Patent ID: 6299501
Filing Date: 2001-10-09
Classification: A61J

Abstract:
An apparatus for satisfying the non-nutritive, oral-motor sucking needs of infants comprising:(a) a one-piece elongated body of flexible, resilient, non-toxic, non-allergenic, elastomeric material;(b) the outer surface of said one-piece elongated body being soft, smooth, and non-porous which resists the collection of moisture, infection and dirt in use;(c) said one-piece elongated body further comprising a length which takes the form of a wand;(d) said one-piece elongated body having a two-piece tab-flap pacifier holder attached thereto near one end of said one-piece elongated body;(e) said two-piece tab-flap pacifier holder comprising an elongated flat tab attached along one of its ends to one side of said one-piece elongated body, and an elongated flat flap attached along one of its ends to the opposite side of said one-piece elongated body;(f) said two-piece tab-flap pacifier holder is comprised of the same material as said one-piece elongated body and is an integral part of said one-piece elongated body;(g) said elongated flat tab and said elongated flat flap also including an enlarged hole near each respective opposite end, having a diameter of such size that the nipple of a conventional pacifier will pass freely therethrough;(h) said opposite end of said flat flap overlapping said opposite end of said elongated flat tab, fastening means associated with each of said opposite ends, whereby a nipple of a conventional pacifier when passed through said enlarged holes can be firmly secured against the upper end of said one-piece elongated body;(i) whereby said apparatus does not easily become dirty or harbor infection in use, and whereby said apparatus is easily cleaned if it does become dirty or infected;(j) whereby said apparatus has minimal surfaces where infectious germs and viruses can be harbored;(k) whereby said apparatus reinforces an infant's grasping skills, provides consistent perioral stimulation, and enhances an infant's ability to control and keep a pacifier in an infant's mouth for independent sucking.