Abstract:
A flavored infant device, in particular a flavored pacifier or nipple, which provides a long lasting, soothing alternative to traditional pacifiers and bottle nipples. The flavor infused pacifier or nipple provides a multiple use flavor delivery to an infant, without a substantial reduction in flavor.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/655,136 filed Jun. 4, 2012 entitled “Improved Pacifiers and Bottle Nipples”, and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to improved pacifiers and bottle nipples. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Currently there are a number of solutions for flavored pacifiers. Some of these solutions attempt to sooth babies, but these solutions fail to meet the needs of the market because they are only coated with flavoring and the flavor dissolves quickly. Other solutions attempt to retain flavor, but these solutions are similarly unable to meet the needs of the market because the flavor in the pacifier or bottle nipple does not last long enough. Still other solutions seek to be reusable, but these solutions also fail to meet market needs because they do not have an enjoyable taste for very long. Other pacifiers, such as the one described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,321 disclose a gel-dispensing pacifier that can be refilled with a flavored gel component. Although this configuration provides for a refillable option, the need for handling a separate gel container to refill the pacifier is equally as cumbersome and inconvenient. 
         [0004]    It would be an advantage to have a device that addresses the need for flavor infused palatable baby pacifiers, which can be used to sooth a baby for longer. Furthermore, it would also be an advantage to have a device that lasted longer than only one use. Therefore, there currently exists a need in the market for a device that is flavorful for longer periods of time and more enjoyable and soothing than a traditional pacifier or bottle nipple. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The invention advantageously fills the aforementioned deficiencies by providing flavored pacifiers and bottle nipples, which provide a long lasting, soothing alternative to traditional pacifiers and bottle nipples. 
         [0006]    In one example embodiment, an infant device is provided for administering a flavor comprising: a nipple element configured to have at least one layer infused with a flavor, a backing portion adapted to be attached to at least a portion of said nipple element, and a grasping member being integrally related to at least a portion of said backing portion. In a related example embodiment, the nipple element comprises at least two layers and wherein an outer layer of said nipple is infused with flavor and an inner layer is substantially free of infused flavor. The backing portion further comprises a threaded portion, wherein said threaded portion provides securement of said grasping member to said backing portion 
         [0007]    In another example embodiment, a method is provided of administering a flavor to an infant comprising the steps of providing a favored infant device to an infant in need thereof, wherein said flavored infant device comprises a grasping member, a nipple element and a backing portion. In related embodiment, a method further comprising the step of providing a threaded portion to said backing portion thereby facilitating exposure of an inner part of the nipple element when the threaded portion is used. 
         [0008]    In yet another example embodiment, an infant device for administering a flavor comprising a nipple element configured to have at least one layer infused with a flavor; a backing portion adapted to be attached to at least a portion of said nipple element; and a grasping member being integrally and detachably related to at least a portion of said backing portion. In a related embodiment, the grasping member is selected from the group consisting of a ring, a knob, a tab and a string-like tether. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a flavored infant device. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  shows a side elevation view of a flavored infant device. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a flavored infant device. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a flavored infant device. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5A-5D  shows various views of another embodiment of the flavored infant device. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6A-6D  shows various views of another embodiment of the flavored infant device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    While the making and using of various embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention. 
         [0016]    Referring now to the Figures,  FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a flavored infant device (herein also referred to as a pacifier or bottle nipple). In this example embodiment, a flavored infant device  10  is shown having a nipple  15 , a backing portion  20  and a ring portion  25 . Although the use of the disclosed invention is discussed within the scope of use for infants, other animals that may utilize a bottle or pacifier are within the scope of user contemplated. 
         [0017]    Nipple  15  is a generally soft material to prevent contusions or discomfort while in an infants mouth. Materials such as polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride (PVC), silicone, latex and combinations thereof are contemplated. Nipple  15  is infused with a flavor to provide an appealing taste and to enhance the overall experience of an infant using flavored infant device  10 . 
