Surgery – Instruments – Oral pacifier
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-01
2001-05-08
Recla, Henry J. (Department: 3731)
Surgery
Instruments
Oral pacifier
C606S235000, CD24S197000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06228105
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to pacifiers for infants.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many types of infant pacifiers are available. Generally, all pacifiers include a nipple on which and infant can suck and/or bite, a mouth shield for preventing the infant from ingesting the pacifier and a handle to give the infant or supervising adult a convenient structure for gripping the pacifier.
Pacifiers are either made of multiple components or formed as an integrated unit. Pacifiers made of components generally have a flexible nipple surrounded by a rigid mouth shield. The rigid mouth shield can be uncomfortable against an infant's face, particularly for the relatively long periods of time for which infants typically use the pacifier. The nipple of this type of pacifier typically passes through an aperture in the center of the mouth shield, creating a sharp corner, and sometimes a crevice, between the shield and the shaft of the nipple where saliva, dirt and the like can accumulate. It is sometimes difficult to keep this type of pacifier clean.
Integrally formed pacifiers are typically made of a plastic selected to provide the nipple with the desired flexibility and the mouth shield and handle with the necessary rigidity. Generally, the selection of plastic is governed by the need to provide a relatively rigid mount shield and handle. The nipple, therefore, is more rigid than desired. In addition, this type of pacifier typically has a sharp inside corner between the base of the nipple and the mouth shield that is difficult to clean.
Moreover, both the component and the integrally molded types of pacifiers have fixed nipples, which do not reciprocate as the infant alternatingly sucks and releases the nipple.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a pacifier comprising a nipple, a bond ring and a handle. The nipple includes a base and a shaft. The base comprises a membrane having an inner periphery, an outer periphery and a rim attached to the outer periphery of the membrane. The shaft has a tip at one end and is attached to the inner periphery of the membrane at the opposite end. The bond ring is attached to the rim and has an inner periphery defining an opening that is generally coextensive with the outer periphery of the membrane. The handle engages the bond ring and has a grip located inward from the inner periphery of the bond ring.
Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a process of forming a pacifier. A bond ring and a handle are provided, and a nipple is formed. The nipple includes a base having an outer periphery defining a rim that is adapted to engage the bond ring and the handle. The bond ring and rim are overmolded to one another, and the handle is attached to the rim.
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“Draft Drawings for a U.S. Design Patent Application” Jun. 17, 1999.
“Photographs of Pacifier Embodiment Consumer Tested on Apr. 14, 1998”.
Johansen Jean L.
Meyers Brenda J.
Gerber Products Company
Ngo Lien
Recla Henry J.
Seidel Gonda Lavorgna & Monaco, PC
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