Abstract:
An improved infant pacifier includes a nipple configured to trigger an infant&#39;s sucking reflex so as to provide a tool for nourishment and also a calming effect for an infant. An extension depends from a distal end of the nipple to a retainer portion that extends proximally from the extension and is spaced from the nipple. The retainer portion terminates in a proximal contact pad. When the nipple is in the child&#39;s mouth, the contact pad engages the child&#39;s skin under the chin. Preferably a biasing force gently urges the contact pad toward the nipple, maintaining engagement with the child&#39;s skin, and helping retain the nipple in the child&#39;s mouth even without any effort on the child&#39;s part to retain the nipple. Various specific structures of pacifiers employing these principles are provided.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The application claim the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/020,571, which was filed on Jul. 3, 2014, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to the field of infant pacifiers. 
         [0003]    Infant pacifiers are often used to soothe babies. Infants often find comfort sucking on the nipple portion of a pacifier. However, although they often succeed at soothing infants, pacifiers may easily pop out of the infant&#39;s mouth. This is sometimes due to the infant affirmatively spitting out the pacifier, but is often due to the infant not having sufficient control or understanding to either retain the pacifier or avoid pushing it out of her mouth. 
         [0004]    As such, parents will often apply gentle pressure or support to the pacifier so that it remains engaged in the child&#39;s mouth. Alas, once such parental pressure is removed, the pacifier often falls yet again from the child&#39;s mouth. 
         [0005]    Because of the relatively high maintenance required to keep a pacifier engaged in their child&#39;s mouth, many parents abandon use of pacifiers, even though the pacifier does in fact provide soothing comfort to their child. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a pacifier, or product to be used with a pacifier, that will safely help to maintain the pacifier in a child&#39;s mouth. 
         [0007]    In accordance with one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a pacifier comprising a nipple portion and a retainer portion. The nipple portion comprises a bulb that extends proximally from a stem. The retainer portion is spaced from the nipple portion and extends proximally, terminating at a contact pad. An extension extends between the nipple portion and the retainer portion, and at least part of the extension is distal of the nipple portion. The retainer portion is biased toward the nipple portion. 
         [0008]    In some such embodiments the contact pad comprises a grip surface. 
         [0009]    In accordance with another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a pacifier retainer configured to attach to a pacifier having a nipple portion with a bulb and a stem. The pacifier retainer comprises an elongate extension having a connector at or adjacent a first end, the connector being configured to attach to the pacifier so that the nipple portion extends proximally from the connector. A retainer portion is attached to the extension at a location spaced from the connector, the retainer portion extending proximally from the extension. The extension and retainer portion are configured so that the retainer portion is spaced from the pacifier nipple portion when the extension connector is attached to the pacifier. The retainer portion is biased toward the nipple portion. 
         [0010]    In accordance with yet another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of soothing an infant. The method comprises inserting a nipple portion into the infant&#39;s mouth so that a stem extends out of the infant&#39;s mouth, and engaging a retainer portion with a portion of the infant&#39;s face spaced from the mouth so that a contact pad of the retainer portion applies a biasing force against the infant&#39;s face. The retainer portion is attached to the stem via an extension. The biasing force is directed generally toward the nipple portion, and helps retain the nipple portion in the infant&#39;s mouth. 
         [0011]    In some such embodiments, the contact pad of the retainer portion is applied under the infant&#39;s chin. 
