other individual caring for the infant. The device can take the form of a ring and may be worn as a necklace permitting the infant to chew or suck on the device while a parent is holding and caring for the infant. As the device is worn by the user, it is secured which reduces the risk of it becoming lost or dropped. Further, the device may be adjustable to enable the parent wearing it to adjust it to a length suitable for infant chewing. The device may be shaped with various protrusions to assist the infant in the teething process or in entertaining and pacifying the infant. The device may also contain a series of artifacts radially attached to the ring of the device.

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: 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: This invention will be a mitt worn on a hand or hands to help easily facilitate the teething process for infants and small children. Mitten Teether/Pacifier is a soothing teether that a caregiver would not have to hold for the child. Because the mitten would be worn on the child's hand, it would be continuously available. The Mitten Teether/Pacifier may be made in various colors, shapes, fabrics, materials and sizes. The mitt will consist of a section for the palm of the hand, a section for the fingers, and compartment for either side of a central axis of the mitt for a thumb may or may not be used. Moreover, this mitt will incorporate an attached piece of soft plastic, rubber, cushion or the like may be placed on any suitable surface of the mitt. The teething part may be designed with a pacifier nipple on the opposite end.

Abstract: A teething device is provided which includes a fluid-filled membrane sized to be at least partially received in the mouth of a child, a housing attached to the fluid-filled membrane, a handle sized to be grasped by a child, a vibrator configured to impart vibration to the fluid-filled membrane and a pressure switch selectively connecting the vibrator to a power source when a threshold pressure is applied to an outer surface of the membrane.

Abstract: A tissue stabilizer is disclosed that comprises a malleable planer foot integrated into a flexible membrane and is useful for stabilizing tissue such as the heart while performing surgery thereon. The malleable planar foot has an open central region and a rigid arm connected to the foot. The membrane integrated with the foot has a shape approximating the foot, a lower section having a bottom surface for contacting the tissue to be stabilized, and an upper section opposite the lower section. The membrane has an inner chamber in fluid communication through an opening with a plurality of suction ports on the bottom surface. An outlet port connects the inner chamber and suction ports to a negative pressure source.

Abstract: A teething pacifier comprising a pacifier guard having two opposing sides, a nipple extending outwardly from one side of the pacifier guard and a handle associated with the opposite side of the pacifier guard. The handle includes a first teething material and a second teething material having a substantially similar hardness as that of the first teething material. The second teething material is molded over the first teething material to create a varied teething surface on the handle for infant teething thereon. The first teething material may further include an overmold enhancing surface such as a keyway extending around the handle, at least one flat face extending around the handle and/or at least one recess extending around the circumference of the handle at select points on the handle.

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 for tensioning incisions made in a target vessel during an anastomosis procedure is provided. After an incision is made in a target vessel, incision tensioners are placed within the incision in order to tension the incision. The incision is tensioned when the incision tensioners are pulled taut in order to stretch the incision to a predetermined length or a predetermined force. The tensioners allow for proper grafting of a graft vessel to the target vessel in an end to side anastomosis. In addition, the incision tensioners allow the incision to have a known geometry, thereby allowing precise grafting of the graft vessel to the target vessel during the anastomosis procedure. After the incision is tensioned, the graft vessel is grafted to the target vessel using clips, sutures, staples or other anastomosis devices. One example of anastomosis clips are configured to capture the graft vessel and the target vessel such that the graft vessel grafts with the target vessel.

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 teat for a baby or a child, the teat comprising a plate on which the dental arches rest and defining a bite plane, said plate being terminated towards the front by a vestibular screen against which at least one of the dental arches comes into abutment in a desired position, said plate being secured to means projecting forwards out from the mouth, the teat having a nipple projecting from the rear of the plate, said nipple being in register with the back portion of the tongue when the teat is in operation in the mouth of the baby or child so as to co-operate with the tongue and the palate and stimulate movement analogous to that of suckling.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pacifier that may properly interest an infant of eight months old or older to make a preferable stimulation, for leading the infant to the next developmental stage of ingesting activity, or that can be used in a way for adapting to more advanced ingesting activity. A pacifier is provided with a nipple (11) and a shield plate (12) disposed at the base portion (13) of the nipple which has a predetermined width. The nipple is provided with a tip portion (15) having a width and a thickness, the width being larger than the thickness, to be formed into a flat shape, and an upper curved surface (19) formed at the upper surface of the tip portion so as to be convex at a central portion thereof.

Abstract: A teething device is provided which includes a fluid-filled membrane sized to be at least partially received in the mouth of a child, a housing attached to the fluid-filled membrane, a handle sized to be grasped by a child, a vibrator configured to impart vibration to the fluid-filled membrane and a pressure switch selectively connecting the vibrator to a power source when a threshold pressure is applied to an outer surface of the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides an infant teething device having a collar and a teething portion to administer a dosage of medication. The collar extends radially in a first plane and the teething portion extending 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, and a conduit extending longitudinally therein. Each of the protrusions has a pore configured to receive an amount of medication, which is dispersed upon an infant chewing the device to compress the teething portion into the conduit and distort the volume of the pore.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a teething ring combination. The teething ring is an oval shape of differing cross sections such as I shaped or round. The pacifier section is attached to a straight section of the oval ring. The teething ring combination consists of a loop of fabric such as terry cloth. The teething ring combination section can be constructed of a doubled backed piece of fabric and is slipped over an opening in a straight section of the oval ring. The fabric of the terry cloth loop fabric can also be stitched around the long section of the oval ring.