         [0018]    In at least one example of embodiment, flavor infant device  10  includes a detachable nipple  15  that allows for the removal of nipple from the backing portion  20  once a predetermined number of uses have occurred, which would indicate a lower concentration of flavoring provided to the user. Nipple  15  may also be replaced to change the flavor infused within the nipple material. 
         [0019]    As best shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , Nipple  15  is attached to backing portion  20  which allows for flavored infant device to rest against a user&#39;s face and prevent the inadvertent ingestion of nipple  15  when flavored infant device  10  is in use. 
         [0020]    Backing portion  20  is typically made of a plastic material that is typically dishwasher safe and/or provides a surface that is easy to clean. Backing portion  20  and nipple  15  may be permanently coupled as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , backing portion  20  is a uniform singular portion, without additional holes or apertures. Conversely,  FIGS. 5 and 6  show backing portion containing apertures (A). Backing portion  20  and nipple  15  may be removeably attached from one another. Similarly, nipple  15  and backing portion  20  may be coupled together and removeably attached to ring  25 , as best depicted in  6 B. 
         [0021]      FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3  show backing portion  20  having a variety of designs, such as smooth surface design ( FIG. 1 ), grape design ( FIG. 3 ) and berry design ( FIG. 4 ). The disclosed embodiments shown depict a nonexclusive list of designs and configurations of backing portion  20 . Although the designs do not provide a functional improvement towards the delivery of flavor to the infant, the design may provide a designation of the type of flavor infused within the nipple material. Additionally, backing portion  20  designs may provide an aesthetically appealing look to the consumer. 
         [0022]    Backing portion  20  may also be integrally related to ring  25 . Ring  25  may be used to allow a person delivering flavored infant device  10  to a child the ability to conveniently handle the device. Moreover, ring  25  may also provide a means of attaching flavored infant device  10  to a tether to prevent the inadvertent loss or dropping of the flavored infant device  10  when in use. As shown in  FIG. 6B , ring  25  may be removed from backing portion  20 . 
         [0023]    Threaded portion  30  extends from backing portion  20  and provides a means of connecting ring  25  to backing portion  20 . As best shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , threaded portion  30  also provides a means of connecting flavored infant device  10  to a bottle  35  ( FIGS. 5D and 6D ). It should be appreciated that threaded portion  30  may terminate on one side of backing portion  20  or may alternatively pass through backing portion to allow access to threaded portion  30  from each side of backing portion  20 . 
         [0024]    In the two-sided configuration, threaded portion  30  may provide a means of attaching flavored infant device  10  to a bottle  35  in a use position ( FIGS. 5D and 6D ). Alternatively, infant flavored device  10  may also be placed in an “non-use” configuration where nipple  15  portion is placed in the internal cavity of a bottle  35 . This dual configuration allows for the nipple and backing portion to deliver flavor enhancement when in use and provide a means of protecting nipple  15  from inadvertently coming into contact with the external environment when not being used. 
         [0025]    In one example embodiment, nipple  15  comprises at least two layers. In this embodiment, the outer surface of nipple  15  is infused with a flavoring that enhances and appeals to an infant. In another embodiment, nipple  15  is made in one piece to avoid it becoming a choking hazard. In at least this example embodiment, the flavor is substantially infused throughout the entire nipple material. A non-exhaustive list of flavors include those utilized with baby food such as butternut squash, carrots, green beans, peas, sweet potatoes, wax beans, apple, bananas, pears, peaches, blueberry, mango, apricot, kiwi, plum, corn, strawberry and raspberry. 
         [0026]    When in use flavored infant device  10  is placed in an infants mouth. The infused flavor will provide a sensation to the taste buds of the infant. When use with a bottle, a person providing the flavored infant device  10  may use flavor combinations that are similar to the composition in the bottle. Alternatively, the flavor infused in the nipple may be used to provide a combination of flavors. Stated another way, the flavor infused in nipple  15  may be different than the flavor of the composition bottle  35 . The flavored infant device  10  may also be used to see an infants likes or dislikes prior to integrating baby foods into their diet. Similarly, the use of a flavor infused nipple may allow for a parent of caretaker to integrate different flavors as a precursor to feeding an infant baby food. 
         [0027]    While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. 
         [0028]    It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.