         [0012]    Further embodiments additionally comprise plastically adjusting a shape of the extension prior to applying the grip under the infant&#39;s chin. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a conventional pacifier; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a back view of the pacifier of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pacifier having features in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 3  being used by an infant; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the arrangement in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment having features in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of still another embodiment; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a yet further embodiment in a first configuration; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 11  in a second configuration; 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of still another embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 13  being used by an infant; 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is a side view of the arrangement in  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a still further embodiment; 
           [0029]      FIG. 17A  is a perspective view of a yet further embodiment in a first configuration; 
           [0030]      FIG. 17B  shows the arrangement of  FIG. 17A  in a second configuration; 
           [0031]      FIG. 18A  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 17A  in the first configuration: 
           [0032]      FIG. 18B  shows the arrangement of  FIG. 18A  in the second configuration; 
           [0033]      FIG. 19A  is a perspective view of a pacifier retainer embodiment having features in accordance with the present disclosure; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 19B  shows the pacifier retainer embodiment of  FIG. 19A  holding a typical pacifier. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]    With initial reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a typical, conventional pacifier  30  is shown. The illustrated pacifier  30  depicts features and components that are shared by most pacifiers, including a nipple portion  32  comprising a stem  34  leading to a soft bulb  36 . The stem  34  extends in a proximal direction from a front or face side  38  or surface of a shield  40  or face plate. A handle  42  is often formed on or attached to a back side  44  or surface of the shield  40  opposite the nipple portion  32 . The shield  40  is preferably wide enough to cover all or most of the infant&#39;s face surrounding her mouth, and can comprise first and second wings  46 ,  48 . In use, an infant sucks on the nipple portion, and the front side  38  of the shield  40  engages the infant&#39;s face. Of course, it is known and contemplated to provide many different types of pacifiers in which each of the pacifier components can come in various shapes, sizes and styles. 
         [0036]    This description presents and discusses several embodiments, which together present various structural features. The different structural features of the components discussed in these embodiments are examples of embodiments of the individual components. It is to be understood that components having features as discussed in different embodiments can be selectively combined. Thus, it is contemplated that embodiments that are not specifically discussed herein can be made by combining features of components of the embodiments that are specifically described. 
         [0037]    With reference next to  FIGS. 3-7 , one embodiment of an improved pacifier  30  is depicted. As shown, the pacifier  30  includes a nipple portion comprising a bulb  36  and a stem  34  that extends proximally from a shield  40 , such as a generally oval-shaped shield  40 . An extension  50  extends outwardly and distally from the back side of the shield  40  opposite the stem  34  and, in the illustrated embodiment, curves downwardly relative to an axis  52  of the stem  34 /nipple  32  and transitions into a retainer portion  55 . The retainer portion  55  extends proximally, generally parallel to and spaced from the axis  52  of the stem  34 . In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer portion  55  includes a contact pad  60  or grip. As shown, the nipple portion  32  and contact pad  60  are spaced from one another and connected via the extension  50 . Preferably, the proximal end of the contact pad  60  is aligned with or spaced proximal of the proximal end of the nipple  32 . 
         [0038]    In use, and as best shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the nipple portion  32  of the pacifier  30  extends into the infant&#39;s mouth, while the retainer portion  55  extends under the chin, and a grip surface  62  of the pad engages the infant&#39;s skin under the chin. Preferably, the contact pad  60  is biased gently toward the nipple portion so that a gentle biasing force F squeezes between the child&#39;s mouth and chin, or more specifically between the grip and the nipple  32 . Also, preferably the pad has a substantially greater width than does the extension  50  so that biasing forces F can be distributed across the grip surface  62 . In the illustrated embodiment, the pad is generally circular or oval in shape. 
         [0039]    The biasing force F helps to retain the pacifier  30  in the child&#39;s mouth during periods in which the child may stop sucking and/or may open his mouth. In some embodiments the biasing force will be quite small so that the child may still intentionally eject the pacifier  30  from his mouth; however, preferably the biasing force is great enough to prevent the pacifier  30  from dropping from the infant&#39;s mouth when, for example, the infant temporarily forgets to apply suck and/or temporarily opens her mouth, or as a result of natural reflexes. 
         [0040]    In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer portion  55  is biased toward the nipple portion  32 . Specifically,  FIG. 4  illustrates that, when at rest, the retainer portion  55  extends toward the nipple portion. When fit onto a child&#39;s chin, however, the retainer portion  55  can be deflected to a flexed position in order to fit about the child&#39;s chin and also in order to generate the biasing force F. 
         [0041]    In the illustrated embodiment, a first deflection zone  64  is defined in part of the extension  50  and part of the retainer portion  55 . The pacifier  30  has structure defining first deflection characteristics in the first deflection zone  64 . A second deflection zone  66  is defined within the retainer portion  55 , at and adjacent the pad. Second deflection characteristics are defined in the second deflection zone  66 . This enables biasing behavior to be designed into the pacifier  30  as desired. For example, the first deflection zone  64  may be relatively rigid, and the second deflection zone  66  may be more compliant than the first deflection zone  64  in order to maximize comfort for the infant. It is to be understood that other embodiments may employ more or less deflection zones, which may overlap, and can customize the deflection characteristics within each zone. Also, in some embodiments, the entire pacifier  30 , including the nipple  32 , extension  50  and retainer portions  55 , may be biased inwardly. In other embodiments, only selected portions such as the extension and retainer portions are biased inwardly. 
         [0042]    With reference next to  FIG. 7 , in the illustrated embodiment, a suction cup  70  is formed on a bottom surface of the contact pad  60  opposite the grip surface  62 . The suction cup  70  can be employed to retain the pacifier  30  on a flat surface such as a table, kitchen wall, or high chair so as to retain the pacifier in place, enabling drying of the pacifier after it is washed and/or preventing the pacifier from moving around or becoming lost. 
         [0043]    Pacifiers in accordance with the present disclosure can be made of many types of flexible and gentle materials, such as silicone, rubber, polymers, and the like. In some embodiments, the entire pacifier is constructed of such materials. In other embodiments, combinations of materials may be employed. For example, the nipple portion may be an elastomer such as rubber, but the stem  34  may be a hard plastic, and the retainer portion may be a soft plastic and/or a hard plastic or metal with a soft elastomeric coating such as silicone. Thus, various combinations of materials are anticipated as desired. 
         [0044]    With reference next to  FIG. 8 , another embodiment of a pacifier  30  is illustrated having a relatively small, triangular-shaped shield  40 . The contact pad  60  is also generally triangular-shaped, having opposing first and second wings  72 ,  74 . An insert  76  can be disposed generally centrally in the contact pad  60 . In one embodiment, the insert  76  can be formed of a tacky elastomeric material configured to avoid slipping over the infant&#39;s skin. In another embodiment, the insert  76  can comprise a foam, cloth or other absorbent material configured to absorb fluids such as saliva that may drain from the infant&#39;s mouth. 
         [0045]    With continued reference to  FIG. 8 , the grip surface  62  of the contact pad  60  can be treated and/or may incorporate structure that is configured to increase friction with the child&#39;s skin. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the grip surface  62  comprises a textured surface having a plurality of raised ridges  80  that extend across the contact pad  60  in a direction transverse to the nipple stem axis raised bumps  82  and/or soft spikes can also be provided as shown. Some embodiments may employ both raised ridges  80  and bumps  82 , or one or the other, or other shapes as desired. In some embodiments the grip surface  62  texture can be configured to apply a massaging, or otherwise soothing feel, to the child&#39;s chin. In still other embodiments the grip surface  62  may include a mild adhesive, preferably a waterproof and child-safe adhesive. 
         [0046]    With reference next to  FIG. 9 , yet another embodiment is shown. In this embodiment there is no shield at or adjacent the nipple  32 . However, it is to be appreciated that the contact pad and act as a shield, helping to prevent a choking hazard. Further, this embodiment shows a structure in which a biasing insert  90 , such as a metallic or plastic insert, is encased in elastomeric material  92  in the contact pad  60 . The biasing insert  90  can provide the biasing force F to help engage the infant&#39;s chin. Also, in embodiments in which the contact pad  60  has opposing first and second wings  72 ,  74 , the biasing insert  90  can be configured so that the first and second wings  72 ,  74  are biased upwardly toward the nipple  32  relative to (or about) a center portion  94  between the wings  72 ,  74  so as to form a generally concave shape. As such, not only is the contact pad  60  biased toward the nipple  32  to help hold the pacifier  30  in place, but the opposed biasing wings of the contact pad  60  also operate to at least partially self-center the pacifier  30 . In some embodiments, the contact pad can be sized so that the wings reach at least partially to the child&#39;s cheeks. 
         [0047]    With reference next to  FIG. 10 , still another embodiment of a pacifier  30  is illustrated. This pacifier  30  employs a shield  40  having yet another shape. In this embodiment, opposing wings  46 ,  48  of the shield  40  each have a height that is less than the height at a center of the shield  40  between the wings. Also, as shown, the extension  50  can accommodate a clip  96  having an aperture  98  configured to accept a string or lanyard  100 , which lanyard  100  can be attached to the infant&#39;s clothing or otherwise used to keep hold of the pacifier  30 . 
         [0048]    The embodiment in  FIG. 10  depicts yet another embodiment of a contact pad  60  in which a portion of the contact pad  60  is at least partially encircled by a relatively-rigid frame  102 . An insert portion  104  of the contact pad  60  is disposed within the frame  102  and comprises a relatively soft and sticky elastomeric material. Of course, the contact pad  60  may, instead of or in addition to the elastomeric material, employ a biasing insert enclosed within the contact pad  60 . 
         [0049]    The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10  also depicts a malleable insert  110 , such as a metal ribbon, encased within the extension  50  and part of the retainer portion  55 . A user can purposefully bend the extension  50  to alter the shape of the pacifier  30 , which bending will plastically deform the malleable insert  110 . For example, the malleable insert- 110  can be bent to so as to vary the length or arcuate shape of the extension  50  to better fit the mouth-to-chin distance and shape of a particular child&#39;s face. Because the deformation during such bending is plastic deformation, the extension  50  will generally retain its bent shape. In some embodiments, the malleable insert may have little or nothing to do with biasing. In other embodiments, however, the malleable insert  110 , after being plastically deformed to the desired shape, retains a range of elastic bending and provides at least some biasing. 
         [0050]    It is anticipated that the biasing force, including one or more different deflection zones, may be provided in any of several ways and structures. For example, in some embodiments the pacifier  30  may be injection-molded so that the contact pad&#39;s at-rest position is biased toward the nipple portion. In other embodiments, an insert, such as a plastic or metal ribbon, can be encased within the contact pad  60 , retainer portion  55 , extension  50 , and/or other components of the pacifier  30  so as to supply the biasing force F when the retainer portion  55  is deflected. And as discussed above, multiple deflection zones, each having different deflection characteristics, can be employed. In some embodiments, a pacifier can include both one or more malleable insert and/or one or more biasing insert. The malleable insert  110  would enable a caregiver to customize the size and shape of the pacifier (including the effective length and shape of the extension  50  and/or the retainer portion  55 ); the biasing insert would enable application of a suitable biasing force. 
         [0051]    In still other embodiments, rather than applying a substantial biasing force in which the retainer portion  55  is biased toward the nipple portion, the pacifier can rely upon increased friction by the grip surface or other pacifier surfaces to retain the nipple portion in the child&#39;s mouth. For example, the structures and textures described above can provide such friction, and in particular an adhesive applied to the grip surface and/or other pacifier surfaces can be effective. 
         [0052]    It is to be understood that the principles discussed herein in connection with specific embodiments can also be applied to different specific structures. For example, in yet another embodiment, a pacifier can be configured so that the extension extends over one (or both) cheeks, and the retainer portion can extend around and even behind the child&#39;s neck or head. Preferably a biasing force and/or increased-friction surface helps hold the pacifier in place. 
         [0053]    Additionally, various specific shapes can be contemplated. For example, in one embodiment the nipple portion, extension and retainer portion can be shaped to resemble a human thumb and forefinger arranged generally in a “U” shape. 
         [0054]    With reference next to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , another embodiment is disclosed in which the shield  40 , including the nipple  32 , is rotatable relative to the extension  50 . More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the nipple  32  is rigidly attached to the shield  40 , and a back surface of the shield  40  includes opposing first and second receivers  112 ,  114 . The extension  50  is formed separately from the shield  40 , and a first end  116  of the extension  50  is positioned between the first and second receivers  112 ,  114  of the shield  40 . Preferably the first end  116  of the extension  50  includes posts (not shown) on opposing sides, which posts are received into the first and second receivers  112 ,  114  in a manner so that the extension posts are rotatable within the receivers. In some embodiments, one or more detents can be provided to releasably hold the shield  40  and nipple  32  at a first configuration as shown in  FIG. 11  or a second configuration as shown in  FIG. 12 . In the first configuration, the pacifier  30  is configured so that the contact pad  60  engages below the child&#39;s chin when the nipple  32  is in the child&#39;s mouth. In the second configuration, the contact pad  60  is free of the child&#39;s chin when the nipple  32  is in the child&#39;s mouth, and the pacifier  30  can function as a typical conventional pacifier. 
         [0055]    With reference next to  FIGS. 13-15 , in yet another embodiment, the nipple  32  extends proximally from a crossbar  120  having first and second ends  122 ,  124 . The crossbar  120  is configured to extend transversely across the child&#39;s mouth and, in some instances, parts of the cheeks. First and second extensions  50 A,  50 B depend from the first and second ends  122 ,  124 , respectively, and curve proximally to connect to an elongate contact pad  60 . An opening  130  is defined between the crossbar  120 , extensions  50 A,  50 B and contact pad  60  in the illustrated embodiment. Preferably, the child&#39;s chin is visible through the opening  130 , and ventilation can provided by the opening  130  and otherwise around the crossbar  120 , as the components wrap around the child&#39;s chin. Further, the presence of opening  130  and the relatively small size of the extensions and the like help ensure that, were the child able to swallow the pacifier, air could still pass by the pacifier, thus eliminating a choking hazard. 
         [0056]    Notably, the crossbar  120  and extensions  50 A,  50 B in the illustrated embodiment together operate as a shield  40 , and help prevent the nipple  32  from being drawn too far into the child&#39;s mouth. In a preferred embodiment, the diagonal measurement from the upper end of one of the extensions  50 A,  50 B to a bottom end of the other of the extensions  50 A,  50 B is sufficient to accomplish the function of the shield, and preferably is greater than 42.7 mm. Further, in this embodiment, as in some of the other embodiments, the nipple  32  extends from the crossbar  120 , which is in an upper portion of the shield, and not from a center of the shield. 
         [0057]    In a preferred embodiment the crossbar  120 , extensions  50 A,  50 B and contact pad  60  each comprises a metal core, such as a metal sheet or ribbon, encased in malleable silicone. The metal core can, in some embodiments, be plastically deformable so that a parent or other user can modify the shape of the pacifier  30  to best fit the child&#39;s face, and the pacifier  30  will retain the modification. The metal core can also be elastically deformable so as to apply a biasing force during use while installed on the child. In additional embodiments, the metal core is configured so as to not normally he plastically deformed, but to be elastically deformed during use to apply a biasing force F directed toward the nipple  32 . Other materials, such as plastic bars, sheets or ribbons, can be enclosed within one or more of the crossbar  120 , extensions  50 A,  50 B and contact pad  60 . Such other materials can provide support, stability and biasing for the pacifier  30 . 
         [0058]    The crossbar  120  can have a thickened portion that may include a coating such as a soft elastomeric coating. Each of the crossbar  120 , extensions  50 A,  50 B, and contact pad  60  in the illustrated embodiment are generally rectangular in cross section, and have relatively flat surfaces for engaging a child&#39;s skin. In some embodiments the contact pad (or other surfaces) can employ a high-grip material such as a soft silicone and/or a roughened surface to increase frictional engagement below the child&#39;s chin. 
         [0059]    With reference next to  FIG. 16 , another embodiment may also employ a crossbar  120 , and first and second extensions  50 A,  50 B that extend to a contact crossbar  132 . In this embodiment, each of the extensions  50 A,  50 B, crossbar  120  and contact crossbar  132  are generally circular or oval in cross-section rather than flat or rectangular. 
         [0060]    With reference next to  FIGS. 17-18 , in still another embodiment, the pacifier  30  may have a nipple  32 , shield  40 , extension  50 , and retainer portion  55  that resemble and are configured similarly to other embodiments discussed herein. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 17A and 18A , the nipple  32  is laterally spaced from the contact pad  60  so that when the nipple  32  is in a child&#39;s mouth the contact pad  60  generally engages the child&#39;s chin. However in the illustrated embodiment a rotating hinge  140  is provided in the extension  50  so that, as shown in  FIGS. 17B and 18B , the retainer portion  55  can be rotated about 180° so that the contact pad  60  is no longer laterally aligned with the nipple  32 , but instead spaced distally from the nipple  32  and shield  40 . Thus, when the nipple  32  is in the child&#39;s mouth, the contact pad  60  no longer engages the child&#39;s chin. Instead, in the second configuration, the pacifier  30  can operate substantially as a typical conventional pacifier. 
         [0061]    In some embodiments, any rotating hinge will do as long as it pulls the contact pad out of engagement with you wearers can in the illustrated embodiment, however, in the illustrated embodiment the hinge  140  is configured to rotate about a line that is angled and non-normal manner relative to an axis of the extension  50  at the hinge  140 . As such, and as best depicted in  FIGS. 17B and 18B , when in the second configuration the contact pad  60  is disposed distally of and generally aligned with the nipple  32 . 
         [0062]    With reference next to  FIGS. 19A and 19B , an embodiment of a pacifier retainer  150  is shown. The pacifier retainer  150  comprises an extension  50  that can depend, for example, generally vertically from a first end  152  and curve proximally to transition to a retainer portion  55  that extends, for example, to a generally concave contact pad  60 . The first end  152  of the extension  50  comprises a connector  160  that, in the illustrated embodiment, is split into opposing first and second receivers  162 ,  164 , each of which includes an elongated receiver aperture  166 . Preferably, the receivers  162 ,  164  are generally elastomeric and can be elastically deformed and pulled away from each other. As best shown in  FIG. 19B , preferably the shield wings  46 ,  48  of a conventional pacifier  30  can be fit through the receiver apertures  166  so that the pacifier  30  is held in place. Preferably the receivers  162 ,  164  and receiver apertures  166  are deformed elastically in order to fit the pacifier wings  46 ,  48  in place and so that, once in place, the receivers tightly engage the wings  46 ,  48  and the pacifier  30  is thus held firmly in position. In this arrangement, the nipple  32  of the pacifier  30  is aligned with and transversely spaced from the contact pad  60  so that when the nipple  32  is placed in the child&#39;s mouth, the contact pad  60  engages and applies a biasing force F below the child&#39;s chin in order to help hold the pacifier  30  in place with the nipple  32  in the child&#39;s mouth. 
         [0063]    It is to be understood that other embodiments of a pacifier retainer can apply the inventive principles as discussed above in conjunction with other structure. For example, the connector at the first end of the extension  50  can be configured to attach to the stem  34  of a conventional pacifier  30 , and a user can connect the conventional pacifier to the pacifier retainer  150  by deforming the pacifier bulb  36 , fitting it through a circular connector, and sliding the connector down to the stem. In other embodiments, the connector can also, or instead, comprise a flange or secondary connector configured to fit around or otherwise engage the shield of the conventional pacifier to provide a secondary connection and to ensure a more secure fit. Still other connectors are anticipated. For example, in still other embodiments the connector can comprise a rigid or semi-rigid piece that can be releasably or permanently connected to the shield of the pacifier. Also, in some embodiments, the connector can make use of permanent or releasable adhesives. 
         [0064]    The embodiments discussed above have disclosed structures with substantial specificity. This has provided a good context for disclosing and discussing inventive subject matter. However, it is to be understood that other embodiments may employ different specific structural shapes and interactions. Also, although components such as contact pads, gripping surfaces, extensions, retainer portions, shields, nipples, stems and the like can have different specific structural features, most of the embodiments described herein include most or all of these components. It is specifically contemplated that a component as described in connection with one of the embodiments specifically described herein can be substituted for the corresponding component in another one of the embodiments described specifically herein. For example, although the biasing insert  90  is specifically shown only in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9 , any of the other embodiments described herein can employ such a biasing insert  90  in the catheter pad, retainer portion and/or extension. Similarly, the malleable insert  110  as depicted in  FIG. 10 , can be employed in any of the other embodiments, as can modifications thereof Still further, embodiments are contemplated that will make use of inserts such as depicted in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , but in a single embodiment and possibly configured in a different manner, including possibly overlapping one another. 
         [0065]    Although inventive subject matter has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred or illustrated embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the inventive subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the disclosed embodiments have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of the inventive subject matter, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventive subject matter. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventive subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the inventive subject matter herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, l but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow: